which remarks I should be glad to see considered by some of your able correspondents. JUVENIS. To the Editor of the Christian Observer. I AM a constant reader of the AntiJacobin Review, and have hitherto been much pleased with its fervent professions of attachment to our constitution, both in Church and State. I am myself a warm friend to both; and, therefore, cannot but be grieved when I discover in that or any other publication, professedly written on the side of religion and order, any thing that appears to be hostile to either, and calculated to undermine its fundamental principles. Passages, however, occasionally appear in the pages of the Anti-jacobin Review, which are injurious to the interests of the Established Church; and the more highly I estimate their proposed object, the more I lament these deviations from it. For the purpose of justifying the apprehensions which I have stated, with respect to the tendency of certain passages occurring in this work, I would at present call your attention to the number for January, 1803, p. 88-91; where a pamphlet is reviewed, intituled, Considerations on the present State of Religion, speculative and practical, in this Country. 57. Hatchard, 1801. This tract, PP must premise, I have never seen; and therefore, can only form an opinion of it from the extracts made in the Review, and the character therein given. As these citations would occupy too large a space for insertion in your Miscellany, I shall only refer you to some positions which they contain, and which the Anti-jacobin Review has passed over without censure, and to appearance approves. In the first extract, p. 88, of the Review, it is asserted, that" curious points, not essential to salvation," are "inserted as articles of faith," in the XXXIX Articles of the Church of England:-that "whether essential to salvation or not, it is essential to strict honour and veracity, and to the purpose for which they were drawn up, that they" (viz. these " rious points") "should be holden as true, and taken in the same sense by all those who subscribe them :"-that, cu "amongst the articles, purposely intended to unite under one standard of belief all the members of our Church, some were introduced with the hope of bringing into her fold those untractable sectaries the Puritans* :" that the "articles" are "so worded, that, in giving their unfeigned assent to the obvious grammatical sense of the words," the Puritans "might as sert their favourite tenets in the most unequivocal language;" "limiting the mercies of the Deity, and effec tually cutting off the vast majority of the human species from all hope of pardon and happiness, by the exterminating doctrine of unconditional decrees:" that these articles, how ever, were " sufficiently agreeable to the sentiments of the greater part of the Clergy," "learned and pious" as they were, at the time when the articles were framed. It is moreover intimated by this impugner of the established creed, that the eleventh article of "Justification by faith alone," and the thirteenth, Of works before justification, (which is strangely confounded with the eighteenth, respecting the insufficiency of the light of nature) contain false doctrine. It were naturally to be expected, that they who professedly stand up as colossal champions, in defence of our established doctrines, would have boldly stigmatised the foregoing assertions with their severest censure. But no! it was enough to pass a gentle stricture on the writer's carelessness and inelegance of style. (See p. 89.) And, lest the touch of their rod should give him unnecessary pain, they, in the close of their critique, profess themselves obliged to him for what he has written, and openly avow an unqualified approbation of his sentiments. But is it thus, Mr. Editor, that our Church is to be vindicated and upheld? Are important errors in chronology, and mistatements of historical facts, to be left unnoticed and uncorrected? Do the Anti-jacobin Reviewers admit that the doctrine of *This seems to be a very gross anachronism: for the articles were prepared in the year 1552, and published with royal authority in the year 1553, during the reign of Edward VI.; and Puritanism had no existence whatever till the next reign; and indeed did not appear in England till that of Elizabeth. See Burnett's Reform, Vol. I. and Mosheim's Eccles. Hist, cent. 16. chap. 17. unconditional decrees is laid down in our XXXIX Articles; that this doctrine is contained in the obvious grammatical sense of the words, and expressed in the most unequivocal language? Do they moreover allow, that it is essential to strict honour and veracity, und to the purpose for which the articles were drawn up, that they should be holden as true, and taken in the same sense by all those who subscribe them? Do they moreover grant, in concurrence with this author, that the articles contain false doctrine? What will their friends, Dr. Hey, and Dr. Kipling, say to them concerning these concessions? If these assertions be true, the supralapsarian divine is the only man of strict honour and veracity: or rather, if the articles contain false doctrine, the whole body of the Clergy are destitute of these qualities. How innocent and inoffensive is the remark of the Rev. Mr. Rose*, had it even been correctly reported, as I am assured it was not; or even that of Mr. Rowland Hill, compared with these anonymous Considerations, and the sanction which is given to them by the silence of the Anti-jacobin Review, respecting their pernicious tendency!! The former are blows aimed only at particular branches of the ecclesiastical tree; but the latter are calculated to cut it up by the very roots. In the next citation, the author of the Considerations states, that "the present Church of England is exposed to the attacks of two kinds of enemies, Infidels and Methodists;" (Query, Why are the Dissenters omitted?) that the latter are only "enemies towards those who enjoy its honours and emoluments:"-that when the Methodists "assert that theirs is the primitive theology of the Church of England, which they alone deliver * See page 63, in the same number of the Anti-jacobin Review. + Indeed the charge implied can only be compared in its indiscriminate nature, and its severity, with the accusation of perjury, brought against the Clergy, by Mr. Hey, of Bristol. But an open enemy is better than a false friend. Do not the Methodist preachers, when they apply for a licence to preach, avow themselves dissenters from some branch or other of the Church doctrine or discipline? And does not the Anti-jacobin Review constantly represent them as unfriendly to the Establishment itself? unadulterated to their flocks, they are not easily answered:"-that "Bishop Warburton, aware of this difficulty, when he wrote his excellent trea"The Doctrine of tise, entitled, Grace," was obliged to confine himself to the manner of propagating their opinions, when it is most evident that he was equally inimical to the matter." Now the inference deducible from the concessions of this incautious writer is plainly this; that Bp. Warburton was not a man of strict honour and veracity, since he subscribed repeatedly to doctrines, which the author of the Considerations has asserted to be favourable to Puritanism, and now intimates to be agreeable to the opinions of the Methodists, while the Bishop in his heart was inimical to them. The author then proceds to express a wish" that this stumbling block" (viz. the pu ritanical and methodistical articles of the Church of England!!!) " may be removed," and a hope" that it will." Nay, not contented with the removal of the parts which particularly offend him, he introduces a sweeping clause, in which he recommends to the legis lature an abrogation of subscription to the XXXIX Articles altogether; and advises that "an unequivocal assent to the Book of Common Prayer" shall be required instead of it. But he does not stop here. For, previous to the requisition of this assent, he would have not only the "damnatory clauses of the Athanasian creed" omitted, but also" the form of the absolu tion in the visitation of the sick" altered, and "a few verbal corrections" made. Alas! poor Church of England, whose false friends join with her ene mies in tearing out her very vitals. But, with respect to these alterations, all her real friends will concur in an ardent wish, Longè absit dies! I will not trouble you, Mr. Editor, with many animadversions on these Considerations, and on the sanction which they receive from their admission without censure into the Anti-jacobin Review, and from the handsome character which is there given to them. These speak for themselves. Does the reviewer really believe that I cannot, however, avoid asking, the primitive theology of the Church of England may be identified with Methodism, and that the Methodists alone deliver to their flocks the real doctrine of the Establishment? I do not: and I moreover think that the Liturgy of the Church of England is in unison with her articles; and shall always deem that man to be her foe, who tries to set these standards of orthodoxy in opposition to each other. With respect to the Considerations on the present State of Religion, speculatire and practical, in this country; I must avow my conviction, that an enemy hath done this;" and I am sorry to find the Anti-jacobin Review concurring in such an act of daring hostility. The ground of my concern may be seen in their judgment of this tract, which they give at the conclusion of their review: "A great deal of useful matter" (and it may be supposed, that they have selected for quotation what appeared to them to be most useful) is contained in this little pamphlet; and we are much obliged to the author for liberal sentiment, guided by religious sincerity." From such liberality, and such sincerity, may this nation be delivered! 66 JAMES. At an early period of our labours, we did not hesitate to express an opinion that the professions and conduct of the Editors of the Anti-jacobin Review were greatly at variance. That their opinions on Church government stand opposed to the true principles of Protestantism, is pretty evident, (see, for an example, their Review of a Dialogue between a Minister of the Church of England, and his Parishioners," &c. in January and February, 1802, and Christ. Observ. Vol. I. p. 254.) But it is not on the subject of Church government alone that we apprehend them to have manifested a popish tendency. We complained (Vol. I. p. 176) that their boasted attachment to the Church had " displayed itself in the mutilation of her genuine doctrines;" and we substantiated our charge by a reference to a passage in their Review for January, 1802, (p. 85) where they indicate an attachment to the form, but a dislike to the spirit of religi on. Another proof will be found in their 66 recommendation," with a slight qualification of a very heterodox work of Mr. Fellowes (see Anti-jacobin Review, for Dec. 1801, and Christ. Observ. Vol. I. p. 236); and any one who will take the trouble carefully to examine the critique on which our correspondent James has commented, will find a farther confirmation of our sentiments. We instance these cases, because they bring the charge directly home; but insour opinion, a proof of their popish leanings, at least equally strong, though less capable of being established without much detail, is deducible from the general strain of their work. They seem to prefer Popery to any form of Protestantism, except that of the Church of England; and it will not be denied, that the violence of Popery is one of their chief characteristics. They are enemies to the Toleration Act†, and considerably hostile to Sunday Schools. They are unfriendly even to the distribution of the Scriptures, if we may judge from the unqualified strain of their censure on the attempt made by the London Missionary Society, to introduce them into France; an attempt which we hope will stimulate the zeal of Christians of every name, (see their Review for December last, p. 433.) An Italian Bishop, who manifested an anxiety to promote the circulation of the Scriptures in Italy, falls also under the weight of their displeasure, (see same Review, p. 434); and they denounce him to the POPE, because he is friendly to a reformation from Popery. We mean not to impeach the intentions of the Anti-jacobin Reviewers, so far as to affirm that it is a part of their design to introduce Popery into the English Church; but we are persuaded that it is the tendency of their labours, under the name of Protestantism, to establish many of the most truly Popish principles. We know that many very well-meaning men favour them, and are influenced by their writings, from a belief that they are zealous supporters of the Church. We beg of such persons coolly to weigh the above letter of James, as well as the remarks which we have now made. *See Anti-jacobin Review for December last, p. 433. + Sce for a recent proof, their Review of Oven's Methodism Unmasked. LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE, &c. &c. GREAT BRITAIN. A Geral Bill of all the Christenings and Berials, from Dec. 15, 1801, to Dec. 14, 1502. Christened in the 97 Parishes within the Walls, 1189.-Buried, 1305. Christened in the 17 Parishes without the Walls, 4716.-Buried, 4219. From MOUNT ATHOS.-1. The Orations of Demosthenes,-2. The Works of Ten Athenian Orators, some of which not hitherto known. From CONSTANTINOPLE.-1,The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite, with a curious and learned commentary, written on vellum, in folio.-2. Complete copies of the Gospels, written in the eighth century. Christened in the 23 Out Parishes in Middlesex and Surry, 9529.-Buried, 8878.-3, 4, 5, 6. Various copies of the Gospels, Christened in the 10 Parishes in the City and Liberties of Westminster, 4684.-Buried, 4977. Christened Males . 10564) Females 9354 ( In all 19,918 Buried.. Males. 9989 In all 19,379 Under two years of age...... Between two and five Five and ten...... Ten and twenty Thirty and forty.. Forty and fifty Eighty and ninety. A hundred and two.... 5925 2379 1199 2112 896 62 2 and of the Epistles, and Acts of the Apostles, of different dates.-7. The Works of Philip the Hermit.-8. Dialogues of Theodore the Syracusan.-9. A Work on Greek Grammar.-10, 11, 12. The Writings of Commentators on the Gospels, and the Works of the earliest Fathers of the Church. -13. Very ancient copy of the Evangelistarium of the Greek Church.-14. Ditto, ditto.-15. The Works of Philes, on Animals It may be interesting to some of our readers to know, that the admission to the use of the library belonging to the BRITISH MUSEUM has been lately facilitated by the trustees. The Reading-room is open from ten till four every day, except on Saturdays and Sundays, and for one week at Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide; also on 369 Thanksgiving and Fast-days. Persons desirous of admission are to send in their applications, in writing, to the principal Librarian; who will lay the same before the next general meeting, or committee of the trustees. But as it might be dangerous, in so populous a metropolis as London, to admit perfect strangers, it is expected that every person who applies, if not known to any trustee or officer of the Museum, should produce a recommendation from some person of known and approved character. In all cases which require such dispatch, as that time cannot be allowed for making an application to the trustees, the princi pal Librarian, or, in his absence, the Secretary, is empowered to grant a temporary leave till the next general meeting or committee. Increased in the Burials this year 5. A most respectable society has been formed, and a large sum subscribed, for the relief of poor chimney-sweepers. The ubjects of this benevolent institution are to prevent the youths so employed from being oppressed, and to discover, if possible, a mode of sweeping chimnies, which will render the present inhuman method unnecessary. The Greek MSS. brought by Messrs. CLARKE and CRIPPS, of Jesus College, Cambridge, (See Christ. Observ. Vol. I. p. 808), from Patmos, Naxos, and other parts of Greece, and from Constantinople, are as follow: From PATMOS.--1. The Works of Plato, most beautifully written on vellum, in fofio: the Scholia in minute capitals: the Colophon proves that it was written by John the Calligraph, for Arethas, Deacon of Patrae, for thirteen Byzantine nummi, in the 14th year of the indiction, and in the reign of Leo son of Basilius.-Lexicon of St. Cyril, of Alexandria.-3. Greek Poetry, accompanied by ancient Greek musical notes.-4. Ditto, ditto.-5. The Works of Gregory of Nazianzum. In the press, the second volume of the improved edition of HUTCHINS'S History of Dorsetshire; the second volume of B10LAND'S Genealogical Collections for Gloucestershire, under the direction of three able antiquaries; a new edition of HARRINGTON's Nuge Antique, much improved; a posthumous work, by the late Mr. PEGGE, entitled, Anecdotes of the English Language; a Poem on Glasgow, by Mr. JOHN MAYNE, with notes illustrating the local allusions; Letters on the Importance From NAXOS.-Copies of the Gospels, in of the Female Sex, with observations on CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 14. HATFIELD; a translation of SUE's History of Galvanism, with notes, supplementary matter, and copper-plates; an Account of the various charitable Institutions in Ireland, addressed to the Lord Lieutenant, by the Reverend Mr. HINCKS, of Cork; Anthropology, or the Natural History of Man, including a comparative view of the structure and functions of animated beings in general, by WILLIAM BLAIR, M. A. &c. &c. in 1 vol. 8vo. illustrated by twenty views, engraved from drawings by the author; A Tour through South Wales and Monmouthshire, by J. T. BARBER, F. S. A; an Enquiry into the Colonial Policy of European Powers, by H. BROUGHTON, Jun. Esq.; a second volume of MALCOLM'S Description of London. M. PELTIER has published proposals for a very extensive work in French, to be printed in London. It will consist of a Relation of the Invasion of Egypt and Syria by the French, confirmed by all the French, English, and Turkish official papers. This relation will be preceded by the Reports and Memoirs presented to the Government when the Expedition was undertaken; and will be followed by a recital of all that shall have passed among the Mamelukes, Turks, and English, from the departure of the French to the moment of publication. Dr. FORBES, of the university of Edinburgh, has in forwardness Memoirs of the first and most eminent Founders of the Edinburgh Medical School, with an account of their works; comprehending a review of the tenets of Brown and Cullen. The Reverend J. GOLDSMITH has prepared a Grammar of the First Elements of Geography, introductory to his Geography for the Use of Schools, lately published. It consists of-1. Elements; 2. The use of the globes; and 3. The mode of constructing maps. The Reverend J. WHITAKER is at present employed upon A critical Statement of the original History of London. The late Mr. SHAW's History of Staffordshire will be continued, it is said, by some friends of the author. A new college is shortly to be erected at Cambridge, by the name of DOWNING COLLEGE, in pursuance of the will of Sir George Downing. Long experience is said to have proved, that straw or loose twigs, scattered over any plant, or bed of plants, preserve from frost better than a solid or close covering; and that nets, three or four thick, hung on a wall before fruit-trees in blossom, preserve them better than any substance that quite excludes the air in every direction. FRANCE. The following is an account of the Births, Marriages, and Deaths, at Paris, during the year 1802. Legitimate births, 15,519; 21,018.-Marriages, 4694; divorces, 902. illegitimate births, 5499; total births, -Deaths in their own houses, 12,658; in morgue, 192; total deaths, 20,390. By the hospitals and alms-houses, 7540; a la this account it would appear, that more mate, and that more than one third of the than one-third of the births are illegitideaths occur in poor houses! folio, for the use of those who visit the LeA French and Arabic Lexicon, in small vant for commercial purposes, will shortly be published at Paris, compiled by a pupil of De Sacy, who revised and corrected it. A second volume is to follow, containing the Arabic and French part. A manufactory of cloth impermeable to It has the peculiar merit of being supple water has been lately established at Paris. and elastic; is not affected by either dryqualities in boiling water. ness or humidity; and loses none of its RUSSIA. The Emperor of Russia has offered a considerable premium to any person who shall introduce any new and advantageous method of agriculture, or shall bring to perfection any old agricultural invention; who shall open any new branch of comInerce; who shall establish any new manufacture; or who shall invent any machine or process useful in the arts. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. MISSIONS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN. IN January 1802, two of the Missionaries employed among the HoTTENTOTS, went to Cape Town, to represent to General Dundas the conduct of some neighbouring farmers, who had seized on the lands of their people. His Excellency received them kindly, and promised to do what he could to redress the grievance. The fiscal, Mr. Rhynefeld, pleaded their cause with the governor. He observed, "that the mission at Bavianskloof had existed now ten years; that about 1000 Hottentots had lived there, and distinguished themselves by their obedience to the Missionaries and their orderly conduct, so that he had never had any complaints from that quarter. |