927 Review.-The Preacher's Manual. mate acquaintance with the great truths of the gospel, upon which our salvation de- | pends. On the side of this danger, the pride of the human heart is always ready to exert its utmost influence, and, perhaps, the applauses of that wisdom which knows not God, may give a fatal colouring to the delusion. A minister of the gospel more intimately acquainted with the Preacher's Manual than with the Bible, would be a melancholy spectacle. 928 most nearly to perfection is generally most susceptible of a tarnish. To order, method, arrangement, and discrimination in pulpit discourses, we attach no small degree of importance. When conducted with discretion, manner will frequently conceal a deficiency in matter; and when the latter is abundant, the former will display it to the greatest advantage. In allusion to the powerful influence of manner, it has been said of Queen Elizabeth, that on hearing a celebrated preacher, she was so charmed with his eloquence, as to desire that his discourse might be printed. With this request the minister most readily complied, and shortly afterwards presented her with a copy. A courtier, anticipating consequences, soon seized an opportunity to inquire how her majesty now liked the discourse? To this he received the following reply, "I think it was the best sermon that I ever heard; but the worst that I ever read." We are not to view these lectures in the light of sermons; to this character they make no pretensions. They contain the There can be no doubt that the system of instruction given in these volumes, is excellent in its various branches, and even important in its subordinate character; but it is the preacher coming before his congregation, armed with a "Thus saith the Lord," who brings with him the ark before which Dagon falls. The skilful navigator, who has a long, a momentous, and a hazardous voyage to perform, will not remain too long in port to paint his vessel, to decorate her exterior with gaudy colours, and to ornament her rigging with streamers waving in the breeze. To these embellishments he will pay no more attention than is barely needful to give her a decent ap-frame-work, the models, and elementary pearance in company with others embarked in the same perilous enterprise; but the greater energies of his mind will be directed to her compass, her planks, her timbers, her cables, her anchors, and the stores that are on board. His time will be principally occupied in consulting the chart on which his course is traced, and in calculating upon the storms he may have to encounter, the rocks against which he may be dashed, the shoals which may arrest his progress, the dangerous shores which he may be compelled to approach, and in making all possible preparation for unforeseen emergencies. In many congregations, some few may be found, who will know how to appreciate the mode of address, of division, of arrangement, and of investigation, so ably laid down in this Preacher's Manual, without being able to name the technicalities by which they are distinguished. To the great mass of hearers, however, all these | refinements will plead in vain. Their lustre will beam where there are no organs of perception; and what was intended to gratify the mind and ear, and to impart an auxiliary power to persuasion "Will waste its sweetness in the desert air." But notwithstanding these possible evils, it would be extremely unfair to argue against the excellence of any theory merely from the abuse to which it is liable. things can be placed beyond the reach of perversion, and that which approximates Few principles; but the fabric must be raised by him who understands their dictates, and knows how to manage their application. Of exordium, and peroration, Mr. Sturte-vant has collected many striking and beautiful examples; and with the modes of division, of elucidation, introduction of similes, use of figurative language, and variety of illustration, that he has selected and combined, we have been particularly pleased. It is a work which may be rendered peculiarly serviceable to all young preachers who wish to benefit their hearers, and to be an ornament to their sacred profession. To the lazy, the sluggish, and the indolent it may perhaps prove pernicious, by furnishing them with crutches, while teaching the thoughtful and industrious the art of walking without their aid. For his aim to inculcate the paramount importance of gospel truths, and a constant reliance on the assistance of the Holy Spirit, we give the author the fullest credit, notwithstanding our regret that these essentials are not more prominent throughout the lectures. His task, however, has led him rather to expatiate on the manner, than on the matter of sermons; and this we readily allow is of too much consequence to be disregarded: for although matter is of the highest moment, we should do well to remember, that if Cicero had delivered his sublime orations wrapped up in a blanket, he would have found a much greater number to laugh at his 929 Review. The Reformed Pastor. grotesque appearance, than to admire the profundity of his thoughts, or the elegance of his diction. By 12mo. REVIEW.-The Reformed Pastor. Richard Baxter. Revised and Abridged by the Rev. William Brown, M. D. With an Introductory Essay by the Rev. Daniel Wilson, A. M. pp. 378. Simpkin. London. 1829. AMONG the numerous works of the justly celebrated Richard Baxter, there is not one that has been more generally read or more universally admired, than his "Reformed Pastor." In the sanction thus derived from public opinion, the Rev. Daniel Wilson, in his "Introductory Essay," happily coincides, and we rejoice to concur with him in the following language, which so decidedly expresses both his sentiments and our own. "It is one of the best of his invaluable practical treatises. In the whole compass of divinity, there is scarcely any thing superior to it, in close pathetic appeals to the conscience of the minister of Christ, upon the primary duties of his office. The main object is, to press the necessity of his bringing home the truths of the Gospel to every individual of his flock, by affectionate catechetical instruction." Of the original work, the volume now under inspection is avowedly an abridgment, in which Mr. Brown has omitted the Latin quotations, and such passages as originated in the times when it was written, but which, by a change of manners, are at present rendered somewhat inapplicable. In doing this, however, he has taken especial care that the spirit of its immortal author should not evaporate; and that it might be preserved with the most scrupulous exactness, even in cases where it was found needful to expunge quaint or obsolete phrases, and antiquated terms, he has sedulously avoided all attempts to modernize the language. Hence, in every sentence it is still the venerable Richard Baxter speaking, with that nervous vigour and unlanguishing energy, for which all his writings have always been, and still are, so strikingly remarkable. It has been said, that Mr. Baxter was alike distinguished for weakness of body and strength of mind. Of the former we can say nothing; but in favour of the latter, all his writings bear the fullest testimony. By a mental power peculiarly his own, he has given to his sentiments an energetic pulsation which all can feel, but none can imitate with success. We find it 130. VOL. XI. 930 beating in every line with strokes that reach the conscience and the heart; and on surveying the effects produced, we are half tempted to imagine that he had found out some new avenue through which to apties he arrests the understanding, by his proach the soul. By his reasoning faculthunder he alarms the conscience, by his vigorous appeals he chains the passions, and by his pathetic addresses he wins the affections. It is the production of a master spirit, and ages may elapse before time will give birth to another Richard Baxter. The title of this work imports that it was primarily addressed to the clergy of the day, and no one conversant with their character, and the state of the church at that time, can doubt that occasions warranted the undertaking, and that nothing short of the unvarnished sincerity which it breathes, would produce the moral revolution at which he aimed. That the language is sharp and pungent, all who read it must allow, but the vices which he assailed had become inveterate, and the neglect of duty which he reprehended, admitted of no apology. "When the sin is open," he observes, "in the sight of the world, it is in vain to attempt to hide it; and when the sin is public, the confession should also be public. If the ministers of England had sinned only in Latin, I would have made shift to have admonished them in Latin, or else have said nothing to them. But if they will sin in English, they must hear of it in English. Unpardoned sin will never let us rest or prosper, though we be at ever so much care and cost to cover it: our sin will surely find us out, though we find not it out.-Preface. This Mr. Baxter informs us in his preface, that this treatise was originally intended for a pulpit discourse; but that indisposition prevented him from delivering it. circumstance induced him to publish what he had prepared for the occasion, that those for whose edification it was intended might read that which they could not hear. In this dispensation of providence, we perceive the wisdom and goodness of God. If it had been delivered from the pulpit, it would probably never have issued from the press, and then it would have been lost to the world; or even in case it had been printed, many topics now introduced would have been omitted, so that it would have assumed another appearance, and perhaps another character and name. To the illness of the author we are therefore indebted for this invaluable treatise, as furnishing another instance in which the Almighty so overrules events, as to make natural evil subservient to moral good. Among the clergy of Mr. Baxter's day this treatise was productive of incalcula 20 931 Review.-A Revival of Religion in New England. ble benefit. Many were reformed both in their private and their official characters; while the incorrigible, ashamed of the vice which they would not abandon, shrunk from this powerful appeal, and no longer flaunted their iniquities in the face of the public. Succeeding years felt the influence of this treatise, and the immutability of the truths which it contains and enforces, has given permanency to its operation; so that the lapse of time has neither impaired its vigour, nor turned aside its application. It is a work which will be perused with advantage, when the most youthful now in existence shall have given in their account before the bar of God. Of Mr. Baxter's pointed and earnest manner, the following passage furnishes a striking specimen. He "Methinks when Paul's 'spirit was stirred within him when he saw the Athenians wholly given to idolatry,' so it should cast us into one of his paroxysms to see so many men in the greatest danger of being everlastingly undone. Methinks if by faith we did indeed look upon them as within a step of hell, it would more effectually untie our tongues than Croesus' danger did his son's. that will let a sinner go down to hell for want of speaking to him, doth set less by souls than did the Redeemer of souls; and less by his neighbour, than common charity will allow him to do by his greatest enemy. O, therefore, brethren, whomsoever you neglect, neglect not the most miserable. Whatever you pass over, forget not poor souls that are under the condemnation and curse of the law, and who may look every hour for the infernal execution, if a speedy change do not prevent it. O call after the impenitent, and ply this great work of converting souls, whatever else you leave undone."-p. 76. The Rev. Daniel Wilson, in his introductory essay, has caught the spirit which runs through this treatise, and with a degree of intelligence that does honour to his head, and an earnestness that proves his heart to be in the work, he enforces the important truths which Baxter so strongly recommends. Though a clergyman of the established church, he is not ashamed of the manly sentiments and thrilling eloquence of this great nonconformist divine. In him we find a congeniality of soul with the great author of this immortal work; and, unininfluenced by motives of worldly prudence, and the false maxims of a degenerate age, he takes the Bible for his guide, and, walking by its light, all distinctions between sects and parties fade and disappear. The necessity of a saving conversion to God he views as the one thing needful, and whatever falls short of this, he deems unworthy the name of religion. By placing this invaluable treatise among the works of "Select Christian Authors,' Collins and Co. have rather derived than conferred an honour. The Reformed Pastor would be exalted in any station from 932 the throne to the cottage, from the library of an archbishop to the few volumes of the preaching mechanic. It is, however, a situation to which it has an imperious claim, and a neglect of its demands would have been disgraceful to this very excellent selection, which comprises nearly all that is valuable in divinity. REVIEW.-A Narrative of the Revival of Religion in New England, with Thoughts on that Revival. By Jonathan Edwards. A.M. With an Introductory Essay, by John Pye Smith, D.D. 12mo. pp. 506. Simpkin. London. 1829. It has been a favourite practice with those who know not God, to treat every remarkable revival of religion with contempt, from a most absurd presumption that nearly all its abettors and advocates are either enthusiasts or fanatics, and that no man of learning, of mental vigour, or acuteness of intellect, has boldly came forward in its defence. The work before us is a triumphant refutation of this calumny. The name of President Edwards is well known both in England, America, and on the continent of Europe; and with it, learning, mental vigour, and acuteness of intellect of the highest order, are invariably associated. In favour of these facts, his numerous and valuable publications bear the most indisputable testimony, and it can only be by persons unacquainted with his writings, that on these points any doubts can be entertained. This gentleman, in the volume now before us, comes boldly forward to speak that which he knows, and to testify that which he had seen, and, whether those into whose hands it may fall receive or reject his testimony, openly to avow his conviction, that the powerful operation which he describes, is the work of God, notwithstanding the numerous irregularities with which it was accompanied. To his narrative of facts, he adds collateral evidence, drawn from various sources, and attested by men of sterling piety, and acknowledged talents. This work, on the human heart, he proceeds to shew is not merely sanctioned by the word of God, but inculcated in its pages, and illustrated by numerous examples, the import and tendency of which no one can misapprehend. The great subject of this book is divided into five parts, under each of which, many sections are arranged. The first part asserts that the extraordinary work described, is of 933 Review. Olney Hymns. God; the second shews that all are under an obligation to promote it; the third is a vindication of those who are zealously engaged in it; the fourth cautions those engaged, against errors; and the fifth gives directions for the promoting of this work. In all its branches, the subject is handled in a masterly manner, being supported by the authority of scripture, and defended by arguments, at which infidelity may be allowed to laugh, when modern philosophy has repelled their force. The work of revival in New England, which Mr. Edwards describes, bears a striking resemblance to the revivals of more modern days among the Wesleyan Methodists in Yorkshire and in Cornwall; and the modes of defence that were available in America, retain all their force on this side of the Atlantic. The shield which Mr. Edwards has thus thrown over these remarkable outpourings of the Holy Spirit, may be assailed by maxims of worldly prudence, and of frozen ethics; but against | their collective energy it will be found invulnerable. The introductory Essay, though excellent in itself, is not altogether so applicable to the work as perhaps might have been expected. It notices, indeed, with much good sense, the prognostics of the present times, which indicate a general spread of Christianity throughout the world; and while it infers a great revival of religion from the vigorous impulses thus given to Christian exertion, it anticipates a still more glorious harvest, both at home, and in various parts of the world. To prepare the way for this great and desired object, Mr. Smith tells us, that "Pauperism must be rooted out." This we can by no means view as a felicitous sentence. We readily admit that many of the causes which lead to pauperism must be rooted out, and these being removed, the effect will cease; but misfortune should never be identified with crime. The author indeed adds, that "The condition usually understood by that name, involves a state of mind and habits with which true religion can find no congeniality.” This may explain his meaning; but it will by no means take the inversion of order from the expression, nor transfer turpitude from the cause to the effect. But notwithstanding the preceding remarks, and the occasions of them, we view this introduction as a well written article, and as proportionably enhancing the value of the book to which it is prefixed. In their connected state, Mr. Collins of Glasgow has given to them a niche in his ex 934: cellent series of "Select Christian Authors." With REVIEW.- Olney Hymns, in three Books. THE Olney hymns are well known in the We learn from the Preface, that these hymns, amounting in all to upwards of three hundred, are the joint productions of two individuals, viz. the Rev. John Newton, with whose name they are generally associated, and William Cowper, Esq. who is well known on the Aonian mount. Of these, the latter gentleman contributed about sixty, which are distinguished by the | letter C; and of all the remainder, the Rev. John Newton is the author. The Introductory Essay, by Mr. Montgomery, is rendered particularly interesting by the memoirs in outline of these remarkable individuals. The life of each is full of incidents, in which the providence of God may be distinctly traced through their varied movements, and in bringing them | together, although in their personal his tories they bear little or no resemblance whatever to each other. Newton, wild, profligate, and abandoned, left his father in early life, was impressed on board a ship of war, exalted to a midshipman, degraded and flogged for neglect of duty, carried to the coast of Africa, where he suffered incredible hardships, engaged in the slave trade, followed for some time the inhuman traffic, was awakened to a sense of his spiritual danger, sought and found mercy, returned to Eng. land, took up his abode at Olney, and became a worthy minister of the church. in which capacity he lived, and f 935 Review. The Christian's Defence against Infidelity, &c. 936 an undue magnitude, and rendered it disproportionately large, when compared with others in this valuable series of "Select Christian Authors." In another selection equally appropriate, we may hope to see it embodied, and its arrival will be hailed by us with a joy correspondent to its merits. The names mentioned above, constitute a mighty phalanx in the army of Emanuel, and no weapon formed against them shall prosper. They appear as a brilliant con irradiating the world with their lustre, imparting life and vigour to all who come beneath their influence, and dispelling the finished his course. Cowper, descended from an illustrious house, favoured with a liberal education, and placed under the smiles of fortune, rejected every overture that offered prosperity, and, in a deplorable state of mental aberration, having several times attempted suicide, retired from the world to sigh out life in the anguish of solitude, and the terrible forebodings of an almost broken heart. In the autumn of 1767, these two persons met together at Olney; an intimacy soon took place between them, which ripening into friend-stellation in the hemisphere of Christianity, ship, continued through their mortal pilgrimage, interrupted only by the malady of Cowper, and terminated only by death." The incidents thus noticed in the pre-mists which sophistry delights to raise in ceding paragraph, Mr. Montgomery has wrought into an interesting and instructive narrative, interspersing the various and diversified occurrences with reflections and observations, which confer on the whole an additional value. From these he proceeds to characterize the hymns which compose the volume, assigning to several their distinct degrees of merit, and connecting them with the peculiar yet varied talents of their respective authors; but assigning to those of Cowper the meed of more exalted praise. Taken as a whole, these hymns breathe a spirit of genuine piety towards God, and display a degree of mental and reverential fervour, which cannot fail to command solemn admiration. They have already taken their stand among the sacred poetry of our country, and although future compositions may fill a more exalted niche in the temple of fame, none will be able to dislodge them from the station which they occupy in the estimation of the church of Christ. REVIEW. The Christian's Defence against Infidelity, &c. With an Introductory Essay, by Thomas Chalmers, D.D. 12mo. pp. 536. Simpkin. London. 1829. the atmosphere of scepticism. With each of these renowned authors, the day of probation has long since passed away. They have been tried in the crucible of criticism, and have come forth like gold when purified; they have been assailed with the shafts of malignity, which, instead of inflicting wounds, have merely served to facilitate their elevation; and every attempt that has been made to diminish their reputation, has only tended to complete their apotheosis. Within the limits which we can devote to a volume of this description and magnitude, it is scarcely possible to furnish even an epitome of its several distinct, yet analogous treatises. Containing no superfluous words, and pursuing no topic through its remote ramifications, they appear as embodied essences, and must be fully perused before their excellence can be duly appreciated, or fairly understood. make extracts would, therefore, be to mutilate their symmetry, and diminish their force. To In the Introductory Essay, Dr. Chalmers has briefly delineated the character of each treatise; and of this we shall avail our selves, not merely to convey his sentiments and our own, but to furnish a favourable specimen of his discriminating powers, of his just appreciation of merit, and of the perspicuous and unequivocal manner in which he delivers his opinion. In Leslie's "Short and Easy Method with the Deists," and "The Truth of Christianity demonstrated," we have the historical evidence for the truth of scripture exhibited in a form so convincing and satisfactory, that the mind which can reject such evi THIS volume includes "Leslie's Short and Easy Method with the Deists;" "Littleton's Observations on St. Paul;" "Dod. dridge's Evidences of Christianity;" "Bates on the Divinity of the Christian Religion;" "Owen on the self-evidencing Light of Scripture;" and "Baxter on the Danger of making light of Christ." In this collection we should have been glad to see "Westdence, must evince a total perversity of reaon the Resurrection," the company being son, as well as abjuration of all such testiin every respect suitable to this justly cele- mony as can substantiate the truth of any brated treatise, though we readily acknow-by-gone event in this world's history, which ledge it would have swelled the volume to would go to expose every authentic record |