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God, and are related to him as his peculiar people. These and other such things were represented by the purifications of the Jewish Law, always with a view to the promised Redeemer, who was, in the most perfect manner, to cleanse us by his blood, enlighten us by his doctrine, and purify us by his Spirit.

Thirdly, Various solemn festivals. The exact and pompous observance of these was so far from being a needless and trivial institution, that they appear to have been exceedingly proper for preserving the whole nation in the practice of true religion. They were thankful commemorations of the most signal national mercies and deliverances; mercies that formed the foundation of all their blessings, peace, and prosperity, as an united church and people: and, by their constant attendance on these joyful solemnities, at so many stated times of the year, and at the one fixed place of national worship, the people went through those courses of pious service to God, and that intercourse of kindness, generosity, and charity towards each other, which tended to make them adhere to the religion of the true God, and to confirm them in the love of that constitution under which they lived, surrounded with the uncommon blessings of his providence.

If in parts of the Jewish Law we should meet with some directions, the utility of which should not be at first sight apparent to us, let us beware of setting up the conclusions of our own reason against the unbounded wisdom of God. A closer consideration of the subject will teach us humbly to acknowledge that all these institutions answered the purpose of exercising the Israelites in faith and obedience; of preserving them a distinct and separate people; and of training them by a peculiar mode of discipline, wisely suited to their habits, preju dices, and circumstances, for the reception of the new dispensation under the Messiah. It will teach us also, that many of those directions, which rashness and presumption sometimes censure as trifling, and as unworthy of the Divine attention, were specifi

cally calculated to guard the people of Israel from being betrayed into particular modes of idolatry and wickedness prevalent in the nations amongst whom they were to dwell.

Besides the laws relating to religion delivered in this Book, there are civil and judicial laws, which appear, when rightly considered, to make the surest provision for the honour of the govern. ment and magistracy, to lay down most impartially the rights of the people, and to advance those degrees of charity, peaceableness, mutual love, and justice, which form the strongest cement of a happy society. Pyle, Dr. Gray, Gisborne.

[Some of the ritual laws were condescensions which the Lord deigned to show towards a people who had been long habituated to the customs of Egypt. Hence the majestic apparatus of the tabernacle, that multitude of sacrifices, those pompous ceremonies to which the patriarchs were strangers, and which formed part of the Jewish worship. Others were intended to give the Hebrews an insurmountable aversion for the barbarous rites and abominable superstitions of their neighbours. Hence those prohibitions against making their children pass through the fire, against stigmatizing themselves, against slashing their bodies with knives, or cutting their hair in a certain form, against eating near blood, against worshipping in the high places, or planting groves near the tabernacle, &c.-These laws were intended to fix lasting traces on their minds of the wonders which God had worked for them, to perpetuate, from generation to generation, the memory of these great events, and to evidence the truth of them to the whole earth, even down to our times. And this was the chief motive for instituting the redemption of the firstborn, the offering of the firstfruits, and of most of their festivals, &c. &c. Those laws, like so many emblems and useful parables, contained, at the bottom, admirable instruction. Thus the necessity of so many precautions against legal pollutions, so many washings and outward purifications, intimated to them the still more binding

obligation of purity of heart.-Other laws were designed to attach the Hebrews to the land which God had given them; to make them love its products, and to extirpate for ever from their hearts any wish to return into Egypt. Hence those laws which prescribed the use of oil in their sacrifices, which Egypt does not produce, and of wine, which the Egyptians abhorred; hence the prohibition to eat the lamb or the kid boiled in milk, as those nations did that had not oil. There are some laws besides, which seem to have been specially intended to serve for standing palpable proofs of the continual providence of God over his people, and of the divine mission of Moses. Such, among others, was the law, enacting that the lands should rest during the sabbatical year; a remarkable and singular law, and which could scarcely come into the legislator's mind by natural means. It must have been founded on the certainty he had, that every sixth year would produce abundantly enough for the three following. Without this, Moses would have run a risk of losing all his people by famine, and of drawing upon his memory public curses. Now from whom could this assurance come but from God? Can we conceive that Moses would have ventured to enact such a law, if he had been only a common legislator? But what would have been the height of madness in a politician, confined to worldly views, is an evidence that his commission was from heaven, and that the God whose servant he called himself continually watched over Israel.-The ritual laws of the Jews did not spring from caprice. They were positive laws, but yet founded in reason, and had each a particular motive, although the distance of so many ages prevents us from knowing them all.-But to these particular motives a general one must be added, which alone would be sufficient to justify the wisdom of these extraordinary institutions. They all tended to one common end, worthy of a great legislator. This end of his was, to insure the duration of his people, and the purity of their worship

against all the revolutions of time.— For this purpose it was necessary to attach the Hebrews very strongly to their religion; and this he did most effectually by the multitude of observances which he laid on them.-In order to attain more certainly to this end, it was necessary besides, to keep all the individuals of the nation closely united together, and separate from every other. Now what could more effectually do this, than those extraordinary observances, and various rites which differed from those of other nations, or were diametrically opposite to their customs?-By the observance of these rites, the Hebrews have formed, do form, and will form, until the accomplishment of the prophecies, a nation apart, and by this, in spite of their captivities, dispersions, and miseries, they triumph over time, whilst the most powerful and wisest nations have disappeared off the face of the earth. Jews' Letters.]

RECENTLY published by T. & J. SWORDS, "The Christian's Manual of Faith Prayers suited to the various Exercises of and Devotion: containing Dialogues and

the Christian Life, and an Exhortation to

Ejaculatory Prayer, with Forms of Ejacu latory and other Prayers. The second edition improved. To which are added a number of Additional Prayers."

Advertisement to the first Edition.

THE dialogues in this volume are selected and altered from a work, entitled "The Village Manual." In the revision of them,

the Editor has made considerable alterations in the style, and has occasionally amplified the sentiments. It is the object of these dialogues to exhibit and enforce the various exercises, duties, and privileges of the Christian life; to awaken the careless; to excite the lukewarm; and to instruct and comfort the penitent be liever.

The exhortation to ejaculatory prayer, with suitable forms of ejaculatory devotion, has been altered from an original Bishop HORNE, and the Rev. WILLIAM treatise on this subject, recommended by JONES, of Nayland; and their names are pledges for the soundness and the fervour of its devotional exercises.

The Editor thought that the various articles in this volume were admirably calculated to excite and cherish evangelical and fervent piety; and he has, therefore, felt himself gratified in the humble office

of compiling this Manual of Christian Faith and Devotion, and presenting it to the public. J. H. HOBART.

New-York, May 28, 1814.

The Prayers from page 380 of this edition, to the end, have been taken from a late British work, entitled "A Century of Christian Prayers, on Eaith, Hope, and Charity; with a Morning and Evening Devotion."

Feb. 1818.

CONTENTS.

The Self-Deceiver made acquainted with himself; in a Dialogue between a Minister and his Parishioner-Prayer for Repentance-The Penitent instructed; in a Dialogue between a Minister and his Parishioner-Prayer suited to the Condition of a Penitent Christian-The doubting Christian instructed and confirmed in his Faith and holy Resolutions; in a Dialogue

between a Minister and his ParishionerPrayer suited to the State of a Christian resolving to fulfil his Baptismal Engage ments, and preparing to partake of the Lord's Supper-The Christian armed against Temptation; in a Dialogue between a Minister and his Parishioner

Prayer for Grace to overcome Temptation -The Christian instructed in a holy Life; in a Dialogue between a Minister and his Parishioner-A Prayer for a holy Life The Christian instructed in Family Duties; in a Dialogue between a Minister and his Parishioner-Daily Prayers for Families-Sunday Morning-Sunday Evening-The Christian instructed how to observe the Ordinances of Religion; in a Dialogue between a Minister and his Parishioner-A Prayer for the right Use of the Means of Grace-The Christian di. rected as to a safe and comfortable Death; in a Dialogue between a Minister and his Parishioner-A Prayer for a happy Death. An Exhortation, with some Forms, in order to enforce and to assist in the Practice of the Duty of Ejaculatory Prayer. Recommendatory Address, by the Rev. William Jones, of Nayland-Preface An Exhortation, &c. and various Forms of Ejaculatory Prayer-The Apostles' Creed, explained in a devotional Forin-The Lord's Prayer, in a devotional Form-Of Grace before and after Meals-A Grace before Meat-A Grace after Meat-As you go into Church-As you go out of Church-A Prayer on coming to your seat in Church-After Church-Daily Devotions; Morning Prayers, Evening Prayers -Sunday Morning-An Act of FaithAn Act of Praise-Sunday EveningPrayer for Grace-An Act of Intercession -A Prayer-Monday Morning-An Act of Praise-Monday Evening-A Prayer

for Grace to keep the Commandments→→ Tuesday Morning-Prayer for GraceTuesday Evening-Wednesday MorningAn Act of Praise-Prayer for GraceWednesday Evening-Thursday Morning -An Act of Praise-A Prayer for Grace

Thursday Evening-An Act of Intercession-Friday Morning-A Prayer for Grace-An Act of Praise-Friday Evening-An Act of Intercession, from the ancient Liturgy of the Church of Jerusalem -Saturday Morning-Saturday EveningA Litany, or humble Supplication for those Virtues and Graces which respect our Duty to Almighty God, our Neighbours, or ourselves-A Prayer for Christmas Day -A Prayer for Good Friday-A Prayer Morning Prayer for a very young Childfor Easter-A Prayer for Whit-SundayMorning Prayer for a young Person-DiEvening Prayer for a very young Childrections for a young Person in the Evening-Evening Prayer for a young Person→→→ Ejaculations at going to Bed-Directions

to young Persons, relative to the Lord's Day-Before Church Time-In the Church

-After Church Time-A Morning Prayer for a Servant-An Evening Prayer for a Servant A Prayer before Confirmation→→→ A Prayer after Confirmation-A Prayer to be used before receiving the Holy Com Lord's Table just before receiving the munion-An Ejaculation, to be said at the Bread-To be said after receiving the Cup-To be said after receiving the Cup Bread-To be said before receiving the Holy Sacrament-At the Commencement -A Prayer to be said after receiving the of Devotion-For true Devotion-For Faith-For a right Use of the Faculties of the Soul-For a Removal of the Obstacles to Belief-For an effectual Belief of the Christian Religion-For Courage in the Profession of Christianity-Christ mas; for the inestimable Blessings of Redemption-For the Love of Christ-On the Commencement of the year-Epiphany; for the Blessings of Christian Knowledge -For Examination-A General Confession

True Contrition-For Pardon-Good Friday; for the Atonement-Easter; for the Resurrection-For Ascension DayWhit-Sunday; for the Influence of the Holy Spirit-For Grace-Trinity Sunday; the Trinity in Unity-For the Blessings of a Redeemer-On the Study of ReligionFor Assistance in the Study of the Scriptures-Against inquisitive and perplexing Thoughts For Grace to Suffer as a good Christian-For Zeal-For the Performance of God's Will on Earth, as it is in Heaven-For Wisdom from AboveAgainst Superstition-For Patience founded on a firm Belief of a Future StateAgainst Hardness of Heart-For HopeFor the Happiness of Heaven-Against Sorrow without Hope-In time of Temptation-For Strength against Dangers

Against the Temptations of the World, the Flesh, and the Devil-For the continued Favour and Protection of God--For Temporal Blessings-For all God's Mercies-For Trust in God-For Acceptance

Against Melancholy and Dejections of Spirit-For a Person troubled in Mind or Spirit-For the Assistance and Protection of God-For Charity and Brotherly Love -For Personal Virtues-For Charity and Beneficence-For Love to mine Enemies Against Revenge-Against immoderate Anger-For Compassion to all Men-For Meekness and Quietness of Spirit--For Sobriety and Temperance-For Sincerity -For Humility-For Uprightness-For Holiness-For Obedience-Against all Impurity-For Modesty and Chastity-For Mortification and Self-Retirement-For Diligence-For Contentment--For Justice -For Unity-For Good-will to all Mankind-For Constancy--Against Covet ousness Against Worldly-MindednessAgainst Swearing, Lying, and SlanderAgainst Hypocrisy-For Resignation— For Submission to the Divine Will--For Steadfastness-For an Increase of Faith, Hope, and Charity--On the Commence. ment of any Undertaking-For Preservation on a Voyage or a Journey-In Sickness For Recovery from Sickness-For Resolution to Redeem the Time-On the Return of the Day of One's Birth-At the Close of the Year--For the Blessings of the Year-For a due Improvement of Time-On the Choice of Friends, and the Duties of Friendship-On the Death of Relatives or Friends-For a Preparation for Eternity---On the Last Judgment---The Husband's Prayer---The Wife's Prayer--The Parent's Prayer---For Parents---In Youth--For the Aged---For the Ministers

of God's Word and Sacraments---For Magistrates---For Friends and Benefactors--A Paraphrase of the Lord's SupperMorning Prayer---Evening Prayer.

A Prayer for a Preparation for Eternity.

(From the Christian's Manual.)

LORD God Almighty, who hast ordained this life as a passage to the future, by confining our conversion to the time of our pilgrimage here, and reserving for hereafter the state of punishment and reward; vouchsafe me the assistance of thy grace, who still have an opportunity of reconcilement to thee, that I may so watch over all mine actions, and correct every deviation in my way to heaven, as neither to be surprised with my sins uncancelled, nor called away with my duties unperformed; but that, when my body descendeth to the grave, my soul may ascend to thee, and dwell for ever in those mansions of eternal felicity, which are prepared for all thy faithful servants, through the merits of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

The following curious Circumstance is re corded on a Tomb Stone at Green-Bay, in the Island of Jamaica.

"HERE lieth the body of H. GOODING, Esq. who departed this life at Port Moyal, December 22, 1739, aged 80 years. He left that kingdom for his religion, and was born at Mount Pelo, in France, but came to settle in this island, where he was swallowed up in the great earthquake in 1692; but by Divine Providence was by another violent shock thrown up in the sea! which, at that time, ran mountains high; and miraculously saved himself by swimming, until, by force of the waves, he was driven near the land, where he was rescued from a watery grave by the crew He lived many years after in great reputaof a small vessel, and again safely landed. tion, beloved by all who knew him, and much lamented at his death. Peace to his manes.

THE INSECT.

Poon Insect! what a little day
Of sunny bliss is thine!
And yet thou spread'st thy light wings gay,
And bid'st them, spreading, shine.
Thou humm'st thy short and busy tone,
Unmindful of the blast;

And careless, while 'tis burning noon,
How quick that noon be past.

A show'r would lay thy beauty low;
A dew of twilight be
The torrent of thy overthrow,
Thy storm of destiny.

Then spread thy little shining wing,
Hum on thy busy lay!

For Man, like thee, has but his spring;
Like thine, it fades away!

NEW Stereotype editions, in large and small print, of the Book of Common Prayer, intended for the use of individuals, and for gratuitous distribution by societies, are now ready for delivery, at very reduced prices, at the store of T. & J. SWORDS, No. 160 Pearl-street, NewYork.

Printed and published by T. & J. SWORDS, No. 160 Pearl-street, New-York, where Subscriptions for this Work will be received, at one dollar per annum, or 24 numbers. All Letters relative to this Journal must come free of Postage.

THE

No. 14.]

AND

LITERARY REGISTER.

No. II. FOR JULY, 1818.

From the Seventeenth Annual Report of the (British)

Church Missionary Society.

A Brief History of the Syrian Churches

in the South of India.

Ir appears from the writings of the fathers of the Greek, Latin, and Syrian Churches, that St. Thomas first preached the Gospel in India. But whether the present race of Christians, found on the coast of Malabar, owe their faith to the labours of this apostle, or whether they emigrated from Syria at a later period, cannot be so easily determined. Asseman thinks that the Christians of St. Thomas received their designation, as well as their religion, from the apostle of that name.

"It is recorded," says Dr. Buchanan," in the Acts of the Council of Nice, that Johannes, Bishop of India, signed his name at that Council in A. D. 325." This is probably the earliest intimation of the existence of that Church, and is sufficient to show that it must have flourished a hundred years at least prior to the propagation of Nestorianism.

The next account in which mention is made of the Christians of India, is given by Cosmas Indicopleustes, a writer who flourished early in the sixth century: "There is," says he, "in the Island of Ceylon, towards interior India, a Church of Christians, where are found a clergy and congregation of the faithful; but whether it extends farther I know not. Likewise in Male, as they call it, where pepper grows. But in Calliana (for so they call it) there is a Bishop, who is usually ordained in Persia, &c." It should appear from this statement, that the Christians of India had, early in the sixth century, embraced the doctrines of Nestorius; for the Archbishop of Persia was, at VOL. IL.

*.

[VOL. II.

that time, subject to the Patriarch of Selucia, who was a Nestorian.

"In

It appears also from a Letter of Jesuyab, Metropolitan of Mosul, who died A. D 660, that the Churches, both in India and Persia, were în a declining state, on account of the neglect of the Patriarch of Persia. your region," he says, ❝ since you have refused to observe the Canons of the Church, the succession of the priesthood has been cut off from the people of India, &c." It appears that the Patriarch of Persia had refused to acknowledge the authority of that of Seleucia, asserting that the Christians of Persia and India were Christians of St. Thomas, and were therefore not at all subject to the followers of Mar* Moris, who is said to have propagated Christianity in Mesopotamia.

In this state they remained till about the year 780, when they were again under the authority of the Patriarch of Seleucia; to whom the Bishops of India were, of course, subject, and, consequently, were Nestorians.

From this time to about the year 920, the Christians are said to have been in a flourishing state, and to have had many privileges granted them by the native princes of the country, especially by Ceram Peroumal, who allowed them to enjoy the rank of Nobility, and to be governed, as well in temporal as spiritual matters, by their own Bishops. About the year 920 Mar Sapores and Mar Pheroz are said to have come to India from Babylon, and to have built a Church at Coulan, and to have con verted many to the Christian faith.

After this the affairs of the Christians were in such a state of prosperi

Mar is a title given to the Syrian Bishops, and is nearly equivalent to our word Lord.

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