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REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

First Ripe Fruits: being a Collection of Tracts. To which are added, Two Sermons. By the Rev. John M. Mason, A. M. With a short Memoir of the Author, 12mo, 45. 6el.

MR. Mason had promised, on the urgent solicitation of his friends, before he left Great Britain, last autumn, to send over from New York, for publication, a volume of sermons; among which should be several of those which he had preached in London. It is not the partiality of friendship which induces us to hope that, by the blessing of God, those sermons, when they arrive, will suppy to the Christian mind a harvest of rich sent

mental and devout satisfaction: it is probable, that in reference to such hope, the compiler of the little volume before us, has entitled it,

First Ripe Fruits." This volume contains, first, A Memoir of Mr. Mason's family,-education at New York and Edinburgh; settlement at the former; -of his powers as a preacher of the gospel, and particularly of his zealous and determined opposition to infidelity. The first tract comprizes, The Letters on frequent Communion-of which an analytical account was given in our Review for March 1799. The next tract is, A Funeral Oration on the Death of General Washington, by appointment of a number of the clergy of New York, and published at their request. The last of the tracts is entitled, "The Voice of Warning to Christians, on the Election of a President of the United States of America." The object of which is, to shew the sin and the danger which a nation, professing Christianity incurs, by exalting to the place of Chief Magistrate, a man of avowed infidel sentiments.

Of the two sermons, the first is entitled, "Hope for the Heathen," preached before the New York Missionary Society, from Isaiah xxv. 6. — The second, "Living Faith," preached at Edinburgh, before the Society for the Relief of the Desti

tute Sick, from Acts xv. 9. and Gal. v. 6. In these discourses, we perceive the same original bold tone of thinking, and fervour of feeling, by which Mr. Mason's pulpit-compositions are distinguished. Both the sermons, but especially the first, are more finished discourses thán his sermon published last summer along with the other Missionary Sermons; a considerable part of which, we understand, was not written till after it had been, delivered from the pulpit. It is indeed a most desireable thing, that the ministers who officiate on these interesting occasions, should have, their serthe press before they preach them, mons fully written and prepared for by which means they would more effectually benefit the friends of the Missionary cause, and enable the Directors to gratify them by an immediate publication.?

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Letters to an Universalist; containing a Review of the Controversy bẹtween Mr. Vidler and Mr. Füller, on the Doctrine of Universal Sakuation, &, 182 pp. 35+ £ clams a

REVIEWS were formerly comprehended among those publications "which not even critics criticize." But times are changed, and hypercriticish is now become too fashionable to need an apology. This alteration is hot without its use." In reviewing the Review that is before us, we must not forget, That what is written inay again be reviewed. There is indeed so little to blaine in this pamphlet, that our objections will be limited to the,titlepage. Mr. Fuller is introduced by the author, as vindicating himself from the censure of having imputed to Mr. Vidler à doctrine which he did not profess. The difference, as it appears from the review of the controversy,, consisted not in things, but in words: Mr.Vidler judged it proper, after fifteen letters had been exchanged with Mr. Fuller, to change his nomenclature, and to

ground upon this deviation, a charge against his opponent. In doing so, he alone was apparently deserving of blame; but as he now chooses to distinguish his own. hypothesis by the terms of universal restoration, rather than those of universal salvation, which he formerly used in the same sense, the reviewer might, perhaps, properly have adopted this correction in the title - page. So little is said on the occasion in Mr. Fuller's letters, that, by some per. sons, Mr. Vidler's doctrine has been stated to be that which has acquired the ugly title of Destructionism. Be it known, therefore, to all whom it may concern, that Mr. Vidler does, or lately did, profess to believe, that impenitent sinners will not be wholly exempted from future misery; but that after having endured a punishment proportioned to their respective degrees of guilt, they will all be admitted to positive and endless happiness. We cannot say restored, because that term implies that they must previously have enjoyed such a state. Mr. Vidler has, therefore, yet to seek a proper denomination for his system; but we apprehend it will be still inore difficult for him to reconcile his opinion with that of our Lord Jesus Christ, who solemnly asserted, that "it would have been better" for Judas "had le never been born." The future .endless felicity which Mr. Vidler promises to impenitent sinners, cannot then surely be universal,

We have already alluded to these letters in our review of Mr. Fuller's, and referred our readers to them for farther satisfaction; but the talents of the writer, and the importance of the subject, induce us to notice them as a distinct article. The first Letter investigates the propriety of Mr. Vidler's conduct as a controversialist; and exposes, with just severity, his pretensions to critical learning, on which he laid consider able stress. The second Letter gives a general statement of the controversy, and the nature of the question at issue,– The following Letters (being twelve in all examine the respective merits of the arguments used both by Mr. Vidler and Mr. Fuller, in which the author

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constantly gives the palm to the latter; but as Mr. Fuller modestly declined, in some measure, arguing from the learned languages, scrutator particularly examines Mr. Vidler's criticisms, and exposes their futility. So that these Letters may be considered as a kind of appendix to the former; and both together, as giving a very complete and satisfactory view of this awful, but interesting subject. It may be proper to add, that though this writer displays considerable learning, as well as critical acumen, for the accommodation of English readers, he has translated ,all his learned Qudrations in the margin.

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Private Thoughts, in Two Parts, complete. By the Rev. W. Beveridge, D.D. late Bishop of Bain, and Wells $2m0, 35.64.

THE reviewer of this article çan recommend this book with pleasure, as one of the first that was made useful to himself (and he believes many others) in the early part of life, and he is glad to see a new edition, so worthy of the author, and the book, which indeed comprizes a little body of divinity, doctrinal, practical, and experimental short account of the author is prefixed.

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Minutia, or Little Things for the Poor of Christ's Flock; including a Visita tion Sermanor By J. W. Peers, LL. D. Vol. II. 12m0, 35. boards.

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THE character given of the first volume of these little meditations, applies equally to this: They are uniformly evangelical, experimen tal, and savory" to the true Chris, tian. (See Evan. Mag, vol. VIL p. 162.) The modest title, chosen by the anthor, shews sufficiently that he did not aim at great things, nor write for the entertainment of the wise and learned, but he has aimed to be useful to the serious and humble Christian; and readers of this class, especially such as have little opportunity for reading sero mons, or treatises on divinity, will here find a great number of short, pious, and useful reflexions, on as inany passages of Scripture, which

for their brevity, as well as spirituality, will well recommend them. selves to their perusal. The hasty traveller, who cannot stop to take an ample meal, will be glad to catch at any comfortable refreshment by the way.

We should add, that the Visitation Sermon appended to these Minutia, which is founded on Rom. viii. 3, 4, is a manly and able defence of the Scriptural doctrines of human depravity, and the impossibility of salvation by the law.

The Seaman's Preacher: being the First of Nine Discourses addressed to Mariners, on Jonah's Voyage, preached in the Year 1672. By John Ryther, Minister of the Gospel in Wapping. A new Edition, revised and corrected; with a recommendatory Preface, by the Rev. John Newton, Rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, London. 12m0, 27 pp. 4d. Ir is a little singular that the Preface here, mentioned, does not appear with the Sermon, but is printed as a separate advertisement, with the original recommendation of Mr. Janeway; also those of the Rev. N. Hill, Dr. Rutledge, Dr. Ryland, Mr. Lowell, and Mr. Bogue. Mr. Newton says of the book, "My brother sailors, it is well calculated to instruct you, if ignorant; to rouse you, if careless; to encourage you, if you have a desire to seek God; and to comfort your mind if you are distressed." What can be said more? Christian reader, if you have any opportunity to circulate such books among mariners, do not forget this little work, and Mr. Flavel's Navigation Spiritualized.

A Saint Indeed, or the great Work of
a Christian opened and pressed, from,
Prov. iv. 23. By the late Rev. J.
Flavel. Two Editions, 18mo, 15.6d.
bound.
32mo, 15. bd. boards.

THIS useful and excellent tract has been long out of print, and much called for; in consequence of which these two editions have appeared together. Both are good; but, as might be expected, the smallest is the neatest, as well as dearest.

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Miscellaneous Pieces of Poetry. By a
Mechanic. 70 pp. 18m0, 15.

THE best recommendation we
can give of these verses, is in the
modest language of the Preface:
"The sole motive of the author,
in this publication, is the relief of
an aged mother, reduced from cir-
cumstances of comfort and respec-
tability to a scanty subsistence from
her parish. He trusts, therefore,
that no motive of vanity will be im-
puted to him for presenting to the
public verses, which he himself con-
fesses, have no other merit than
what they derive from the subjects
treated of, and the pious purpose
they are designed to answer." Cer
tainly the character of filial piety is
far before that of a poet; and bene-
volence, a better motive for pur-
chasing a book than mere entertain-
- and we must do this me-
chanic the justice to say, that tho'
he may have no acquaintance with
Apollo and the Muses, he appears
to be well acquainted with the
Prophets and Apostles,-which are
infinitely better company.

ment;

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The Crucifixion of Christ, or
Friday's Theme. In a Poem, accom-
panied with Practical Inferences.
Small 4to, 16 pp. gd.

"THE editor begs leave to inform the public, that the author's principal view in publishing the following private meditations, is a desire to promote, among all Christians, a more general and devout observance of Good Friday. Should any profits arise from this sale, the author has engaged to apply them in aid of the General Infirmary established in this, city," i. e. Bristol.

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his learned and evangelical writings. In an advertisement prefixed to the first volume, he informs us, "That it had often occurred to him that, as it could not be without a special design that so great a portion of the Holy Scriptures was cast into an historical form, the principal reason of this must be, that it appeared to Him, "who knoweth our frame," the most proper mode of conveying instruction, even on those subjects in which we are interested for eternity; and that, under the forcible impression of this idea, he engaged in this work." The work itself is divided into three parts:--

Part I. contains, A general View of the Use of Sacred History, in three sections:-Sect. 1. A genuine View of Sacred History: the Origin of all Things, of Man,- of Evll, of the Arts, &c. 2. On the Beau. ties of Sacred History: its Simpli city, Conciseness,-Fidelity,-Dignity,- Unity, &c - 3. On the Advantages arising from this Mode of Writing: Truths made more level to the Understanding, calculated

to arrest the attention, influence the affections, memory, &c.

Part II. On the History of Israel: their government, covenant, insti

tutions, ceremonies, &c. as an ample source of instruction to the Christian church.

Part III, which begins the second volume, we consider as peculiarly embracing the object of the author. Sect. 1, considers Sacred History · as illustrating and confirming the Being and Unity of God ;- 2. The Doctrines of the Trinity ;—3 and 4, The Perfections of God;-5 and 6, Divine Justice; 7 and 8, Divine Sovereignty; 9, Divine Provi dence; 10, The Natural Depra-, vity of Man;- 11 and 12, The Incarnation of the Son of God; 13 and 14, The Doctrines of Substitution, Atonement, and Imputation; 15, Necessity of Almighty Power for changing the Heart; 16, The Doctrine of particular Redemption; -17, The Conservation of Believers.

We have chosen to present our readers with this analytical view of the book, to enable them to form a more perfect idea of the whole design; and this must suffice at present. In our next, we propose to give some specimens from the work itself, which well deserves a particular attention.

SELECT LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

History of the Origin and Trans. actions of the London Missionary Society. No. I. to be completed in six Numbers, price is.

The Life and Posthumous Works of W. Cowper, Esq. By W. Hayley, Esq. Two Vols. 4to, 21.12s. 6d.

Calista, or a Picture of Modern
Life; a Poem. By Luke Brooker,

LL.D. 4to, 2s. 6d.
Minutiæ, vol. II. By J. W.
Peers, LL.D. 12m0, 3s. boards.

Bp. Beveridge's Private Thoughts.
New Edition, 12mo, 3s. 6d. .

The Saints Everlasting Rest. By R. Baxter, abridged by Mr. Fawcett. New Edition, 12mo, 3s. 6d.

An Explanation of our Blessed Sa viour's Sermon on the Mount. 6d. Miscellaneous Poems. By a Mehanic. 29, 15.

A Saint Indeed. By the Rev. John Flavel. 18mo, s. 3d. boards, 15. 6d. bound.-32m0, 1s. 6d. bds.

Fawcett's Grand Inquiry, "Am I in Christ or not?" New Edition, izmo, éd.

Ditto, with Mr. Fawcett's Fu neral-Sermon.

IS.

A Brief Hebrew Grammar, by the late Rev. W. Romaine; with a Scheme of a regular Verb, in Black. and Red Ink. 1S.

An Appeal to Reason, on the Subject of Daniel's Prophecies. By L. Mayer. 8v0, 15.

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Early Piety Recommended: Funeral-Sermon for G. Griffiths, of Bristol. By S. Lowell. 8vo, Is.

A Probationary Sermon, preached at the Lock Hospital, by the Rev. W. B. Williams. 8vo, is.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE

We understand, the following Ministers are engaged to preach the Annual Sermons before the Misssionary Society, on the Second Wednesday in May, and Two following Days; viz. The Rev. S. Bottomley, of Scarborough; the Rev. Greville Ewing, of Glasgow the Rev.T. Young, of Ebley. The Name of the Fourth Minister, with the Places and Times of Worship,

in our next.

MISSIONARY SOCIETY..

FROM the variety of interesting intelligence contained in the dispatches recently received from South Africa, which will be detailed in the "History of the Transactions of the Society," now publishing, the Directors have selected the following brief Extracts, from the Letter of the Missionary Bakker; not doubting that the Religious Public will feel a lively interest, and abundant cause for gratitude to God, on the perusal of them : —

Conversion of Hottentots.

"I VISITED a Hottentot woman, named Martha, who was confined by sickness: I found her better in health, and her soul very lively. She told me, that she was in a dark and unbelieving state before, and in the beginning of her sickness; but that, when very ill, it had pleased God to visit her with his enlightening grace, and to shew her that he was only love in his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; and that he was that to her. Believing this, she was filled with joy and peace through the Holy Ghost. Being thus united to the Lord, she was willing to depart; or, if it should please the Lord to recover her, she wished to live for Him, by his grace. She admonished her husband, who was full of sorrow, saying, that he ought not to murmur, but submit to the will of the Lord; because God's doings were wise, good, and only love; and that she would not change her situation for a thousand worlds.

"Sunday, July 4th. After pub. lic worship with seventy or eighty natives, I asked one, named Styn, If she had no reason to shew forth the praise of the Lord? She ans

wered, that she had much reason; because the Lord had shewn to her her own wickedness, and the danger in which she was by nature,-being dead in sin, and, therefore, in ai state of condemnation before God. He had also shewn to her, that redemption by Christ is the only way of salvation; and, therefore, she had embraced him, through faith, as her Redeemer, in whom she had forgiveness of sins, and a right to eternal glory;-and it was now her only desire to live according to his will.

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"Afterwards I conversed with Resina, who directly began to speak of the love of God which she saw for herself. She was astonished that such a sinful creature should be preserved till now, though she had long ago deserved to be cast into Hell for her sins; but especially, that the Lord had made known to her, by his word and Spirit, her lost state by nature, and had enabled her to fee to the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, who bore the punishment due to sinners, and obtained for them ever- · lasting life; wherefore she sought in him all her salvation, and desired now to live for him in thankful

ness.

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