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troversy upon the subject of regeneration. "I would wish, generally, to restrict the term [Regeneration] to the baptismal privileges; and considering them as comprehending, not only an external admission into the visible church-not only a covenanted title to the pardon and grace of the gospel but even a degree of spiritual aid, vouchsafed and ready to offer itself to our acceptance or rejection at the dawn of reason-I would recommend a reference to these privileges in our discourses, as talents which the hearer should have so improved as to bear in-terest, as seed which should have sprung up and produced fruit.?'

After speaking, however, thus highly (but we humbly conceive obscurely) of the privileges of baptismal regeneration, he protests, in the most solemn manner, “against that most serious error, (which [he says] has arisen probably from exalting too highly the just view of baptismal regeneration) of contemplating all the individuals of a baptized congregation, as converted-as having all once known the truth, and entered upon the right path, though some may have wandered from .it, and others may have made little progress," &c. "This erroneous view," says the bishop, "strikes at the root of all useful and effectual preaching. Ministerial addresses founded upon it, soothe and delude the people into a false peace; they do but half open the wound in the conscience of the sinner; they act as a dull and clouded mirror, and exhibit but a most imperfect representation of what he is, and what he ought to be; of what must be done for him, and in him; they lull to sleep any conscientious misgivings in the man of worldly decency and reputation; they make many a Pharisce, and produce on many a death-bed, a vain, self-righteous case, which must soon be changed into self-condemnation and death eternal."

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effect of the Spirit's work is itself spiritual, and implies a new nature: but alas! this regeneration, which is being born of water," though it is supposed to offer "a degree of spiritual aid," leaves the subject of it free to refuse and perish: for nothing is more dangerous we are told, than to consider all the individuals of a baptized (or regenerated) congregation as converted!"

Upon the following topic, however, we are happy in being able to express a more unqualified approbation of his Lordship's directions: “ Exalt the Saviour before those whose consciences must bear a contrary testimony, as the God whom they have hitherto neglected.... Exalt him in all his offices of Prophet, Priest, and King; in all his manifestations of love, in all his exhibitions of power."— "After the model of St. Paul, determine not to know any thing among your people, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." And we perfectly concur with Bishop Ryder, when he says-“ It was such preaching which, proceeding from the lips of Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley, &c. dispelled the darkness of popery, and erected our church on its ruins.”

His Lordship proceeds to recommend a second sermon in the evening service; the extending the education of the poor; and the support of Societies for religious charity. On the last of these topies, the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, and the British and Foreign Bible Society, are both introduced; he recommends peace and union between them, so far as their constitutions will permit, as having one common object in view; yet expresses his opinion, that where the contracted means of a parochial minister will enable him to subscribe to one society only, "he should chuse that which would enable him to provide the Liturgy as well as the Bible for his own people," i. e. the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge!

We certainly rejoice in this faithful testimony to the truth, so far as it goes, On the whole, we think this charge and regret that the limits of our Re- creditable to the piety of its author, view do not permit us to transcribe and sincerely wish that all the ministhe whole passage: but if the Re- ters of his diocese, and of every other generation, of which his lordship in England, may preach and live acspeaks, does not imply a conversion of the heart to God, as is evident from the above statement; it cannot be that which our Lord describes as the key to his kingdom; for "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit:" i, e. the

cording to the rules he has recommended.

Reflections on the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures, intended to shew its Defects, and the Necessity of

attempting to improve it, with a Specimen of such an Attempt. By B. Boothroyd, Editor of the Biblia Hebraica, &c. 4to.

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Quaker, and the other by a divine of the Romish communion.* But neither the translation of Anthony Purver, nor that of Dr. Geddes, gave satisTHE Holy Scriptures, in their ori- faction to the public. Some excelginal languages, were given by in- lencies they may possess, but many spiration of God, and therefore they and great are their defects. Mr. must be perfect, like their divine Au- Boothroyd, who has already given a thor. But their translation into any very respectable specimen of his learnother language being the work of ing and industry, in his new edition imperfect men, however good and of the Biblia Hebraica, just completed, learned, will necessarily partake of presents himself again to the world, that imperfection which belongs to all as a new labourer in this sacred field. human performances and things. On In his present publication, he first the general excellencies of the pre- gives a short account of the ancient sent Authorized Version of the Holy and the English versions of the Holy Scriptures, there can be but one opi- Scriptures. He next presents us with nion among learned men. When it the sentiments of some distinguished is recollected that upwards of two divines and critics on the Authorized centuries have elapsed since it was Version, who have expressed their undertaken, and when all the disad- conviction of the necessity of a new vantages under which the translators translation. He then proceeds to aslaboured are taken into consideration, sign a variety of Reasons' for his it must be pronounced to be a work own attempt of the work, which are of great merit. But that this transla- as follow: 1. The common version tion is as accurate and perfect as it was made from imperfect and erromight be rendered, by the accumu- neous Hebrew and Greek texts; of lated advantages that now present this assertion he brings forward several themselves, will not be asserted by proofs. 2. The authorized version adany one who is duly qualified to form mits of great and essential improvea judgment on the subject. Many ment, in respect to propriety of lanlearned men have not scrupled to guage and grammatical accuracy; of publish their decided opinions, that which a very long list of instances are the present translation admits of nu- given. 3. The authorized version admerous and very important improve- mits of the greatest improvement in ments. Upwards of a century ago, a accuracy of interpretation; many paswork was published, entitled "An sages being brought forward in conEssay for a New Translation of the firmation. 4. The authorized version Bible; wherein is shewn, from reason, abounds with literal renderings of and the authority of the best com- figurative terms, which it is impossible mentators, interpreters, and critics, for a common reader to understand, that there is a necessity of a new and which are frequently improper in translation." Since that time, many our language; many instances of others, equally qualified for an exami- which are produced. 5. The authonation of the subject, have expressed rized version is often ambiguous and the same conviction, and recom- obscure, from the translators having mended a new translation to the pro- either not understood, or not having per anthorities. It will be sufficient attended to, that peculiar manner in to mention the names of Lowth, which the tenses and conjugations of Blayney, Horsley, Newcome, Durell, Hebrew verbs are used; some exand Marsh. Many have been the at- amples of which make the remark tempts to favour the world with New more plain. 6. A good version of the and Improved Translations of par- scriptures ought to convey, as much ticular Books and Portions of the Old as possible, the spirit and manner of Testament, and several versions of the original, in which Mr. B. consithe New Testament have been given. ders the authorised version as deIt is, however, rather remarkable, fective, and proposes some emendathat, as far as we recollect, there have been only two attempts, of late years, *Rev. Julius Bate translated and pubtowards a new translation of the whole lished the Pentateuch, and, some other parts Bible. And it is equally remarkable, of the Old Testament, on the Hutchinsonian that one of these attempts was by a plan, but was not encouraged to proceed.

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We have observed also proposals of another New Translation of the Scriptures, by a Mr. Bellamy, author of Ophion; but the specimen we have seen is too concise to warrant an opinion, and we believe his plan has been materially altered.

tion. While the new translator assigns his learned readers; yet we cannot these reasons for his own attempt, at help wishing that more attention had the same time he proposes to himself been paid to correctness in printing a due regard to the common version, the prospectus. and wishes to govern himself by the rules which Archbishop Newcome has proposed, which he considers as proper and important. To the Reflections' are annexed, Proposals for pub fishing, by subscription, an Improved Version of the Holy Scriptures, from corrected texts of the originals, with notes, critical, explanatory, and practical, designed for the use of families. Two specimens of the work are given, from the books of Genesis and Job, intended to shew the author's design. Mr. B. properly observes, that "the public have a right to know what are the theological opimons of the author of this attempt. Though he has learnt to call no man Master, but freely to follow that sense of the sacred scriptures which he conceives the original most naturally suggests, yet he owns, that, in his general views, he most entirely agrees with the theological sentiments of that great and good man, Philip Doddridge."

The Errors of the Church of Rome: « Sermon, before the West York Association, at Sheffield. By Js. Bennett, of Rotherham. 8vo. 1s.

In

THE text, which serves as a very appropriate motto to this discourse, is 2 Thess. ii. 3, 5, 7, 11. in which the apostle forewarns the primitive Christians of the rise of the " man of sin," with his "mystery of iniquity." harmony with the best commentators, the preacher considers the passage as a prediction of the corrupt principles and practices of the Church of Rome, These corruptions he classes under three general heads---DISCIPLINE--DOCTRINE---and WORSHIP.

Having given a general view of the contents of Mr. B.'s publication, we Under the article of Discipline, it is recommend it to the farther examina- maintained that the Roman church tion of our readers, and particularly has erred most seriously, by annihilatof the more learned among them. We ing the rights of the Christian people, are, ourselves, pleased with the manner inventing new offices, setting up a and spirit in which the author writes, human head of the church, demandand apprehend that he possesses many ing submission to human authority in of the requisite talents for such a matters of religion, forming an adulwork. We consider the attempt, in- terous connexion with the State, and deed, too great for any single indi- establishing a dreadful tyranny over vidual, however learned and laborious. the souls of men, Her doctrinal errors The concentrated labours of an host are stated to consist, in adding tradiof the most learned biblical scholars tions and human writings to the inof our country might be demanded, to spired Scriptures, representing baptism produce such a translation as would as regeneration, converting the Lord's be deemed satisfactory. What is now Supper into the sacrifice of the mass, proposed is laudable, and deserves confounding justification with sanctiencouragement. We doubt not his fication, asserting human works to be labours will shed much light on many meritorious of eternal life, teaching passages of the Holy Scriptures, which the still more presumptuous notion of in our present version are involved in supererogation, forbidding to marry, obscurity. The specimens which he and inculcating the fiction of purgahas given are creditable to his learn- tory. To her worship it is objected, ing and piety. We sincerely hope that it contains many ceremonies of that his life and health may be spared heathen origin, that much of it is of for the execution of the work, and fered to creatures, that much of it is that it may meet with due encouragement. We do not think it necessary to subject this prospectus to the ordeal of public criticism, though we are persuaded the author will be gratified by the private observations of

mere will-worship, and that it is performed in an unknown tongue. This corrupt system, it is contended, is essentially and awfully opposed to truth, to charity, and to holiness.

These particulars Mr. B. has dis

cussed with the brevity to which the limits of a single sermon would necessarily confine him. But from the extent of the syllabus, our readers must not conclude the discourse to be a dry skeleton of topics in dispute between Papists and Protestants: they will here find, condensed within a small compass, a considerable portion of scriptural argument and illustration It resembles not so much the bare outline of a large portrait, as a miniature picture drawn to the life by the hand of a master. That the picture displays no more beanty, is not the fault of the artist, whose business was to delineate a faithful likeness, equally distant from caricature and from flattery. Time was, when we little expected to see a period in which such a discourse would be so seasonable as it seems to be at present. Recent events, in more than one nation of Europe, loudly call upon those who love the simplicity that is in Christ," to "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free,” and to renew and continue their protest against the reviving absurdities, impieties, and cruelties of antichrist. Impressions like these appear to have produced the sermon before us, which we trust will obtain the extensive circulation it deserves, espe`cially as it is printed at so moderate a price.

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Means of improving the Condition of the Poor in Morals and Happiness, considered in a Lecture, delivered at the Minor Institute, &c. By Thos. Williams. 8vo. 28.

including the various publications of Mr. Colquhoun and other individuals, and the highly important Reports of various Committees of the House of Commons.

The Lecture commences with a view of the population and income of the country, and some remarks on its very unequal distribution among the different classes of Society. But the extreme misery of the lowest classes is ascribed, in great part, to vice, idleness, and want of education. Here a picture of Mendicity is drawn, which is truly frightful. London beggars alone are said to amount to 15,000," 9,000 of which are children, the delinquents among whom have of late been alarmingly numerous; and a great proportion of these (mark it, reader, mark it, parents!) are ascertained to be outdoor apprentices!!

The cause of these evils is then traced, and found to originate in ignorance, idleness, and intemperance. The number of females in the kingdom at large, who exist by prostitution, is calculated at 100,000, one-half of whom infest the metropolis: the effect of such a host of female demons let loose upon the public may be more easily conceived than expressed.--Other sources of evil are considered--the extent of credit, perjury, smuggling, gambling, tippling, dram-drinking, &c. The evils of war are pointed out, and a table is given, describing the rise and progress of British wars, and of the national debt, which they have produced, amounting to 943 millions!

The author next proceeds to recommend means for the amelioration of the state of the poor, which are, 1. Their employment and support; and, 2. The enlightening of their minds, and the education of their children, of which the different means are stated. In addition to these, the Pulpit and the Press are considered as the great engines

THIS is a most seasonable production, for, to adopt the motto of the author in his title-page, “Our duty to the poor is a personal service, enjoined by the highest authority, and cannot be commuted; it is a work in which no man has a right to be idle." The present unexampled state of misery among the lower classes of of national reform. For the efficacy society certainly calls for the most serious and close attention; and we rejoice in that combination of talent aid benevolence which has lately appeared in our country in their behalf. The author deserves the thanks of the public for bringing into a focus the interesting but distressing intelligence collected from every quarter, and affording us in his pamphlet the condensed information of many volumes,

of the former, Missions are appealed to, and the circulation of the Scriptures for the latter. Its farther application to moral purposes is strongly recommended, and many valuable hints are suggested, which deserve consideration; but for these we must refer to the pamphlet itself, which will amply repay the reader's perusál, and we hope answer the benevolent views of the writer.

Prefixed to the Lecture, a brief account is given of the Minor Institute, (66, Chiswell Street,) where it was delivered; of which we shall only remark, that if this and some other

Lectures which have come under our

notice may be considered as fair spe

cimens, we are inclined to think it will merit a more dignified title.

The Advantages of Early Piety displayed, in a Memoir of Mr. J. Clement, Surgeon, &c. By J. Hooper, M.A. 2d edit. 12mo. 28 6d.

Or this Memoir a favourable report was given in our number for June 1813, p. 217. We are induced to hope that its commendable cheapness will carry it into a far greater number of hands, and that many young men, especially of the medical profession, will be benefited by the perusal.

Unlimited Invitations in the Gospel
Ministry consistent with the Divine
Decrees. A Sermon at Greenwich
Road Chapel, by W. Chapman, Svo.
1s. 6d.

THE author having premised, 1. That man is the subject of divine decrees: 2. That we are blessed with a gospel ministry: and, 3. That that ministry contains unlimited invitations: endeavours to harmonize the propositions, by shewing that these invitations are given by the divine Author of those decrees, and must therefore be consistent with them. We cannot follow Mr. C. through the process of his argument, which appears to us perfectly satisfactory; indeed, were the divine decrees to interfere with our conduct, we must inspect the book of fate to learn our duty. But it is the revealed will of God

alone which we are to consult, and leave the Divine Being to fulfil and justify his own decrees. It is proper to add, that the present is rather a popular than metaphysical discourse, and adapted to be generally useful.

Christian Churches the Hope and Joy of faithful Ministers. A Discourse before the Association of the Suffolk Independent Churches. By Js.Sloper, Beccles. 8vo. 6d.

THIS discourse is founded on 1 Thess. ii. 19, 20, and is printed at a low price, that it may circulate among "the pious poor." We cheerfully add our sanction to that of the

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respectable Association at whose request it is printed, as we think it calculated to be useful.

Slatterie, of Chatham, to state, that We are requested by the Rev. Mr. the Sermon lately published, occasioned by the calamity that took place at Rochester Bridge, was printed, not only without his consent, but contrary to his urgent request.-We believe he is greatly mortified at seeing his name affixed to so very imperfect a publication.

LITERARY NOTICES.

Rev. Mr. Jeary's Sermons will be ready for the Subscribers in the course of the present month.

In the press, and publishing by Subscription, GURNAL and LINA, or the Hist. of two African Children; to make 2 vols. in 12mo, with plates. (See our Cover.)

In the press, and will be published this winter, in 2 thick vols. 12mo. “Questions resolved in Divinity, History, and Literature," by the Rev. G. G. Scraggs, A. M. of Buckingham.

In a few days will appear, a Defence of Extempore Prayer and Calvinistic Preaching, by the Rev. G. Redford.

The following gentlemen will convey to New York monthly, any Reports of Religious or Benevolent Societies, Books, Tracts, &c. viz.-Mr. H. Prust, Bristol; Mr. S. Hope, Liverpool: Mr. W. F. Lloyd, Mason's Hall, Basinghall Street,

London.

SELECT LIST.

The Power of Faith exemplified in the Life and Writings of the late Isab. Graham, of New York. 8vo. 7s.

Six Essays on Religious Liberty, with an Appendix. By T. Williams. 8vo. 6s. Memoirs of Major Gen. A. Burn, 2d edit. 12mo. 5s. 6d.

Juvenile Anecdotes, by J. Bruce, 4s Sermon at St. Laurence Jewry for the Sunday School Society, by W. Marsh, A. M. with the Report. 8vo. 1s. 6d.

The loss of righteous and merciful Men improved; a Sermon, occasioned by the Death of R. Reynolds, Esq. of Bristol, with a brief Memoir, by S. Lowell.

A Treatise on the Christian Covenants, by F. Deakin. 12mo. 4s.

The Sunday Lecturer, or 52 Sermons addressed to Youth, selected and abridged with Quest. for Exam. by A. Lee, 7s. from Horne, Cooper, Jay, Doddridge, &c.

J. A. James. 18mo. 2d ed. 2s. 6d.
Sunday School Teacher's Guide, by

No. 4. (and last) of the Old Lady, or the happy effects resulting from attending the Missionary Meeting, concluding the Series for 1814, 15, and 16

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