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furnish them with a treatise adapted to a more advanced age, than that for the ufe of which feveral excellent elementary treatifes on subjects partly fimilar have been furnished.

This fingle volume embraces a very ample extent of matter. It comprizes a history of the Old and New Teftament; and of the Jewish nation, and the Chriftian Church, to the present time: a view of the authenticity, and infpiration of the feveral books of fcripture; of the collateral evidences of chriflianity; of its leading doctrines; and of forms of ecclefiaftical government. To render fuch a compendium familiar, interesting, and instructive, we deem no finall merit; but we are happy to afcribe to the author, likewife, the higher commendation, of aiming throughout at the beft interests of his young readers, in a manner that is, for the greater part, well adapted to direct their judgement, and excite their concern, refpecting objects of eternal importance.

We should have been furprised to see a work of this kind, at its first appearance, free from inaccuracies, in the various branches of its contents. We regret, however, that many are to be found in this work; and while we point out fome of them, it is with the hope of inducing the worthy author to give the whole a careful revifion; as we expect that his prefent performance, like all the others with which he has favoured the public, will attract general attention.

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Mr. G. (although an advocate for the neceffity and freedom of the grace of God) fpeaks, in p. 16, of Abel's righteousness as procuring from Heaven the acceptance of his facrifice." The apoftle Paul, on the contrary, afcribes its acceptance to his faith, Hebrews xi. 4.-We apprehend that the author's fuggeftion (p. 28) that the age of man was reduced, at, or prior to the Exodus, nearly or altogether to its prefent boundary, is inconfiftent with many of the dates recorded in Scripture of the age of perfons who lived nearly at that period.-Mr. G. fays nothing abfolutely of Abram's descent; but expreffes himself (p. 17, 35) as if that Patriarch had been of the pofterity of Ham, instead of Shem.—The inheritance of the priesthood is affigned (p. 61) to Phineas, without any intimation that he was related to Aaron and Eleazar.-The altar of burnt-offering is reprefented (p. 81) as being in the Temple, inftead of in the court furrounding it.-In p. 82, it is faid at the revolt of the ten tribes, "Jeroboam became their king, and Samaria their capital;" whereas Tirza was their capital, till the reign of Omri, 53 years afterward. Omitting animadverfions upon the rest of the Jewish history, we obferve on p. 122, that Mr. G. (without meaning to give his fanction to the Apocrypha) fpeaks of it as a part of the Oid Teftament; on p. 140, that the ftyle of the Book of Ruth is fo different from that of Judges, as plainly to evince the hands of diftinct authors; and on p. 143, that Mr. G's fuppofition, that the Books of Kings, and thofe of Chronicles, were compiled by the fame perfon, appears to us as improbable as that the Gospels of Matthew and Mark came from the fame hand. We believe that Ezra never was governor of Judea, being only fent to inftru&t hie Countrymen. p. 145. Palling over the remaining books of the Old Teltament, we are forry to fee fuch doubtful authorities as the writings afcribed to Barnabas and Hermas, ftanding in front of the witneffes to the New Teftament, p. 190, 191. In p. 219, Mr. G. adopts, what we apprehend to be a mistake, (though a very common one) that the Epiftles of Peter were addreffed to Jewish converts, either feparately, or jointly, with believing Gentiles: but ch. ii. 10. of the first Epiftle, plainly fhews them to have been addreffed peculiarly to the latter. That of Jude was

probably

probably fent to the believing Jews, by the fame messenger who delivered the Second Epistle of Peter to the Gentile members of the churches.

In addition to the arguments, arifing from the authenticity and infpi ration of the books of Scripture, in evidence of the divine origin of Chriftianity; the author proceeds to adduce the need of a farther revelation from God at the time when Chrift appeared;-the reasonableness of the doctrines and precepts of the New Teftament; the excellence of the character of Chrift ;---the confirmation to be drawn from Pagan historians in fupport of facts related in the New Teftament ;---the impoffibility that the Apostles fhould be deceived ;---or that they thould have aimed to deceive others---the prevalence of the Gofpel over difficulties, only to be furmounted by the force of truth ;---the fulfilment of prophecies delivered in the New Teftament; and the coincidences fubfifting between the writings of its feveral authors. In this part of his work, as in the preceding parts, Mr. G. chiefly refers to the authorities of publications within the reach of the perfons whofe advantage he has in view; and his references are ufually made to the productions of Dignitaries in the Eftablifhed Church. We trust that, whatever was his reafon for omitting the name of Dr. Doddridge, whofe arguments in evidence of Christianity are remarkably fimilar to fome of Mr. G's, that circumftance is not to be afcribed to prejudice. His predeceffor, Bishop Pretty man, has fhewn a noble example of the reverse; in adopting, as expreffive of his own fentiments, feveral pages from a work of Mr. Parry, the prefent tutor of the Academy which was formerly under the care of Dr. Doddridge.

The view which Mr. G. has taken of the leading Doctrines of Chrißianity, relates to the being and attributes of God ;---the depravity of hu man nature (on which we think his remarks are excellent);--the future existence of man ;-the perfon and work of Chrift; and of the Holy Spirit. A chapter is added, on the human character of Chrift. The whole of this part we have read with pleafure; on account of its conformity to the effential truths of the Gofpel (fo far as it goes) and the feriousness with which the author applies them to the advancement of praçtical godliness. The only deficiency we have noticed, will occur in the procefs of our Remarks,

The remaining part of the work nearly a third of the whole) is chiefly occupied with a rapid furvey of Ecclefiaftical Hiftory. Having been preceded by the evidences of Chriftianity, it neceffarily includes repetitions of feveral facts; and fome others are repeated, through defect of method, Some mistakes alfo appear, which we should not have expected from the author. In p. 479, he afferts, that in the 14th century, Chriftianity was extirpated in China, by Timur, commonly called Tamerlane; whereas that conqueror never, entered China. He alfo fays, (p. 519) that Chriflianity was fupprefed in Abyffinia, by political fufpicion; implying that it had been first introduced into that country by the Papal Miflionaries, and had been excluded with them, in the 17th century. Could Mr. G. he unaware, that Chriftianity, though in a very corrupt form, is still profeffed in Abyffinia, and that it has been from a very early period?—The principal fault of this part of the work, however, we think to be a want of fairness in what relates to the fyftem generally called Calvinism. By a total omiffion of the divine foreknowledge, and choice, of thofe finners who believe unto falvation, in ftating the principal doctrines of the Gofpel, the author has left his young readers to fuppofe, either that all mankind are finally faved from guilt and mifery, or that, if there be a difference in favour of any, it muft arife, not from God, but from themselves. And when the fcriptural truths alluded to (which a receive only as they

F 2

are

are revealed by the Spirit of God, not as they have been perverted by the prefumption of men) obtain Mr. G's notice, as an ecclefiaftical historian, they are treated in a manner that we think unworthy of his ufual candour. He fays, (p. 404) "The Predeftinarian opinions attributed to Auguftine, were alfo the fource of warm difcuffion:" and (p. 528) that the term Arminian is with juice applied to the Church of England, 6. as far as it indicates the rejection of the Calviniftic doctrines of predeftination and reprobation by most of its members." Wili not this mislead his youthful readers to fuppofe, that predeftination is not an article of faith adopted by the Church of England; efpecially as the author after. ward defends her Articles of Faith, as a fence that is indifpenfable to her prefervation? Mr. G. could obferve, that the Mahometans "believe in the moft rigid predeftination;" but he has no where intimated, that elec tion and predeftination were doctrines generally believed, and zealoutly maintained, by the Reformers from Popery. In this refpect, therefore, his outline of Church History forms a striking contraft with those of Mr. Milner and Dr. Haweis. His object indeed is not, like theirs, to trace the progrefs of the fpiritual and true Church of Chrift. Of its external changes, he has given in general an impartial sketch; which may yield information, without caufing wearinefs to juvenile minds. Of the state of religion in England during the century now clofing, next to nothing is faid; but it is remarkable that, in the few fentences relative to religious denominations at prefent exifting among us, the most numerous party, the Independents, fhould be entirely omitted.

On Ecclefiaftical Eftablishments, Mr. G. unlike his dignified prececeffor, is as concife as on other fubjects. It his arguments do not appear to gainfayers fo forcible as to carry conviction, we think them fo temperate, that they ought not to offend any one.

In addition to the preceding remarks, we judge it neceffary to obferve, on a book, the style of which may be imitated, as well as its contents remembered by youth, that by feparating the nominative and the verb to an unufual diftance, fome paragraphs become prolix and embarrafied: that the term "cotemporary," which very often occurs, is not congenial to the analogy of the English language; and that the title, "Supreme Being," fhould not almoft conftantly be used for God.

With the exceptions we have mentioned (in the hope that they may be removed, and, if not, may be guarded again) we cordially recommend to our readers this laborious and useful performance; which, on the whole, impreffes us with a high esteem and affectionate regard for its pious, benevolent, and ingenious author. We heartily with that his laudable purpofes, of preferving youthful minds from fcepticifm, and impreffing them with the knowledge, the fear, and the love of God, may be abundantly fucceeded, through the divine bleffing upon his endeavours.

OBITUARY.

MR. THOMAS FITCHETT, MERCHANT, OF FAREHAM. IN the earlier put of his life catechistical exercises, the Hymns of Dr. Watts, and a strict attention to the obfervance of the Sabbath were fanctined to preferve him from the groffer vices, while a gradual advancement in the knowledge of Chrift and Him crucified, captivated his heart,

and

and fitted him for an abundant entrance into the joy of his Lord, in the thirty-fourth year of his age.

During his confinement, being asked refpecting his health, he answered, "weak in body, but ftrong in faith," he gave no time for reply, but exclaimed, “joy! joy! joy!" His friend faid, "There are glorious words, Mr. F." He paufed, and in a milder yet animated tone of voice, faid, Sweet Jelus!" it was anfwered, "Yes, Sir," he is precious to them who believe" then turning himself to the person speaking, he faid, O Sir, what hould I do here if I had a wounded conicience, but this affair is fettled; I have not a God to look for now." Obferving his wife agitated, he said, My dear, do not grieve, you have no caule: I am happy." We now mingled our fupplications for the last time, nnd parted.

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The next evening was painful. Sleep refufed affiftance, but God was gracious; he spent the greater part of the night in fpiritual converfation. He lamented his imperfections. Once (faid he) I could not fpeak for God; but now he has loofed my tongue

"Blefs'd Jefus, what delicious fare!
"How kind thine entertainments are!
"Never did angels tafe above

66

Redeeming grace and dying love."

His morals were exemplary, his temper mild and even; his attention to the ordinances of God regular; but on the merit of good works he faid, "I have no good works of my own to plead with God: but the glorious imputed righteoufnefs of Jefus Chrift!" How tenacious is the memory in the prospect of eternity! After this, "He remembered his fins and was troubled." It was repeated to him, "When my heart and my flesh shall faint and fail, God will be the firength of my heart and my portion for ever." He answered, “I could say that once: God hath left me to wander." It was replied, "The foul whom God has enlightened will never be left in total darknefs ;" and a reference to encourage him was made to the prophetic words of Jacob; "Gad, a troop fhall overcome him; but he hall overcome at laft." He felt this encouragement, and replied, “ I will not let him go, except he blefs me."-I hope, Sir, you can fay, "Though he flay me yet will I truft in him." "I can. "As you are not fo happy, are you afraid to die?" "No. I have built my faith on a rock: It was added, by the perfon with whom he converfed, "againt which the gates of hell fhall not prevail." He replied, "they shall not; they fhall not." Then pauling fome minutes, apparently engaged in prayer, his foul was comforted: and he broke the tilence by faying, " I have faid to God, Lord, if I have deceived myself, now undeceive me; and he has replied by his Spirit, I have led thee in a way that is right.' Heavenly confolations fprung up in his breaft, and the clouds of defpondency vanished. Amidit a multitude of expreffions the following are preferved: "I have many temporal bluffings; but no one knows the blifs of my foul." A friend quoted,

"There fhall I bathe my weary foul
"In feas of heavenly reft:"

He caught the two following lines:

"And not a wave of trouble roll
"Acrois my peaceful breast.”

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And

And then repeated, what was often heard from his lips during his illness';

Jefus can make a dying bed

"Feel foft as downy pillows are; "While on his breaft I lay my head

"And breathe my life out fweetly there."

His last words were, "I rejoice with joy unfpeakable and full of glory." When deprived of the powers of speech, he gave figns of his felicity. A violent attack of the fever then exhaufted his once athletic frame: he fell afleep for a few hours, and awoke in Heaven. "Bieffed are the dead who die in the Lord; they reit from their labours. The paftor of the Church of which he was a member improved his death in the illuftration of John xi. 16. "Then faid Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdifciples, let us alio go that we may die with him.'

19

D. B.

MRS. MANDEL.

Mrs. Mandel, early called to the knowledge of Chrift her Saviour, in a long courfe of faithful fervices, was eminent and exemplary. Her gifts were fingular, as her addrefs was engaging; her delight was to vifit the fick, and to relieve the wretchedness of the poor. During more than twenty years I knew her indefatigable zeal and induftry; in her shop her converfation was uncommon; not aflamed to make mention of the importance of eternal things, to the greatest who resorted to her: Her house was a Bethel few had gifts of prayer, and converfe equal to her many are witneffes of the bleffings attending her fidelity. She was exercifed with acute fufferings, and a lingering illness. I have seen her apparently dying, and expecting to fee her no more chearfu', happy, and reposing her confidence in a faithful Redeemer.

However ill the found herself, the was very particular, in not leaving the family before the time of prayer, faying "the word of God is precious." Speaking of a friend, whom the expected to fee, fhe faid " Give my love to Mr. H, and tell him, my spirit meets his; but I anı not anxious to fee him; we shall meet above".

The last night but one of her life, was the last time he prayed with the family; and while they were reading the Scripture, fhe was in fuch an agony of prayer, that they fuppofed her to be taken very ill; but on enquiry found it to be fervour of prayer to God for them. After she went up stairs, the was overpowered with a fenfe of the divine goodness, crying out" Heaven! fhall I be there! fhall I be there! a finuer faved by grace alone."

The last night, after having left the family, the returned again to the door faying, "The Lord bless you all, the Lord bless you all, if I should never fee you again".

During the night the compared herself to Job, her fufferings were fo great, faying to her daughter" but I must suffer a great deal more yet." Nevertheless her fufferings were well nigh ended.

The last morning the faid, oh! how I long to be gone; soon after, when furrounded by her family and children, the unexpectedly entered into the joy of her Lord.

On the Sunday before her departure, he was remarkably happy and joyful in fpirit; a friend faying, you are ripe for glory, the faid "not ripe "but refigned." She ufed frequently to repeat the following verse.

"O

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