Angelic hosts on high Blessing, and honour, power above, We worship here below And try your themes divine, In feeble, humble strains, but, oh! THE VISION OF ELIJAH AT HOREB. (1 Kings, chap. xix. ver. 9-13.) WITHIN the cave the prophet stood, He lingered waiting for that long-wished glance. But thunders echoed forth, God was not there. Of all but faith and patience riven; Yet vainly fixed the eye-God was not there. Gone was the blast-the earthquake o'er A still small voice, on breezes light as air, He rose-creation chaunted, God was there! BENJAMIN GOUGH. EPITHALAMIUM: OR, A NUPTIAL WHILE your hearts in joy abounding, While the strains of mirth are sounding, May the fiend of cares distressing Passing through life's chequered scene, Free from all discording strife. As the growing year advances, So his songs of love increase; While his infant brood entrances All his powers in rapturous peace; Hear his warblings to perfection, While his youngsters learn to sing; Say, what is a bird's reflection As he tempts them on the wing? Sav'd from the devouring ermine, From the schoolboy's luckless play; Glad the fell-destroying vermin, Pass'd his brood some other way; So may you, like joys possessing, Sing corroding cares away; Realize the self-same blessing, During life's uncertain day. Grimsby. G. HERRING, REFLECTIONS AT MIDNIGHT. She reigns. Here the swift flowing rivulet REVIEW.-Two M. Dissertations on Sacrifices-first, on all the sacrifices of the Jews; secondly, on the sacrifice of Christ. By William Outram, D. D. Translated from the original Latin, with additional Notes and Indexes. By John Allen, Author of Modern Judaism, &c. 8vo. pp. 412. Holdsworth. London. 1828. THAT men who disbelieve the Bible should deny the divine origin of sacrifices, and treat their supposed efficacy with contempt, is not a matter to excite any surprise; but that any persons who admit the authenticity of revelation, should attempt to expunge this doctrine from either the Jewish or the Christian system is truly astonishing. Viewing this subject in a calm and dispassionate manner, we are led almost necessarily to conclude, that if the numerous and varied declarations of Scripture, in which this doctrine is asserted, contain it not, the sacred writings are better calculated to deceive mankind than to lead them to happiness and heaven. It will perhaps be exceedingly difficult to find any doctrine more frequently and explicitly inculcated in the sacred volume, than that of a vicarious sacrifice for sin; and, as a natural consequence, the same degree of ingenuity which can prove this to be fallacious, could expunge every doctrine, precept, and moral truth from the sacred code, or so far invert the import, order, and meaning of all, as to give an entirely new aspect to the whole book of God, and render another revelation from heaven needful for the instruction and salvation of mankind. Nearly two hundred years have elapsed since the author of this work trod the stage of mortal existence. He saw the inroads which Socinianism was then making, and composed and published this treatise, to counteract its influence. Like many other works of unquestionable merit, having performed its office in a Latin garb, it retired from public notice, to slumber on the shelves of theological libraries, scarcely known to exist by the great mass of modern readers. From this long repose it has recently been awakened by Mr. John Allen, and sent forth in an English dress, once more to visit the church of Him, whose great sacrifice for sin it advocates and defends, with admirable skill, and consummate ability. which are found to concentrate in our Lord Jesus Christ. The latter of these dissertations contains seven chapters, which relate to his priesthood, his vicarious sacrifice for sin, the efficacy of his obedience unto death, and the atonement made by his expiatory sufferings. These truths the author has placed in a commanding light, and proved by irrefragable arguments drawn from scripture, that through this medium God has revealed himself as accessible to repentant sinners. There can be no doubt, that many curious questions may be asked on this momentous subject, which, reasoning from earthly analogies, it will be difficult to answer; but these, even if they were more numerous and more formidable, cannot invalidate a doctrine that is clearly revealed. That God must pardon sin before he can admit the transgressor into heaven, is admitted on all hands; and the primary question is, shall this pardon be effected with, or without an atonement. Now if God can pardon without an atoning sacri fice, the appointment of an atoning sacrifice can never take from him the power of pardoning sin through that medium. He who can pardon without it, can pardon through it; and then it becomes a question of fact, not what God can do, but what he has done, and on this point the language of scripture is decisive in favour of the atonement. On the subjects of the numerous chapters contained in these two dissertations, the translator has introduced many appropriate notes, written with much acuteness, and tending in their general character to elucidate, to confirm, or to correct the author's reasonings. In these notes Mr. Allen has given proof that he is well acquainted with the design, the bearing, and the value of the work which he translates, that he is alive to the momentous doctrine which it advocates, and to all the conse→ quences which either its adoption or its re The former of these dissertations contains twenty-two chapters, which relate either directly or indirectly to the Jewish sacrifices, though occasionally diverging into a survey of this rite, as practised by heathen nations, in various parts of the world. In these chapters Dr. Outram has explored the ground with the utmost minuteness, and measured its extent injection will involve. every direction, thus fairly ascertaining, in almost every possible view, the grand foundation on which the superstructure of sacrifices rests. To the origin, nature, appointment, and end of Jewish sacrifices he has also paid particular attention; examining them in their various places, occasions, and character, and under the multifarious aspects which they assume in the book of God. From all these he draws one momentous conclusion, namely, that they are typical, and decidely allude to some great antitype, the peculiarities of Since Mr. Outram's work was first published, the doctrine of the atonement has been rigorously investigated both by friends and foes. By these it has been placed in various lights; and examined in new attitudes, combinations, and bearings. Of the light which modern controversies have imparted, Mr. Allen has availed himself. This he has embodied in his own reflections, and considerably enhanced the value of the treatise, by bringing down a comparatively antiquated work, and adapting its arguments and rea sonings to the habits of thinking adopted in modern times. On some minute particulars, respecting this important doctrine, the views of men, who all admit the fact, may very naturally be expected to vary. This is an almost necessary consequence of independent thinking, which will always continue while men are men. To every sentiment advanced by Dr. Outram, Mr. Allen does not subscribe, and from a few things advanced in his own notes some will probably dissent. But taking these discrepances in their utmost latitude, the translator has rendered to the church at large an essential service, by rescuing from demi-oblivion a treatise that is deserving of being transmitted to posterity. REVIEW.-Historical Sketches of the Introduction of Christianity into England, in two Volumes. By J. B. Holroyd. pp. 400-400. Mason. London. 1828. To an Englishman, who seriously believes | that he has an interest in eternity, the introduction of Christianity into his native land is a subject of no common importance. He looks back on its earliest dawn with pleasing retrospection, watches its progress with the most intense solicitude, and at every step feels a personal concern in all the vicissitudes of its eventful history. Between his own condition and that of his barbarous progenitors, he perceives a most striking contrast, and traces the superiority which he enjoys, to the prevailing influence of that system which has brought life and immortality to light. In his preface to the first volume, Mr. Holroyd justly observes, that "The value of Christianity may be estimated from the benefits it brought to our heathen ancestors. It reformed their barbarous habits,-subdued their ferocious tempers,-reclaimed them from roaming in the woods in quest of prey, with scarcely any covering,-to be formed into society, clothed, and in their right mind." The work commences with a brief sketch of Druidism, and proceeds to develop the latent circumstances which co-operated in effecting the mighty change, noticing the difficulties with which Christianity in its early stages had to contend, the causes which either retarded or promoted its progress, and, in advancing through its subsequent chapters, leads us to the star of the Reformation, when a new and steady light beamed upon the moral world. Respecting the primary instruments employed, various opinions have been enter | tained, and in the twilight of ancient history, much obscurity may naturally be expected. The places also where the Christian standard was first unfurled, appear involved in great uncertainty, and in many cases fact can hardly be distinguished from fable. Mr. Holroyd has explored, with commendable industry, the sources of information, and without entering on a discussion of the merits or demerits of the theories which he rejects, inserts that which, in his view, has the strongest claims to credit. In these delineations the compiler disclaims all pretensions to the giving of "a complete history of Christianity in England." He confines himself to the leading facts, the more active instruments, and the prominent events, which rise on the stream of time. These follow in succession at stated distances, rather than in immediate consecutive order, being linked together by intermediate ties which frequently do not appear. Enough, however, is stated for general purposes, to give the reader the leading ideas of this important subject, struggling into formal existence, amidst hosts of opposition and clouds of ignorance, until the Sun of righteousness rose in all its splendour on the British isles. Much as Christianity had to encounter from the persecutions of pagan Rome, its greatest enemy was lodged in the papal hierarchy. This appears as a deadly foe, always hostile to vital godliness from the essential ingredients of its character, and rendered still more formidable from assuming the garb and habiliments of a friend. This antichristian monster, the author has traced in many of its detestable meanderings, and followed it to that eventful crisis, where further submission ceased to be a virtue. Its gigantic enormities, too glaring to be either palliated or concealed, furnished its assailants with weapons which could neither be evaded nor withstood; and when the vizor was torn from its hideous face, many of its former friends, terrified at its frightful appearance, fled both through fear and shame, to escape the moral pestilence with which it had infected Christianity. Too bad to be either mended or endured, the providence of God took occasion to work its overthrow through the means which had been adopted to secure its immutability; and, after some arduous struggles to hurl the demon from its throne, confined it in chains, and consigned it to a dungeon, that the nation might be deceived by its sorceries no more. Awfully dark as the picture may appear, the authorities to which Mr. Holroyd ap peals, furnish decisive evidence that it is not overcharged with shade. Much of the malignity which is displayed, may, perhaps, be attributed to the general character of these ages of darkness; but a still greater portion must be traced to the fatal influence of the papal system, which holds the mental energies in fetters, puts restraints on the advancement of knowledge, and cherishes, under the character of orthodox zeal, the ferocious passions which the pure gospel was intended to eradicate from the human heart. christian denomination to which they be long. The outlines given are in general characterized by fidelity, and the remarks on them are drawn with an impartial hand. The other portions of the volume are composed of little dissertations, essays, reviews, aphorisms, sententious expressions, anecdotes, incidents, and scraps of poetry. All, however, are either decidedly of a religious character, or of a strictly moral tendency. These varieties are calculated to relieve the apparent monotony which mere pulpit effusions would otherwise impart, and, no doubt, they induce many to peruse the sketches of sermons, on which the Pulpit must ultimately rely for its permanent reputation. As an historical sketch of the introduction of Christianity into England, these volumes contain a large portion of useful matter. With disputable points, which belong rather to antiquarian research than to historical narrative, the reader need not perplex his mind, especially as those who have devoted much of their time to these obscure reinquiries, can at best obtain only the sanctions of probable conjecture, and scarcely any two concur in the same opinion. To him who simply wishes to notice the commencement and progress of Christianity in England, prior to the Reformation, these volumes will be found a valuable acqui-bably be taken down from their lips for sition. REVIEW.-The Pulpit, Volume Twelve. 8vo. pp. 464. Harding. Paternoster Row. London. 1829. THE sheets which compose the Pulpit being regularly published in weekly numbers, at three-pence each, a considerable portion of its articles obtain an extensive circulation while the volumes are incomplete. At the end of each year, however, the whole is neatly put up in a kind of half-binding, for the accommodation of such as prefer having them together. The volume now before us, has a handsome exterior, which promises to be as durable as it is elegant. The Pulpit has rendered itself chiefly conspicuous by giving the substance of discourses delivered in the metropolis, accompanied with literal extracts, and followed by brief remarks on their distinguishing peculiarities. Although in general the dissenting chapels furnish the most ample harvest, they do not enjoy a monopoly of favour. The churches, whether graced with the presence of prelates, rectors, vicars, or curates, and also the places of worship occupied by the Methodists, claim a share in the general notice. The aim of those who cater for its pages primarily is, to find men of talent who preach the gospel, without regarding the 133.-VOL. XII. A considerable portion of the discourses embodied in this volume, having been delivered extempore, would have been lost to the world, but for the accommodation which the pages of the Pulpit afford. Through this medium they gain a wider circulation, and obtain an opportunity of being rendered more extensively beneficial. Many also of our more popular preachers, knowing that what they deliver may pro the press, are silently admonished to be careful in the arrangement of their thoughts, and also of the doctrines they advance, as well as of the diction in which their sentiments are expressed. By whom the Pulpit is edited does not appear from its title-page, but it is obvious from its varied contents that the articles must flow from different sources. For although the epitomized sermons which it contains are chiefly derived from the metropolis, this is not exclusively the case. Many have been delivered in distant towns, and in villages unknown to fame, and not a few among them at precisely the same time. The volume must therefore be indebted to numerous contributors, whose communications, transmitted to the editor, owe their appearance to his sanction and approbation. In this department he has acquitted himself in a manner highly creditable to his talents, and to the reputation of the work which he superintends. REVIEW.-Time's Telescope, &c. &c. for 1830. 12mo. 432. Sherwood and Co., London, 1830. FEW periodicals, in modern days, whether hebdomadal, monthly, annual, or biennial, have preserved a more unsullied reputation than Time's Telescope. Sixteen years have elapsed since its commencement, during each of which, the Editor has always F contrived to enliven its pages with something new. The province indeed through which it ranges though apparently confined, is in reality very extended, encircling in its wide embrace all the events which have occurred from creation to the current year. Each Commencing with January, and terminating with December, no incident could have happened, no discovery could have been made, no birth or death of any remarkable personage could have taken place, without associating itself with some day or other within these ulterior extremes. month therefore produces its successive quota of biography, history, incidents for which given days have been rendered remarkable, celestial phænomena, and the diary of the naturalist. Proceeding thus, all such days as are thickly studded with occurrences, will leave many in reserve, to supply the demands of future years, and thus furnish the Telescope of Time with an almost exhaustless variety of curious and interesting matter. On a superficial notice of remarkable days, as they appear distinguished in the columns of our Almanacks, we seem to think that one volume would swallow up the whole. A little reflection will, however, inform us, that the calendar can furnish room for a small portion only of the saints which superstition has canonized, of the circumstances which have given birth to traditions, and of the sources to which many of our legends may be traced. These deficiencies Time's Telescope gradually supplies. In each successive volume we perceive the veil withdrawn from some common adage, some vulgar prejudice, or some strange custom, to which, by long established usage, we yield either a national or a provincial conformity. On the origin of these, and on others of a kindred character, much light has been already thrown, and the volumes at present before the world furnish an unquestionable presage, that in due time the clouds will be dispersed which have so long hovered over the origin of our general and local peculiarities. Already, on topics such as these, Time's Telescope has become a book of reference, and every year augments its reputation, and adds weight to its authority. Many appropriate wood engravings are scattered throughout the volume, displaying either some production of nature, some monument of art, or recalling to the recollection of the reader, some celebrated individual, or some illustrious event, on which the mind delights to dwell with wonder, reverence, or satisfaction. In what light soever, within the sphere of its operation, The volume now under inspection advances no new theory, nor does its author attempt to amuse his readers with the profundity of philosophical research. He gives a pleasing statement of visible phenomena, and assigns the reasons on which those inferences are founded, that would impart probable certainty to realities but indistinctly known. Commencing with inanimate matter, he proceeds through its elementary varieties, and thence advances to the diversified families of vegetable, animal, and intellectual life, noticing the laws by which the inert and irrational tribes are governed, and the numerous peculiarities which they display under the influence of climate, temperature, cultivation, habit, and association. when either compared or contrasted with the other inhabitants of the globe, he assigns a decided superiority, and from hence the inference is obvious, that he was born for higher destinies, which are lodged in the regions of immortality. To man, In each department of its researches, this book is enlivened by incidents, which facts, under various circumstances, have supplied. These can hardly fail to make deep and lasting impressions on the mind; and it is highly, probable, that the effect produced will be rendered more vivid and permanent by the medium through which it has been communicated to the understanding, than if the same truths had been inculcated by formal dissertation and logical perspicuity. Popular as the style of this work is, and obvious as the investigations are, all its statements concur in furnishing convincing evidence, that an intelligent and |