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judgment. That something may be said in defence of these practices is allowed; for there is no evil for which the human heart, and the Father of Lies, do not weave its veil of sophistry: but there is no plausible argument in favour of any branch of this secularity, which would not justify the establishment of Sunday-schools for teaching boys to make shoes, and girls to knit. This would be a great charity; and we know of no better reason urged for the practices we have just censured. The fact, however, is, that the time which can be lawfully occupied by a Sundayschool does not admit of these secular appendages; and if it did, they would be unlawful. Only out of the hours of divine service, Schools on the Sabbath ought to be held; otherwise, they become a moral nuisance, and ought to be abated; no Christian man has any right to absent himself habitually from the public worship of GOD, thus to employ his time; no young persons, acting as teachers, ought to place themselves in these circumstances, so perilous to the soul; and all the time which the intervals of worship can allow, will be fully occupied in teaching the children to read the Scriptures, in catechetical exercises, and in familiar exhortations, beyond which, and singing and prayer, nothing ought

to be heard or seen, in Institutions which profess to give a right bias to the youthful mind on subjects of infinite importance. For who has given the right to the conductors of Sunday-schools, to repeal God's everlasting law of the Sabbath; or to substitute empty pleas of "necessity" or "charity" against his declared and explicit will? The value we set upon these institutions, and the happy effects which we have seen result from them, when conducted as so many of them are,-our very anxiety for their success, and that they should not employ themselves in undoing their own work, by breaking the sanction of God's word whilst they profess to recommend it,— have drawn from us these remarks. When disobedience stalks abroad under the garb of charity, it becomes most infectious and dangerous; but the charity is false:-it is charity to the body, and cruelty to the soul; it looks at the lower interests of the children, but displaces or enfeebles that pious care for their religious instruction, and for their being trained to sanctifying habits, which is the only efficient agent of Sundayschool instruction. As for all the rest it may be said, "Who hath required this at your hands?

(To be continued.)

""

MENTAL DISCIPLINE; or, Hints on the Cultivation of Intellectual Habits: addressed particularly to Students in Theology and Young Preachers. By HENRY FORSTER BURDER, M. A. Royal 8vo. pp. 94. 4s. 6d. boards. London. 1821.

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pages; for it contains much important instruction in a small compass, and is one of those volumes which make us deeply regret, when we examine them, that the space is so limited which can be afforded in this Magazine to the review of theological books. This regret is, however, mitigated, in the present instance, by the hope that all young Ministers, and other religious persons just entering on a course of study, whom our recommendation can influence, will be induced to purchase it for themselves, and to peruse it with that attention which

it will well repay. We are happy to announce that a second edition, in 12mo., will be published in a few days, the price of which will be only 3s. 6d. The cultivation of mental habits, favourable to the acquisition and proper use of knowledge, is unquestionably the better half of the labour incumbent on the young student; and in such efforts this volume may render him essential service. It is from the want of that "Discipline" which is here described and enforced, that so many great readers have read to so little purpose, and remain, after considerable sacrifices of time and toil, mere smatterers in the crudities of learning, or become disgustingly pedantic and conceited. We are aware that authors of great name have treated on "the conduct of the understanding," and have endeavoured to facilitate "the improvement of the mind." Many valuable suggestions on these subjects are also to be found scattered in works on the Pastoral Character and Office, in Ordination-Charges, and in standard works on the Principles of Criticism, Rhetoric, &c. But we know no one publication which has, with so much elegance, judgment, and brevity, furnished so large a collection of useful directions for the

attainment of intellectual excellence, and for the successful pursuit of useful knowledge, as that with which MR. BURDER has now furnished us. At the same time, we are aware that it is presented merely as containing "Hints" and "Outlines;" and we certainly are decidedly of the opinion, that "more extended illustrations would have rendered the work more interesting and acceptable,"— especially to such as have not the advantage of a Tutor to aid them in their studies. The aphoristic form, however, in which they are offered, is perspicuous and impressive; and the book is a Manual of important principles on the subject of Intellectual Discipline. To this small volume we may apply the remark which MR. BURDER has quoted from DR. THOMAS BROWN in reference to some philosophical questions of difficult solution:

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SELECT LIST OF BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED, CHIEFLY

RELIGIOUS,

With occasional Characteristic Notices.

[N.B. The insertion of any article in this List is not to be considered as pledging us to the approbation of its contents, unless it be accompanied by some express notice of our favourable opinion. Nor is the omission of any such notice to be regarded as indicating a contrary opinion; as our limits, and other reasons, impose on us the necessity of selection and brevity.]

Sacred Harmony: a Set of Tunes collected by the late REV. JOHN WESLEY, M.A.; a new Edition, revised, and figured for the Organ, Harpsichord, or Piano Forte; by his Nephew, CHARLES WESLEY, ESQ. Organist to HIS MAJESTY. pp. 158. 4s.-We cordially hail the reappearance, in an improved form, of this Collection of "good old Tunes;" and refer our Readers to the interesting Preface by the REV. R. WATSON; which we have inserted entire, at p. 30 of our last Number.

A Preservative against the Errors of Socinianism. By the late REV. EDWARD HARE. 2d Edition, 8vo. pp. 428. 9s. bds. -If this work, or any considerable portion of it, had been now for the first time offered to the public, we should have thought it our duty to recommend it, as far as our influence may extend, by a detailed review of its multifarious and important contents. On the subjects involved in the Socinian Controversy, that is, on the principal doctrines of Christianity, it is a treasury of just

reasoning, and of acute and discriminating observations. The circumstances in which it originated, naturally gave to some portions of it a controversial form, of which the excellent author was not spared to divest it in a subsequent edition. Notwithstanding this partial disadvantage, it is, as to its substance, a book of rare and permanent value, which no Student of Theology can peruse without great benefit. As its original circulation was very local, we rejoice to see it re-published, with a copious index of subjects, and another of texts of Scripture, illustrated in the volume.

Advice to Young Men: a Sermon preached at Belmont-Row Chapel, in Birmingham, August 19, 1821. By JONATHAN EDMONDSON. 8vo. pp. 24. 6d. This is an excellent Sermon on Ps. cxix. 9, which Parents will do well to put into the hands of those members of their families who are rising into life, and which includes many topics interesting to young women, as well as to "young men." The rules of conduct, which occur in the latter division of the Discourse, are eminently judicious; and form a brief, yet comprehensive manual of practical wisdom, which the juvenile classes of society may study with the greatest advantage.

4 Protestant Historical Catechism; being a concise View of the Commencement and Decline of Christianity; with the Rise and Establishment of the Reformation, &c. By JOSIAH H. WALKER. 18mo. pp. 112.

1s. 3d. boards.

The Preacher; or Sketches of Sermons chiefly selected from the MSS. of two Divines of the last century: with an Essay on the composition of a Sermon. 12mo. 4s. -Vol. II. is in the press.

DR. CHALMERS's Civic Economy.No. X. On Pauperism, 1s.

A Key to the Critical Reading of the Four Gospels. 8vo. 4s. bds.

A Guide to Communicants in SelfExamination. By the REV. W. TRAIL. With a Life, by the REV. R. BURN, of Paisley. 18mo. Id.

by persons under their pastoral charge,) on particular duties, and admonishing them, distinctly and somewhat at large, against particular vices. But such subjects should always be anxiously connected with evangelical truths, and made to bear on the religious state and attainments of the hearers. This is done, in the Sermon now announced, with considerable success. If such a connexion between christian morals and christian faith and experience, be not very prominent, both in the general structure, and especially in the application, of discourses of this class,-if they be not so managed as to conduct men directly to CHRIST our Redeemer, and the HOLY GHOST our Sanctifier,-they are of little eventual utility. Merely ethical discussions of such points, however clear and able, are, ordinarily, a culpable waste of pulpit-time and opportunities.

Notes of Conversations with Three Youths, executed at Edinburgh in 1812. By WILLIAM INNES. 8th edition. 24mo. stitched, 9d.-These "Notes" appear to us to have deserved the large circulation which they have obtained. The particular case which they record was interesting; but the pamphlet derives a permanent value from the Author's observations on the close connexion between evangelical truths and motives, and that repentance which is unto salvation. All who have to " deal with souls," may learn from it a lesson essential to their success.

Domestic Religion: or, an Exposition of the Precepts of Christianity regarding the Duties of Domestic Life. By WILLIAM INNES, (of Edinburgh.) 12mo. pp. 214. 3s. 6d. boards.-The relative Duties here treated are those of Husbands, Wives, Children, Parents, Servants, and Masters. The scriptural precepts, concerning each of these relations, are judiciously explained, and impressively enforced. What is didactic is admirably intermixed with interesting examples, and forcible illustration; and some cases of perplexity, which often occur in religious society, are ably resolved on sound and convincing principles. The Author's skill as a Christian Casuist, has evidently been greatly assisted by his experience as a Pastor; the fruits of which, in an accurate knowledge of the circumstances, temptations, and diffi. culties of domestic life, are very apparent in his work. We announce it with cordial satisfaction.

The Proud Abased: a Sermon on the Scripture History of Nebuchadnezzar : preached in the Methodist Chapel, Southwark, Nov. 11, 1821, by EDMUND GRINDROD. Published at the request of the Leaders' Meeting. 8vo. pp. 32. 1s.We have read this Sermon with much satisfaction. It is judicious, impressive, and practical. The nature and various workings of pride are well illustrated; and its folly, criminality, and danger, forcibly exposed.-We think that Ministers act perfectly in character, as undershepherds of the flock of CHRIST, in occasionally discoursing (especially in those services which are chiefly attended VOL. I. Third Series. FEBRUARY, 1822.

A Grammar of the Sanscrit Language, on a New Plan. By the REV. WILLIAM YATES. Printed at Calcutta, and dedicated, by Permission, to the MARQUIS OF HASTINGS. 8vo. 21. 10s. Royal Paper, 4l.

ON

OF GENERAL OCCURRENCES INTERESTING ΤΟ THOSE WHO FEAR GOD, ACCOUNT OF THEIR INFLUENCE ON RELIGION, OR ON PUBLIC MORALS

AND HAPPINESS.

(To be continued occasionally.)

No. II. 1. PROSELYTISM. CASE OF MR. LOVEDAY'S DAUGHTERS.-RoCATHOLIC SCHOOLS.-EDUCATION IN FRANCE.-2. CRIMES IN 1821. NEWGATE LISTS.

MAN

a

1. PROSELYTISM.] The public papers have lately contained Petition from an English Gentleman in France to the Chamber of Deputies, entreating in the most earnest manner their interposition in the case of the seduction of two of his daughters, and a niece, into the errors of Popery at a French Boarding-School. The subject is one to which the attention of the public of this country, and especially of parents, ought to be very seriously directed. We take it for granted, that the statements of the Petition of MR. LOVEDAY are substantially correct.

The young ladies, it appears, were placed in this seminary under an express engagement, that their religious opinions should not be interfered with. The Governess observes this condition, until the time approaches when the ladies were to be removed. She then gives access to the agents of the Popish superstition; and, under pretence that her school would suffer from the removal of the young ladies too suddenly, obtains from the deceived father, and by a hypocritical appeal to his generosity, a longer space for the operation of the abominable machinations by which the conversion of these young creatures was to be effected. This is in the true proselyting spirit of the Church of Rome, and shows that it has little improved upon the character which the history of many ages has stamped upon it. Nor is the falsehood confined to the Mistress; the young ladies themselves, in the very commencement of their noviciate, as one of the first steps in their progress to conversion, are taught to

allay the suspicions of the parent, after he has learned that attempts had been made upon their faith, by assuring him, that their Governess was entirely innocent; and he is persuaded to continue them in the hands of this false and superstitious wo

man.

The

The means adopted to effect this conversion, for so in profanation of the term, it is called, are equally characteristic. Had it been attempted by the most rational methods of argument and persuasion, yet, in the absence of the natural guardian of these young persons, and in defiance of an express engagement, it would have been a most treacherous proceeding. But from MR. LOVEDAY'S petition it would seem to have been attempted and accomplished by some of those grossarts, by which a weak imagination may be sometimes wrought upon, but which are worthy only of a most disgusting superstition. story of a Jew who stole the consecrated wafer, and then, to his horror, found that it bled in his hands, with other "ridiculous fables and absurd legends," were employed to influence the fears, and pervert the imagination of the young ladies, and thus to terrify them into the belief of the most monstrous dogmas of the Catholic Church. All this speaks little for the previous education of these poor victims. They were put to a French Boarding-School, to learn accomplishments, before they had learned common sense; and without, as we fear is the case with many, any instruction in the principles of religion, or knowledge of the Scriptures. But if, as far as intellectual improvement is in question, the character of a French Ladies' School were required, we might refer to this instance as affording a very monitory answer. What must be the flippant and vain education of such seminaries, when girls, considerably advanced in their

teens, and nearly completing their course of instruction, were left in a state of such intellectual feebleness and inanity, as to fall under the influence of legendary fictions, so absurd and revolting! This is to be educated, with an emphasis. The cheapness of French Schools has been, as we know, in many instances, the motive; and a cheap way of boarding children out it may be,-and as certainly, religion out of the question, a cheap way too of making them idiots. We cannot but hope, that the disclosure which MR. LOVEDAY has so properly made, may operate as a very salutary caution against the practice, so frequent since the peace, of placing the youth of our country, of both sexes, the hope of the coming age, in circumstances so perilous to every sound principle of morality, as well as to their Pro

testantism.

This Governess appears to have been allowed to consult her interest, as far as it could comport with the object of making proselytes. The attempt was postponed until the young ladies were about to leave the school. Such is the manner in which Popery has always driven its bargains with human corruption. The priests, having, under this arrangement, but a short time to effect the conversion of her Protestant pupils, crowd into it as active an agency as possible; and having got hold of the imagination of imbecile and half-educated minds, whilst the mental delirium continues, they hasten on the succession of ceremonies, and fence in their deluded victims against a relapse, by all the horrors of violated vows and dishonoured sacraments. As to one of the young ladies in question, MR. LOVEDAY states, that on the fifth of the month, she was baptized; on the sixth, she was confirmed; and on the eighth, she communicated. Here we see the distinguishing characteristic of Popery, in the views taken of conversion. It is not instruction of the understanding, not a sanctification of the heart and affections, but a receiving of sacraments, and that independent of any moral qualification of the recipient. The whole work is commenced and carried on by falsehood and deception, on the part

both of the converted and the converters; and the sacraments are brought in to seal up this mystery of iniquity. Such are the results which must always, more or less, follow, from placing religion "in meats and drinks, and not in righteousness, peace, and joy in the HOLY GHOST: "morality itself is enervated; and religion, at length, instead of becoming the cure of sin, lends its aid to palliate its "sinfulness," and to complicate its deceptions.

But the whole of this affecting story is not yet told. The agonized father endeavours to recover his children; but the eldest, having arrived at age, is persuaded to resist all his entreaties to return. She is taken from place to place. He finds out, with difficulty, her retreat; the Magistrates, generally, refuse to interfere. At length, he obtains her; she elopes; and the laws affording him no redress, he appeals to the Chamber of Deputies.

MR. LOVEDAY'S petition, it is said, has produced a great sensation in Paris. What effect it may have upon the French Legislature, remains to be seen; but if it fail to produce effect upon English parents, their sense of parental obligation, and their regard for the best interests of their children, must be very low indeed. The danger of placing children in a Catholic School, even where no such flagrant breach of confidence takes place, as in the case in question, is very great. The agents of that church are practised in the arts of seduction, and they have the strongest motives to exercise them, arising from their own superstitious views. We know that it is the practice of such teachers frequently to insinuate their opinions, when they do not openly attempt proselytism, and to connect with the earliest associations of the mind some principle which may bias it to error, and prepare the way for future attempts at seduction.

Even Protestant Schools in France are not always safe; because some of the teachers, or professors, as they call them, may be Catholics, or perhaps Protestants only in pretence; for upon the Protestant youth the

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