Periodical Accounts relating to the Missions of the Church of the United Brethren, established among the Heathen. No. XLIII, 8vo, Is. WE are always happy to hear of the successful exertions of our brethren of every denomination, in the cause of Missions; and owe a particular respect to this denomination, who had the honour of precedence in this glorious work. The present Number informs us that their labours are continued with unremitted energy in all their Missionary Stations. The first Letter from St. Kitt's informs us of the merciful protection afforded the brethren when the Freach landed at that place, and levied contributions on the other inhabitants; but were so pleased with the pious simplicity of the Missionaries, as to shew them favour. The second Letter from Antigua states the alarm of the brethren there, in expecting the same visitants; but they did not come. The third article is the Diary of the Mission in Greenland for thirteen months, from June 1803; and contains some pleasing instances of the power of grace upon the hearts of the poor natives. The Fourth is the Diary of the Mission among the free negroes at Bambey, in the latter half of 1804, when this little flock consisted of fifty persons, of whom only twenty were communicants. The last article contains intell gence from Bavian's Kloof up to January last; when there were 1093 Hottentots at this settlement, of whom 129 children and 245 adults had been baptized (fourteen of them in the last year) and ninety-four communi cants. "A corps of Hottentots having been formed by Government for the defence of the country, several of the inhabitants of Bavian's Kloof were among them. They distinguished themselves by their good behaviour; insomuch, that they were all appointed corporals. With a view to continue their instruction in the Christian doctrines, Government desired that a Missionary might attend them. Brother Kohrhammer was appointed to that office; and, with his wife, went to their camp, two hours journey from the Cape Town. Besides preaching to a large auditory on Sundays, he kept school, both with the children and adults, in the weekdays. A report having spread, that the English would attack the Cape in the beginning of the year, a camp was formed in another part of the country, and Brother Kohrhammer dismissed, with every mark of respect and gratitude for his services." Original Poems, for Infant Minds, Two Vols. 18mo, 38. THOUGH these little volumes do not come strictly within the sphere of our Review, we are persuaded, that parents and guardians will be obliged to us for recommeading to their notice a work so admirably calculated for the instruction and improvement of infant minds; while the young folks, for whom they are designed, will find in them a fund of rational entertainment. They are, we understand, chiefly the productions of two young ladies, daughters of a Dissenting Minister in the country, who appear to be possessed of no mean poetical talents; and while some of the pieces display a considerable degree of innocent playful humour, others are of a religious nature. The first volume has already reached a third edition. We subjoin a specimen, not on account of its peculiar merit, but as being, from its shortness, most suitable to our limits: 66 My father and mother are dead, No friead nor relation I have; And now the cold earth is their bed, And daisies grow over their grave, "I cast my eyes into the tomb, The sight made me bitterly cry! I said, "And is this the dark room Where my father and mother must lie ?" "I cast my eyes round me again, In hopes some protector to see; Alas! but the search was in vain, For none had compassion on me! "I cast my eyes ap to the sky; I groan'd, tho' I said not a word: Yet God was not deaf to my cry, The Friend of the fatherless heard! "O yes! and he graciously smil'd, And bid me on him to depend: He whisper'd, "Fear not, little child, For I am thy Father and Friend!" Thoughts on the Calvinistic and Arminian Controversy. By George Stan ley Faber, B. D. Mr. Faber, we imagine, is a young man: his talents appear respectable; but he has not yet attained that accurate knowledge of the Calvinistic and Arminian Systems which will enable a person to write on the subject with REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. accuracy and precision. His Calvinist chain, and his Arminian chain, which he thinks to be of adamant, and incapable of being broken, may be found to be composed of iron and clay, and easily pulled asunder. The Church of England, he defines in an approved quotation from the Bishop of Lincoln's Elements of Theology, to be "not Lutheran, not Calvinist, not Arminian, but Scriptural." These are very pretty words, and may be admired by those who float on the surface of things, and who have not examined the subject with profound attention. But both the Bishop and the Presbyter must know, that on many questions in Science there are but two sides; and the disputant must take either the one or the other. This is the case in many topics of Theology, and especially on several of the doctrines about which Calvinists and Arminians differ. The Theologian must take either the one side or the other; and on these points, at least, must be either an Arminian or a Calvinist. This must undoubtedly be the case respecting the reasons of the divine decrees, and of the efficacy of divine grace upon the heart: that the Articles and Liturgy of the Church of England are, in some parts, evidently Calvinistical, it will be impossible for any impartial reasoner to deny. If in other things she appears to speak the language of Arminianism, or at least language which the generality of Calvinists have not used (though they are to be found in Davenant, Baxter, Amyrault, and others, who were Calvinists as to the main points of the system) it remains to be enquired, Whether she is in part of her doctrines really Arminian? or, Whether, seeing Arminianism as a professed system had then no existence among Protestants, it is not to be ascribed to a looseness of expression from which no evil was thought likely to ensue ? That every controversy has produced greater accuracy of statement than before, in regard to the doctrine which is the subject of discussion, is well known to every theological student; and likewise, that before the agitation of the controversy, many excellent men, and scund in the faith, used modes of >peaking which were afterwards justly accounted inaccurate and improper. At the time when the Ritual of the Church of England was composed, there had been no controversy among Protestants in relation to the Five Points, which have since distinguished the followers of Calvin and Arminian; and, there $9 fore, the accuracy of expression in later times is not to be looked for. To the reasoning which attempts to prove that the Church of England is not Calvinistic, because she does not go the length of some very strong and harsh expressions which are to be found in the works of Calvin, we pay no deference; for at the present day, .on both sides, neither Calvinists nor Arminians choose to be saddled with all the assertions and inferences of the father of their sect; but yet adopt the name, because they believe the main doctrines held by the leader of their denomination. In a word, while we have neither a call nor an inclination to enter into the controversy, we would observe, that they who think the Church of England is Arminian, and that, in some articles at least, she is not evidently Calvinistic, have a Herculean labour to perform in supporting their hypothesis. Additional light may be thrown on this controversy, by perusing the other works of the chief compilers of the Articles and Liturgy, and examining what sentimeats they there hoid and express; for as they were men of great goodness and integrity, it would be a defamation of their character to suppose that they did not convey into the standards of the church the doctrines which we find them in their other writings to have believed and maintained. A Plan for the Establishment and Regulation of Sunday-Schools: to which is prefixed, An Address to the Public, on their Importance and Utility; with an Appendix, containing Ruled Forms of Books for keeping a Methodical Account of the Scholars. Printed for the Sunday-School Union. 8r0, 28. vd. Whatever may contribute to the number and good management of Sunday Schools, deserves the attention of the public; and as this Plan is the result of the combined advice and experience of pious persons, who have made it the subject of their study, we think it is entitled to the careful perusal of the managers of seminaries. Several useful hints are given concerning the Establishment of New Schools, the Place of Meeting, the Hours of Attendance, the Business of the Schools, the Teachers, the Superintendant, the Secretary, the Visitor of the Sick, Rewards and Punishments, Library, and Books to k ep a regular account of the Admission, Progress, &c. of the children. The Appendix, which is particularly valuable, gives a specimen, very handsomely excented on a large scale, of the proper forms of the ReceivingBook, the Roll-Book, the Class Papers, the Numerical Register, &c. &c. These will be found exceedingly useful, especially to those teachers, &c. who have not been in the habit of keeping regular accounts; and a careful attention to the plans proposed, will, no doubt, contribute much to the general economy of these laudable institutions. The Society have also published a Spelling-Book, in two parts. We forhear to give a particular account of its merits, as we have hitherto declined taking notice of similar productions. A Sermon, preached on Occasion of the This seasonable discourse is founded on a well-chosen text (Ps. ii. 11.) "Rejoice with trembling." After a retrospect of the late victory, and the honourable acknowledgement of Divine Providence made by the commander, the author states several reasons why our joy should be tempered with religions fear and reverence, viz. That the dispensations of God's favour are connected with the most momentous consequences, the increasing power of our enemies by land, and that our conquest, glorious as it is, has been dearly purchased. Some serious thoughts are added concerning the domestic trials of those who have lost their dear relations in the conflict. Victory mourning a Sermon preached at Southampton, Nov. 10. By Win. Kingsbury, M. A. 800, 19. When in this discourse the author judiciously improves our late naval victory, he deplores, in a Christian spirit, the painful losses which attended it; particularly that of the gallant Nelson, to whom be pays a proper token of respect. The above, we believe, are the two first sermons published on the occasion. We would gladly pay the same respect to others; but they multiply so fast upon us, that we are obliged to refer the others to our List of Publi cations. LITERARY NOTICES. Mr. Fuller has in the press Lectures on the Book of Genesis, iu one vol. 8vo; which may be expected in about a month. A New Life of Dr. Watts is in the press, intended to be prefixed to the first vol. of Wat's's Practical Works, just completed, in three vols. 8vo. A capital edition of Henry's Bible, in Quarto, is in the press, to be accompanied with elegant plates. The copy to be revised by Mr. Hughes and Mr. Burder. A new edition of Mr. Burder's Village Sermons may be expected in the course of this month. SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. A Seventh Vol. of Saurin's Sermons, translated by Joseph Sutcliffe, Svo, 6s. Watts's Practical Works, Vol. III, Demy 8vo, 10s. 6d. boards; Royal 8vo, tine, extra hoards, 138. Actual Sin and Future Misery traced to their real Causes, or an Attempt to prove that nothing prevents Sinners coming to Jesus Christ but their own unwillingness. By Wm. Moseley. The Age of Frivolity, addressed to the Fashionable, the Busy, and the Religious World. By Tim. Touch'em. 2s. 6d. Doddridge's Works, Vol. X and last, 8s. 6d. THANKSGIVING SERMONS, 18. each. Reflections on Victory, preached at Argyle Chapel, Bath, by W. Jay. A Tribute to the Memory of Nelson, preached at West Cowes, by John Styles, from 2 Sam. iii. 35. The God of Salvation, preached in the Parish-Church of St. Andrew by the Wardrobe, and St. Ann, Blackfriars, by W. Goode, A. M. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. INDIA. Extracts of Letters from Mr. Carey to a Friend in Edinburgh. Sept. 27, 1804. THE means afforded of spreading gospel-light, by dispersing the word of God and pamphlets, have been great, and the exertions of our friends very generous; and tho' the light struck up be but as a spark, it has glanced upon very many. Yet, from a calculation nade a few days ago, it appears that it will require the expenditure of a sum not less than 250,000l. sterling, to furnish every twelfth person in Bengal with a New Testament, at the cheapest rate that we can print them: What then must we say of the whole of Hindoostan and the surrounding countries ? The prospect on one side almost sinks our hopes; but the promise and faithfulness of God encourages us to go on. "The earth must be filed with the knowledge of the Lord." This knowJedge must be conveyed by the word of his grace, published and preached. Compared with the greatness of the work, the means are but small; and, perhaps, three-fourths of those means which God has committed to his church are withheld, by the influence of custom, preconceived opinions of churchgovernment, timidity, conformity to the world, luxury, covetousness, or other evils; perhaps few feel, as they ought, the sin of not devoting ALL their talents, influence, and substance to the Lord. 8th Feb. 180ck. THE second edition of the New Testament is getting forward. We skipped over Luke, Acts, and Romans, intending to print 10,000 copies of these three books to give away, where a whole New Testament might be improper. We are now in the first epistle to the Thessalonians; and of the 10,000, Luke is nearly finished. The ten first chapters of Matthew are printed in Mahratta, at Dr. Hunter's press; Matthew, and part of Mark, in Hindostance; and the third volume of the Old Testament, Job, and the second edition of the Psalms to Psalm 136, are printed. The New Testament is nearly all translated into Mahratta and Oareea; and a gentleman is translating the New Testament into Malay. ΣΙΥ. Extract of a Letter from Mrs. Marshman, Wife of one of the Mission aries. "As it is the desire of our brethren to spread the gospel as widely as possible, they mean, as often as any brother can be spared from home, to place him out, after he has learned the langnage, at the distance of fifty or 100 miles; putting him at the same time into a little way of business, whereby he may employ a number of the natives, and at the same time make known to them something of the blessed way of life. Thus brother Chamberlain is stationed at Cutwa, about 100 miles up the river. We bought him a piece of ground, built him a bungalow, and put him into the cloth way. He employs a number of weavers, gives them a little money in hand; they find every thing, and make the cloth at their own houses; when done, they bring it home, and receive the rest of the money; with which we supply him from Serampore. "My first business in the morning is to see that the children (forty or forty-five in number) are bathed and dressed fit for the day. At seven, the writing-school commences; at eight, worship and breakfast; at nine, school begins again, and continues till the bell rings for dinner, at half past one; at three, school again, which ends at half past five: and by the time every thing is put in order, tea is ready; and after tea, worship immediately. By the time all is over, and the children are in bed, it is generally nine o'clock; after which time is my holyday, to read, write, or work. But I am ofren so overcome with fatigue, and the scorching heat of the day, that I feel neither will nor power to do any thing at all: and when I sit down to converse with you, it is with a weary body, a stupid soul, and dim eyes. But I am sure of having all my faults lightly passed over, and all covered with love." AMERICA. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. F. Dick, a Minister from Scotland, who is gone to preach the Gospel in Quebec. Quebec, Aug. 24, 1805. I take this early opportunity, al er my arrival here, of writing you a few G lines by a ship which will sail for Greenock in a few days. We sailed from Greenock the zoth of June, and after a tedious passage of eight weeks and four days we reached Quebec. The passage was by no means a pleasant one. We had a contrary wind almost all the way. My company on board was as good as 1 expected, although not what I could have wished. There was only one other passenger on board, who was a very agreeable young man. The captain and mate, who were my company in the cabin, were very kiud to me; and, after I recovered from my sickness, permitted me to preach on the Lord's Day when the weather would allow. On such occasions all hands attended. I had frequent opportunities of speaking to some of them in private; I also distributed some Tracts amongst them, but I saw very little effect from my instructions. Various were the exercises of my own mind during the passage, while removed from my near relations, separate I from my dear Christian friends, deprived in a great measure of public ordinances, often obliged to spend the Sabbath in silence, without a fellowcreature to whom I could unbosom myself, and the winds and waves seeming to fight against me. These things often lay heavy on my mind; but, blessed be the God of ail grace, he did not leave me altogether without comfort. The reading of his word I found to be very precious to me. Access to his throne of grace was peculiarly refreshing to my weary soul. On my arrival here I called on some of the persons whose names were in the letter. I found that Mr. B had sailed for England only two weeks before, and that we had passed one another in the river. They had not got any word from London of any one coming out to them. They all appeared to be glad of my arrival. It was on Monday the 19there I arrived, and I preached in their place of meeting on Wednesday night, when about an hundred attended. The place will contain about two hundred. This place, as far as I can learn, is in a most deplorable state in respect to religion. The great body of the people are drowned in wickedness and sitperstition; and those in general who make some profession of religion, appear to have received it, not from the Scriptures of truth, but, as it were, by tradition from their fathers; and here they can mould it according to the customs of the world. I trust, however, there are a few here who have received the love of the truth, but stand in need of being instructed in the way of the Lord more perfectly. Extract of a Letter from a Member of the Committee of Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, dated Philadelphia, 11 June, 1805. "We have received answers to our Circular Letters from various societies both in Europe and America; and are happy to find, that tho' the cause of missions in all places mee's with those discouragements which, perhaps, are necessary, and intended to try the faith and patience of God's people, to make them feel more sensibly their entire dependence on the divine protection and blessing, and to engage them to cry earnestly and constantly to the Lord of the harvest; yet, on the whole, the cause is prospering, and affords a comfortable hope that the missions of the present day are to be inade instrumental in greatly extending the Redeemer's kingdom). (Our answer to the letter of the London Missionary Society will be forwarded to you before long.) "In Asia and Africa, your societies have indeed an ample field for their la bours, and one which seems to promise them an ample harvest. The accounts from South Africa delighted my very soul. It would gratify me, and I am sure I can say the same for my brethren, if our societies could co-operate with yours in sending missions both to Africa and India but this is utterly impracticable at present. We have so large a region on our own frontier, which is as necessitous as any can be, and to which we have easy access, that it appears to me we should not be justifiable in leaving a large part of it unsupplied, and unattempted (for such at present is the case) that we might carry on operations in places more distant, and which would require more than double the expense. But our means are annually iu creasing; and I hope the time may come when we shall look beyond ourselves, and unite with our brethren in sending the glad tidings of salvation to the most distant parts of the earth. In the mean time, we shall not only wish them well, and pray for their success, but gladly afford them all the collateral assistance in our power. If we can help you by getting a passage for your missionaries, by forwarding to them letters or supplies of any kind, or by shewing them any countenance or kindness on |