it is the vehicle; many other sentiments are interwoven with the story, which are congenial with pure christianity. That it exhibits a pattern of conduct, and a state of religious happiness, above the usual standard even of sincere christians, is too evident: but the blaine, we think, attaches to others; and. is by no means reflected on the author, as he has certainly not exceeded apostolic precedents. The style approaches that of common novels nearer than we could have wished; it is often highly florid, and generally too diffusive: but the anthor seems to have judged it the more likely to please general readers, whose attention he wished to gain, in order to promote their instruction.

Art. XVI. A Memorial for Children; being an Authentic Account of the Conversion, Experience, and happy Deaths of eighteen Children, (designed as a Continuation of Janeway's Token.) By George Hend-ley, Minister of the Gospel. price Sd. 8vo. pp. 74. T. Alibut, Hanley Button and Son, Paternoster Row.

A

FTER the lapse of many years, we cannot forget the impressions received in the days of childhood, from Janeway's Token for Children. This is a work of the same kind, containing eighteen memorials, which are written with suitable plainness and simplicity. The accounts are short, and of recent date: several of them were never published before, the subjects of which were well known to the Author, or his friends: the rest are extracted from Periodical Works of undisputed authenticity.

Art. XVII. The Spiritual Telescope, being a solemn Inquiry respecting the World of Spirits, and the Intermediate State of Man from his Death to his Resurrection. By J. Bentley. 12mo. pp. 64. Price 1s. 6d. Jones.

THE

HE author of this pamphlet endeavours" to prove from divine authority, that the immortal spirit of man does not sleep in its intermediate state," but quits these terrestrial regions, and soars to the skies, to unite in company with the disembodied spirits of the Saints.

He first appeals to the account given of the rich man and Lazarus, which, although a parable, he considers as

'evidently designed by our Lord to teach us thereby the important fact, that, when the component parts of the human frame are disunited,the intellectual parts of the just and unjust exist in different states, and in situations far distant from each other, they being separated by an immense gulph, or space; so as to render all communication between them impossible.' pp. 9, 10.

A proper distinction is then made between the body, soul, and

L4

spirit,

spirit, mentioned, 1 Thess. v. 23. The body does not belong to the question, but the difficulty lies in properly distinguishing the soul and spirit; of which the soul is called by the Hebrews Nephesh, and the spirit Ruach. These, he contends, and we think successfully, are not synonymous; but the Nephesh, or soul, means the animal life, or sensitive principle, which in brutes rises to instinct; the Ruach, or spirit, signifies the intellectual and immortal principle. The soul, therefore, or animal life, is often spoken of, particularly in the Psalms, as subject to the power of the grave, while the spirit is active and incorruptable.

The Greek term Hades, which is of the same signification with the Hebrew word Sheol, expresses in general the state of the dead, whether just or unjust; but he regards it, when applied to, the immortal spirit in its most awful sense, in reference only to the wicked. He thinks that the spirit not only exists, but may become visible, and speak; as did the appearance of Samuel to Saul in the cave at Endor, and that of Julius Cæsar to Brutus. The important doctrine which it is the object of this pamphlet to prove, does not, however, depend on this opinion, but on the express declarations of Scripture, which are brought forward with great propriety. From these it is shewn, that the immortal spirit of good men does not die, but departs, into a state of tranquillity and joy, and is with Christ.

Mr. B. asserts, p. 8, that "the wisest of the heathen philosophers, have been decidedly in favour of the doctrine of the existence of the soul, after its separation from its intimate companion, the body."

Cicero mentions, on the contrary, that Pherecydes Syrus, the preceptor of Pythagoras, was the first among them, who taught the immortality of the soul; and that it was received with great hesitation, and rather as a matter of hope or opinion, than of decision. Philosophers very much doubted the validity of their Qwn arguments, when they attempted to defend it; and Cicero himself, after expressly treating on the subject, comforts himself and others in the idea of approaching death, by attempting to prove death to be no evil, even supposing the soul to perish with the body.

We think it wrong to hazard conjectures, respecting the local situation of the departed wicked, as our author has done. Where the Scriptures are silent, why should we imagine that they are consigned to eccentric comets, or to the dark recesses of the earth? Here is an unbounded field for the excursive wanderings of imagination, and in the end no advantage is to be gained. Let us rather direct our attention to their state than to their local situation, and aim to improve by the warning of Scripture respecting it,

Art.

Art. XVIII, A funeral Sermon chiefly preached on the late thanksgiving-day, at Thursford and Snoring, in Norfolk, near the birthplace of the late Lord Nelson. With a particular view to his most useful life, and glorious death. By the Rev. George Cooke, M. A. Fellow of St. John's College Cambridge, 4to. pp. 32. pr. 2s. 6d. Chapple. 1805.

coast.

THE HE solemn event which furnishes the leading topic of this discourse, was not only in itself extremely interesting, but was attended with almost every circumstance that could augment the force of its impression on the national mind. The importance of the British Navy has been felt, and its renown exalted, during the last twelve years, more perhaps than at any preceding period of our history; and the late Lord Nelson's predominant share in its successes, is universally known. At the crisis of his last victory, the Almighty had suffered the most formidable and inveterate foe with whom we ever had to encounter, to scatter the numerous hosts of our allies, like chaff before the wind. His exertions, and his influence, had combined against us a very considerable maritime force; which, had it been successful, might soon have conveved his triumphant and infuriate armies, to our long favoured But Nelson, who had been raised up by Divine Providence for our safeguard, was made the glorious instrument of defeating, and almost annihilating, the navies of France and Spain when every thing dear to British hearts, seemed to depend on the result of the contest. In the moment of victory, he expired! His worthy second and successor in command completed, amidst a tremendous war of elements, the arduous work that had devolved upon him by so affecting a catastrophe; and, in the severest hour of trial, blended the nobler triumphs of humanity, with those of fortitude and wisdom. The fugitive remnant of the enemy was thrown in the way of the gallant Sir Richard Strachan, and was captured by his small squadron. Due acknowledgements to the great Author of our safety and prosperity, were made, on the scenes of triumph, by our brave admirals; and our nation has, with the most impressive propriety, been called to unite in praise to Him who "doth his pleasure amidst the armies of heaven, and the inhabitants of earth."

The vicinity of the deceased hero's native spot, justified the author of the discourse before us, in occupying much of it with a character so eminent and so admired. Genuine patriotism, at all times, coalesces with real piety; and, on such an occasion as this, naturally becomes prominent in a sermon. It should, however, in all cases, be subordinate to the doctrines of distinguishing Christianity; which we should gladly have seen more fully understood, and applied, than they are in the present instance. The feelings proper to religion and philanthropy, are, notwithstanding, expressed in a very pleasing and profitable manner. The author's style is more lively than correct, more animated than polished. The profits of his discourse are devoted to the design of erecting some public memorial of Lord Nelson in his native country. He submits to the inhabitants, "whether some naval trophy, near she

spot

spot of their hero's nativity, would not be almost above all others, a most appropriate memorial of their's, and a nations' gratitude."

We extract one of his closing paragraphs, as a specimen of serious, humane, and liberal sentiment, as well as of considerable felicity of expression,

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Having rejoiced with them that do rejoice, and wept with those that weep, on this awfully glorious day, let our feelings subside into humble thankfulness and calm adoration. But, it may not be unseasonable, to inform some of you, why we ought to rejoice at all after carnage and victory. We must not rejoice, then, (it would be the joy of the barbarian, and not of the Christian) that we have made such havoc among the noblest tenants of this lower creation, the fairest workmanship of God. We must not rejoice, that we have bid so many hearts ache in France and Spain; that, in a few hours, we have made so many widows and orphans in their dominions, to curse the bitter chance of war, and so many grey hairs to go down with sorrow to the grave. Alas! we have the loss of more valuable lives than one, among ourselves, that ask from us, on this day, the tribute of a tear to their memory. We have, as the price of our success, widows and orphans, and aged mourners of our own, perhaps in every corner of the kingdom, who have claims to our sympathy, and strongly plead for our consolation and kind offices; O! then, we must not surely rejoice in the horrid sport of war! as if the flower of the youth, and the pride of the manhood of two mighty nations, like the prize-fighters or criminals of antiquity, were set afloat in the channel, to massacre each other for our amusement; while France and England were barbarous spectators of the combat. Could this be the cause of joy to any of us? I trust not! We rejoice with trembling, then. We bless the Hand, which has prospered us as a nation, while we tremble at the dreadful means he has been pleased to make use of. And dreadful they are, indeed! which infinite wisdom and infinite benevolence, therefore only permits; he cannot have ordained them. War we inust consider as the punishment which a fallen and guilty creation, rebel to herself, as well as to her Maker, is left to inflict upon her own head. War then we must, in every case, deplore, though sometimes, alas! as at pre sent, a necessary evil; and which, perhaps may continue to be such, while man continues to be man.' pp. 29, 30.

We esteem and admire the feelings which dictated this paragraph, as amiable, and in general just: but, we are not aware of the inconsistency of the divine appointment of punishments for crimes, with our own agency in drawing them on ourselves. We do not assert any thing to be ordained by God, that he has not declared to be so in his word; but we are too conscious of our own insufficiency to judge of the purposes of God, to maintain that any event cannot have been ordained by him. The merits of Mr. C's sermon, both literal and moral, far exceed its incidental defects; and we cordially recommend it to public attention. We believe him to be the author of some poetical pieces, which ave been highly and deservedly approved.

Art. XIX. Victory Mourning. A Sermon preached at Southampton, November 10th, 1805; occasioned by the great Victory obtained over the Combined Fleets of France and Spain, off Cape Trafalgar, Oct. 21, when the renowned Lord Nelson was slain. By William Kingsbury, M. A.

TEXT." And the Victory that Day was turned into mourning unto all the People." 2 Sam. xix. 2.

WE

E do not recollect to have read a Sermon either on this or on any similar occasion, which is more strongly marked with energy, eloquence, faithfulness, and becoming seriousness. The author seems completely master of the subject, both in a temporal and spiritual point of view; and we recommend this discourse to general reception.

Art. XX. A Tribute to the Memory of Nelson. A Sermon, delivered at West Cowes, Nov. 10th, 1305. By John Styles.

TEXT." Know ye not that there is a great Man fallen ?" 2 Sam. iii, 38. THIS Sermon is not destitute of points, well calculated to impress the

mind of the reader, with a true sense of the wisdom and justice of God, in his dispensations; and properly enforces caution, lest by indulging in sin, still heavier judgments than the loss of Nelson, should fall on our guilty heads. The author seems to be a friend of liberty, and an applauder of heroic actions; but we cannot omit reprehending, as inconsistent with a strict and pure sense of justice, a pronouncing, or rather de nouncing, any man as guilty, (however the writer may feel convinced of his guilt) while the question is before the proper tribunal. Though the generality of his readers may accord in such sentiments, they cannot ap prove their being disseminated in a sermon. This is certainly a blot in his work; and we wish it had been large enough to have caught the author's eye before his discourse went to press.

Art. XXI. The True Basis of National Confidence in Seasons of Distress. A Sermon, delivered in the Parish Church of St. James's, Bristol, on Thursday, the 5th Day of December, 1805, being the Day appointed for a General Thanksgiving, on Account of the late glorious Victory obtained over the Combined Fleets of France and Spain. By the Rev. Thomas T. Biddulph, M. A. Minister of the said Church, and Chaplain to the Right Honourable the Dowager Lady Bagot. Printed for the Benefit of the Patriotic Fund.

TEXT." Some put their their trust in chariots and in Horses, but we will remember the Lord our God." Psalm xx. 7.

A SERIOUS, evangelical, pathetic and well-arranged discourse, pointing out the true object of national dependance-God: and appealing most forcibly, to the humane and grateful feelings of Britons, on behalf of the surviving relatives of our brave defenders. We sincerely hope that for the satisfaction of the preacher, and the good of those for whose bepefit the sermon is published, it may have a circulation equal to its merits.

Art.