and sinful may be turned from darkness to light, &c. This Sermon being published for the benefit of the surviving grave-digger, and for the widow of the deceased, we wish it may have an extensive spread, and answer the benevolent purpose of An Address to Christian Parents on the Religious Education of their Children. By the Rev. Andrew Thomson, A. M. Edinburgh. Second Edition. asserted badness of the present age. 3. To expose the fallacy of calling the present age inferior to preceding ages. 4. To suggest some maxims which ought to regulate inquiry as to the progress of the human race. That the present age is not inferior to preceding ages, Mr. Philip_argues from the preacher. the consideration, that Religious Liberty was never equally enjoyed in this country as it is now-that the morals of the present age are not inferior to those of the former-and that the zeal and co-operation of the present age are without parallels in the WE noticed in our last Number a history of the world. We think Mr. P. has not been altogether unsuccesslittle book by the same Author, enful in establishing his position as to titled, "The Young Warned," which the improvement of the world; and in we sincerely recommended; with many parts of his discourse he disco- equal pleasure we announce the prevers considerable powers of thought sent publication, in which the pious and of expression. As the first printed and able writer gives his advice to Sermon of a young preacher, we think parents-advice which well deserves, the performance very creditable to his and will amply repay the attention talents; at the same time he must which they may give to it. It may be allow us to remark, that we should a further recommendation of this Adhave been better pleased, had there dress, especially to men of business, been more of youthful modesty and that the important suggestions it conhumility in the manner of announcing tains will not occupy more than an and maintaining his opinions, and had hour of their time; and what parent will grudge an hour for a purpose, in there been greater simplicity of style. We think also that the Sermon, al- which the eternal welfare of his chilthough delivered on occasion of the dren may be involved? national thanksgiving, has too much of a secular cast, and might have been greatly enriched by a more marked and copious reference to the prevalence of vital Christianity in the present day, and to the distinguishing characteristics of a system of truth which produces such happy effects. A Practical View of Christian Baptism, addressed particularly to Parents intending to devote their Children to God in that Ordinance. By William Harris. 1s.-com. ed. 6d. 6 THIS is a very superior tract on an old subject, perhaps too much so for general readers. In five short chapters Mr. H. treats on the institution and general nature of Christian Baptism, considered as a figurative exhibition of evangelical truth; a solemn transaction between God and his people; preparation for celebrating the ordinance; and its practical Improvement. THIS is a very serious discourse on Eccles. ix. 4, "To bim that is joined Both the design, and the ability to all the living there is hope"-hope with which the author has fulfilled it, of better days-hope of repentance merit our warm eulogium. The arand eternal salvation: in a state of guments are clear and convincing, danger, hope of deliverance-hope of and the practical remarks are very meeting with providences and means striking. Yet we think that the comof grace, which may lead to repent- mon edition would be likely to do ance-hope that light and knowledge more good, if the style were to be may be increased, and convictions excited, till at length the most ignorant * See our last Number, p. 360. simplified, and better adapted to common readers. Authors, as well as preachers, must study to be plain, before they can be popular. Antinomianism, contrasted with the Re- THIS posthumous Tract was doubtless intended to be much enlarged, if the Author's life had been longer spared; such as it is, we consider it as a valuable relic, and perhaps the best work that can be put into the hands of persons inclined to the high Antinomian doctrine. The remarks on the spirit of that system are deep and judicious, and the arguments against its truth, solid and unanswerable. Dr. Ryland also, in a preface of fourteen pages, has supplied some important hints on inherent holiness, progressive sanctification, and growth in grace; but the Tract is so cheap and so excellent, that we think it unnecessary to give either extract or analysis. Those who can afford it, will do well to circulate it liberally where it may be wanted. LITERARY NOTICES. A Correspondent enquired, a few months ago, if it was intended to publish a Memoir of the late Mr. Lavington.We know of no such intention; but some particulars respecting that excellent man, we are informed, may be found in his Funeral Sermon, by Rev. R. Evans, of Appledore, published by Conder. PREPARING FOR PRESS--Memoirs of Miss F. Woodbray, to whom Mrs. Newell's Letters are addressed. Rev. W. Sleigh proposes to publish by subscription, in an 8vo. vol. A Practical Dictionary, Divine, Moral, and Literary. IN THE PRESS--Scenes in Humble Life, by the Author of the Legend of Stutchbury. The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures, in the History of Wm. Churchman, a poor Cripple. By T. Bingham. Hawker's Morning Portion, two editions, 12mo. and 8vo. In the course of the present month will be published, Williams's Essays on Religious Liberty: Also new editions of Sir Ad. Gordon's Sermons on the Homilies--Lowman's Rationale of the Hebrew Ritual. SELECT LIST. Sermons, by T. S. Jones, D. D. of Lady Glenorchy's Chapel. 8vo. 10s. 6d. The Evidence and Authority of Divine Revelation; being a view of the Testimony of the Law and the Prophets to the Messiah. By R. Haldane. 2 vols. 8vo. 12s. A Manual of the System of the British and Foreign School Society, 8vo. 6s.-with the Needle-work, 10s. 6d. Socinianism incapable of Vindication, Wardlaw, 8vo. 10s. 6d. in reply to the Rev. J. Yates, by R. Report from the Select Committee of the House of Commons, on the Education of the lower Orders, 8vo. 15s. Sermons before the University of Cambridge, by the Rev. T. Webster. 5s. 6d. The Biblical Cyclopedia, by W. Jones, Author of the History of the Waldenses, 2 vols. 8vo. £1. 16. Memoirs of Maj. Gen. Burn, 2d edit. 12mo. 5s. 6d. Missionary in India, 18mo. 3s. Means of improving the Condition of the Poor in Morals and Happiness, considered, in a Lecture at the Minor Institute, by T. Williams. 8vo. 18. 6d. An Examination of Ryan's Sermon, respecting the Authority of the Roman Catholic Clergy. 8vo. 2s. the President of the United States, &c. The Friend of Peace: Six Letters to. By Philo-pacificus. 1s. 6d. The Tyrant of the Church, 12mo. 2s. 6d. Two Addresses on the deplorable State of the Indians in America, by W. Bromley. 12mo. 1s. 6d. An Attempt to delineate from Scripture the Work of Grace in the Soul, by a Clergyman. 28. West Indian Sketches. No. 1. to 3. Report of the British and Foreign School Society. 2s. Tenth Ditto of the Hibernian Society. Dr. Marsh's Theological Lectures→ Part 4. on Prophecy, 8vo. 2s. 6d. Edmonds's Sermon for the Stepney Academy. 1s. Conversation between Three Countrymen and a Stranger, on their return from Trowbridge Fair. By B. Kent. 6d. Consolation in Spiritual Darkness, by the late Rev. D. Turner. 12mo. 2d. Catechetical Treatise on the Patriarchal, Jewish, and Christian Sabbaths. 18mo. 1s. 6d. boards. Palmer's Protestant Dissenter's Catechism. 15th edit. 1s. CHILDREN'S BOOKS. 1. Address to Children, with a few Hymns. 6d. The Christian Life, a Journey, (in Dialogue) by Mrs. Clarke, 9d. Religious Intelligence. AMERICA. An Account of a Society at Harmony, fixed on a situation, and wrote to their (25 miles from Pittsburg,) Pennsyl vania. [Abridged from MELISH's Travels in the United States, inserted in The Philanthropist, No. XX.] Thus constituted, they laid out a town; and, in commemoration of their unity of sentiment and brotherly affection, they called it Harmony; and from henceforth they continued to labour in brotherly association, and in common. friends. In the year 1804, the whole Society, consisting of 150 or 160 families, embarked in three vessels at Am. sterdam. One of these arrived at Balti more, and the other two at Philadelphia, where Mr. Rapp was waiting to receive "The Society had its origin in Wur- them, and from thence they had to take temburg, in Germany, about the year a troublesome overland journey of 320 1785. The Lutheran religion was then miles. In November, 40 of these fami predominant in the country, to which lies moved to the westward; and notevery subject was obliged to submit. withstanding the lateness of the season Nobody durst venture to contradict the they built nine log-houses, in which they laws given by the Consistory, and no per- resided during the winter. Next spring son was left free to believe any system 50 more families arrived, which brought of religion to be true, except what was the Society to 90 families; and in Fepromulgated by teachers appointed by bruary, 1805, the Society was organized that body. The fundamental principles into one body, by a constitution groundwhich Luther deduced from the doc- ed on Acts, iv. 32:--" And the multitrines of Jesus Christ and his apostles tude of them that believed were of one were almost wholly destroyed; and in heart, and of one soul. Neither said any place of religion being made a principle of them that aught of the things he posto regenerate the mind and regulate the sessed was his own, but they had all life, it was converted into an engine of things in common." power to keep the people in check to the civil government. This decline of the church was seen and felt by George Rapp, who found himself impelled to bear testimony to the fundamental principles of the Christian religion; and he soon got a number of adherents, who formed them- The improvements were going on raselves into a Society. But they were pidly when we visited them, and every despised and persecuted by the Consis- thing wore the appearance of an old es tory, who often subjected them to fines tablished settlement.. A great variety and imprisonment, because they would of articles of the manufacture of the not go to the established church. But Society had been sold--besides the prothey persevered; and the persecution duce of the ground--such as shoes, boots, they endured increased the members of saddles, smith-work, cloth, &c.; and the Society. Under these circumstances these and other manufacturers were rathey groaned for deliverance, and wished pidly increasing. On our arrival at the for a residence in some part of the world inn, we learned that the inn-keeper was where they might enjoy religious tole- one of the Society, and had been appointed ration, and be permitted to worship God to that station because he could speak the according to the dictates of their consciences, unmolested by man. Some proposals were made to allow them a piece of land in France, and at last in their own country. But the providence of God has ruled the matter in another way. He discovered to the Society, America; as if he had said, That is the country where you shall serve me, and where you shall confess my name.' Accordingly, the Society determined unanimously to go to America; and Mr. Rapp and some others were appointed to go before them, and seek out an eligible situation in that country. The deputies arrived in safety, at Philadelphia, in the year 1803; and passing into the Western country they English language fluently. He told us that we could get every information that we could desire. My fellow-traveller inquired whether they had a doctor; and on being answered in the affirmative, he was sent for; and as he could also talk the English language, and was moreover very agreeable in his manners, and an excellent botanist, we were happy in the proffer of his services. We had next a visit from Mr. Rapp, his son, and seve ral other members of the Society. The old man's face beamed with intelligence, and he appeared to have a consciousness of having performed a good work: but he could not speak English; and as we could only communicate our sentiments by an interpreter, we had but little con- there, that he had never before felt any versation with him. Having collected one so severe. Although I had never a great variety of information regarding before experienced any thing of this kind, the Society, we took a walk round the I was at no less to ascertain the cause. town, viewed the Creek on which it is My family was in the most favourable built, and returned to the inn, where we situation for observing the phenomenon, found good attendance and excellent ac- and we instantly recognized it to be the commodations. At sun-rise next morn- hand of God. We had just done supper; ing we heard the bell ring, and in a we were all at the table with books quarter of an hour after the people were in our hands, and all was silent when at their respective employments--all was the concussion took place. We felt as if bustle and activity. The inn-keeper ac- some ponderous body had been dashed companied us to see the Society's shep upon the floor over-head; the tables and herds and sheep. We passed Conaque- other furniture were much shaken; we nesing Creek by a wooden bridge, orna were heaved up and down with an unmented with Howers, and observed a dulating motion, somewhat resembling low meadow on our left, which we were the motion of a ship, or a boat entering informed had been drained, with a good among the breakers on a lee-shore; and deal of labour, and was now converted I felt a sensation of giddiness during the into excellent pasture ground; a plea- remaining part of the evening. An acsure-garden called the Labyrinth, and a quaintance of mine was thrown forward botanic garden being in the east end of from the chair in which he was sitting it, right opposite to the bridge. Beyond reading; some have described the noise this, on the side of the Creek, were va- as if it had proceeded from a neighbourrious houses for dyeing, fulling, and ing house, and some mention the feeling dressing cloth. The ground rises to a as if a blast passed over them at the considerable elevation on the north side time of hearing the report which accomof the Creek; and on our way up we panied the shock. A young woman in perceived about 100 sheep, which we my family, who was in the act of apwere told had just arrived from Pennsyl- proaching the kitchen-table, was alarmed vania, and had not yet been distributed by seeing a cheese rolling upon it, and among the main flock. On arriving at starting back, she felt as if the floor had the sheep-pens, we found the flock to been going from under her, and she saved consist of about 1000, and they were herself from a fall by catching hold of a separated into three divisions. The first chair. Running into the bed-room of a were all of the Merino breed, the most young boy, who had just retired from of them full-blooded. The second, about table, I found him with his candle in his half Merinos and half common; and the hand, his eyes open and fixed, his hair third were all common, with some Me- standing in bristles, and his legs and rino rams amongst them. They were knees bent outward and forming right under the charge of three shepherds, who angies, and every line of his countenance sleep beside them all night in moveable and gesture of his body exhibiting the tents; and a watchman from the town strongest marks of terror. attends them during the night. After breakfast we visited the different branches of manufacture. The remainder of this article, and of the "Welch Schools, and several Missionary articles, are unavoidably deferred to our next. SCOTLAND. Account of the late Earthquake in Scotland, in a Letter from a Minister in Aberdeen to the Editor. THE accounts which have appeared in the London journals of the earthquake felt in this city and neighbourhood, have for the most part been copied from our provincial papers, and are in general correct. It happened on the 13th of August, a few minutes before 11 o'clock in the evening. Its continuance might be about eight or ten seconds; and I was told by a gentleman who had been some years in the West Indies, and who had frequently felt shocks of earthquakes XXIV. The direction of the shock was from the west to the east; it was most severely felt at Inverness; and from the it appears to have extended above 150 various accounts which we have received, miles in breadth. It appears to have been most severely felt in the vallies and low grounds; and from all the accounts I have heard, the houses built on a loose soil, were more shaken than such as were built upon rock. There was something in the shock awfully grand, beyond any thing I ever felt before; and though I would not wish an earthquake for the sublimity of the sensation it occasioned, I was happy I did not miss it by living in a situation where it could not have been felt. Something of the same kind was felt in this place in the year 1608, which was followed by a reformation in the morals of the people; but I am sorry to say, that I have not witnessed any salutary effects from the late visitation. The sleep of indifference was interrupted by a momentary terror, 3 F but the generality, at least, speedily re- the Mersey,* reached home from Ireland on lapsed into their old state, and were Saturday, after an absence of eight days-heard in the course of a few days laugh- days to him of anxiety and suffering, and of ing at their former fears. It was taken deep and poignant grief to his relatives, who notice of on the following Sabbath by judging, from all appearances, that he had some of the ministers in town, and one been snatched from them by the ravenous of them had for the subject of discourse, deep," had offered a reward for his body. Psa. Ix. 2, "Thou hast made the earth to tremble." On seeing the terror and dismay which it occasioned, I could not help saying, If this be so terrible, O what will be the terrors of that day, when instead of dreading the desolations of an earthquake, they will cry to the earth to open and swallow them up, and to the rocks and to the mountains to fall upon them and hide them from the face of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come. I am, my dear Sir, yours, most sincerely. J. P. ་འ་འ་འའ PROVINCIAL. LIFE FROM THE DEAD. The following affecting narrative has excited so much interest, not only in Liverpool, but among the circle of my friends to whom I have related it, that I have been earnestly solicited to send it to your widely circulated Miscellany. The mother of the dear youth, (an esteemed relative of mine) was just recovering from a dangerous illness, when she received the painful intelligence that her son was drowned. Her feelings on the occasion may be conjectured, but they cannot be described. Both herself and her beloved partner were overwhelmed with sorrow, but in applying to the throne of grace they found relief, and were constrained to say, "It is the Lord; he has an undoubted right to resume the breath he gave, when he pleases, how he pleases, and where he pleases. Thus did the Father of Mercies support them under the painful trial, and like The escape of this youth from being drowned is almost miraculous. As we stated in our last, he went into the river a short time before big water, from the rocks opposite the North Battery. Being an expert swimmer, he for some time amused himself in tha salutary exercise; but when about two hundred yards from the shore. he felt the tide beginning to ebb. Aware of his danger, he endeavoured to stem the current, but its increasing rapidity baffled his efforts, and he beheld, with indescribable feeling, the shore fast receding from him. Despairing of success, and unable any longer to breast the force of the current, he resigned himself to it, and was carried into the river, mid-way between the magazines and the Rock Point. He now became almost insensible, chilled by the coldness of the water, and exhausted by his previous exertions, and he merely recollected being taken into a boat This boat, it afterwards appeared, belonged to an Irish trader, the name of which we regret our inability to state, then under sail, and turning the Rock Point. He entreated the crew to land him on the Cheshire shore; but as this would have delayed conveyed him to the vessel, put him in the their voyage, they could not comply. They cabin, placed him before the fire, with the characterististic humanity of sailors, used ed, they supplied him with an old jacket and means to restore him; and, having succeedtrowsers. The Captain promised to put him on shore on the first land they made; accormouth of the Liffey, and gave him a shilling. dingly, he landed him on Sunday, at the He journeyed thence to Dublin, where his relatives would think him drowned, his he arrived the same night. Conscious that primary object was to return to Liverpool with ali possible expedition. But to his inexpressible grief, there was no vessel at that time ready for this port, and, either from bashfulness, or want of presence of *From the Liverpool Courier, May 22. We grieve to state, that on Saturday last, Abraham, when enabled to make their sacrifice, their Isaac was restored. They received him as alive from the dead, and his preservation is indeed marvellous in their eyes The general sympathy they had experienced was similar a young man, between 17 and 18 years of to that which was expressed at the loss of Mr. Spencer, and the prayers of friends on their account have no doubt been acceptable to God. I am, dear Sir, your's truly, Islington. age, son of the Rev. Thos. Cooper, of Leeds Street Chapel, was unfortunately drowned whilst bathing opposite the North Battery, a very rocky and dangerous part of the shore. He was observed undressing, by a T. L. woman passing, and who, when returning FROM THE LIVERPOOL COURIER OF home, more than an hour after, saw his clothes still on the beach. His body has not yet been found. A reward is offered to any person who shall restore it to his disconsolate friends. |