thiest use. Thy supreme wisdom and goodness; and since Thou givest to each nation and people their several portions of light, life, and liberty, leave me not insensible of the privileges with which Thou hast distinguished the country of which I am a native. May every one of us improve them to the worExtend the wings of Thy grace still further over thy Church in Saxony; and may I have to declare the doctrines of truth with efficacy and energy in the distant land to which I am returning. Diffuse that light, which though once darkened, was through Luther brought to shine in Saxony and other countries; and let all lands be full of the knowledge of Thee and the honour of Thy name. THE RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHER. UPON UNIVERSAL TASTE ARISING FROM THE CONTEMPLATION OF NATURE. THAT sensibility to beauty which, when cultivated and improved we term taste, is universally diffused through the human species and it is most uniform with respect to those objects which, being out of our power, are not liable to variation, from accident, caprice, or fashion. The verdant lawn, the shady grove, the variegated landscape, the boundless ocean, and the starry firmament, are contemplated with pleasure by every attentive behoider. But the emotions of different spectators, though similar in kind, differ widely in degree; and to relish with full delight the enchanting scenes of nature, the mind must be uncorrupted by avarice, sensuality, or ambition; quick in her sensibilities, elevated in her sentiments, and devout in her affections. He who possesses such exalted powers of perception and enjoyment, may almost say with the poet : I care not, Fortune, what you me deny BEATTIE. Such ardent enthusiasm may not be compatible with the necessary toils and active offices which Providence hath assigned to the generality of men. But there are none to whom some portion of it may not prove advantageous. If it were cherished by each individual, in that degiec which is consistent with the indispensible duties of his station, the felicity of human life would he considerably augmented. From this source, the refined and vivid pleasures of the imagination are almost entirely derived: and the elegant arts owe their choicest beauties to a taste for the contemplation of nature. Painting and sculpture are express imitations of visible objects: and where would be the charms of poetry, if divested of the the imagery and embellishments which she borrows from rural scenes ? Painters, statuaries, and pocts, are always ambitious to acknowledge themselves the pupils of nature, and as their skill increases, they grow more and more delighted with every view of the animal and vegetable world. But the pleasure resulting from admiration is transient: and to cultivate taste, without regard to its influence on the affections, is to rear a tree for its blossoms only while it is capable of bearing the richest and most valuable fruit! Physical and moral beauty bear so intimate a relation to each other, that they may be considered as different gradations in the scale of excellence: the knowledge and relish of the former, should be deemed only a step to the more permanent and noble enjoyments of the latter. Would you then taste the tranquil scene, Such scenes contribute powerfully to inspire that serenity which is necessary to enjoy and heighten their beauties. By a secret contagion, the soul catches the harmony which she contemplates, and the frame within assimilates itself to that which is without. In this state of sweet composure we become susceptible of virtuous impressions, from almost every surrounding object. The patient ox is viewed with generous complacency; the guileless sheep with pity, and the playful lamb raises emotions of tenderness and love. We rejoice with the horse in his liberty and exemption from toil, whilst he ranges at large through enamelled pastures and the frolics of the colt would afford continued delight, did we not recollect the bondage which he is soon to undergo. We are charmed with the songs of birds, soothed by the burr of insects, and pleased with the sportive motions of fishes, because these are expressions of enjoyment; and we exult in the felicity of the whole animated creation. Thus our equal and extensive benevolence is called forth into exertion; and having felt a common interest in the gratification of inferior beings, we shall be no longer indifferent to their sufferings, or become wantonly instrumental in producing them. No doubt it is the intention of Providence, that the lower order of animals should be subservient to the comfort, conveniences and sustenance of man. But his right of dominion extends no farther; and if this right be exercised with mildness, humanity and justice, the subject of his power will be no less benefited than himself. For various species of living creatures are annually multiplied by human art, improved in their perceptive powers by human culture, and plentifully fed by human industry. The relation therefore is reciprocal between such animals and man; and he may support his own wants by the use of their labour, the produce of their bodies, and even the sacrifice of their lives, whilst he co-operates with Heaven in promoting happiness. But though it be true, that partial evil, with respect to different orders of sensitive beings, may be universal good, and that it is a wise and benevolent institution of nature, to make destruction struction itself, within certain limitations, the cause and increase of life and enjoyment; yet a generous mind will extend its compassionate regards to every individual that suffers for his sake, he will naturally be solicitous to mitigate pain, both in duration and degree, by the gentlest modes of inflicting a necessary termination of existence. However, this sense of humanity would soon be obliterated, and the heart would grow callous to every soft impression, were it not for the benignant influence of the smiling face of nature. But the taste for natural beauty is subservient to the most exalted purposes; its cultivation not only refines and humanizes, but dignifies and elevates the affections. It raises them to the admiration and love of that Being, who is the author of all that is fair, sublime, and good, in the creation. Scepticism and irreligion are incompatible with the sensibility of heart which arises from a lively relish of the wisdom, harmony and order subsisting in the world around us. Emotions of pity must spring up in a bosom that is in unison with all animated nature. Actuated by this divine inspiration, man finds "a fane in every sacred grove," and glowing with devout fervour, joins his song to the universal chorus, or muses the praise of his Creator in silence more expressive. Thus they Whom nature's works can charm, with God himself Thus it may be argued, that inanimate nature seems to pay a tribute to the Great Supreme; that the cheerful light of day, the sparkling beauty of streams, the majestic swell of mountains and the wavy expanse of the ocean, display the goodness and power of the Deity; while the perfume of shrubs and flowers, the homage of the winds, and the triumphant song of the feathered tribe, seem to prompt the human race to pious gratitude. And shall man be silent while the whole creation is inspired with inarticulate Devotion? TO THE EDITORS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCHMAN'S MAGAZINE. GENTLEMEN,, THE HE Christian Observer having said so much on the Blagdon controversy and in behalf of Mrs. More, I doubt not but you or some of your readers are willing to clear up every doubt, and to set the matter in its full and true light. I am fully persuaded that Mrs. M. and her sisters are great and useful characters: her writings have done much and lasting good; I believe that she has been influenced by most upright motives; yet I do not look for a perfect character: there are moments of prejudice, of weakness, and of pride which eclipse the best of characters; but then they only eclipse them for a short time. Mrs, M. might be misinformed concerning Mr. Bere's conduct and principles; she might naturally be very partial to the school-master of her own appointment.-But the points on which I have heard Mrs. M. most blamed are these that she appeared to have a greater regard for her school master master than for her scholars as soon as he was dismissed, the school was broken up when Mr. Bere was ejected from his curacy, then the same school-master and the school were re-established: plainly proving the school was introduced for the sake of the school-master; not vice versa. I am persuaded that Mrs. M.'s best friends were sorry the school was discontinued; or that she could enjoy the little temporary triumph of replacing the same school-master to whom Mr. Bere had objected. T. Z. Though in compliance with the request of our correspondent, we have given a place for his letter in this Magazine, yet we cannot help expressing our deep concern, that this controversy should have been continued so long, and that with so much bitterness on both sides. It is our determination to avoid all further discussion of the subject; because we are persuaded, that such perfonal controversies can seldom be carried on with temper, and we are much mistaken if the continuance of this, or the management of it, has proved of any service to religion in general, or the Church of England in particular. OBSERVATIONS ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS. TO THE EDITORS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCHMAN'S MAGAZINE. GENTLEMEN, SHOULD you think the following observations on Sunday Schools, and the plan of a Sunday Evening School, and Book Society, deserving a place in your valuable Miscellany, your insertion of them will much oblige, A VILLAGE CURATE. WE have established Sunday schools in the parish where I am curate, upwards of seven years; but I confess that they have not answered my expectations. Yet they certainly have been of great utility. The children in general behave in a much more civil manner than they used to do; and, instead of singing indecent songs, many of them sing, as they walk abroad, psalms and hymns; and many of those who were instructed in these schools, attend constantly public worship. The advantages which might have been expected from these excellent institutions, are in a great measure defeated, through the children leaving the schools before they are sufficiently instructed in the principles of religion. The reasons which I have generally heard assigned for leaving the schools, are that the children think themselves too big, when about thirteen or fourteen years of age, to attend with the little ones, and that they dislike to repeat the Catechism, and Lewis's Exposition of it, in the church. Too many of their parents will not use their influence to oblige them to attend early and constantly; nay, some would not care whether their children attended or not, but for the sake of some trifling advantages, such as having shoes at half price, or books, bonnets, &c. gratis. The principal causes, therefore, why Sunday schools have not answered the expectations of the public, are, 1, The negligence of the parents; 2, The neglect of visitors; 3, And owing to the children's leaving the schools before they are sufficiently instructed in religion. Vol. II. Sup. to Orthodox Churchm. Mag. 3 G C. Roworth, Printer, Bell Yard, Fleet Street." With With respect to the first, I must observe, that when I have expostu lated with parents, or sent one of the teachers to them, some have said that they tell their children to go to school, and have beaten them for their neglect of attending early; but they confess, that they cannot manage them others are obliged, they say, to keep their children at home sometimes, to go upon errands, &c. It has happened more than once, that one of the parents has said, "the lad works hard all the week, he should have a little holiday on Sundays." : 2. When Sunday schools were first established, many persons were easily persuaded to promise to be regular in their attendance as visitors. But, in general, they soon became tired of this office: and, therefore, they readily found a plea for giving it up. Very much depends upon the conduct of the visitors. They ought to attend regularly, and inquire into the behaviour of the scholars, enforce strict adherence to the rules, &c. In this village the houses of the principal inhabitants are so widely scattered, and some of them so far from the schools, that I cannot prevail upon those who promised to attend as visitors, to be regular in their attendance. 3. The consideration of the reasons usually assigned for leaving these schools, occasioned me to propose to the subscribers, about three quarters of a year ago, the following plan of a Sunday-Evening School, and Book Society. This Institution is established, in order to afford an opportunity for religious instruction to those who have been in the Sunday schools, and have left them before they were sufficiently instructed in the principles of religion. These, therefore, are to be preferred; but others may be admitted, if upwards of fourteen years of age, and approved by the committee, The Book Society to consist of such of these scholars as are willing to be members. The books shall be such as are recommended and dispersed by the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, and such other publications, upon religious and moral subjects, as are approved by the committee. Bibles and prayer-books, well printed, and neatly bound, shall be bought for those who wish to have them. The books which have been circulated, to be sold at a reasonably reduced price; the other books at prime cost. This school to be under the direction and management of the committee of the other Sunday schools. Rules.-1. The scholars shall be at the school by six o'clock precisely, and be dismissed at eight. Those who exceed that time half an hour, and absentees, shall forfeit one penny each, unless a reasonable cause be assigned. 2. As a constant attendance at church is required, those who absent themselves from it, after an admonition, shall be expelled. 3. Those who are expelled, forfeit all claim to the books, and the money which they have paid. 4. Those who absent themselves from school, and no reasonable cause assigned, for four Sundays successively, shall be expelled. 5. The members shall pay two-pence every Sunday to purchase books; and not more than two-pence, without the consent of the committee. No money to be paid by absentees, except in case of sickness. 6. The books shall circulate according to the time allotted by the committee. The penalty of one penny to be paid for every day that a book is kept beyond the time allowed. 7. Any one destroying a list of names attached to a book, shall forfeit one penny. 8. A member, upon |