LITERARY NOTICES.

IN THE PRESS--Memoirs of the late

bury.

The Loss of Righteous and Merciful Men lamented and improved. A Dr. J. M. Mason, of New York, now Sermon, occasioned by the Death of in this country, is about to republish that eminent Philanthropist, Richard his, masterly Plea for Catholic CommuReynolds, Esq. With a brief Memoir nion, in one vol. 8vo. of his Life. By Samuel Lowell. 18.6d. Rev. S. Bradburn.--Mr. Allen's TranslaMr. Lowell has rendered a va- tion of Outram on Sacrifices.--An Ap luable and highly acceptable service peal to Men of Candour, in four Disto the benevolent and pious reader, by courses before the University of Camthe publication of this sermon, as it bridge, by Rev. C. Simeon, M. A. Alse not only exhibits truths of primary im- a new edit. in 8vo. of his "Four Disportance, but also displays a singu- courses on the Liturgy, &c. -Victim of Pleasure, or Scenes in Humble Life, larly interesting and admirable example of Christian philanthropy. The text, by the Author of the Legend of StutchIsaiah, lvii. 1. is very appropriate and furnishes the excellent author with these two propositions-First, that the people of God are righteous and merciful men.-And, Secondly, that the removal of such men from our world, is not to be disregarded, but on the contrary, ought to be seriously laid to heart. The copious and pertinent illustration of these remarks is interwoven with some interesting sketches of the character of Mr. Reynolds, and a brief memoir is subjoined, from which we transcribe the following extract, wishing it may excite many to a holy

emulation.

"To attempt any thing like accuracy in the account of his benefactions would be in vain. We have witnessed more than

once, 500 guineas to this charity, 1000 to that; here and there the same repeated under the modest name of a Friend,' and various other disguised signatures. Indeed, we are assured, that in one year, he bestowed in various charities, upwards of £20,000. He purchased two estates in Monmouthshire which he settled on trustees, for the benefit of certain charities in this city (Bristol); and it appears, that during his valuable life, he bestowed in acts of charity, upwards of £200,000."

Both the sermon and the memoir will be perused, we doubt not, by many of our readers, with peculiar interest and advantage.

The Missionary Week; giving an interesting Account of the Visit of little Henry Serious to London, to see the Missionary Meetings, in which is included the History of Ned Lazy, and the affecting Story of Idle Ned. 6d. THE design of this little Tract is to inspire pity for the poor Heathen in the juvenile breast, and to excite in it a spirit of Christian benevolence. It is adapted to the capacity of young children in a very familiar style.

In the Press, and will be published in January, Memoirs and Remains of the late Rev. C. Buck, collected from his papers, and interspersed with observations illustrative of his Character. To which is added, a Brief Review of his various Publications, by Dr. Styles.

Proposals are issued for an Exposition of the Bible, in Welch, by Rev. J. Jenkins; to make 60 or 70 shilling Numbers.

SELECT LIST.

A Rational of the Ritual of the Hebrew Worship. By the late Rev. M. Lowman. New edit. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

Lectures, explanatory and practical, Rev. J. Fry, A. B. 8vo. 125. on the Epistle to the Romans. By the

Bp. Beveridge's Thesaurus Theologicus, new edit. 2 vols. 8vo. £1. 4s.

the Mode of Preaching adopted by Cal
A Defence of Extempore Prayer, and
vinistic Dissenters, in Reply to a Ser-
Redford, M. A. 8vo. 25.
mon by the Dean of Chester. By G.

The Sunday School, a Poem (with Frontispiece), by S. Whitchurch, 12mo. 2s. 6d.

On the Education of Roman Catholic Children, and the Rejection of the Bible by their Priests, &c. 8vo. 1s. 6d.

Voluntary Subjection to God the Liberty of a rational Creature; a Sermon, by Js. Knight, 1s. 6d.

The present Distresses of the Country, and suitable Remedies, by W. Harris, Author of Hints on Toleration, 3s. 6d. Religion, 12mo. 6d. Impartial Reflections on Revivals of

Dr. Owen on Justification, new ed. 7s. The Efficacy of Divine Grace; an Association Sermon at Bath. By J. Ryland, D. D. 1s.

The Abode of Wisdom, by the Author of the Shepherd and his Flock. 12mo.

3s. 6d.

Anniversary Oration before the London Philosophical Society, by W. B. Collyer, D. D. 8vo. 2s.

Sufficiency of Scripture, or the Life of W. Churchman, 2d edit. 18mo. 6d.

FOREIGN.

was adorned with a figure of the Bishop, and contained his head, and which was

CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES TO paraded for some days in all the places

CHINA.

(From a Foreign Paper.) ROME, OCT. 1.-The allocution of the Pope at the late election of Cardinals contains some curious facts respecting the state of the Christian religion in China. It seems that the Jesuit Missionaries to that empire have recently undergone grievous persecution. Ga briel Dufresse, a French Missionary, and Bishop of Tabraca and Vicar Apostolic of the province of See-Tchuen for 39 years, has been put to death. Having been banished by the Chinese Government, impelled by religious fervour, he returned, but was soon discovered, and put in irons. The Mandarins then suddenly affected much kindness, ordering his chains to be broken, and overwhelmed him with caresses; but they had honey in their mouths, and poison in their hearts. They boldly desired him to abjure his religion: on his side he spoke of the futility of the Chinese rites, and extolled the Christian dogmas. The perfidious Mandarins had concealed two persons behind the partition, who wrote down the Bishop's words. An accusation was consequently drawn up, and the Bishop was taken before the Viceroy, who being a sworn enemy to all Christians, condemned him immediately to die. In an instant this respectable old man was stripped of his robes, and led forth to the place of execution, where an immense crowd was assembled.Thirty-three Christians, whom no torments could divert from the true faith, were led out at the same time, surrounded by executioners and instruments of torture. All of them were then told, that they must abjure the Christian religion, or undergo the punishment of

the cord.

With heroic fortitude all refused to renounce their Saviour, and beseeched the Bishop to give them absolution and his last benediction. The Bishop granted their request, and after urging them to follow his example, with firmness laid his head on the block, and the executioner at one blow then severed it from his body.

The Christians, who had been only brought out to frighten them, were reconducted to prison, and afterwards banished. The head of the Bishop of Tabraca was affixed to a gibbet, with this inscription- Apostle of the Christian Religion, and Bishop of Europe." The same words were seen on the box, which

XXIV.

66

where the Christians lived who had been converted by him. His blood was preserved by the Christians, and distributed among the inhabitants of various towns and villages. The body, after lying three days on the scaffold watched by Christians, was interred with pious devotion.

Another Missionary, Augustine Fo har, aged 73, was beaten so unmercifully, that he died in a few days. The judge who condemned him admonished him to consider his great age, and the punishment which would follow upon his refusing to renounce Christianity; and when he was undergoing the punishment, the judge said, "Now your God has deserted you."-"Oh, no," said Augustine," he has given me strength to endure all this, and much more!" The judge, mad with rage, then ordered him to be struck in the face, which killed

him.

ROME, SEPT. 4.--A journal pub lished here contains the following extract of a letter from the province of Su Tcheu, in China, dated Sept. 25, 1815:

66

Religion is preached in China by Missionaries of different corps and different nations; the Chief of the French Missions in the province of Su Tcheu has made, within some months, 30 native priests and 4 European. Not long ago persecution deprived us of the Vicar Apostolic, sacrificed to the rage of the Governor of this province, an enemy equally to the European and Christian name. The Bishop Coadjutor has been compelled to fly, and I believe has taken refuge in Tonquin. Three native priests and a number of the faithful of both sexes, have finished their mortal career by a glorious martyrdom. There is still, in almost all the prisons, a numerous body of generous confessors, who suffer for the cause; and I, who have not yet merited the grace of shedding my blood, am charged with the spiritual and temporal cares of this mission, which before the persecution numbered 60,000 Christians. (Signed)

66

"J.E. ESCODECA BOISSONADE, Missionary Bishop." (From the Times.)

The infant son of the Count de Blacas, French Ambassador, was baptized at Rome on the 16th ult. The Cardinal Gonsalvi, who stood proxy for the Pope as godfather, after the ceremony, put round the neck of the infant a collar of lapis-lazuli, to which was attached a medal, set in brilliants, and inclosing a relic of the real cross.--Paris Paper.

3 R

Father G., a Jesuit, expresses himself ful assumption of the functions belonging

as follows respecting the treasures of art, &c. which have been brought back from Paris to the monastery of St. Peter, at Erfurt:--" Among the relics are many highly valuable, which may be regarded as diamonds of the finest water; as for example, nine of the sculls of the 11,000 virgins, a piece of a gown of the Virgin Mary, the tuning-hammer belonging to David's harp, and many other similar treasures, in comparison of which the French contributions appear as nothing!"

WEST INDIES.

JAMAICA.

The spirit and temper of those who oppose the ministry of the gospel in this populous island, may be judged of by the following magisterial charge.

PORTLAND (JAMAICA).

On Thursday, July 11, the General Court of Quarter Sessions was held in Titchfield. The Grand Jury having been impanelled and sworn, the following charge was delivered to them :—

"Mr. Foreman and Gentlemen,--An evil of much magnitude has for some time existed in this parish, and which appears to be daily gaining ground to the prejudice of good order, and subversive of the subordination, and injurious to the morals of the slave population. I need scarcely inform you that I allude to the nocturnal visitation of idle, itinerant, and pretended preachers of the Gospel on estates, who, by fraud and stratagem, under the cloak of religion, seduce from those hours consigned by nature to repose, the weak and infatuated dupes of their fraudful designs, impose upon their uninformed and credulous understandings by impiously pretending to preach the Holy Gospel. To this evil, gentlemen, it is my duty to direct your attention; but mistake me not. Far be it from me, indeed, to offer any obstacle to the true exercise of religious worship. Quite the contrary--for if there be one function more important than another, I am of opinion it is that of training the mind to truth, and of inculcating the knowledge of a future state, thereby to rescue it from the shame, the degradation, and the misery of vice, as well as to promote its temporal and eternal welfare, by impressing it with the knowledge of a merciful God, with the hope of future reward, and with the fear of future punishment. I would ask you, gentlemen, can the genuine knowledge of the doctrine of salvation be taught by these illiterate fanatics, who profanely pretend to teach the Holy Scriptures? I think not; and it becomes the duty of every magistrate, and it is incumbent on every member of the community, to endeavour to put down such a monstrous and unlaw

to the Reverend Ministers of our religion;
an evil which threatens much danger,
whereby the minds of the hearers are per-
verted with false, mistaken, and fanatical no-
tions, and an opportunity afforded them of
concerting private and public mischief. Who,
gentlemen, can know-who can define the
characters, or testify the qualifications and
real intentions, of those unlicensed itinerants?
May they not be (I do not say they are)
the most contemptible hypocrites of the low-
est class, with religion and piety upon
their lips, and the basest passions rank-
ling in their hearts? May they not be
wretched ill-disposed enthusiasts, inflaming
and alienating the minds of their hearers
from their duties and employments, de-
structive of their health, and creating a
discontent (before unknown) to that state
of life in which it has pleased God to
place them? Who, gentlemen, can tell
where evils like these may stop, unless
checked by the arm of justice; who can
the mass of the black population is cre-
calculate, in a community like this, where
dulous and superstitious, who can calcu-
late the baneful influence which may be

obtained over their minds by those de-
signing hypocritical impostors, if we look
calmly on, and heedlessly permit the un-
interrupted exercise of their pernicious
These arts, must indeed, be
arts ?
checked; but with temperance, modera-
tion, and firmness. Theory and experi-
ence convince us fully of the impolicy of
their continuance: they must, therefore,
be discouraged. And I trust, gentlemen,
by your wise interference in your public
capacity here, and in your private capa-
city at your respective homes, you will
laudably and prudently contribute your
share to the extinction of those vicious
pursuits which threaten the peace and
safety of this and the sister parishes."

ST. KITTS.

A pious proprietor of extensive estates in St. Kitts, in his preparation for a voyage from England, to settle in the midst of his possessions, accompanied by a se rious and active wife, did not forget to furnish himself with a golden package of Bibles and religious books and tracts; nor did he content himself with these-he made an attempt to obtain ordination in the Church of England, thinking that, thus prepared, he might be his own steward, and, at the same time, a steward of the mysteries of God to the poor negroes: in this he failed; but his purpose of doing good to the souls of his slaves, was not altered; he has been a father as well as a master to them; and to hear him explain the Scriptures to the sable race, bending with grateful attention to the sound of that Gospel which was to them before unknown, would be

spared.

Coventry, Aug. 31, 1816.

NATH. ROWTON.

a treat to every Christian who can feel he possessed, he would probably have for the lost state of millions in the same been an extensive blessing in a benighted condition: upwards of three hundred ne- part of Europe, had he been longer groes are regular attendants, and many Yours, very sincerely, of these have, we trust, become, from slaves to sin, the Lord's freedmen. The lady is not idle: she instructs the females; and while, with benevolent care, she clothes the naked, feeds the hungry, and attends the sick, she does not withhold the word of exhortation, instruction, and consolation. O ye British females, let your hearts rejoice, and your hands be strengthened by such intelligence, to press forward in your work with renewed alacrity, and to be fervent in prayer for prosperity and success to all your fellow labourers in the same work of charity and

love.

RUSSIA.

His Imperial Majesty has sent four persons to London, to make themselves acquainted with the Lancasterian system of education, with a view to its introduction into Russia. This may prove, in subserviency to the printing and dispersion of the scriptures, an incalculable blessing to that vast and extensive empire.

FRANCE.

The newspapers state, that a few of the inhabitants in a parish where there ras no minister of religion, having assembled in the church to pray, the Prefect thought fit to prohibit their assembling. It has been ascertained, that there are rio less than 4,000 parishes in France in a similar situation; and the consequences of such a want of religious instruction may be easily conceived.

ITALY.

at

Distribution of Bibles, Tracts, &c
Leghorn, Florence, Bologna, and
Venice.

Dear Sir,--The following letter was written by a dear relative of mine, in the civil service of his country, to Mr. Yeoland of Malta. The dutics of his station calling him from Malta to Trieste, he made it his object, on his way, to disseminate the truth. Very shortly after his arrival at the latter place, his useful career terminated by a short and severe illness. He experienced, in an eminent degree, in his last hours, the consolations of that gospel which it was his ardent wish all mankind should know; and with

the fullest confidence of faith, committed to the care of his almighty Saviour, his affectionate widow, and three infants, whom he left behind in that distant land. From the advantages which his situation afforded him, and the wisdom and zeal

66

Trieste, Nov. 26, 1815. My Dear Friend,-I have had opportunity of observing the sentiments of a people once favoured with gospel light, but which has been hid from them through the dark ages of superstition, from which they are now emerging; and am thankful I have been the unworthy instrument of putting into the hands of many, both Jews and nominal Christians, the extracts of the scriptures and tracts with which

My

you was so kind as to favour me.
short stay in the lazaretto* (at Leghorn)
afforded me an opportunity of doing this
in a limited way; for it so happened, that
we were placed with persons of both de-
nominations. To the Jews, of whom
there were eight or ten, I
each an
Hebrew tract; and upon finding they
gave
approved of the contents, I gave each of
them a copy of St. Paul's Epistle to the
Romans, and the Gospel of St. John.
They expressed their sincere thanks for
the gift, and even offered to pay me for
them; and you cannot conceive their
astonishment when I declined receiving
any money for them, stating, that they
were the gift of a Society of Christians,
whose end was answered by the good
they hoped would result from their en.
deavours to convince them of the truth
of our religion. They had been taught
to believe far otherwise; but remarked,
that they had always understood the
English Christians were the best. To
the Romanists, who were by far the
greater number, I gave, to some, a Tes-
tament, (in Italian) to others Doddridge's
and explained to them all, in the best
Rise, a tract, and an Epistle and Gospel;

manner I was able, the intention of the
Societies who distribute the Scriptures,
&c. They all expressed their surprise
at our solicitude; and I trust that some
beneficial effects may be produced. In
this way I disposed of nearly one third
of what you entrusted to my care; and I
cannot help regretting that the Societies
have not published translations of their
Reports: I am sure it would be attended
with the greatest utility; for all whom
I have conversed with seemed to be per-
fectly ignorant of the existence and ob-
jects of such Societies.

"As soon as I was admitted to pratique, and had adjusted my concerns, I

cnabled to judge of the intention and object in view. Here was a general murmur against the Pope, and the government of the Cardinals and Priests.

thought it might be beneficial to go to the Jews' synagogue. I accordingly went there on their sabbath, and obtained an interview with some of their learned men. Here, however, I did not From Bologna we proceeded to Venice, meet with such good success. I was told where I distributed many more; and that they were quite satisfied with their having, when at Malta, heard there was own religion, so much so, that they did a Protestant church there, I immediately not wish to see any books that might tend endeavoured to find it out, which I sucto shake their present belief. Seeing cecded in doing, and made myself known them so blinded by prejudice, I enquired to the Pastor, a young man about twenty if I might see the Rabbi; they replied five, of the Lutheran persuasion. I felt that I might see him, but that it was of much pleased to find that a greater deno use to give him any of the tracts, for gree of toleration exists here than in any he was a very learned man, and had by other part I had visited. The Pope has his arguments, convinced one Christian remonstrated against it to the Emperor: that the Messiah is yet to come. I could but instead of hearkening to his remonnot help pitying their extreme obstinacy, strances, he has caused it to be legally and parted with them, stating the purity established. I thought I could not do of my intentions, and that it was the hope better than give this Minister the Gerof every sincere Christian that the time man Tracts; he read them with pleasure is near at hand when they would be and promised to distribute them. brought into Christ's fold: to this they asked him if he thought there would be replied, that they thought we might be any objection to an English Missionary friends without introducing the subject preaching at Venice; he replied that he of religion. After this, I waited upon thought the sanction of government the Chaplain to the English Factory at might be easily obtained; and that in Leghorn, a man of extensive knowledge. that case, the church was very much at I was much pleased with the solemn his service.

I

manner in which he read the church "Thus, my dear friend, I have deservice, and with his sermon on the tailed to you my proceedings as far as Lord's day, which induced me to make Venice. I have not yet done any thing myself known to him; I accordingiy did at Trieste, but you will hear further so after the service. I left some tracts from me shortly. with him, and with a friend, who promised to distribute them faithfully.

"Upon our arrival at Florence, I also distributed a great many of the Epistles, Gospels, and Doddridge's Rise; and was happy to find they were received with gratitude. A Priest sent to me to purchase one; I sent him one, and he returned three shillings for it. On going out in the evening, I was accosted by a Priest, who, in a very low tone, asked charity; I expressed my surprise that a person of his profession should be driven to such a mode of subsistence; he stated that the church was poor, and that there were four masses to be said on acount of the increasing infidelity of the people. I had no small money about me, but having a Doddridge in my pocket, I immediately gave it to him; after obtaining his promise that he would read it carefully; I told him, that if he was so needy as he professed to be, I was convinced that those at whose instance it was published, would have no objection to his putting it into the hands of another, even for a pecuniary consideration. He took the book, and seemed to be more thankful than if I had given him money.

On the road to Bologna, and on our arrival there, I distributed a great number; but the general desire was to see the Reports of the Societies translated into their own language, that they might be the better

AFRICA.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. John
Evans, Missionary in Africa, to Rev.
D. Peter of Carmarthen.

Nov. 27, 1815, arrived at the drosdy of Witenhage, where, during my stay at Bethelsdorp, I went to preach occasionally. Colonel Cuyler, who is the landrost of that district, treated me with all possible civility. He said, that as he had experienced great kindness when in Wales, I, as a Welshman, had a claim upon him. He gave me many judicious cautions, with respect to travelling in this country; and he, with the gentlemen of the court of justice who were there from Cape Town, came to our out span-place to take leave of us, on the morning of the 28th. It was extremely hot on the 30th, and had the heat continued long, the consequences might have been serious to man and beast. The effect was evident, and I felt it myself in getting fainter. Therm. 1106 But the promise was fulfilled on our behalf, Psalm cxxi. 6.

Dec. 6, arrived at Graaf Reynet, where we met with many Christian friends. The landrost expressed his readiness to serve us to the utmost of his power. I