457 India's Cries to British Humanity, &c. FOR EASTER-DAY MORN. Lo! the orient tints unfold From the cave where Jesu' lay! Hark! the earthquake's final groan! Nature does her AUTHOR Own! "Fear not, Magdalene; thy Lord "Has fulfill'd the promised word." "Risen from corruption's womb, "And the FATHER'S will obey'd: Christ incarnate in the tomb, "Has the sinner's ransom paid: "He, the great archetype reveal'd, "Sin's destroying wound has heal'd! "Now is bruis'd the serpent's head' "Christ is risen from the dead!" Glorious morn-0 matchless love! Haste we to the gospel-feast: Rise with Christ to joys above, Every Magdalene be blest: Lo our risen God appears! Didymus believes and fears! Mortals, hence, your fervours raise ; Sound the great REDEEMER's praise. LAST MOMENTS. M. W. D. 458 REVIEW.-India's Cries to British Humanity; containing the Suttee's Cry to Britain, shewing that the Burning of Hindoo Widows may be abolished with Ease and Safety. pp. 98. Facts and Observations on the Practice of Taxing Pilgrims in various parts of India, &c. pp. 65. An Appeal to British Humanity and Justice, respecting the Practice of Exposing the Sick on the Banks of the Ganges, &c. pp. 66. An Appeal to the Society of Friends, for their Co-operation in Promoting Christianity in India. pp. 32. By J. Peggs, late Missionary at Cuttack, Orissa. Wightman and Cramp, London. THIS Volume is composed of several pamphlets, the extent and names of which are given in the above title-page. We have seen them separately, and we now see them combined, and in each state think that they contain much heart-rending matter, and make a powerful appeal to British humanity and justice. Mr. Peggs having "Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory visited India, and been an eye-witness, in through our Lord Jesus Christ."-Paul. Ir is almost done, it is almost o'er, Another hard struggle, and one sigh more, The portals of heav'n are opening now, And the angels of light from their gem-thrones bow Softly, and viewless to mortal light, Uuearthly strains on the dying saint's ear The eye beams a rapture the voice cannot speak, The heart-strings with joy stretch'd just ready to break, Vibrate to each angel-breath'd sound. The last sigh is heav'd, the struggle is o'er, The shackles which bound once to earth are all riv'n, The land of the blessed whose sins are forgiv'n, THE EMBLEM. J. YOUNG. part, of the enormities he describes, it is not a matter of surprise that an endeavour to put an end to these barbarous abominations should be uppermost in his thoughts, and give full employment to his pen. He is certainly somewhat enthusiastic in the cause he has espoused, but it is an enthusiasm dictated by the honourable feelings of the heart, and cherished by every principle that is creditable to human nature. In his first pamphlet Mr. Peggs gives many specific instances, in which widows have been burned alive on the funeral piles of their husbands, and details, on several occasions, the sportive apathy with which the tragedies were beheld by the assembled spectators. They furnish unquestionable proof, that scenes of cruelty tend to stifle the finer sensibilities of our nature, and, by our familiarity with them, ultimately brutalize the human character. He next argues that this detestable rite is not enjoined by the most authoritative of the Hindoo legislators-that it is opposed to their views of eminent virtue-and that, though force is forbidden by the Shastras, it is frequently employed in depriving the widow of life. The total abolition of this horrid practice, he contends, might be easily effected by the British, without endangering the peace or safety of our Asiatic possessions. In support of this, he adduces the testimonies of many competent judges, and the decided opinions of very powerful authorities. He allows that Britain has made some tardy movements towards the attainment of 459 India's Cries to British Humanity, &o. this object, but that the lethargic steps she has taken, tend rather to sanction the crime, and to increase its perpetration, than to manifest a decided disapprobation of the inhumanity, and to diminish the number of its victims. This testimony, and this authority, he derives both from Europeans high in office, and from many of the natives, whose feelings revolt at the outrage he deplores; and finally concludes, that after one decisive sentence from the voice of England, the shriek of the dying widow would be heard no more. ་་ On the tax that is levied by the British on the pilgrims who visit the idol and temple of Juggernaut, the language of Mr. Peggs is pointed and energetic. This portion of his volume is divided into five sections, in which he traces the origin, nature, proceeds, and appropriation of the tax; states that the idolatrous establishments are chiefly supported by the system of Juggernaut; adverts to the miseries resulting from this system; points out the facility and advantages of its abolition; answers objections that may be urged against the repeal for which he contends; and finally argues, that it is not lawful to put the tax thus levied and exacted "into the treasury, for it is the price of blood." To his appeal to British humanity and justice, respecting the exposure of the sick on the banks of the Ganges, Mr. Peggs has prefixed the appalling title of GHAUT MURDERS. This appellation may have a severe sound, but the facts adduced in the pages which follow, will fully justify both its propriety and application. Of this diabolical custom he traces the origin, and states the prevalence; describes the various ways in which these murders are committed, most of which are too shocking to be transcribed. In collecting the melancholy facts which form the greater portion of this branch of the volume, although he has shewn much diligence, their vast numbers prove that they are most profusely scattered. We peruse the statement with a sorrowful interest, and find it written like Ezekiel's roll, within and without, with mourning, lamentation, and woe. The preceding facts and incidents are followed by humane hints for the melioration of the state of society in India. These chiefly relate to their domestic habits, social intercourse, and modes of life, all of which are susceptible of improvements that are essential to human happiness. On these and similar subjects Mr. Peggs has crowded together much useful information, and more than intimated, that it would not be a work of difficulty to establish systems 460 | which should ameliorate the condition of the natives, as an important branch of the human family, and finally rescue them from a degrading superstition, the characters of which are written in blood. The concluding part, which is an Appeal to the Society of Friends, for their co-operation in promoting Christianity in India, evinces the author's sincerity, in endeavouring to interest all classes of the community in the temporal, spiritual, and eternal welfare of sixty millions of our Asiatic population. We learn from an advertisement prefixed to this appeal, that it originated in a request made by a member of the society addressed, and contains specific replies to the questions proposed. This circumstance gives to the appeal a locality in its application; but the information communicated is both designed and adapted for general utility. In In laying the varied but momentous topics contained in this volume before a British public, the author's avowed intention is, to awaken our national sympathies in behalf of the victims and devotees of superstition, whose cause he pleads. Some years since, a few powerful voices roused the slumbering energies of Britain to survey the horrors of the slave-trade. favour of the injured Africans, petitions assailed the legislature from every quarter; and in the memorable year of 1807, the death-warrant of this abominable traffic was signed. The shriek of the Hindoo widow from the burning pile, the imploring groans of the afflicted about to be plunged into the Ganges, and the expiring sighs of the miserable victims perishing beneath the wheels of Juggernaut, though uttered in India, are heard in Britain, and solicit the generous aid which Africa experienced at her hands. The cause which the author advocates has a claim upon British huma nity and justice, scarcely inferior to that' which Wilberforce pleaded in the senate, Granville Sharp in our courts of justice, and Clarkson before a sympathizing public; and if followed up with the same spirit of serious perseverance, there can be little doubt that it will ultimately be crowned with similar success. In the city of Coventry a society has been formed for the abolition of human sacrifices in India. This is a noble example, which we should rejoice to find becoming an object of universal imitation. Petitions emanating from these, and bearing the signatures of the friends of humanity, could not fail, on being presented, to awaken legislative attention; and little more, we are persuaded, is needful, to en 461 Review. Burder on Revivals in Religion. THERE is frequently something very vague and indefinite in the phrase "Revivals in Religion;" the ideas connected with it deriving in a great measure their colouring and character from the sect or party by whom it is used. To one long accustomed to reside near the arctic circle, that degree of temperature would appear rather high, which would seem below zero to another who had found his element in the torrid zone. Hence, terms admitting of diversified interpretations, arising from the varied degrees of excitement found in the mental constitution, should always be specifically defined by the persons who employ them, that the reader may have some guide while traversing the extensive region which lies between the frozen empire of indifference, and the ebullitions of fanaticism. To this point the author of the volume before us seems to have paid becoming attention. "My object," he observes, "has been to exhibit the nature of a true and scriptural revival of religion, the duty of endeavouring to obtain it, and the encouragement we have to expect it. I have been solicitous to shew that a genuine revival must have its commencement in the energy and prosperity of personal religion; its progress in the advancement of domestic religion; and then its full development in the relations, the assiduities, and the enjoyments of church communion."-Dedication, p. viii. Consonant with the preceding arrange ment, the first discourse is exclusively devoted to the importance of a revival in personal religion; the second relates to a revival in domestic religion; and the third is appropriated to a revival in social religion. To these three discourses are appended a letter to the congregational churches, a letter relative to a recent revival in South Wales, and some documents containing facts and statements respecting some late revivals in America.co 462 In the first of these discourses, Mr. Burder observes, that by a revival in per sonal religion he understands, "the effect of a powerful operation of the Holy Spirit enlivening and invigorating the principles of spiritual life, where it already exists, and in giving that life to many of the dead in trespasses and sins." He then adverts to numerous revivals of religion recorded in the sacred writings, refers to events which distinguished the Reforma tion, to the remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit which accompanied the preach ing of Messrs. Wesley and Whitefield, and to the memorable work of grace in New England, of which President Edwards published a luminous account, and from which several interesting extracts are selected. The objections in general urged against revivals in religion, as being mixed with enthusiasm, the contagious influence of sympathetic emotion, the effervescence of excited feelings, &c. &c. are clearly stated, and as fairly met. In reply to one of frequent recurrence, namely, that indi viduals thus powerfully affected, soon return to the sinful element, whence for a moment they seemed to emerge, Mr. Burder observes as follows:-"Let me also add the testimony of an American pastor of high character, who asserts, after extensive inquiries, that on instituting a comparison between members of churches received during a revival, and those re ceived under ordinary circumstances, in reference to persevering consistency of character, the result of the comparison is decidedly in favour of the former." p. 27. That the christian churches, and the individual members of which they are composed, need such a revival as has been described, Mr. Burder argues with considerable force. Both reason and revelation furnish him with numerous topics, to which the latter adds the weight of its authority, and also points out the means by which a revival of genuine religion is to be obtained. I The second discourse unfolds the nature and enforces the necessity of domestic religion, in a strain corresponding with the preceding. In this the author sets forth the transcendent importance of family religion, the means by which it may be most effectually promoted, and the con nexion between the religion of families and the prosperity of churches. "slime The third discourse surveys a christian church in a state of prosperity, and then adverts to the means of attaining it. These 463 Review. Writings of Dr. John Hooper. are, prayer for the effusion of the Holy Spirit; the combined exertion of all who are united in christian fellowship; and a deep solicitude to guard against every thing that would impede a revival. A want of brotherly love, a conformity to the world, and dishonourable selfishness, appear as formidable hinderances to a genuine revival of the work of God. When these, and others of a similar character, are removed, and when sincerity and ardour of spirit engage in supplication for the desired blessing, the most insignificant means can be rendered subservient to the divine purpose, and the cause of religion may be expected to flourish throughout the world. In these discourses, the subject of revivals in religion is surveyed in several lights, and argued on many grounds. We are not aware that the author has been infected either by the fever of enthusiasm on the one hand, or the apathy of mere formality on the other. Were all revivals in religion conducted on the principles which he inculcates in these discourses, and exemplifies by his moderation, the numerous benefits at which they aim might be secured, without those wild irregularities, through which they are too frequently brought into contempt. REVIEW.-Writings of Dr. John Hooper, 464 mentative conclusiveness, which exaspe→ rated his enemies, who found it more difficult to answer them, than to destroy their author. On their first appearance, they were read with considerable interest by his protestant friends, and with malignant enmity by his papal foes. During the reign of bloody Mary, they could not appear in public, but a change of circumstances soon brought them into high repute; and from the days of Elizabeth to the present, they have been held in much esteem by every friend of the protestant cause. In many places, these writings have a visible bearing on the topics of papal controversy, though much less so than might have been expected, when the ferment which every where prevailed is taken into account. Thus tinctured, they were adapted to the condition of the people among whom they appeared. But, in subsequent years, when popery was thrown on the back-ground, and the arguments which supported protestantism were half forgotten in the triumphs of victory, and a full conviction that its doctrines were true, they were but little read. Hence, their bearing on popery, which gave them at first a strong recommendation, finally caused them to be partially neglected. Recent occurrences, however, in the of many, a portentous aspect, have roused religious world, presenting, in the estimation into activity long-slumbering ideas, causing a retrospection of the past to march in gloomy review before us, calling from their mouldering urns the ashes of our martyrs, and their venerable writings from the dusty shelves of antiquated libraries. On this ground, the volume before us taking its stand, acquires a degree of freshness, which more than compensates for its quaintness of phraseology, and obsolete localities. It is a well-known fact, that moral truth cannot be impaired by time. It is surrounded with a halo of immutability, more permanent than that which is associated with the infallibility of churches. Axioms, reasonings, arguments, and conclusions, which were true in the days of Bishop Hooper, cannot now be false; and the period may not be remote, when their The writings of Bishop Hooper, con- sterling originality may be deemed of tained in this volume, consist of doctrines, more real importance than all the charms sermons, a confession of faith, expositions which literary decoration and novelty can on several psalms, and twenty-three letters supply. The time, therefore, seems adwritten on various occasions. Of these mirably adapted for calling these writings articles it is sufficient to say, that they from their long repose, and giving to them embody the great truths promulgated at the a circulation, which, we think, will be beReformation, delivered in a strain of argu-neficial in proportion as it is extensive. 465 Review.-Edinburgh Sessional School. REVIEW.- Account of the Edinburgh Sessional School, and the other parochial Institutions for Education established in that city, in the year 1812. With Strictures on Education in general. By John Wood, Esq. 12mo. pp. 274. Howell, London. No age has perhaps been more prolific in giving birth to systems of education, than this in which we live. About forty years since, the philanthropic genius of Mr. Raikes gave birth to Sunday schools, and at a much later period, the rival or sister systems of Lancaster and Bell drew public attention to the plans of general education, which they had severally called into operation. The novelty which attached to each of these systems became a powerful stimulus to inquiry, and the visit paid by his late majesty to the school of Lancaster, was not without its influence on the patronage by which it still continues to be fostered. The controversies which followed between Lancaster and Bell, the rival candidates for fame, caused a number of powerful adherents to enlist under their respective banners. The impetus thus given and thus cherished soon spread throughout the British empire; and perhaps there is scarcely a town of any magnitude, either in England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, in which a school on the principles of one, if not both of these founde has not been long established. From England these systems soon urged their way to the continent, and traversing across the Atlantic, they have found a home in the United States, and a genial soil in nearly every portion of the civilized world. An engine so powerful in itself, so extensive in its operation, and fraught with the most important consequences to posterity, was soon brought to the test of rigorous scrutiny; and, as might naturally be supposed, time and experience suggested many emendations of which the original plans were susceptible. In the alterations recommended, uniformity of opinion by no means prevailed. What one imagined to be an advantage, another suspected to be an injury, and in many places the conducters of these schools were decidedly hostile to all innovations. Through the lapse of years, however, several changes and variations have taken place, which, though apparently unimportant in themselves, have been found essentially beneficial. In some schools, particular branches, that were thought advantageous, have been transferred from the system of Lancaster to that of Bell, in others the case has been reversed, while in several, some changes have been introduced, to the 125.-VOL. XI. 466 origin of which, neither of the above gentlemen can lay any claim. Among the numerous publications which these schools, and the application as well called into existence, the treatise now as adaptation of their principles, have before us claims our particular notice, The author seems fully aware that he is treading on disputed ground; and therefore, while giving his opinion, and his reasons for it, on the various topics that come under his consideration, he wisely disclaims all pretensions to infallibility. "In a work," he observes in his dedication to the clergy and kirk-session of Edinburgh, "which, though it lies within a narrow compass, embraces a wide range of controverted opinions, I cannot flatter myself that either you, or perhaps any one of my readers, will concur with me in every point." This volume contains twenty-one chap. ters, each of which is devoted to some particular branch of the Sunday-school system, but more immediately so, as it has been called into operation in Edinburgh, and subjected to the author's personal inspection. We have no room to follow him through the numerous ramifications of his work, nor any disposition to animadvert on what we do not cordially approve. On subjects that have elicited a diversity of opinion, no one has any right to dogmatize. Mr. Wood has cer tainly thought much, and that not superficially, on the modes of education now in use, and, as a natural consequence, his treatise holds out many excellent remarks, from which the friends of Sunday.schools may receive some valuable information, although in all things they may not cordially co-operate, either with the author, or with one another. To preserve order in a large school, under the total abolition of all corporeal chastisement, Mr. Wood considers as impracticable, though he readily allows there is much room for improvement. The most successful effort to realize this demi-utopian plan with which he is personally acquainted is, that introduced by professor Pillans (of whom a portrait and memoir were given in the Imperial Magazine for February) into the most advanced class of the High-school in Edinburgh; but this class he considers to be one of a very peculiar kind. In this department, Mr. Pillans has done much, and Mr. Wood readily gives him credit for his talents, his exercise of them, and the success with which his exertions have been rewarded. To promote the 2 H |