of practical kindness toward her connexions, of benevolence toward her fellow-creatures, of unaffected humility and true religion, rarely found in this world of imperfection; and her spirit and deportment in the last conflict were in full accordance with her previous life. The remembrance, however, of a former work by the present author, in which it has been said by an apparently deeply-injured and generous man that fiction is given for reality, prevents us from being sure that the dence. It is this which gives it all its value. This faith alone will lead us to pray to God, to depend upon God, and to seek to obtain his favour in the only way in which he can be favourable to sinners, and in which he has promised to be favourable, through his son Jesus Christ. 6 Whosoever believeth in him hath everlasting life.' Not whosoever believeth in the existence of Jesus Christ; that there was such a person once on earth, or that he now lives in heaven. This believing can avail nothing, because it is a dead faith, as St. James calls it; it brings forth no fruit, has no prac-pictures in the memorial before us tical effect upon us. But whosoever believeth in the sense of confiding in him as a Saviour, depending upon his word, and seeking to be accepted through him, he and he only shall be saved; For by grace are ye saved, says St. Paul, 'through faith.' Pp. 113-118. 6 Martha: a Memorial of an only and beloved Sister. By Andrew Reed. HE who has read a considerable number of the works that have been published to exhibit the character and actions of departed friends, and who tolerably well recollects their contents, must marvel not a little at the weakness, vanity, and folly of the greater part of the writers. | Whether it is that a spirit of literary vanity more generally influences us in these than existed in other times, or that purchasers of books on all subjects are more numerous than they were formerly, we do not stay now to determine; but the fact is, we are deluged with new and almost worthless publications. An esteemed relative is taken to heaven; a friend expires, and the survivors cannot endure that the character and actions of the departed should not be continued in a world that greatly needs examples of virtuous affection and solid piety. In a few instances it has been well that such books have been published; but we have too often approved the character of the departed saint, and detested the vanity of the living writer by whom it was exhibited. Martha Reed, whose life and death are professedly given in the present volumes, affords an example are quite true to the original. And we are not of opinion that fiction can have half the usefulness of reality in any view that can be taken of the that few things are mere disgusting subject. We must also observe, in an author, than clear evidences of a wish to represent his family, and therefore himself, as having always been, in rank and circumstances, much more respectable than has actually been the case; and of this offence we fear no one can aver the present writer to be entirely innocent. No man should even seem to wish to forget the rock whence he was hewn, lest he really forget the goodness of that Providence that has elevated him. We have been reminded, too, that there is such a thing as contriving to exalt one's self, by giving the opinions and feelings of others relative to our own character. It is a poor excuse to say, that such opinions were actually formed, and such feelings did exist; because it is quite certain that we were not obliged to tell this to the world; and he who is so wanting in modesty must, unless he would deceive himself, expect to meet the disapprobation of mankind. It will be happy for us who have to read books, when those who write them study to make the size of their works as small as they can, instead of toiling with an opposite aim; and it is our opinion, that the one before us would have been much more adapted for usefulness, had it been half its present dimensions. That the volumes on which we have made these observations present an example worthy of imitation we readily allow; but we dare not affirm that all which is here stated had actual existence in the character and deportment of Martha Reed, and in the circumstances and conduct of her family. A Reply to Mr. Reed's Advertisement to the seventh Edition of "No Fiction," &c. By Francis Barnett, Author of "Memoirs of himself." CONCERNED as we are for the honour of religion, and the general diffusion of evangelical truth in a benighted and unhappy world, we deeply regret that the causes of the contest to which the pamphlet on our table relates, ever existed. But since Mr. Barnett has been evidently injured by the publication of "No Fiction," no one can blame him for having attempted to defend his character, by an exposure of the delinquencies of that favoured but false publication. And if he is to be believed, of which we see no reason for doubt, Mr. Reed's work should have been styled, "All Fiction," rather than what it has been denominated. It must also be manifest to all impartial readers of the Memoirs of Mr. Barnett, that his conduct toward Mr. Reed, previously to the publication of the work of which he complains, was most generous; and, therefore, the evil fabrications of "No Fiction" are ungrateful as well as unjust. For our own part, we are disgusted to nausea by the publication of fictions on the subjects of religion; but we detest none so much as those which pretend to be narratives of facts. We may be told, that "whether the individual had or had not a real existence; whether the portrait were or were not in every feature a faithful, unflattering copy of the original; the work would be equally efficient for the purpose of usefulness," because the author has well succeeded in what he aimed at, which was the developing of the progress of a character. This we deem both untrue, and not a little pernicious; for, unless the fabrication re main unsuspected, (which is next to impossible,) the reader will be too ready to excuse himself from obligation 10 imitate an example, which he will think had never a real existence. His language will be, "It is all very fine, but it is much more than mortals can attain in the present life." The usefulness of such a work as "No Fiction" almost entirely depends on its being what it is styled, for the reason above stated, and because the God of truth cannot be so fully expected to use the creations of fancy, as he may be the correct relations of his own righteous acts, and gracious operations. Were we within one minute of leaving this world for ever, we could spend it in uttering a de vout wish that authors would write no more fictions on religious subjects, being fully convinced that they have effected vast mischief, in corrupting the public taste, enervating the mind, preventing the perusal of our best books, and increasing the disinclination to study the word of God. As to the "Reply," now before' us, truth compels us to say, that if it displays too much acrimony of temper in the writer, it succeeds in proving that the author of "No Fiction" cannot justify himself for the publication of that work. No one can do justice to all parties without reading "No Fiction," Mr. Barnett's "Memoirs," Mr. Reed's "Advertisement to its seventh Edition of No Fiction," and the" Reply" to it, now before us. A Sermon on Baptism, with an Address delivered on administering the Rite for the first Time in Public, after having ceased to baptize, from conscientious Scruples, for the greater Part of Thirty Years; by James Bass. Pp. 43. WE suppose it will be acknowledged, that if the discrepant opinions of those who differ from us on the subject of christian baptism were collected, they would form a work of considerable magnitude, and singular curiosity: yet, we ap prehend, were it contemplated to present the public with the accumulating pile, the first edition would scarcely escape from the press, before a second would become necessary, to provide for the new speculations of learned trifling and human ingenuity. When will our respected brethren make such an approach to unanimity of sentiment on this perplexed subject, that, though we should be unable to adopt their views, we may at least admire their harmony? when we add, that it appears to be confirmed by the testimony of Jesus Christ, we feel assured the suggestion will not be treated with indifference. into which impropriety, we regret to add, Mr. Bass appears to us, by his evasive note (p. 14) to have grossly fallen. That our Lord, then, in the 7th of Luke, 24-30, refers to the facts recorded in the 3rd of Matthew, and substantially repeated in the 3rd of Luke, we suppose none will attempt to deny. Now Jesus Christ expressly declares that" the Pharisees and lawyers," (those very persons whom John denounced as a "generation The wildest theorists ordinarily of vipers,")" rejected the counsel of mix up such a proportion of truth God against themselves, being not with extravagance, that any persón, baptized of him." Here then the whose veneration for the former is divine Instructor and Mr. Bass are what it ought ever to be, almost at complete issue; and which of these fears to treat the latter as it de- our readers will select for their serves. This salutary feeling, toge- guide, we can be at no loss to dether with our respect for Mr. Bass, termine. Thus we indignantly resoftened Our strictures on his pel the unfounded charge of “creformer publication to a temperate-ating history to suit our purpose,” ness which some of our readers might be ready to think was scarcely consistent with the necessity of the occasion. It seems, however, that our animadversions excited some alarm, which has produced certain unguarded expressions in this manual of pseudo-baptism. "I deemed it my duty," says Mr. Bass, "to take notice of this review of my publication, because it was in the hands of many of my people, and might prove injurious." Note p. 15. But it remains to be ascertained, whether the manner in which he has noticed it may not considerably augment the evil deprecated; for is it possible that there should be persons at Halstead, or any where else, so oppressed with credulity as to believe, that our asserting that John baptized only those who confessed their sins, is " one of the greatest errors that was ever penned on paper?" How great must be the panic, and how desperate the cause, which involves its advocate in so rash an expedient, and brings upon him an onus probandi with which he struggles in vain! With Mr. B.'s predilection for his newly constructed system, it will scarcely be permitted us to remind him, that the sense we have given of the passage in question, is supported by the authority of the most approved commentators; but But the concluding pages in this performance describe a transaction so perfectly anomalous-setting at defiance, as it does, every precedent throughout the extended range of example, both ancient and modern, that, were not the evidence to the contrary unquestionable, we should certainly say it never could have taken place; but that it must be an attempt from some quarter, to insult our forbearance, by burlesquing one of the most solemn rites of the christian dispensation. It should seem that a solitary individual of our species, whether saint or sinner," says Mr. Bass, "God knoweth," (for the system effectually provides against the arrogance of inquiry,) had been prevailed upon to appear in public, and try the efficacy of the new baptismal recipe. The following extract is from the unique address delivered to this person. present yourself to be baptized, re"As to you, my friend, who here member, and let all remember, that what you hereby profess, is your own persuasion, that this rite is adapted, by God'sappointment, for your furtherance in the christian faith, or for your spiri we tual advantage. I know not what you whatever may be the astonishment are at heart, whether saint or sinner;- of our readers, we assure them that God knoweth !--nor is it made my bu- we have copied it verbatim et literatim. siness to investigate your religious "The water" having been " apstate and character; but this I know, plied with the hand to the subject," that you are one of the fallen sons of ("whether saint or sinner," Adam, who need that grace to which this sign is ordained to point you. addressed in the following manner: presume, was still unknown,) he was Observe then distinctly, I beseech you, and lay it much to heart, if you are "Will you keep the Supper? Will still a stranger to inward penitence, you take your regular part in 'holdthat I baptize you with this water ing forth the word of life,' in chrisunto repentance ;-if a soul troubled tian worship, in doctrine, in discifor your sins, who have not found the pline, and in all parts of holy fellowpeace of God, that I advise you to re-ship and holy living, as a member in ceive this sign, for the remission of the church of Jesus?" If this be not sins,' i. e. as a wisely ordained means rendering the claim to originality to direct you to it; and even although indubitable, then farewell for ever you truly believe in Christ, yet, as a all hope of success. depraved man, that thus I baptize you, that, by faith in the grace which this water signifies, you may wash away your sins' by calling upon the name of the Lord,' while the sign passes upon you to help you in it. In this view, it appears to me a reasonable and a most delightful service, and so I hope it appears to you also, and to this whole assembly; therefore now I baptize you,' &c." p. 41. In taking leave of this subject, for it is not our intention that it should intrude any farther on our pages, we mention with regret, that, both in the "Address" and the "Sermon❞ we noticed allusions to a supposed departure from truth, attributed, in part at least, to love of dominion in the ministers of Jesus Christ. So far as we are concerned, our estimate of the author's piety effectually Just here it was natural enough shields him from any imputation of for us to pause, and, if possible, dis-insidious design; but, to some, cover in what manner the ceremony these passages may have the apwas performed. Immersion we knew to be out of the question-pearance of an unworthy attempt to certain hints, also, had led us to doubt whether any other ordinary mode, already in use, could be admitted to the privilege of incorporation in this new formula. We confess that, having read the following passage, "I adopt that mode of baptism which represents the impartation of the grace it signifies to us; because we are not represented as being primarily conveyed into grace, but grace is represented as conveyed into us, to teach, renew, and save us," (p. 39,) we were totally unable to conjecture what novelty of administration was about to be introduced. But passing our eye, most opportunely, to the bottom of page 42, our solicitude was relieved by the following note: "The water was neither poured nor sprinkled, but was applied with the hand to the subject."!!! Having read this precious morceau of obscure information, distrusting ourselves, we perused it again, and, set an incongruous system afloat, by appealing to popular prejudice. Upon the whole, we are willing to hope, that, notwithstanding the attention Mr. Bass has already paid to this subject, he will perceive the necessity of deliberately revising and correcting his conclusions; and that, however wide his present deviations from the express directions of the New Testament, he may be ultimately brought to make them his exclusive guide as to the subject and mode of christian baptism. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Just Published. Queries on Infant Baptism answer. ed: by John Rogers. 1s. 6d. Life of Lieut.-Col. Blackadder. 2s. Irving's Four Orations. 2d Edit. 12s. Remarks on Female Education, 12mo. 393 pp. 5s, 6d, Hints on the Nature of a Christian Church, and on the Principles of Dissent in an Ordination Sermon by James Hargreaves. Fine Paper 18.; inferior, 6d. 1823. Audley's Memoirs of Feary. 119 pp. 3s. ca: with an Account of that Colony, and Anecdotes of eminent Protestant Ministers. 1s. 6d. Bds. Luther's Bondage of the Will. Translated. 8vo. 10s. 402 pp. Harmer's Works. 8vo. 328 pp. 10s. 6d. Fletcher's Lectures on Popery. 3rd Edition, enlarged. 9s. Pædobaptism inconsistent with the Doctrines of Grace; or, Queries on Infant-Baptism answered, in several Letters to the Rev. Thomas Drew of Stroud, including some Remarks on a Sermon preached by the Rev. William Chapman of Greenwich on the same Subject. By John Rogers of Eynsford, Kent. Price 1s. 6d. Remarks on the External Commerce and Exchanges of Bengal, with Appendix of Accounts and Estimates. By G. A. Prinsep, Esq. 5s. 6d. Bds. A Memoir of Central India, including Malwa and adjoining Provinces, with the History and copious Illustrations of the past and present Condition of that Country; with an original Map, Tables of the Revenue and Population, à Geological Report, and comprehensive Index. By Major-Gen. Sir John The Sunday Scholar's Friendly InMalcolm, G.C.B. K.L.S. In two Vols.structor, in familiar Dialogues. By £1. 128. in Bds. II. In the Press. the Rev. Joseph Kerby. Owen's Works, (Edited by the Rev. T. Cloutt, A.M.) Vol. V. 12s. A Critical Analysis of the Rev, E. Irving's Orations and Arguments, interspersed with Remarks on the Composition of a Sermon, by Philonous.— Life of Rev. J. C. Reid of Frederi-Dedicated to the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of London. The Bible Teacher's Manual. Part "Exodus." By a Clergyman. Intelligence, &c. THE fifth Annual Meeting of the Society, instituted in London, A. D. 1818, for the Relief of AGED AND INFIRM Protestant Dissenting Ministers, of the Presbyterian, Independent, and Baptist Denominations in England and Wales, accepted and approved in their respective denominations, and who, having been settled pastors of congregations, have resigned their office in consequence of incapacity by age or other Infirmities, was held at the King's Head, Poultry, May 27, 1823, James Gibson, Esq. Treasurer, in the Chair. Twenty-four ministers have been relieved during the past year, eleven of whom have been relieved four successive years; six, some two, some three years; and seven have been admitted and relieved the last year. The income of the Society for the year, from funded property, and donations and subscriptions, was £318 10s. 2d.; the exhibitions to ministers, £380. OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY. James Gibson, Esq. Trustees. Honorary Secretary. Committee. A. Rees, D.D. F.R.S. &c. &c. Joseph Ivimey. |