98 Review of Religious Publications. 6 1. Two Tracts, intended to convey Christ are described as a party, a correct Notions of Regeneration and seet, in the very bosom of the church, Conversion, according to the Sense of who arrogate to themselves the disthe holy Scripture, and of the Church tinction of being her only faithful of England. Extracted from the sons; but whose preaching is in Bampton Lecture of 1812, and pub- irreconcilable hostility to her unequivolished in a Form adapted for Circula- cal and numerous declarations; on tion among the Community at large, whose banners Regeneration is, as it and at the Request of the Salop were, inscribed as a watch-word, District Committee of the Society regeneration, not the fruit of Christ's for promoting Christian Knowledge. holy ordinance of baptism, but the By Richard Mant, D. D. Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rector of St. Botolph's, Bishopgate, &c. A new Edition, Price 1s. 6d. 3. Baptism a Seal of the Christian Covenant or Remarks on Regeneration, &c. (in Answer to the same.) By T. T. Biddulph, A. M. Minister of St. James's, Bristol. 8vo, 5s. sewed. THIS is a controversy of no ordinary importance: it relates to the vitals of Christianity, and deserves the attentive consideration of all who desire to know the mind of the Spirit in the Scriptures of truth. Dr. Mant's pamphlet appears before the public with strong recommendations; for the author was a Bampton lecturer, at Oxford; Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury; and one of the persous selected to compile a Commentary on the Scriptures, under the patronage of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge: it has been adopted by that Society, and circulated throughout the kingdom, with the annual packet, sent to all its members: so that it may be considered as holding forth the opinion of a large body of the clergy of the Established Church. On these accounts, it claims peculiar attention. It is also evidently designed, not merely to defend the sentiments of the author and his friends, but also to brand with contempt the more evangelical clergy. These servants of effect of their declamation.' - Mr. Whitefield is censured as guilty of inconceivable effrontery' for declaring that he would as soon believe the doctrine of Transubstantiation, as that all people who are baptized are born again. He is charged also with a spirit of uncharitableness equal to his effrontery,' for asserting that baptismal regeneration was the great Diana of the present clergy and of the present age.' Mr. Scott, of Hull (one of the clerical sons of the venerable author of the Commentary on the Scriptures, and many other excellent works) has, with no small ability, entered the lists with Dr. Mant, and very fully combats his views of regeneration. Mr. Scott admits that, in very early times, strong language came into use in the Christian Church concerning baptism; and that the Church of England has retained a portion of this language, by speaking of every one admitted to baptism as born again,' and regenerated by God's Holy Spiit;' but he adds, it is by no means sufficient merely to quote this language,' it must be examined in what sense, and on what grounds, the Church uses it. · Dr. Mant understands by the regeneration of baptism' a supernatural grace conferred' - -'a new principle put into us'-' a new principle of life' and of action-even the Spirit of grace'-'the sanctification of the Spirit-which makes us heirs of salva tion'--'entitles us to eternal life." He believes, that all this extends to every one to whom baptism is rightly administered:' that to deny this is to deny its sacramental character' — ́ is heresy'-is'in some sense doing despite to the Spirit of grace :' — and, · finally, he holds that no other regeneration is possible in this world.' See Mr. Scott's Inquiry, p. 10. Notwithstanding this diversified phraseology,' Mr. Scott thinks the Doctor's language indefinite, indistinct, and neither consistent with itself, nor with other parts of the work:' for after all, it may be asked, 'Is baptisin itself regeneration?—or does it convey regeneration?-or is it only attended by regeneration? does it convey regenerating influence only to infants, or to all to whom it is rightly administered?' Mr. Scott, in his second chapter, proceeds to consider the argument from Scripture, examines Dr. M.'s scriptural authorities, and his observations upon them, particularly his in sisting upon the joint operation of water and of the Holy Spirit (from John iii. 6.)—born of water and of the Spirit; which common sense teaches us to understand of the purifying influence of the Spirit on the soul, to be like that of water on the body. Mr. S. justly observes, that the operation of the Spirit is, in a very similar manner, connected with another material substance, fire. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.' Might not persons argue from this passage the joint operation of the Holy Ghost and fire, as Dr. M. does from water? Other Scriptures, perverted by him, are justly explained by Mr. Scott. 6 Mr. S. then presents, in a solemn view, the consequence of maintaining that baptism is regeneration, or the only medium of it:-it is this-that whoever dies without baptism is inevitably lost forever: for as no man can inherit the kingdom of God, unless he be born again (John iii. 3.) then, if regeneration be baptism, it must follow, on Dr. M.'s plan, that no unbaptized person can be saved. Will he exclude from the possibility of salvation the whole body of Quakers, all the children of Anti-Podobaptists, who die without receiving adult bap tism, &c.? Do all these perish without hope?-not to speak of all the children of Jews and Mohammedans. Of Mr. Biddulph's pamphlet we can only state at present, that, as he pursues a different method, and cites many authorities omitted by Mr.Scott, we do not think it a matter of regret that both these able writers have attacked an error of such immense importance. [To be concluded in our next.] The Present of a Mistress to a Young THE former productions of Mrs, Taylor's pen, Practical Hints to Young Females,' and Maternal Solicitude,' have been received by the religious public, as they deserved to be-very favourably. This book bears the same distinguishing character that of sound sense, rendered pleasing. palatable, and interesting to the reader; the result of observation and experience, and recommended by benevo lent intention and good humour. Mrs. Taylor is one of the few who are well qualified to write for the middling and lower classes of society, whose welfare she appears to have at heart, and to whom her hints and instruc tions cannot fail to be useful. This little volume is not so much intended for competent servants, es pecially in large establishments, as for young girls at their first setting out in life. 'Plain families have the trouble of forming such for higher situations, and it would contribute greatly to the comfort of both classes, if steady principles and sober habits could be early instilled into those by whom they are served.' But an object, still greater, is kept in view. It is to form good wives and good mothers among the poor; for there can be little doubt, that she' who is brought to act conscientiously in the character of a servant, will acquit herself well in these more important relations.' The writer has, therefore, adopted a very minute mode of instruction, on the subject of Frngality especially. 'It is obvious that the good design of the work could not have been effected by any other mode. To recommend this volume to young people, many anecdotes and characters from real life are introduced, calculated not only to relieve the tedium of dry advice, but to impress the injunctions more deeply. Some idea of the book may be formed from the following list of its contents:-1. Introduction. 2. Keep ing in Place. 3. Teachableness. 4. Good Temper. 5. Speaking the Truth. 6. Honesty and Sobriety. 7. Gossiping and Holiday-making. 8. Frugality. 9. Industry. 10. Management and Regularity. 11. Cleanliness. 12. Observation, Attention, and Memory. 13. The Nurse-Maid. 14. Sickness. 15. Dress. 16. Behaviour to Parents. 17. Conclusion. These particular topics are treated in a very just and striking manner. The good servant will, with pleasure, behold her own picture; the bad may blush at her own deformity. The matron will confirm, the truth of the likenesses by the experience of past years the young woman may profit by learning which characters to imitate, and which to avoid. In a word, we sincerely wish, for the happiness of individuals and of families, that this little, but interesting volume, may obtain an extensive circulation; and we think that it will form a desirable addition to the kitchen-library, and be a most valuable present to a young girl, when she leaves the Sunday School, or quits the habitation of her parents. Looking unto Jesus, as carrying on the great Work of Man's Salvation; or a View of the everlasting Gospel. By Isaac Ambrose. Abridged by Rev. Robt. Cox, A. M. 8vo, 7s. 6d. THE name of Isaac Ambrose stands high on the list of the two thousand worthies, who were ejected from their livings for nonconformity, in the year 1662. He was a man of eminent piety and excellence, holy in his life, happy in his death, and honoured by God and all good men.' The edifying productions of his pen are collected together in a folio volume, which was printed in the year 1689; among which, his treatise on Looking unto Jesus is particularly distinguished, and esteemed for the rich savour of evangelical truth which pervades the whole of it. Indeed, to all who desire to glory in nothing, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, this work must be a valuable acquisition; though to some the prolixity of it may be deemed an objec tion. The publication now before us will, we doubt not, be preferred by a numerous class of readers, as it gives the substance of the whole, greatly compressed; and so is better adapted to their want of leisure for perusing the more extended original. For this abridgment the Public are indebted to the same respectable clergyman, whose History of an Old Pocket-Bible we had the pleasure to notice, in our number for January, 1814. A Table of Contents would greatly improve this volume. NOTES, intended as Materials for a Memoir, on the Affairs of the Protestants of the Department Du Gard. Svo, 1s. 6d. THESE Notes were written by an which they describe, and a person of eye-witness of many of the facts unblemished reputation. They are published by order of the Committee of Dissenting Ministers, appointed ing the funds contributed to the relief by the General Body for superintendof the persecuted French Protestants. It is not generally known, that, before the French revolution, the Protestants continued to be the victims of Persecution; the excesses of that revolution were deplored by them, but it was the termination of their sufferings, and the commencement of their religious freedom. About that time the Catholics of Nismes and of Uzes formed the design of annihilating the Protestants; and the same persons who, in 1790, had sworn to massacre them, were at the bead of the disturbances in 1814 and 1815.When Louis XVIII. was restored, the Protestants flattered themselves that they should enjoy repose; but a great number of the Catholics soon discovered their enmity, and cruelly declared, that he was exclusively their king; they insulted, calumniated, and accused them under the most frivolous pretexts; and would persuade them that they were disaffected towards the sovereign, nor would any assurances, on the part of the Protestants, satisfy them of the sincerity of those whose ruin they had sworn to effect. Associations were formed, headed by men of infamous character (several of their names are mentioned in the pamphlet) joined by the vilest of the populace, who assembled in the Esplanade, when they sang toge ther in songs, that they would wash their hands in the blood of the Protestants; that with their liver and lights they would make a mess to feed on. Some of these wretches were paid a shilling or more per day, the women 10d. and children 3d. or 4d. for their services. Even a magistrate ventured to declare, that a second St. Bartholomew was necessary*. Others would publicly take cords and soap them, in the presence of the Protestants, declaring that they would tie them to the gallows prepared for their execution. Indeed, several gibbets were found at the house of an apothecary and elsewhere. When Bonaparte landed, they said, we are going to take him; but when we return we will kill you all. When the Protestants offered to join the ranks of the army, they were threatened with death; but a subscription, opened for its subsistence, was, in a few days, completed almost entirely by the Protestants. When the 67th regiment of the line and others declared in favour of Bonaparte, the city guard, composed chiefly of Protestants, their cause *In 1572, Charles IX. and Catherine de Medicis, his mother, contrived a bloody plan to extirpate the Protestant in France. They began with Admiral Coligny, on his way from the palace to his own house. The next Sunday, being St. Bartholomew's Day, Aug. 24, when the bells rang for morn ing prayers, the Duke of Guise made his appearance, with a large number of soldiers and citizens, who immediately commenced a general slaughter among the Protestants, whom they reproachfully called Hugonots. The cowardly Charles appeared at the windows of his palace, and shot those that attempted to escape with their lives, crying, to those that were in pursnit of them, Kill them, kill them! The diabolically bloody car nage continued seven days, when above seven hundred houses in Paris were completely_pillaged, neither age, nor sex, nor office, nor even woman with child, was spared. Above 5000 fell in this religions slaughter. One monster boasted to the King that he had killed 150 in one night, with his own hand. None who are informed of this will need to inquire, what the apostle means when he speaks of some glorying in their shame! To the day when these inhuman scenes commenced, the Catholics of Nismes alluded, when they cried Fire le St. Barthelemi! ministers, and others, used their utmost efforts to promote peace and order, and to quiet the minds of the Catholics, who feared a dreadful reaction: but this only augmented the rage of their enemies; aud as soon as a reverse took place, they begun to plunder the habitations of the Protestants. The city guard capitulated; but, contrary to treaty, nearly 300 were massacred. The assassins were collected by the aların belts of Nismes and the surrounding villages; and when the horrid deed was done, the bells of all the churches were rung, as if they had announced a festivalday. From the 17th to the 23d, and from the 25th to the 28th of July, the infuriated rabble plundered several hundreds of the houses of the wealthy Protestants, and robbed the warehouses of those manufacturers who had maintained them for ages past,~~ even the workmen had their looms destroyed! Seldom a day passed but 5, 10, 15, or 20 persons were murdered; and on the 16th of Angust, 52 were massacred. The name of Protestant was as a scutence of death; and at least 400 persons were cut off from their families. A cruel monster (named Lafont, better known by the name of Trestallion) boasted that he had killed 40, and wished to make Even the women up the number 50. were shamefully treated. One of 60 years of age was stripped, whipped three times, and obliged to go home naked, in the midst of curses and blows. The brigands went to the house of a Protestant farmer, made him light a great fire, stabbed him with a bayonet, and then hung him up in the midst of the flames, where he expired. But we have not-room to detail the cruelties recorded in this pamphlet; suffice it to say, that similar excesses were committed at Uzes, where, in one day, 28 houses were pillaged and 12 persons shot. The miseries were extended to Montaran, Lussan, St. Cezaire, Milhaud, Uchaud, and 14 more places which are mentioned -Twenty pastors were obliged to fly. many to wander in the mountains, divino worship was almost everywhere interrupted. On the 15th of October persecution raged at Nismes more Four or five hundred were than ever. banished; and there was a serious intention to murder the whole of the Protestants in the night of the 16th. Trestallion was entering the city at the head of several thousand men; but General Le Garde, who was afterwards shot, effectually resisted him. Bat M. Lafont, a peaceable man, an entire stranger to political opinions, after defending his house for an hour, was murdered, and cut into a thousand pieces. When, by order of the Duke d'Angoulere, a Protestant church was again opened, a dreadful tumult ensued, the worship was interrupted, and the people trembling escaped, threatened with death. The national guard of the city, who were all Catholics, being requested to assist in restoring order, declared, That they would not expose themselves for villains, The pastor escaped with difficulty, assaulted by stones; and the President of the Consistory (aged 70) was preserved from being murdered, only by the devotedness of some of the officers. In one instance, a family of nine persons was murdered,-grandfather, grandmother, father and mother, and all their children. In another, the persecutor entered the house, asked the woman for her husband. She said he was ill in bed. 'I will go up and see him.' He saw the sick man in bed. You are very bad?' "Yes." Ah! the doctors cannot cure you; but I can.' With this ho pulled out a pistol, and blew out the brains of his victim. On the 21st of December, one of their temples was re-opened; but snch were the fears of the Protestants, that some of them first made their wills, and took leave of their families before they ventured to attend. However, all was calm; and they determined on celebrating Christmas-day. tion in Spain' If the Government of France be either too weak or too ill-disposed towards them, to whom shall they turn to claim that protection, unless it be to the Prussians, but especially to the English? Their position is but little ameliorated by proclamations and orders; these have hitherto served only to deceive the public opinion.' The manner in which the Protestants were compelled to give up their temples, in direct violation of the Charter, is detailed; and the manly conduct of the ministers, and the elders of the Consistory, cannot be too highly applauded. We cannot help noticing, in this place, the manner in which this subjeet has been treated in 'The Christian Observer.' The writer of the article on Public Affairs, in the number for January, calls the publications respecting the late affairs in France fabricated tales of perscentions:'he treats the Resolutions passed at public meetings as discovering a factious wish to degrade the Bourbons: he represents the charitable efforts of Protestants as clumsy eloquence;' and speaks of the noisy declamations from Glasgow, Plymouth, &c. We think that respectable bodies of Dissenting Ministers and Christians, of various denominations, ought not to be insulted in this manner. The assertions made in the publications alluded to, have been most abundantly confirmed, and it is a solemn truth, that the public letters of those Protestant ministers, which contradict these statements. were written under the dictation of the officers of the French Government. It is a sad aggravation of the sufferings of the Protestant ministers, that they should be forced to degrade themselves by the publication of falsehood. The Christian Observer says, —' No one has yet pretended that, except in the department of La Garde, the Protestants have experienced any molestation whatever, or that the free exercise of their worship has been interrupted for a single moment.' We are surprized at this assertion, as we should have expected the Christian Observer to have had better information. It is certain that the Departments of Hesault and Ancyson have been the theatres of scenes similar to those which have been witnessed in |