quainted with "the doctrine of ideas, and of the intellectual faculties of man;" and most of the discourses from their pulpits abound in allusions, terms, and applications, which would be incomprehensible to those who have not read their popular metaphysical writers. The Authoress goes still further, and seems to think even the endless disputed points of Election and Reprobation, Free-Will, and Necessity, give rise to subtleties in reasoning, which, aided by a fund of good sense, "have fortunately tended to the improvement of moral honesty; and not, as in some other countries, to the extension of unprincipled chicanery."

The religion of the Scotch presents another feature in their character, says Mrs. S. who has repeatedly ob. served, it must be acknowledged to have little influence on the feelings, being almost wholly addressed to the judgment. “A long, and sometimes incoherent or tautological discourse, called a prayer, to which the people listen only to criticise, followed by a dry, but, perhaps, learned and highly ingenious discussion of some verse of Scripture, cannot be productive of very ardent devotional feelings." Mrs. S. declares the language of Scripture to be more impressive, and better adapted to inspire reverence and piety, than any of the best effusions of man; and, in opposition to the almost universal opinion entertained in Scotland, she asserts, "The public worship of the Church of England is undeniably better fitted to our mixed nature of reasoning and feeling beings, than that of the Church of Scotland, which can only engage the former of those faculties." The inefficacy of this system" of worshiping God by proxy," wherein the speaker is subject to constant criticism, in place of each individual offering his grateful acknowledgments to the Deity,is counterbalanced" by the superior regularity and fervour of family worship, which, I must own, is much more prevalent in Scotland than in England.'

اوو

In addition to this fact, Mrs. S. pays a high compliment to the Clergy of Scotland, who never perform their duty by proxy; there, it seems, no man undertakes the sacred functions of his office" without actually and faithfully fulfilling it in person to the best of his abilities." In this respect

66

we must be permitted to observe, a comparison will not hold between the Sister Kingdoms; it is one thing to speculate and condemn, and another to change and alter and were we to rest the practice of still continuing the present race of Curates only on the plea of humanity, we trust no one would wish to see them wanderers, without food or cloathing, in order to oblige Rectors and Vicars to perform their duty themselves. "The exemplary accuracy and punctuality of the Clergy, she adds, in the regular discharge of their Ministerial duties, necessarily produce corresponding ef fects on the people." There are few of our Clergy, it may be supposed, will approve of the term Minister, joined with the words Clerical Sportsman, a thing wholly unknown in Scotland." And we find, from a Note, that the lady has offended on this subject, in her former work of "Summer Excursions," which she does not regret, and only laments, "that their truth should have given them so much poignancy." It is impossible to deny the arguments adduced in support of the offensive passages; no man, inferior in cruelty to a barbarian, will venture to examine into his own conduct while gaged in field-sports; and his only excuse must consist in not giving the subject a thought; at the same time, as the Note we refer to, in p. xviii. is composed of unanswerable truths, we recommend it to the perusal of professed Clerical Sportsmen, and we think they will, in candour, bless Mrs. S. for an opportunity of self-examination. In short, such arguments are of more avail than would have been Lord Erskine's Bill for the Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals. The Authoress pays a very pleasing tribute to the Episcopalian Clergymen of Scotland, who, she declares," do honour to human nature."

en

She also thinks it incumbent on her, before she concludes her preliminary observations, to say something of the women of Scotland. In the progress of her work, she had occasion to remark, incidentally, on their general domestic character and native good

sense.

How the ladies South of the Tweed will receive her observation, "that their manners are less frivolous" than those of our votaries of fashion, we may imagine; but they

have it in their power to remove the charge, by imitating their Northern sisters, in making useful knowledge their primary object, and with them, according to Mrs. S. always considering amusement a subordinate consideration. Card-playing engages their attention very seldom, and, conse quently, their parties are productive of more mental improvement than those where it is made a substitute for conversation. "The public taste, indeed, of both sexes, is fastidious and intellectual; all trifles must possess a portion of rationality before they can amuse." Satisfied ignorance, it appears, is little known; and if there is less of " laughing contentment," there is the more steady and ardent friendship. Mrs. S. thus warmly closes her remarks upon the Scottish character: "Of their hospitality, it is superfluous to speak; of their zeal to serve their friends, those who know them will always bear testimony. There is, perhaps, no other country in Europe so capable in every respect to evince the improvements and improveability of social existence, and none which promises more progressive melioration during future ages."

We have dwelt the longer on the Preface, as the Author's opinions and observations are there found in a more connected state than in the body of the work; and we trust, the abstract and quotations we have given of and from it, will prove that Mrs. Spence is capable of estimating men aud things very accurately, and of giving her remarks in lively and polished language.

The readers of these "Sketches" will not suppose, from the size of the Volumes, that many pages can be afforded to any particular place or subject; but we may safely say, from personal observation, that those we know, are faithfully though briefly described. At page 54, in the first volume, will be found some particulars relating to Robert Burns, who was buried in a corner of Dumfries Church-yard, without those monumental honours Mrs. Spence thinks justly his due, as "one of the greatest poets who ever lived." This lady has inserted some very good lines, which were laid upon his grave (before the present plain stone was raised) by a gentleman, whose appearance was that of a Clergyman, and afterwards carried to Mr.M'Clure by a labourer, who observed the stranger.

The Editor of Burns's Poems is condemned by her for want of judgment, and even of justice (we know not how correctly), in withholding from Mrs. Burns part of the produce of the work.

There is something amiable in Mrs. Spence's attempt to palliate Burns's excessive inebriety, by stating the flattery with which his poetical talents were incensed, and the liberal offers of patronage he received from the great and the prosperous who entertained him at their mansions, and his vexatious disappointment in being made only an Exciseman. That such unworthy, but by no means new, conduct should make a Poet detest his deceivers, is natural; and yet it would be a more noble revenge to shew them he could live without them, than to perish, surrounded by the vi cious, and thus give them an excuse for withholding their favour in his own unworthiness. The whole of this account of Burns adds another instance to the number which might be quoted, that brilliancy of genius by no means implies correctness in thinking and acting on moral subjects. The pleasing descriptions of the Lakes in Scotland are accom-. panied by little illustrative anecdotes, amongst which are those of Rob Roy and a Maniac; and the reader will find philosophical reasons why the lakes alluded to are never frozen, We shall now take our leave of Mrs. Spence, heartily wishing her health and spirits to continue her Excursions, and encouragement to offer her future Tours to the publick.

10. Objections of a Churchman to Uniting with the Bible Society, including a Reply to the Arguments advanced in Favour of that Institution. By the Rev. Frederick Nolan, Presbyter of the United Church. 8vo. pp. 68. Rivingtons. THE indefatigable exertions of the advocates of the British and Foreign Bible Society have, for a considerable period, excited in the minds and opinions of many eminent Divines of our Church, a sensation, equally important to themselves and to the publick in general. These individuals, after a candid and mature investiga tion of the claims which this new Society has upon the attention of the publick, have exerted themselves in opposing it, and founded their pretensions for so doing upon true and sound principles. Instead of

this new Institution, they have recommended to the consideration of the publick that antient and venerable establishment, the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge: which Society, it appears, has now existed upwards of 114 years, in promoting, as far as its means would admit, the welfare of mankind. This Institution, likewise, confines itself entirely to the strict and true orthodox principles of the Established Church; and, by their wise and prudent regulations and laws, they permit such only to co-operate with them, as are well-wishers to the it: -a regulation like this cannot but meet with the cordial and unfeigned approbation of every sincere friend of the Establishment and, more especially at the present period, when the Church is so closely besieged with sectaries, who take every advantage to supplant and subvert them.

The British and Foreign Bible Society, in the ninth year only since the cominencement of their operations, whose efforts have so widely extended, by their rules admit Christians of all Denominations to associate with them, who distribute the Bible only, without note or comment; and, as this Society confines itself to the distribution of the Bible alone, it of course prevents through that channel (the Members of the Church of England who form a part of this Institution) the distribution of the Liturgy. The advocates also of this Society publish to the world, that the admission of Christians of all denominations as Members, "is the more efficacious means of lessening the political and religious evils of Dissent *."

Mr. Nolan, however, in the pamphlet now before us, particularly directs his attention to the above quotation; and with much sound argument informs us, that, "so far from acquiescing in such a conclusion, he cannot but believe this coalition dangerous, both in a political and religious view." (page 28.) We shall, however, upon the present occasion, present to our readers a specimen of this part of Mr. N.'s reasoning, and then leave it to their judgment to decide, whether the Church is or is not affected by this co-operation :

"In proceeding to estimate the advantages to be derived from this association, I shall not set off against the bene

* Sketch of the Bible Society.

fits which it promises, the tendency which it possesses to multiply sects and schisms, and consequently to undo in one way what it is fancied may be done in another. But in calculating all the operation with Dissenters, I apprehend, projected benefits to arise from this cowe ought not to forget its positive disadvantages, in setting us at variance among ourselves. Among the benign effects of this happy coalition, we have already to reckon that of involving us in a controversy; in which, as it eventually appears, one part of the Church has espoused the principles of the Dissenters against the other. On the probabilities of this consequence resulting from the present coalition, I conceive it never required much penetration to decide. It was next to impossible that the whole body of the Clergy could be blind to the danger of the present confederacy, or disposed to unite with Dissenters on any other terms than those of Church-unity. It was next to impossible that their consciences would allow them to be silent on the danger of maintaining such a coalition; or that those who were so hardy as to join and persevere in it, would not deem such conduct in need of some de

fence. These deductions have been but too lamentably verified in the event. The controversy to which it has given rise has been now protracted to a considerable length; it has not only implisides, but divided their respective readers cated the disputants engaged on both and followers; and it has impressed numbers with no favourable opinion of the liberality of the Church, no just idea of the intention of the Sectaries. That much is to be apprehended by the Church in this direction, cannot long continue a subject of doubt; and were the present confederacy productive of no other consequences, it is even thus pregnant with alarming evils to the Establishment. By every dissension we are weakened, and to the designs, of our common adversary. laid open to the reproach, and exposed and then to subdue us. Every contest It has ever been their policy to divide, in which we engage, creates a diversion in their favour; for when we are thus occupied, they are enabled to prosecute their designs on us with security; and while we are at variance among ourselves, wound us with greater ease and impunity. In these intestine disputes, as they are but too well aware, we also waste that strength upon ourselves which might be employed with more effect upon our common enemy. The very time during which those contests are prolonged, tells to their advantage; they do not permit it to lapse unemployed; and it thus seldom fails to leave our wounds more deep

and

and virulent. Let the provident calculators of the benefits to be derived from this Society, now set their purposed advantages, against these positive disadvantages, and then inform us how far the balance is in our favour. It may be sound religion and sound policy to unite with Dissenters; but, I conceive, it is somewhat more politic and orthodox to be at unity among ourselves.

"And setting even this consideration out of the case, will any sincere Churchman seriously assert, that this confederacy is calculated "to lessen the political and religious evils of dissent* ?" That those active and determined enemies to the Church are at work under its foundation, is, I conceive, a fact which defies the blindest pertinacity to dispute. Let those who express 'that good will' towards this body which it is now become politic to promote t,' if they doubt the charge, awaken from their profound and pleasing dreams on the most efficacious means of lessening those evils,' and behold the Conventicles, which are daily raised and filled with congregations seduced from our communion. Are we now to be instructed, that it is not our duty to protect our flocks from those depredations, and to lead back every stray sheep, and place it in one fold under one shepherd? Or will it be said, that it is not as consistent with policy as with religion, that we should be on our guard against these aggressors, prepared to watch them with jealousy, and oppose them with vigour? At such a crisis, I presume, our alarm at this Society finds, in the following description, but a curious plea to convince us that our apprehensions are chimerical. So little,' we are assured, does the spirit of mutual jealousy exist, that there has been no instance of a division taking place in a general meeting; scarcely one recollected even in the Committee, in the course of a frequent attendance. But what may appear more extraordinary, I have not been able to discover which of the members of the Committee are Church · men, and which are Dissenters. If it be not now a solemn farce to speak of the evils of dissent,' where there exists such perfect unanimity, surely, in these times of peril, when the Church has rights to protect, on which the Dissenters are daily encroaching, they are entrusted to the care of most able and vigilant guardians!"

Mr. Nolan has most ably founded the "objections of a Churchman to unit

* Right Hon. N. Vansittart's Letter to Dr. Marsh, p. 2. + Ibid. Ibid.

ing with the Bible Society," and we cheerfully refer our readers to the work itself and have no doubt remaining in our own minds, that their sentiments will accord with ours.

11. An University Prize Poem, on His Majesty King George III. having completed the Fiftieth Year of His Reign. By Nicholas John Halpin, T. C. D. 1811, 8vo. pp. 19. Harding.

AFTER duly celebrating the various merits of an excellent Sovereign, Mr. Halpin very justly observes, "Such are the glories which have crown'd Imperial George with deathless fame! Nor can detractive malice found

A blemish on his spotless name.

No horrors o'er His conscience creep;
No murders break His midnight sleep; -
No orphan's tears; no widow's sighs
Against His head to Heaven arise;
No Ally, of his crown bereft,
Can brand Him with th'opprobrious theft;
But, pure as flakes of virgin snow,

A radiant light his virtues shed;
And as a godlike Halo glow

Around his heav'n-anointed head!
Oh! Thou! whose awful voice supreme
From shapeless chaos called this globe;
At whose command the solar beam

Invested Earth as with a robe;
To thee a grateful Nation prays,
Imploring health and lengthen'd days

For George; the glories of whose sway
In one effulgent flood combine
To form a splendour-bright,-divine!"

12. A Portraiture of the Roman Catho-lic Religion; or, an unprejudiced Sketch of the History, Doctrines, Opinions, Discipline, and present State of Catholicism; with an Appendix, containing a Summary of the Laws now in Force against English and Irish Catholicks. By the Rev. J. Nightingale, Author of a "Portraiture of Methodism," &c. Longman and Co. and Booker; 18mo, 1812.

THERE are few Authors who have the nerves of Mr. Nightingale, thus to combat prejudice and correct error. He undertakes Herculean labours, and we are afraid will produce more enmity towards himself than advantage to the cause of liberality; as he that contradicts favourite and longestablished opinions on religious subjects, must in numerous cases expect to confirm those opinions, merely because they that hold them are determined not to be enlightened by moderate advice, and candid exa

mination

mination into the established positions of partizans; such will condemn all his Portraitures, though originating from the purest sources of Christian philanthropy, and an irresistible desire to see every denomination of Christians freely exercising their particular mode of worship.

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There is another class of people who feel averse to general toleration, on the ground that the present Establishment never interferes with the faith of others, and even permits its very foundations to be sapped by the surrounding religious miners, while it takes no steps either to prevent desertion, or secure recruits; thence arising present peace and tranquillity, which they conceive may be interrupted by the efforts of emancipated zealots, who, with the power, may have the inclination to coerce opinion: those Mr. Nightingale may reason with, and perhaps convince. This Gentleman tells us in his Preface, that, equally devoted to the cause of Catholic Emancipation, and lously attached to the Protestant religion, he long hesitated on the propriety and usefulness of publishing the result of his enquiries concerning the faith and worship of Roman Catholicks; as they were favourable to that numerous portion of the community, he considered the prejudices of his friends and enemies, if he has any, no trifling obstacle; yet, as he thought no Protestant writer had hitherto done complete justice to the subject, he would not give up the satisfaction of endeavouring to shew "that the religion of our ancestors has been mistaken, and that unworthy and groundless alarms are excited in consequence of that mistake."

Some of Mr. N.'s friends intimated to him, that however favourably themselves and he might think of Emancipation, a true portrait of the Catholic Church might rather injure than serve the cause of toleration: he felt convinced of the futility of their objection, and refers his reader to the title-page, which will inform them, "that this Work professes to give a view of the Roman Catholic Religion, and not of Roman Catholic Courts, not even exactly of the Court of Rome itself." By doing this, he further imagines that any complaint urged against him relating

GENT. MAG, January, 1813.

to the omission of "this plot and that massacre," will be obviated. To the charges of plots, seditions, and murders, perpetrated by Roman Catholicks, he returns, what he supposes to be a decisive answer-They are acts forming no part of the Roman Catholic Religion; therefore, comparatively speaking, he had nothing to do with them, and refers them to those who have no other argument in favour of intolerance.

This Portraiture is divided into two parts; "the first treats of the history of Catholicism, to the time of the Reformation; the second delineates the leading doctrines and the principal branches of discipline." He also professes to trace their views with respect to civil power in various printed authorities; and the articles of faith he has collected, without regard to expence or trouble, in searching works of acknowledged credit. We might suppose Mr. N. would meet with every assistance from the body whose cause he advocates; and he informs us, that he is at a loss for words to express his sense of obligation on this head, both to the clergy and laity of that body.

"When I first suggested to them the plan and design of this Work," adds Mr. N. "I was a perfect stranger, otherwise than as I might be known through the medium of my former publications; but they all earnestly urged me to undertake it, and to form my account of their church and tenets from their own formularies and writings of acknowledged authority among them, and not from the publications of their adversaries. between the articles of their faith and They moreover advised me to distinguish the opinions of individuals,”

After having warned him by this advice, and furnished him with such books as they conceived would best explain their doctrines, they left Mr. Nightingale to form his own conclusions, and never attempted to influence him in making them in any manner whatever; a conduct which we agree with the Author in thinking highly honourable to their feelings. He declares, in consequence, every error which may be discovered in this Work is decidedly his own; but he claims the merit of patient industry and impartial investigation; and if he is found to be correct, he owes it

not