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people, the clergy should use all proper means of correcting these evils, and obviate every reasonable plea that the Evangelical Clergy or Methodists, can have for reducing his hock." In these praiseworthy endeavours we sincerely wish him God-speed.

What Mr. Ingram says about Calvinism, shews, however, that he is unacquainted with the writers on that subject, or he could never intimare that it is maintained by evangelical divines, that "a great part of mankind are predestinated absolutely, i. e. without any consideration of their demerit, to a state of everlasting suffering" Calvin held no such opinion, nor do modern Calvinists. Their sentiments are well expressed in the 17th Article of the Church of England. Mr. Ingram's objections to some passages in the Village Sermons, arise from his dislike to the distinguishing doctrine of the gospel; which is, that "by grace we are saved, not by works."

The author tells us, that "Overton, at the first appearance of The True Churchman, was regarded as a champion of Calvinism;” but he adds, "He denics the fact !" "The Christian Observer," he says, "has Jikewise been charged with Calvinism.

This again is disavowed;" but the author subjoins, “I cannot but remark, that there must be something very like Calvinism in these publications, or their principies would not have been so generally misunderstood." Page 51.

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He thereto e recommends to Methodist, Evangelical, and Dissenting Ministers, whose preaching bears a resemblance to Calvinism," to be particularly careful, in their public addresses, to obviate any Calvinistic inferences which the common people, the multitude, are dispose to draw from them. With preachers of this sort, however, we have nothing to do. If a man believe those doctrines which are generally called Calvinistic, he ought boldly to avow them, nor shun that name of Reproach, now generally attached to the doctrines of grace.

The author expres.es a commendabie zeal to promote the religious

education of the clergy, and their association for religious purposes; but he discovers the malignity of his mind in his reflections on those who dissent from the church. The following passage is a specimen : "A persoa that has lost his character in the estimation of churchmen, betakes himself to the Methodists: he is quickly regarded as a convert; and, under an hypocritical mask of religion, perhaps carries on his nefarious practices with greater security." Mr. Ingram is, therefore, very anxious to restrain these people; laments the ease with which meeting-houses are licenced; and would contine the indulgences that dissenting teachers, enjoy, to persons of literary eminence; and allow no licences for places till the following enquiries be satisfactorily answered, viz. Under what denomination they are to be classed? - what are their principal objections to the Church of England ? how many of their class, if Dissente. s, reside in the parish? and what is their distance from the nearest licenced congregation of their class? He also proposcs, that the clergyman of the parish should be allowed to state his objections to the licence; and that the congregations thus permitted, "should be subjected to the inspection and coniroul of the neighbouring magistrates, who shall have power to deprive them of their licences," &c.

Our readers will perceive what manner of spirit the writer possesses, and how certainly the admission of his plan would lead to persecution. We beg leave to inform this writer, that the laws respecting Dissenters know nothing of LICENCES, -the term is never used: they require that the place in which Dissenters meet for worship should be certified to the Court of Quarter Sess:ons, or to the Bishop's Court; but no favour is asked, norcan the registering the place be refused; and as to the restrictions proposed, we are fully confident, that, in the reign of his Majesty King George the Third, no such violation of the toleration act will ever be permit ted. The only way whereby the growth of Methodism can ever be

prevented by the clergy is, that which it is said was recommended to them by King George the second: "Outpreach them and outlive them."To such a competition we heartily subscribe.

The Danger of Reading Improper Books: a Sermon preached at a Monthly Association of Congrega

tion Ministers and Churches in London, Oct. 8, 1807. By the Rev. J. Clayton, jun. 1s. 6d.

The

THIS discourse, confessedly on a subject of prime importance to the rising generation, is printed at the unanimous request of the ministers and gentlemen who heard it. text is judiciously chosen: Acts xix. 19, " Many also of them who used curious arts, brought their books together, and burned them before all men," &c.

A prevailing taste for science has rendered this subject peculiarly seasonable. Whether it be a subject exactly calculated for pulpit discussion or not, may possibly be disputed; but when it is recollected, that these "monthly-meetings for prayers and sermons," were originally intended to promote the interests of the seminary (now) at Homerton, and that the students were expected to attend, the subject will appear to be peculiarly appropriate. We rejoice, however, that it has been taken up, and that it has been so ably treated. "Men of corrupt minds." says our author, "have been influenced to compose and publish books by all the sinful propensities of a depraved nature; and their works have been among the most successful vehicles which the father of lies has employed to diffuse Error and extend the empire of Vice." "Hence arise the necessity and importance of placing it under due regulation; and I scruple not to say, that it is incumbent on all who call themselves Christians, to conduct their reading by the precepts and spirit of Christianity."

Mr. Clayton then enquires, 1st, What are those books which may be deemed improper? 2dly, Wherein consists the danger of their perusal ? 3dly, What considerations can be

adduced to guard persons against the injurious practice? On the first head the author is very brief; but his fundamental maxim is, That "all those books are in a greater or less degree improper, which tend to undermine the truth, or to oppose the holiness of divine revelation." We should hardly have pardoned the brevity of this head, had it not necessarily been illustrated in the progress of the discourse.

The danger of reading improper books is more fully displayed. The following particulars are just, and afford the most solid ground of alarm. We can but merely name them. "With respect to the works of infidels, &c. the understanding is in danger of being warped by error. There is danger of acquiring a habit of trifling with the truth, aud of indulging vain and presumptuous speculation; which danger is increased in proportion as the sentiments of the reader (as is generally the case with youth) are unfixed and unconfirmed." The danger produced by reading works of Imagination and Fiction is next considered. They tend to raise the affections and passions beyond their proper tone; and some of them dreadfully pollute the mind." The evils resulting from novel-reading are fully disclosed; and their miserable effects, in married life especially, are strongly represented.

The author descends, in the third place, to notice a lower order of publications; such as amorous songbooks, love tales, and nonsensical baltads, &c. which have done immense mischief among the inferior classes of the community.

The inconsistency of those heads of families who, while they prohibit the above trash from their kitchens, yet permit improper books, which they allow themselves to read, to lie in the way of their children and servants, - is exposed with a becoming severity. Such persons "who would not go to hear a Soci.. nian preach, much less give a guinea towards his support, will nevertheless habitually read the produce of his pen, and iberally subscribe to the printed propagation of his sontiments." This particularly refers

to some popular Reviews and Magazines, "The writers of which, from behind the ambush of Literature, scatter abroad principles of scepticism and infidelity *:"

In the last division of the sermon, Mr. Clayton enumerates several considerations to guard his readers against this injurious practice. The first respects the nature of sanctificalion; the second relates to the scriptural requisitions as to the choice of our society; the next, arises from the acknowledged existence of an inexhaustible variety of excellent books on all topics. The principal end of reading is then pointed out; and, lastly, Our responsibility to God for the manner in which we employ our time. Α serious and faithful application to students, to parents and instructors, to young persons, and to Christians in general, concludes this useful and interesting discourse, the value of which will be enhanced to many readers who have not had oppor tunities of knowing the character of authors in general, by a long Note at the close, containing a List of Books which may be read out danger."

with

We can very cheerfully recommend this discourse, to our young

friends particularly. There are few Ministers who might not circulate it among the young people of their congregations with great advan tage; and it will be peculiarly proper to introduce it into Reading-Societies. We hope the author will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that his labours are rendered the happy means of guarding many against the immense danger of reading bad books, and directing their attention to such as will render them, by the blessing of God, wise, good, and useful members of society.

The Uncertainty of the Morrow: a Sermon preached at Fulham Church on Occasion of a Fire in the Neighbourhood, by which a Gardener was burnt to death. By the Rev. J. Owen, A. M. Is.

Fr is wise and good in the ministers of religion to improve those awful events in their vicinity, which are calculated to arouse the attention of thoughtless mortals, and to improve such occasions for the inculcation of gospel doctrines on their minds. Mr. Owen has done this with his usual ability and spirit; and we trust that the perusal of this discourse will be useful to many.

*The author very properly takes occasion to commend "The Eclectic Review," which was projected on purpose, as an antidote to the poison of the press. The literary reputation of this work is allowed to be considerable; and it deserves a much warmer support than it has yet obtained from the friends of evangelical and vital religion. It is difficult to account for the conduct of those persons who continue to countenance and support Socinian and Sceptical Reviews, while they withhold their assistance from a work of much merit, calculated to prevent "the danger of reading improper books."

SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

Christian Classics, vol. 1, 12mo, boards, 38 64,--and 6s 6d fiac.

Remarks on a Recent Hypothesis, respecting the Origin of Moral Evil. By W. Bennett, 8vo, 2s 6d

Report of the Committee of the H. beritan Society. Svo, Is

Bartholomew Day commemorated: a Sermon by 5. Palmer. Is

Life and Experience of W. Barpel. By G. Muirhead. 18mo, 4d

Blessedness of the Righteous Dead: a Funeral Sermon for Mr.W.

Sedgwick, preached at Beagal, by

W. Ward. Svo, Is

The Danger of Philosophy to the Faith and Order of the Churches of Christ. By J. Allen. 12mo, Is 6d

A Looking-Glass for Christians, and a Rod for Hypocrites, 2d

Hervey's Theron and Aspasio, 12mo, Number 1, 6J and 13 cath.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE..

MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

LETTERS and Journals have just been received by the Buffalo, from the Missionary Brethren at Otaheite, dated March 8, 1806; which contain little that is new or interesting. The brethrea continue to labour among the natives; but complain of the same inattention and disregard as before.

An unknown writer, under the signature of AMICUs, has circulated, in some of the periodical prints, a false report, injurious to the character of the Directors of the Missionary Society. It is expected that the publishers of those papers will be candid enough to insert a full refulation of the charge, which, we understand, has been transmitted to them. It may, however, be necessary to state the case briefly in this Magazine.

It has been pretended, in the papers alluded to, that Tapioe, a native of Otaheite, was commissioned by Pomarre, the late chief of that country, to come over to England, that he might be instructed in the Christian religion; and then return to preach the gospel to his countrymen; and that, on application having been made to the officers of the Missionary Society, they refused to take any care of him; and that he must have perished, unless he had been taken under the protection of an individual, who has supported and instructed him; and now solicits the aid of the public in his behalf.

The fact is this: South Sea whalers frequently touch at Otaheite and other islands; and when they want hands to work their ships, induce some of the natives to go with them; and when they have thus answered their purpose, turn them adrift in London. The Missionary Society have helped several such persons, and sent them back to their own country, or at least to New South Wales; for it has generally been found, that they cannot support the cold of our climate.

The person in question appears to have come in this manner. He left Otaheite on board the Betsy, was afterwards shipwrecked, and was several years before he reached England, about a year ago. On his arrival by the Warley, Capt. H. Wilson, he was mentioned to the Treasurer, who applied to Capt. W. Wilson, formerly of the Duff, who kindly took him into his house, clothed and fed him, and gave him money, designing shortly to send him back to Port Jackson by his ship, the Spring Grove; but the destiny of that vessel being altered for South America, he continued at Mr. W. Wilson's about nine months, till another conveyance should offer. In the mean time Mr. K. who now entertains him, called, and frequently took him abroad with him; and in a little time, he manifested dissatisfaction with his situation, behaved improperly, and left the house. During all this time, he never once said that he had been sent over by Pomarre to learn and teach religion. This story appears to have been afterwards invented for some interested purpose. It is allowed, that he was wellknown to the Missionaries at Otaheite, that he worked for then as a sawyer, and behaved himself, a friendly manner. Testimonies to this effect were given him by various persons, some of which have been made public for a purpose never intended by the writers, and without their knowledge. Such was a paper given him by Mr. Giliham, the surgeon, which has been published without any authority from him. Mr. Gilham corroborates the truth of the above statement, in the papers intended as

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RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

an answer to the charge against the Directors; and declares, that during the nine months Tapige was at Mr. Wilson's, he never heard him once speak of being sent by Pomarre to become a teacher of religion, though The conversed with him almost every week. Indeed, whoever considers for a moment the dislike which Pomarre discovered to the gospel, can never believe he would send one of his people to England to learn it.

Alas!

he and his subjects have constantly shewn for several years, that they "care for none of these things." We trust, therefore, that no friend of the Missionary Society will judge the Directors to have been deficient in their duty in this affair.

CEYLON.

By Letters received from the island of Ceylon, the aspect of affairs, as they relate to the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Vos, appears to be far more encouraging than before.

By information from this island, we learn that the Rev. Mr. Vos, by a strict, faithful, and zealous attention to the important duties of his of fice, had created himself such powerful enemies at Columbo, that he has been deprived of his seat in the Consistory, and also of his Church. This is scarcely a matter of surprize, when it is recollected that the greater part of the Christians there have nothing more of Christianity than the name; and, consequently, live in the violation of all the holy precepts of Christ. The scandalous lives of many of the clergy have contributed greatly to this evil. When the people have been reproved for their lewd conduct, and reminded of such passages of Scripture as 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10, some of them have boldly replied, "If our teachers, who are learned men, allow themselves in these things, why should not we be indulged in the same?"

"At Matura," says Mr. Erhardt, "where I reside, matters are much in the same state as at Point de Galle and Columbo. The congregation is very small, consisting only of about 50 or 60 people, of whom not more than 13 or 14 attend on a Sunday; and most of these are children: but l must patiently wait till the Lord's time shall arrive, and till I have made sufficient proficiency in the Cingalese language, to be able to preach in it to the Heathen. I intend to solicit Government for a piece of ground; on which to erect a Cingalese school. Many of the Cingalese, formerly baptized by the Dutch clergy, openly attend the Heathen temples; and even offer sacrifices there, which formerly was done only by stealth. It is really astonishing to see the crowds which throng the temples when there is a sacrifice! I lately happened to be a spectator of one of these festivals, The offerings consisted chiefly of flowers, linen, and oil. Fireworks were afterwards displayed, which attracted great numbers of people, at least 5000 persons were present; 3-fourths of whom had been baptized. It may be easily inferred from hence, what hard work it will be for a Missionary to la, bour among a people who expect, by the offering of a few flowers, to obtain from their idols eternal happiness! To convince them of their errors must be the the work of God, and not of man: He alone can furnish us with those gifts and graces which are necessary for our work; and, therefore, we greatly need the fervent intercessions of all those who are interested in the spread of the gospel."

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The Rev. Mr. Vcs writes as follows: “O how would you pity us, if you could form a just idea of the people here! Yet, if I compare the number of the Dutch congregation at present, with what it was at my first coming hither, I have abundant reason to be thankful; and probably they would have been far more numerous, had not the Dutch clergy opposed me as much as they possibly could. Within these few weeks, however, the people have discovered a great hunger for the word of God; so that the number of my hearers is very much increased; and, therefore, although I had determined to leave the island, I have resolved, in consequence of my

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