course, delivered at the expiration of a quarter of a century from the time of his ordination, contains a brief review of his ministry, with such statistics as usually enter into productions of this kind. His lot has been cast in a retired parish, in a town with a "diminishing population" in consequence of emigration, yet the discourse bears witness, that he has labored diligently, and, we should say, successfully; his ministry has been peaceful, and he may yet look forward to many years of usefulness. An appendix contains an account of the first settlers of Dublin, its population at different periods, with other historical facts of interest. Mr. Clarke's Sermon is a valuable document, and will be read with interest not only by the members of the "Church of the Disciples" themselves, but by multitudes of others who may wish to know something of their past history, their principle of association, mode of worship, leading ideas, "methods and external arrangements." On all these subjects the reader will find in the pamphlet the desired information presented in a simple and clear style. Mr. Peabody's subject is the obligation we owe to the Pilgrim fathers of New England, a theme which is in little danger of being worn out, and on which he has constructed a Discourse distinguished for just sentiment and discriminating remark, blending in due proportion narrative and reflection in a style marked by great purity, clearness, and simplicity. Mr. Furness's Installation Sermon is distinguished by the peculiar spirituality of views and glowing style, which we are accustomed to look for in all that comes from his pen. Jesus, he says, "lived in a very different world from ours, but still a present world," and "in our best moments, we all catch glimpses of the world of Christ." We should endeavor to rise to it in our daily life, thus entering the kingdom of heaven; the "way" into which forms the subject of the discourse, and naturally leads the writer to speak of the miracles of Christ and their significance according to his views of them, with which the public is already familiar. The other performances printed along with the sermon have a reference more or less direct to the times, and are marked by the usual characteristics of their authors. -The nature and foundation of that union, which Christ would have exist among his followers, the causes which have hitherto impeded its growth, the way in which it is to be sought, and present encouraging symptoms, especially in the reforms which, amid great differences of opinion, have united so many hearts in beautiful and harmonious action, are among the topics which the reader will find treated in Mr. Robbins's Sermon, with his usual felicity of style and illustration, and the Right Hand and Address well harmonize with it. The object of Mr. Bartol's Discourse is to show that "individual reform alone is public reform;" individual action, he thinks, in 1846.] Notices of Recent Publications. 475 the main preferable to the action of societies; at least the latter is insufficient without the former. He instances particularly the slavery, peace, and temperance reforms, on which, and the measures used in promoting them, he expresses his thoughts with freedom and independence. Mr. Cushman's is a lay Sermon, preached at Plymouth during the first year of the settlement, and now printed for the fourth time. The "Epistle Dedicatory" bearing date" Plymouth, December 12, 1621," is the best part of the original publication, though the Sermon, from the time and place of its delivery, is worth reading as matter of curiosity. The edition of 1685 contains an appendix, giving some account of the author, and written by Judge Davis, who suffered an error to creep into it, as he tells the public in his edition of Morton's Memorial, p. 375. The error, that of attributing to the original Colonists a community of property, is not of much importance, yet it is to be regretted, since the work was to be reprinted, that an opportunity had not been afforded the venerable writer of correcting it. The influence of physical causes on national character and civilization, and on the intellectual and moral development of the race, has been always recognized, but we have never met with it so convincingly and eloquently set forth and illustrated as in Mr. Hillard's Address on the "Connexion of Geography with History," which deserves to be carefully studied, especially by teachers, and may be read with pleasure and profit by all. Its pure and elevated moral tone adds to its value and charms.— Dr. Jarvis strenuously urges the study of physiology in our common schools, and though, as he informs the public, portions of his Lecture appeared in an article contributed by him to the "July" [read September] number of the Examiner, 1843, this circumstance will not, we suppose, as regards most of its readers, deprive it of the interest of novelty. - Dr. Pierce, as he informs us in his present Address, has already delivered three Historical Discourses relating to the small town of Brookline, yet he has now been able to glean materials enough to fill a pamphlet of fifty-two pages. Many of his facts and statistics, as might be supposed, are minute. This is one excellence of the Address viewed as a local historical document. The author expresses his intention, should his life be spared a year longer, to deliver another discourse, at the completion of half a century from the time of his ordination, in which he will "gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost." There is not probably another town in the commonwealth, or in the United States, the history of which will have been so minutely and faithfully written. — Mr. Whitney's Address contains a strong appeal in favor of total abstinence, urges the inefficacy of laws without "moral and religious principle," and insists on the importance of a "living public opinion" and strict practice as the only ground on which the friends of reform can place any secure hope. There is one great cause of pauperism, Mr. Sargent thinks, which includes all the rest, and that is, the "disproportionate influence allowed to wealth among us," manifested in various forms of extravagance and selfishness; and the remedy, therefore, he says, must be sought in a reform at home, in a more Christian feeling, more intimate sympathy, and more simple and frugal habits, topics which, along with some others, are treated with great seriousness, and with much force both of thought and expression. -The Hollis Street Pamphlet is a continuation of the controversy to which allusion was made in our Notices contained in the last number. It is issued by the minority, and offers some very free strictures and comments on the "Letter" referred to in its title. The "Remarks on Europe," as we are informed by an advertisement to the pamphlet, is by Rev. Charles Brooks, and is a reprint from the Knickerbocker of 1843. The pamphlet is well worth reading. Being written abroad (at Rome) by one who had possessed ample means of observation as well as reading, and who is accustomed to use well his opportunities, its statements in regard to European society must be entitled to confidence, and the application of his remarks to America adds to their value and interest. - Mr. Swett's project for publishing "Sketches of a few distinguished men of Newbury and Newburyport" will afford him an opportunity of rescuing from oblivion many facts and biographical traits, interesting alike to the general reader and the antiquary. His account of Capt. Moses Brown, who is the subject of the first Sketch, forms a pleasing and useful little narrative of the life of a man whose memory is worth preserving. We have not found time to read the "Panidea" with sufficient attention to comprehend it. Among the titles of its chapters are, "The All resolved into its subjective unity, in the Logos, or Absolute Reason," "The subjective unity of the Logos, or Absolute Reason, resolved into its objective all, sensuous and supersensuous," Spheres sensuous and supersensuous their correspondence and difference," "The Me, or Homo Individualis,"" The Theanthropoid, or Homo Universalis;" - rather formidable titles, but truth we are told, "lies in a well." —The calm and liberal spirit in which the "Bible Argument" is conducted by a "Citizen of Virginia," added to the general soundness of his reasoning and expositions, should secure for it a careful and impartial reading. We take advantage of the space which remains to us on this page, to suggest the propriety of a clergyman's always indicating his parochial relation on the title-page of a sermon preached by him in any other than his own pulpit. The naked name of the individual sometimes fails to satisfy the curiosity of readers, and seems to betoken a consciousness of celebrity. 1846.] Religious Intelligence. 477 INTELLIGENCE. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. Ecclesiastical Record. - We grieve to learn, that Rev. Mr. Sewall of Scituate has been compelled, by a return of the malady which has before interrupted his professional labors, to ask a dismission from his people. Also, that Rev. Mr. Lambert of East Cambridge has resigned his ministry on account of ill health. On the other hand it is a pleasant circumstance to record, that Rev. Mr. Weiss, having in a measure recovered his health, has been induced by the invitation of the society at Watertown to resuine the ministry among them, which he relinquished a few months since. An important decision has been made by the Proprietors of the Purchase Street church in this city. Finding that in consequence of the changes which have recently taken place in that part of the city, from the increase of business and the removal of families to a more quiet neighborhood, their meetinghouse was inconveniently distant from a large number of the congregation, they resolved to sell their present edifice, and erect one on another spot. An arrangement has been made with the subscribers to the fund for the erection of a house of worship on Harrison Avenue, by which their subscription has been transferred to the Purchase Street society. A lot of ground, most favorably situated, has been bought, at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Beach Street, on which a chaste and commodious house will be erected this summer. We understand that the purpose of establishing a new society at the southerly part of the city, for which an act of incorporation had been obtained, has not been relinquished, but is meant to be carried into effect at some future time. The "Church of the Saviour" have completed their Chapel or Vestry, a very beautiful little building, capable of accommodating three hundred worshippers, where they will hold their religious services during the erection of their meetinghouse, the foundation of which is already laid. — The Broadway society at South Boston have been obliged, by the increase of their numbers, to remove to a larger hall, in which they will in future conduct their worship. - The First Congregational Parish in Lexington are remodelling their house of worship, which was built in 1794, and will now be made more agreeable to modern taste in its interior arrangements. - The First Parish in Framingham have voted to build a new meetinghouse, and will commence the work immediately. — The congregation at Troy, N. Y. contemplate an enlargement of their house. Among the other denominations in our city we also notice changes in the ministerial relation. Rev. Mr. Chapin, late of Charlestown, has become associate minister (with Rev. Mr. Ballou) of the Second Universalist society. Rev. Mr. Skinner, late pastor of the Fifth Universalist church, has accepted an invitation to take charge of a congregation in the city of New York. - Rev. Mr. Banvard, late of Salem, has been installed over the Harrison Avenue Baptist church, VOL. XL. -4TH. S. VOL. V. NO. III. 42 formerly under the care of Rev. Mr. Turnbull.-Rev. Mr. Watson, assistant minister of Trinity church, has resigned his place. A serious difference has arisen between Bishop Eastburn and the "Church of the Advent," which is said to affect his relations with other churches in his diocese. The Bishop deprecates the introduction of Romish usages, and rebukes the Puseyite tendencies of some of those over whom he has the oversight. Their defence has shown any thing but a willingness to succumb to Episcopal authority. We like their independence as much as we dislike their forms. Benevolent Fraternity of Churches. — The anniversary of this important institution was celebrated on the evening of Fast day, April 2, 1846. Religious services were attended in the Federal Street church. After prayer by Rev. Mr. Smith of New North church, a discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Peabody of the King's Chapel, from Matthew xiii. 27, 28, - on the permanent causes of pauperism and the proper remedies. At the meeting for the organization of the new Board held as usual on the evening of the second Sunday after Fast an interval which gives time for the choice of delegates in the several Branches-Henry B. Rogers Esq. was chosen President; Rev. Robert C. Waterston, Secretary; Mr. Thomas Tarbell, Treasurer ; Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, and Mr. Benjamin Seaver, the other members of the Executive Committee. The semiannual Reports of the ministers-at-large were presented, and contained evidence not only of their diligence and devotedness, but of the great and sad need there is of their labors in this city. The subject of licentiousness had received particular attention from one of the ministers, whose Report offered many most painful details. We trust that some means will be found to stay the increase of this destructive vice. It is a difficult subject to discuss, and yet more difficult to deal with practically; but no false delicacy should prevent our considering what may be done to save our city and our homes from a moral corruption, a thousand times worse than the most fearful of physical diseases. The special purpose of the Fraternity of Churches is the support of the Ministry-at-large in this city. The Pitts Street and Suffolk Street chapels are under their charge; the former being served by Rev. Dr. Bigelow, the latter by Rev. Mr. Cruft. Rev. Mr. Burton is also employed in this Ministry, with less of local restriction than his associates; and it is the hope of those who are entrusted with the financial affairs of the Fraternity, that they shall soon be able to call a fourth laborer into this work. It has been blessed in its results, and may be indefinitely extended. Levee for the Meadville Theological School. The success of the Theological School established but little more than a year ago at Meadville, Penn., with the wants of the young men who resort there for instruction, led several ladies in Boston to inquire if they could not do something to increase the resources of the institution. The purpose which they entertained soon spread beyond the "Church of the Disciples," to which the persons with whom it originated belonged, and other ladies expressed their desire to cooperate in carrying it into effect. The plan grew almost insensibly, till it was thought best to apply to the city government for the use of Faneuil Hall, |
