seldom felt, I assisted to bring home our friends, whose account on oath of what passed while we were separated, was as follows.

"Immediately on their quitting the inn, the recruits and towns-people surrounded them and obstructed their way; and the soldiers endeavoured to enlist them, by forcing money into their pockets and coat sleeves. Expostulation was useless, and in truth did but increase their vio. lence. Mr. Brock was almost brought to

the ground by a blow between the shoulders; and perceiving one of them putting a shilling into his pocket, he pushed it away with his hand. This was highly resented by the recruits, who immediately laid on him in a most cruel manner; and he, perceiving that his life depended on his using the means of selfdefence, exerted himself with so much energy as, after receiving many wounds, to effect his escape. Mr. Barnard was not so fortunate; being somewhat in years, he was not able to make any resistance. By the force of many bludgeons striking at once, he was brought to the ground at least ten or twelve times successively, the mob just giving him time to rise, in order to have the brutal pleasure of knocking him down again. Deaf to all his intreaties for mercy, they at last threw him into a ditch, and while lying there one of them (be believes a serjeant) gave him several dreadful kicks on the ribs, and then called off the men. Mr. York likewise took his blows without resistance, but, being young and active, he escaped better than Barnard, who will probably retain the effects of his ill usage all his days."-pp. 255-261.

It might have been supposed, that all the measures necessary for legal redress would have been promptly adopted. It seems, however, that either a deficiency of energy marked the proceedings of those who sought that redress, or the peculiar character of the times rendered the hope of ultimate success a matter of uncertainty. "Some powerful adversary," whose name is not mentioned, is referred to by the biographer, as the instigator of the disgraceful transaction; while the soldiers and the mob were the mere tools of ferocious intolerance. It is not improbable, that the well known political sentiments of Mr. Hinton, which were no doubt favourable to his influence

at Oxford, materially affected the spirit of the measures necessary for redress, and rendered him, on various grounds, unwilling to maintain a prosecution, which might have implicated him, however unwarrantably, in the suspicion of questionable loyalty. The " adversary" referred to, "calculated upon court influence to obtain impunity for the crime; and in this instance the calculation was correct!" From a subsequent part of the narrative, it appears that Mr. Hinton was so much in the habit of approving "court measures," that at a public meeting held in Oxford, he thought pretty much with ، the court party, on the subject of the memorable Manchester tragedy! It is certain that Dissenters owe no debt of gratitude to the adherents of that political system, which maintained for so many years an uncontrolled ascendancy in the government of this country; and we regard the influence of another system, and of principles far different from what obtained thirty years ago, as the true security for the equitable administration of those laws, which throw the shield of protection over the great interests of religious liberty.

The extracts from the correspondence of Mr. Hinton furnish the most valuable parts of the volume before us, and present interesting proofs of his tenderness, discrimination, and fidelity. Numerous passages may be read by young ministers with peculiar advantage, and may suggest prudential hints of considerable importance, in reference to those occasions of inconsistency or discord that sometimes take place in dissenting churches. If the results of matured wisdom and experience could be secured in some permanent form, for the guidance of young pastors, in some of the delicate and difficult

66

circumstances in which they are placed, they might prevent much painful solicitude, and often supply the best materials for a wise and judicious administration of pastoral duties. They that rule well, are worthy of double honour;" and to this truly honourable class Mr. Hinton unquestionably belonged. The fruits of his wisdom and consistency were manifest in the prosperity of the church, in the harmony of its members, and the undoubted tokens of the divine approbation.

We need say nothing more as to our views of the character of Mr. Hinton, and the portraiture drawn by his son. The former was marked by a rich combination of the mild and gentle virtues which adorn the Christian life, and "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men;" and the latter we most cordially recommend to the perusal and imitation of our readers.

Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Lindley Murray in a Series of Letters written by Himself. With a Preface and Continuation of the Memoirs, by Elizabeth Frank. 8vo. pp. 280.-London: Longman and Co. Price 9s. THE subject of this memoir contributed so much to the improvement of one important branch of education; his name has been so long connected with the earliest lessons of instruction, received by a large proportion of the present generation, that the work now before us must, we think, be an object of extensive and considerable interest. As to ourselves, we are not ashamed to own that we felt an earnest wish to peruse an accredited biographical account of Lindley Murray; and we have not been disappointed of the pleasure we anticipated, whether we refer to that part which is auto-biographical, or to the additions fur

nished by his well-qualified friend. Both are distinguished by correct views of the great purposes of human life, and the appointed medium of salvation through Jesus Christ, expressed in language at once chaste and lucid in a very eminent degree. We only regret, that Mr. Murray should have interdicted the publication of any of his letters, except those which were expressly written with the view of being thus presented to the public, and which compose the former part of this highly interesting volume. We have no doubt but that this account might have been extended with great advantage by a judicious selection, such as, we are confident, would have been made by the lady to whom his papers were consigned, and to whom we are indebted for the completion of the work now under consideration. We have no suspicion that Lindley Murray was at all likely to impose upon his readers designedly, by the slightest incorrectness of representation; but we wish occasionally to friends in their every-day dress, and are quite satisfied that the subject of this memoir could never have presented himself before us without producing feelings of esteem, or of admiration. Perhaps, too, a judicious selection from the other MSS. of Mr. Murray, whose correspondence, it is probable, was extensive, while it would have given greater variety, where much of incident could not be expected, would have prevented that appearance of lengthiness, of which we confess we were rather sensible towards the close of the volume. While we mention this, we beg, however, to be understood as not complaining, and can readily excuse what we here allude to, in one who has long been favoured with an intimacy which could not

see Our

Mr. Murray was a native of North America, born at Swetara, near Lancaster, in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1745. He was originally intended for mercantile pursuits, a line in which his father had accumulated considerable property. Literary acquirements, however, were more congenial with his taste, so that after several fruitless attempts, on the part of his father, to reconcile his mind to business, he was at length, in some measure, suffered to follow the bent of his own inclination. The law afterward attracted his attention, and having obtained the concurrence of his parents, he was placed with Benjamin Kissam, Esq. of New York, a man of eminence and integrity as a counsellor. After four years he was called to the bar, and received a licence to practice both as counsel and attorney, according to the custom of that time in all the courts in the province of New York. Soon after he had commenced business, some circumstances rendered it proper, that he should make a voyage to England, from whence he returned in the year 1771. He then resumed his practice at New York, where his business proved successful, till the breaking out of the American war. This occurrence, united with an impaired state of health, induced him to leave New York, and fix his residence in the district of Islip, on Long Island. There he spent about four years, chiefly in shooting and fishing, a line of conduct he afterwards regretted, as at best a waste of time. At the close of this period, he returned to New York, and as the practice of the law had been superseded, he entered into a mercantile concern. In this he was prosperous. Every year added to his capital, till about the period of the establishment of American N. S. No. 27.

able to gratify his favourite wish in retiring from business. He purchased a country seat on the banks of the river, about three miles from New York. Here, however, the enjoyment which he promised himself was of short duration. Even before he had removed to this residence, the tone of his muscles was so much impaired, that he could walk but little; and though he had flattered himself that his delightful retreat would restore him to his usual state of health and strength, season succeeded season without his experiencing any salutary effects. He was then induced to try the advantages of travelling; but from this he derived no permanent benefit. At length, agreeably to the advice of his medical attendant, he determined upon removing to England, and accordingly embarked for this country about the close of the year 1784. He arrived in five weeks, and finally settled at Holgate, in the neighbourhood of York.

This rapid sketch has brought us to the most important period of Mr. Murray's life, though to him the most afflictive. The muscular weakness, mentioned above, continued to increase, though with some slight but very transient indications of amendment, until at length he became unable to walk, and was wholly confined to his room. To this dispensation, it is much more than probable, we are indebted for the several very useful works from which his name has become so extensively known. It cannot be necessary, that we should enumerate those works: we will advert, however, to the circumstance which led him to compose his principal one, his English Grammar.

"Some of his friends established at York a school for the guarded education

of young females, which continued for several years. Mr. Murray, strongly re. X

commended that the study of the English language should form a prominent part of instruction. The young persons, employed as the first teachers, not being sufficiently qualified in this respect, he kindly undertook to instruct them at his own house; and for their use he made some extracts from Blair, Campbell, and other writers, which afterwards formed the basis of the Appendix to his English Grammar. By these young teachers he was much importuned to write an English Grammar, for the benefit of their pupils, on the same plan of simplicity, clearness, and regular gradation, which he had pursued in his verbal instructions. Their requests were sanctioned and enforced by the superintendents of the school, and by some other friends: he was at length induced to comply. In preparing the work, and consenting to its publication, he had no expectation that it would be used, except for the school for which it was designed, and two or three other schools, conducted by persons who were also his friends. Such was the humble origin of his Grammar."-p. 250.

It is generally known, that Mr. Murray belonged to the Society of Friends, though we perceive nothing of the peculiarities of that denomination in any part of his writings. Indeed, he appears from these memoirs to have formed his religious sentiments with far less regard to any peculiarities of confined application, than to those broad principles, which are usually, and for the sake of conciseness, designated evangelical. On the doctrine of human depravity, and justification through the merits of Jesus Christ, there are, in the course of this volume, many clear and satisfactory avowals. With regard to the Sabbath, we were much pleased with the following declaration, because we have certainly met with several members of the Society of Friends, who seemed to us to have defective apprehensions as to its obligation, and to view it rather as a matter of expediency, than as a subject of strict and positive injunc

tion.

"He had a great and increasing regard for the Sabbath; he was highly sensible

of the propriety, and even necessity, of a due observance of it; considering it as a day peculiarly set apart for social worship and private meditation; a day of rest from worldly business; of suspension, as far as possible, from worldly care; and of preparation, by religious exercises and services, for that happy world, where the redeemed of the Lord celebrate a perpetual Sabbath. One small instance of his reverence for the Sabbath, may not improperly be adduced. He took much pleasure in reading a daily newspaper; but that he might not, on any occasion of peculiar iuterest, be induced to look into it on the Sabbath day, he did not, on that day, receive it into his house; but read, or heard read, two papers on the following day. In one of his manuscripts he obscrves :

The public worship of the Almighty is a special duty of all men; resulting from the relation in which we all stand to God, as our creator, preserver, and benefactor. Common benefits demand common and united thanksgivings and praises. That this great duty ought to be frequently performed is evident, from the nature of it, and the end which it has in view.

If a

day of religious rest and social worship did not often occur, there would be danger entire dependance upon him, would lanthat the sense of gratitude of God, and of guish, if not expire, in the minds of men. That the observance of a weekly Sabbath is entitled to distinguished regard, and is supported by divine authority, appears from its being a part of the Ten Com mandments; and written, as with the hand of God, on tables of stone, among moral precepts of the highest importance. intimately connected with the religious welfare of men, it would not have been classed, in such a manner, with duties of the most interesting nature."-pp. 196,

If

an institution of this kind had not been

197.

Miss Frank is particular even to minuteness, with regard to the character and habits of Mr. Mur

ray.

following passage :— At page 154 we have the

"Soon after he came into his sittingroom in the morning, he took his breakfast; after which his wife, or some one of his family, read to him a portion of the Scriptures, or of some other religious book. Horne's Commentary on the Psalms, and Doddridge's Family Expositor, omitting the notes and paraphrase, were the books which he chiefly used for

this purpose, and also for his eveuing meditation. After a short pause he proeeeded to transact the business of the day. Religious reading in the family, and meditation, closed the day."

Upon reading this passage we were sorry that we had not an opportunity afforded us of introducing to our readers an individual so intelligent, and evidently so much under the influence of devotional feelings, as an advocate for what is, in general, among professors of serious piety, regarded as an important part of family religion-united, audible prayer. If there is an opinion, even among the more pious of our esteemed fellowchristians, members of the Society of Friends, either that this is not a duty, or that it should be deferred till some special and appropriate influence is experienced, we think the sanction of Mr. Murray to an opposite view of the subject, would have been of very considerable importance; and we see no reason to believe that mere mental prayer, when acceptable to God, is less a matter of gracious influence than that which is likewise audible.

There is one passage more which we will take the liberty of quoting, because the sentiment expressed at the close of it so perfectly coincides with our own views, and because we wish it may be very deeply impressed upon the minds of all who have committed to them the care and education of young

persons.

"Whatever might be my follies and actual deviations from the line of rectitude,

my principles were never disturbed by infidelity and scepticism. I always had the happiness, since I was capable of reflecting on the subject, of having my sentiments fixed in favour of the Christian religion; and no arguments that I ever met with, in company or books, had any injurious effect upon me. Some of my acquaintance were either deists or sceptics; but I always found replies to their reasonings, which perfectly satisfied my mind. This happy persuasion I attribute, under divine providence, to my having occasionally looked into, early in life, Leland's View of the Deistical Writers; Butler's Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the

Constitution and Course of Nature; Sherlock on Providence; and Sherlock's Discourses. These books, with some others, were the means of communicating to my mind such a survey of the Christian religion and the divine economy, that I was never much, if at all, embarrassed by the

plausible schemes and objections which men of prejudiced minds and short-sighted views of religion had fabricated and produced. I am firmly persuaded, that the perplexity and doubts, with regard to Christianity and its ordinances, which many sensible and well-disposed minds have encountered, and the absolute infidelity of others, may be fairly attributed to the scanty information which they received on these subjects, during the period of their education, or that by which it was immediately succeeded."-pp. 27, 28.

of so

In closing our remarks on the memoirs of Lindley Murray, we must be allowed again to express our regret that the work could not be extended, by extracts from his correspondence, and other manuscript remains. We have no doubt the among but that papers distinguished an individual, there is much that would be acceptable and useful to the public, and which would tend further to illustrate the piety, the correct literary taste, and the general intelligence of one who spent the latter part of his life so much to the advantage of society, but respecting whom, from the peculiarity of his corporeal afflictions, little was known beyond what might be inferred from his writings. How far we are morally bound, in cases of this nature, by the dying injunctions of our friends, is a question upon which we do not at present feel disposed to enter. We know, from instances which we have no doubt will readily occur to the minds of some of our readers, that highlygifted individuals sometimes form an estimate of their own writings very much below that which is formed by all other persons who are capable of duly appreciating their value.