292 Review-Worsley's Observations on English Presbyterians.. people, to show them that they could claim an equal protection in their privileges and liberties, by a right anterior to the authority conferred upon kings.* Dr. Harris adopted the manner of Bayle, as it gave him an opportunity to enter into disquisitions, and to indulge reflections in the notes, which, in the text, would have interrupted the narrative. His abilities and merits as an historian, introduced him to an acquaintance and correspon.. dence with some of the most eminent characters of his day; as Lord Orford, Archdeacon Blackburn [Blackburne], Dr. Birch, Mrs. Macauley, Dr. Mayhew of Boston, Mr. Theophilus Lindsey, &c. Besides the foregoing works, it is conjectured that he was the author of a tract, without his name, in answer to An Essay on Establishments in Religion;' which passed as the work of Mr. Rotherham, but was suspected to have been dictated, or at least revised, by Archbishop Secker. He was, likewise, the editor of a volume of Sermons, by the late Mr. William West, of Exeter. An ill state of health, brought on by nocturnal studies, when the mornings had been spent in relaxation, and converse with neighbouring friends, impeded his application to further historical investigations, and terminated his life, on February 4, 1770, when he was only 50 years of age. Monthly Magazine for August, 1800." Pp. 75---77. Note. Samuel Rosewell was the son of the celebrated Thomas Rosewell who was tried for high treason before Judge Jefferies, and found guilty, but whose condemnation was so palpably iniquitous, that even in those base times the capital part of the sentence was remitted. John Billingsley was one of the nonsubscribers at Salters' Hall. Samuel Harvey died young, but not before he had excited amongst his friends the liveliest expectation of his future usefulness in the church. The following epitaph was composed in honour of him, by his friend Dr. Watts: "Here lie the ruins of a lowly tent, Where the seraphic soul of Harvey spent Its mortal years. How did his genius shine 1 Like heaven's bright envoy clad in powers divine! When from his lips the grace or vengeance broke, 'Twas majesty in arms, 'twas melting mercy spoke. What worlds of worth lay crowded in the breast! Too strait the mansion for th' illustrious guest! Zeal, like a flame, shot from the realms of day, Aids the slow fever to consume the clay, Triumphant: so Elijah went to God. ART. IV.-Observations on the State and Changes in the Presbyterian Societics of England during the last half Century. Also, on the Manufactures of Great Britain, which have been for the most part established and supported by the Protestant Dissenters. Tending to illustrate the Importance of Religious Liberty and Free Inquiry to the Welfare and Prosperity of a People: preceded by a Sermon on the Death of the Rev. Dr. Joshua Toulmin, in which his Character as a Member of Civil Society is attempted to be improved. By Israel Worsley. 12mo. pp. 134. Longman and Co. 3s. 1816. FROM ROM Mr. Worsley's Funeral Sermon we have already extracted a passage of some length, [M. Repos. xi. 194-198] containing a description' of the Public Character of the late truly reverend Dr. Toulmin. But the Sermon is the least portion of the work: the Addenda are very copious, and relate to subjects of deep interest, which are well stated in the title-page. Mr. Worsley is a zealous nonconformist. He makes his boast of principles which some that hold them are disposed to hide. He puts in a large claim for his denomination with respect to patriotic services. Few readers will we think condemn him as presumptuous. However it may be explained, it is a fact that the Protestant Dissenters have been for a century and a half a very active part of the population of England. The detail here given of their labours and improvements will surprise such as are not familiar with their history. Whilst Mr. Worsley renders honour to Protestant Dissenters, he freely exposes their defects. He is the friend of Dissent, but more the friend of Truth and Liberty. In reading this amusing and in "Memoirs of Thomas Hollis, Esq. structive little work, we could not help vol. i. p. 210." regarding it as the ground-work of a Review-Lay Secedor's Second Letter.-Townsend's Meditations, &c. 293 History of Nonconformists, more comprehensive, more minute and therefore more instructive than has yet been contemplated: in such a history, all that is here stated of their ability and enterprise in trade should have a place, together with much more that could be stated, but the work should likewise embrace their literary labours, their political influence and the weight of their character on public manners. We recommend this thought to Mr. Worsley's notice. He has our thanks for his present performance, and will, we are persuaded, receive the same from our readers. ART. V.-A Second Letter to the Bishop of St. David's. By A Lay Seceder. 8vo. pp. 36. Hunter. 1816. AN account of the Lay Seceder's First Letter was given in our last volume [x. 373-375]; the Second Letter is written with the same ability, and in the same temper, fearless but not unçandid. If the bishop be not too old in prejudice and bigotry to be a learner, the Lay Seceder may teach him both scriptural divinity and good manners. The following passage is a fair specimen of the Letter, which exhibits internal evidence of coming from a pen not wholly strange to our readers: "The interpretations, on which your Lordship's acquiescence in the doctrines of the Church of England is founded, appear to me repugnant to the general sense of scripture, and altogether insufficient to support the scheme. The more I examine the subject, and I have not failed as you suppose in due enquiry, the more firmly am I fixed in the ground of my reluctant, but strictly conscientious secession from that Church. But why, my Lord, in matters of opinion, should you require the interference of a penal law? Why should I be condemned to imprisonment and disqualification, because, finding no satisfactory solution of the difficulties which surround contested doctrines, I confine my assent to those only, which are clearly and explicitly revealed? How is society injured by my conduct; how is it benefited by your own? The honours and emoluments of your pro The article, with the exception of the conclusion of the last paragraph, was written by our respected friend, the late Dr. Toulmin, the loss of whose valuable sommunications we sensibly feel. YOL. XI. 2 Q ART. VI.-Morning Meditations for every Lord's Day in the Year. To which are added, Twelve Sacramental Meditations. By Josiah Townsend, Minister of the Gospel. 12mo. pp. 72. Baldwin and Co. 2s. boards. 1815. Tply that want of devotional books which is so much felt amongst Unitarians. The "Meditations" occupy a page each, and conclude with one or HIS is a laudable attempt to sup more suitable verses from well-known sight of in the work, which is a good hymns. Controversy is properly lost and together with those little volumes, companion for Tremlett's Reflections, will be acceptable to such Christians as observe the duties of the closet, and are intent upon the acquirement of a devotional spirit. 66 Townsend is preparing for the press, We observe with pleasure that Mr. Meditations for every Day in the Year, on different Texts of Scripture, selected and arranged so as to comprise a System of Religious Truth and Duty." ART. VII-An Essay on Miracles. In Two Parts. Pt. I. Observations on Miracles in general. Pt. II. On the Credibility of the Miracles of Jesus and his Apostles. By R. Wright. 12mo. pp. 24. Eaton. 6d. 1816. N and valuable Tracts appear to us to promise more advantage to his readers than this. It does not aspire to the praise of originality, but it condenses and simplifies the arguments of the best writers on the subject. Mr. Wright justly contends that a miracle is not a violation of the laws of nature; he dedently of the laws of nature, without fines it "an effect produced indepenthe use of natural means, by the power of God." Is not a miracle, a prophecy instantly fulfilled, of an event out of the ordinary course of nature, and not to be foreseen by human sagacity? TONE of Mr. Wright's judicious 294 Wright on Universal Restoration.-Joyce's and Fullagar's Sermonts. ART. VIII.-An Essay on the Universal HIS Essay is divided into six sec- to Universalists. Section IV. entitled, "The Apostle Paul an Universalist," is perhaps the best part of the argument, though the whole demands the attention of such as believe, we wish we could say fear, that Almighty God will torture some of his children for ever, or by torture reduce them to nothing. ART. IX.-The Subserviency of Free Inquiry and Religious Knowledge, among the lower Classes of Society, to the Prosperity and Permanence of a State: attempted to be shewn in a Discourse, delivered before the Unitarian Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, at Essex Street Chapel, on Friday, March 29, 1816. By the Rev. J. Joyce. 8vo. pp. 40. Hunter. 1816. UR reporter (p. 246) has already from the Journal of the Unitarian Society and though we think that it would for the most part have been heard with much interest before many other Societies, as well as this, we cannot withhold our testimony of unqualified approbation to its bold and at the same time benevolent spirit, and to the unreserved declaration which it makes of the great principles of Christian truth. * The Unitarian Society has a benevolent and charitable object in view, but can scarcely be considered as a Benevolent or Charitable Society: much less, we apprehend, can it be regarded as established for the benefit of "the lower Classes of Society." Were the Sermon less excellent we should not suggest these doubts, which, however, scarcely affect its worth. With a too faithful pencil, Mr. Joyce paints the unhappy condition of the poor. In one short sentence he points out a mass of wretchedness-The voice of the poor man for peace is never heard by those who make war. Until that voice is obeyed by legislatures and courts, little will have been done for the prevention or abatement of national misery. In the conclusion of the Sermon, the preacher draws an animated sketch of the history and purposes of the Unitarian Society, and states briefly but forcibly some arguments on behalf of Unitarianism. The following observation is of great weight: and no degree of sanctity has been, it may "The word Trinity is of human origin; be presumed, at any time attached to it.--The name of Almighty God is guarded in the Holy Scriptures by the most awful sanctions.---Now if there had been a Tri- . nity of persons, and if that Trinity had included all the perfections of the Deity himself, one might have supposed that the name would have been guarded by equally solemn sanctions. So far from it, it is used in all sorts of connexions, and no one feels shocked at the profanation. In Trinity churches, Trinity corporations, our own country we have Trinity colleges, Trinity squares and Trinity lanes :---Now can it be believed for a moment that the word could have been so used, had it been originally meant to designate the attributes of Almighty God? Who would not be shocked---who could endure to hear the name of God this kind and used for such purposes!" Pp. 28, 29. ART. X.-The final Prevalence of Unitarianism a Rational Expectation. A Discourse delivered at Palgrave, Dec. 19, 1815. By John Fullagar. 8vo. pp. 60. Eaton. R FULLAGAR, who has been tary of the Southern Unitarian Society, Palgrave, in Suffolk, and this is his has undertaken the pastoral office at Inaugural Sermon. He lays down several weighty reasons for the expectation expressed in the title-page, and endeahas not yet been realized. The Sermon yours to explain why the expectation is followed by several pages of interest ing Notes. ( 295 ) POETRY. A TRIBUTE To the Memory of Joseph Fox. And is thy course of earthly glory past, And still that glowing pulse that throbb'd too fast? Has eager death, in unrelenting haste,. His glorious prize, with trembling joy, embrac'd, As jealous of those never-resting pow'rs That liv'd whole years when others reckon hours? Sank is that strength no adverse pow'r could bow, And cold that heart that never froze till now? Yet if there be in nature's ebb and flow, Ought that no dimness and no change can know; If impulse high the conscious bosom thrill, With ought of heav'n that death can never chill; If energy there be whose vestal fire Lights ages on when mortal pow'rs expire Farewell the plaintive notes of fond regret, Thy spirit walks in deathless grandeur yet; Nor to the skies alone new gladness gives, But still on earth in holiest freshness lives; Wakes up the tend'rest joys that youth beguile, And glows and brightens in the infant's smile. See, while thy ashes scarce unconscious burn, Angelie mourners gather round thy urn; There silent kneel in childhood's holiest mood, The deepest bliss of opening gratitude; Their hands, in thankful joy, together So cherub-like they bend around thy tomb, Time scarcely throws his shadow on their bloom, Stops his own fatal ravage to condemn, And rests upon his scythe to gaze on them. Methinks in some sweet ev'ning's holiest calm, When every sinking breeze is charg'd with balm, Some youth, with genius dawning o'er his cheek, To think of thee his best-lov'd path shall seek, And 'neath some jagged oak's eternal shade, In holy dream of things unearthly laid, Hear angel voices whispering from on high, And trace bright visions in the Western sky; Till borne upon etherial clouds be roam, To catch a glimpse of thy immortal home. Then, when with joy the pulse of life is still, Thy deeds his heart with impulse high shall thrill, Light there a flame through life's dark scenes to burn, And with mild radiance settle on his urn. Forgive this humble off'ring to thy bier, An honest boon; though no "melodious tear;" But hands yet rude shall weave thee greener bays, And harps yet silent give thee worthier praise: Harps, in sweet vales no British steps have trod, Wak'd when across them sweeps the breath of God When heav'nly truths spontaneous notes inspire, Like morning rays on Memnon's sacred lyre! Then on each breathing of the joyous air, Thy name shall mingle with the Indian's pray'r; Oft with the song of praise to heav'n preferr'd, In strains like those which Bethle'm's shepherds heard. Ode to Solitude. T. N. T. Far from ambition's selfish train, Where avarice rules the busy day, • Lycidas. 296 Poetry.-Anticipations.-Soliloquy of Alphonso IV. And patient folly "hugs his chain," Enslav'd by custom's ruthless sway, Lead me, calm spirit, to some still retreat, Where silence shares with thee the blooming mead, Save when at distance heard in cadence sweet, The village minstrel tunes his simple reed; There free from cares, from jarring passions free, Oft may I strike the lyre, sweet Solitude, to thee. And mournful oft I'll cull the violet's bloom, Anticipations. When shall the bell toll over me; Peace dry the eyelids that weep; Thoughts of the pilgrim at rest; Nature's fond child on her breast? Calm 'midst the wreck-shall my eye, Find welcome in happier skies? A. Soliloquy of Alphonso IV. of Portugal. Proud sceptre! thou art bright and beau tiful To those who know thee not;-but he who knows The curses hanging round thy treacherous Rather than lift thee from the damned dust scorn Would spurn thee, trample thee indig- Dazzling, delusive, gaudy, gilded toy! O blissful life of the poor labourer, Sheltered in his cottage from the thorns of fate, The cares, the tumults of proud royalty! Heave the sad, soothing sigh, and dress Who less a king than he who kingdoms the clay-cold tomb. rules! |