287 Review Thoughts on Baptism. derable additions. The primary object of this institution is the promotion of literature, science, and the arts; for which purpose the different rooms are well adapted. The museum which it contains, is already enriched with a valuable collection of natural and artificial curiosities. The Institution was opened in 1817 by Wm. Roscoe, Esq. who delivered an eloquent discourse on the occasion. Since that time, courses of lectures have been delivered on Natural Philosophy, Chemistry; Anatomy, Physiology, Botany, and Poetry, by several gentlemen, whose names give the highest character of respectability to this abode of scientific research. [To be continued.] REVIEW.-Thoughts on Baptism, as an CONTROVERSIAL theology, like law, is 288 tuated from age to age? or was it appointed, in its original institution, as an ordinance of proselytis, of which, (if continued at all) Missionaries are the only proper administrators, and Proselytes the only proper subjects? To conduct the reader to the latter conclusion, is the design of the following pages; and should the writer succeed in the attempt, and his views of the subject be generally adopted, he will consider himself as having rendered a very important service to the religious public, by removing out of the way, what has hitherto proved one of the greatest hinderances to that union of Christians, which, as stated above, versal spread of the gospel, and usher in the seems indispensably requisite to effect the uniglory of the latter day."-p.8. To this view of the author's design, we may add his opinion of Baptism in general, which appears in the following passage. That Baptism was originally of Divine appointment, is readily acknowledged; and so was the serpent which Moses lifted up in the wilderness. That serpent, in the hands of him to whom the command was given, to exhibit to the view of the whole camp of Israel, answered a very important purpose. But, after that purpose had been fully accomplished, when, coming at a subsequent period into other hands, it was perverted to superstitious uses, and became the object of idolatrous veneration, Hezekiah very properly ordered it to be destroyed. And could our feeble voice prove as effectual in one case, as the mandate of authority did in the other, we would say of Modern Baptism, Let this superstitious ceremony, this root of removed out of sight; and let no trace of it error, this bone of contention, be completely remain, except on the records of the sacred page; where, like the brazen serpent, it may prove the vehicle of instruction, without becoming an engine of mischief."-p.100. In opposing the various arguments It is painful to reflect, that the most by which the combatants in this conacrimonious controversies have been car-troversy have distinguished themselves, ried on about what the contending parties, this author has shewn much adroitness, in their cooler moments, admit to be non-clearly pointing out that their most essentials; and which, could the points cogent reasonings are inconclusive, and in debate be brought to a final termi- better calculated to prolong the connation, would prove less advantageous tention than to bring it to an amicable to mankind in their various results, think he has argued successfully; but termination. On these points, we than the irritation of the passions, pro-whether he has been equally fortunate voked in the discussion, has proved pernicious. Among these we include the fierce contentions that have originated in some doubtful questions respecting Baptism, and the time when Easter ought to be celebrated. The treatise before us can only be said in a partial manner to enter the field of Baptismal controversy, although it is to this contention that it is indebted for its existence. In page the seventh, the author thus states the design of his publication. "Was Baptism designed to be a standing ordinance of the Christian Church, to be perpe in establishing his own peculiar views of this ordinance in its exclusive application, will certainly admit of some doubt. He readily allows that the missionaries sent among the heathens can lay a stronger claim to the privilege of administering the rite of Baptism than any other: but even their claims he views as exceedingly doubtful; and even admitting that they could be fairly established, he asserts, what we think no reasonable man will be disposed to deny, that the rite is by no means essential to salvation. The ten 289 Review-The Mental Calculator. dency of his arguments is to prove, that Baptism was never designed to be a standing ordinance in the church of Christ, through succeeding generations; and we conceive that the reasonings and scriptures which he has adduced in support of this position will not easily be turned aside. There is one point,' however, that he has obtruded on our notice, which we think of more magnitude and importance than all that has been either said or written on the subject of Baptism, and which will require no common share of ingenuity to rescue from the charge of Antinomianism. It occurs in the following passage. "The Lord's Supper was instituted for the Lord's people. It is the birthright of those who are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ; a privilege from which none of their brethren have any right to exclude them, except (as must always be excepted) when they are chargeable with denying any fundamental doctrines of the gospel, or acting in a manner grossly inconsistent with their Christian profession. With this exception only, we have every reason to believe that primitive Christians never denied access to the Lord's table, to those whom they considered as belonging to the household of faith; nor is there any reason why we should." Whether this passage, on which all comment would be useless, resulted from the author's principles, or, as we would charitably hope, escaped him through inattention, we take not upon us to determine. If from the former, his creed requires considerable reformation; and if from the latter, we would advise him to be more careful in future of what he submits to the public eye. With this exception, the book is entitled to recommendation, from the justness of the censures which it contains, the spirit of enlightened liberality which it breathes, and the harmony throughout the Christian world, which it aims to promote and insure. REVIEW.-The Mental Calculator, being a compendium of concise, yet general rules, for the ready solution of various and interesting Problems in Astronomy; with explanatory illustrations; forming an epitome of the elements of that science. To which is added, a Guide to the Constellations. ByP.Lovekin. 12mo. pp. 147, Lackington & Co. London, 1821. 290 THIS is a valuable little book, replete with useful information; and is better calculated to communicate to the pupil general ideas of the subjects of which it treats, than any others with which we are acquainted, within the same compass, in the English language. In his preliminary observations, the author gives the history of the computation of time, marks the periods when variations were introduced, and assigns the reasons on which the alterations were founded. His directions how the pupil may find the Lunar cycle, the Epact, the Moon's age, the time of high water at any given place, the time when the sun and moon will either rise or set on any given day, and the place of either in the ecliptic, are simple and perspicuous, although compressed within a narrow compass. The rules by which he may find the Dominical Letter, the days of the week or month, the time of Easter, the moveable feasts which depend upon Easter, the probability of an eclipse either of the sun or the moon, the cycle of the sun, and of the Roman Indiction, are as destitute of obscurity as the nature of the subject allows, and each is illustrated by examples. A general survey of the constellations forms another part of this work; and, by the imaginary lines which Mr. Lovekin instructs his pupils to draw, the mutual relations which they bear towards one another, and a general outline of their respective situation and bearings, may be easily ascertained. The whole concludes with a miscellaneous collection of questions, adapted to the rules which precede, proposed for the pupil's solution. Examined on the ground of nice and critical exactness, some of the rules will be found inaccurate. Of this the author makes his acknowledgments in the preface. He tells the reader, that "It is neither intended nor presumed that this work should supersede the necessity of having recourse to those scientific and excellent treatises on the globes already in the hands of the public, of whose utility none can be more sensible than himself;" but he hopes, however, that, "with the utmost deference, he may at least claim the merit of an humble assistant." Under these restrictions, the excellencies of this little work will be apparent to all who read it. REVIEW.No Fiction, a narrative founded on recent and interesting Facts. Fourth Edition. Two Vols. 12mo. boards, pp. 327 and 340. London, Westley, and Longman & Co. 1820. A TASTE for tales is general; and it is ancient. It seems to have been most early, and most generally prevalent, in Persia and other Asiatic regions, from whence indeed tales were imported into Greece and Rome. Whilst, on the one hand, we deplore the inconceivable evils resulting from the perusal of the generality of Novels, or Fictions, or Romances, we are not, on the other hand, disposed to maintain that truth should never be communicated by means of fiction, since that would deny the propriety of parabolical instruction; the suitability of which must be indisputable. | It was late, and after the decline of its nobler literature, that fictions in prose came to be cultivated as a spe- | cies of composition in Greece. In early times, the mere art of writing was too difficult and dignified to be employed in prose, and even the laws of the principal legislators were then promulgated in verse. The species of machinery in this kind of writing, such as giants, dragons, and enchanted castles, which forms the seasoning of the adventures of chivalry, has been distinguished by the name of romantic fiction; and for explaining the origin of which, different theories have been suggested. With those theories, however, we have but little concernment, since, if we do not greatly mistake, the Reverend author of No Fiction would tremble at any comparison being instituted between his work and the romances of Arthur and the Round Table, the adventures of the imaginary families of Amadis and Palmerin, the Ysaie le Triste, Arthur, or Gyron le Courtois. Yet to such, and almost all other fictions, it bears this resemblance, that the actions of the hero are too marked and extravagant to be real; and that Lefevre, Douglas, and Mr. and Mrs. Russell, not presenting in their characters or conduct, as there delineated, a sufficient resemblance to men as we find them in our daily intercourse, the readers of No Fiction will more frequently read it for others rather than for themselves; and will recognize in some of the exploits with which its pages are inter 292 spersed, something resembling the It has indeed been urged against the work, that the characters are known; that Douglas is the author, that his consort is the authoress; and in the advertisement to the third edition, it is lamented "that keys have been circulated with the book, professing to be explanatory of all the dramatis persona, accompanied with the unsparing assurance that their truth and accuracy may be confidently trusted." This is certainly very unfair, especially as the Reverend Author has stated "that these keys are not only erroneous, but preposterously so;-that the true key is alone in his possession ;-and that it has never been in the power of any other person." But whether No Fiction be a fiction or not; whether the outline of the narration be founded on facts, and the filling up of that outline be gratuitous and imaginary; or whether the whole be a fiction; still it is a good book, and deserving the attention of the religious and irreligious, the aged and the young, the parents and children, of this country. The first volume is unquestionably the least interesting, and the worst written; and it is to be feared that some readers, dissatisfied with the first 100 pages, have laid the work aside as unworthy of further investigation. The second volume is not only more pleasing and inviting, but far more instructive; and the visit of Lefevre to a Woodman's cottage, is one of the most interesting descriptions in the English language. Equally pleasing is the parting interview between Lefevre, the Christian Missionary, and the Widow, 293 Miscellaneous Articles. 294 in America. There is, indeed, through- [ materials, found that it was easily put out this tale, so much of sound mora- in motion, and that it readily yielded lity, of vital Christianity, and of noble to the pressure of his foot. To disand generous sentiment, that we com- cover the cause of this singular apmend it to the attention of our readers. pearance, he providentially applied Nor let it be supposed, that, in so his shovel, and instantly uncovered a doing, we are encouraging the love of pool of metal, in a complete state of novel reading. If the "value of this fusion. Such moulds as could be obbook could not be estimated by it use," tained, together with old pots, were we would not praise it; but it is be- immediately procured, into which the cause we approve of rendering virtue boiling fluid was poured. The quantity lovely, and religion attractive, that we thus taken up, supposed chiefly to should not have any objection to see it have come from the melted stereotype, in the libraries of schools, of students, is estimated at upwards of a thousand or even of ministers of the gospel. pounds weight. About a ton has been rescued in various forms, but much more still remains buried. Many reams of paper have also been taken from the ruins, apparently entire, but quite black on the edges. These, on being opened, have been found totally discoloured, and so nearly reduced to a state of charcoal, as to be unfit for use. It is very remarkable, that, while two hydraulic presses, comprising a power of 150 tons cach, were twisted and moulded like leather, and while vast bodies of brass, and iron both cast and wrought, were bent, broken, and corroded with the flames, an iron pot and a stone bottle nearly full of oil, escaped unhurt. About 200 cart loads of burnt books and paper, have been removed from the premises, and much still remains. The work, however, may be improved; and it needs improvement. We hope to see the history of an unfinished love affair rescinded from its pages; and we do not know, but that the citizens of London, and certainly our country friends, would be quite as well pleased if the accounts of the splendid suppers and dinners were considerably curtailed. We wish this book to become a standard work; but it must be corrected and amended, before it can attain this exalted eminence. The volumes are already divided into chapters, which will prove advantageous to the reader, as soon as they shall be connected with a table of contents. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. To the following letter, written by this celebrated Naval Commander, we subjoin a fac-simile of his Hand-writing, having no doubt that it will prove highly gratifying to most of our readers. My Dear Sir San Josef, Torbay, Feb. 5, 1801. Altho' I am going from the San Josef into the St. George, yet I will take your friend's Son with much pleasure whenever he is sent. You know, as well as I do, that it was LOVE made you leave me, and naturally others stept in and supplied your place. Why the Furnace was not in Holland, or why she may not go to the Baltic with Sir H. Parker, I am unacquainted with. Nor do I believe if you were so inclined that I have Interest to get you there, for not one favour has to my knowledge been granted me since I came to England, and you may believe me when I cannot get Finch a Ship or my Elder Brother removed from being a Clerk in the Navy Office. With my best respects to Mrs. Suckling and all my friends about you, believe me as ever, your Sincere Friend Action & Brouk Lt. M. Wm. Suckling R. N. 295 Commercial Report. COMMERCIAL REPORT, FEBRUARY 22, 1821. 296 We cannot as yet announce any improvement in our commerce: the committee for considering the state of trade and commerce has resumed its labours: and when we consider the talent, ability, and information of which it is composed, we are sanguine enough to expect many important results. It is rumoured already, that a diminution of the duty on Baltic Timber has been determined upon, whilst a corresponding impost on British American, will put the former into fair competition with the latter, and be the means of re-opening the ancient channels of commerce with the shores of the Baltic. Certain it is that our relations with other powers are much narrowed, by the heavy duties of import, and which not only act in many cases as prohibitory, but likewise prevent the transmission of orders for British manufactures, which formerly enlivened the intercourse with other states. It is very observable, that notwithstanding the losses attendant on the importations of most descriptions of foreign produce, yet the real consumptive demand is not at all reduced; and a very general revival of commerce can alone tend to bring health and vigour into trade. The following are amongst the most prominent transactions which have latterly taken place the sales of Cotton during the two last weeks amount to 12084 packages, of which, during the last week, the following sales may be particularized. 2600 Boweds, from 73d. to 104d.-631 Orleans, 83d. to 124d.—91 Tennessee, from Sid. to Sd.-250 Sea Island, 134d. to 19d.—775 Pernams, 11 d. to 13d.-600 Bahia, 104d. to 11d.-750 Maranhams, from 11d. to 114d.-20 Demeraras, 13d.-26 Barbadoes, 101d.-330 Carthagenas, 71d. to 74d.—100 West Indias, 74d.—15 Surats, 84d.— 74 Bengal, 6d. to 634. There is a fair demand for Tobacco for home consumption, but none for export, although present prices offer inducement. Kentucky Leaf sold at 2d. per lb. In British Plantation Sugars, there is a small decline, and the late public sales have gone off heavily. 500 Bags of Bengal, were sold to the Grocers at 68s. for fine yellows; up to 73s. for middling whites. Much business has been done in British Me lasses, at 23s. to 24s. per cwt. The Coffee market is dull; some small parcels were sold at 128s. per cwt. for middling Demerara, and 122s. to 125s. for middling Jamaica, to the grocers; and a small lot of ordinary and discoloured Brasil, for shipment, at 104s. per cwt. Of Cocoa, Ginger, and Pimento, there have been no sales. Rums have been in more request; common Leewards have sold at 1s. Sd.-21 O.P. at 2s. 3d.-26 O. P. 2s. 5d. to 2s. 7d.; and fine Jamaica brought 2s. 5d. per gallon for 16 O. P. Carolina Rice is dull, the new import is rather of inferior quality, and does not command more than 16s. to 18s. 6d. in Bond. Extensive sales have been made in Ashes at an advance of 6d.-sayMontreals, Pearls, at 40s. to 41s.-old New Yorks, 40s.-Bostons, 41s. per cwt. Pots, Montreals, 32s. to 33s. per cwt. The demand for Dyewoods increases both for export and home use. Jamaica Logwood has sold readily at £7. to £7. 5s. per ton.-Campeachy, £8. to £8. 5s. per ton. -Nicaragua Wood at £30 per ton.-Cuba Fustic, £9. 10s. per ton. Good Brimstone at £23 per ton.-Sicily Barilla, £23. per ton. On the 16th inst. a large sale of East India Produce took place; nearly 300 chests of East India Indigo were sold at 3s. 10d. to 7s. 1d. per lb. being an advance of 3d. to Gd. per lb.-91 bags of Safflower 101. 15s. to 131. per cwt-77 boxes of Lac Dye at 4s. 3d. to 4s. 5d. per lb.-1000 bags of Saltpetre at 28s. to 29s. per cwt.-5000 bundles of Munjeet at 44s. per cwt.-a part of the Peruvian Bark sold at 13d. to 18d. per lb. in Bond. With raw Turpentine the market is barely supplied, very ordinary quality has sold at 8s. 9d. per cwt.; for real good quality 11s. would be given. There is more inquiry for American Tar; 700 barrels of prime Virginia realized 19s. 6d. per barrel. Stockholm is held at 21s. per barrel. Fish Oils do not vary much in price. The prices of Tallow have suffered some reduction. Pine Timber has improved; very little doing in Baltic Timber and Deals. The transactions in Hides have been on a most extensive scale, and all the late imports have sold at 9d. to 10 d. per lb. Grain. The prices continue to give way, and although there is more inquiry, yet the rates are lower; the best samples of Irish Wheats will not command more than 7s.6d. to 7s. 8d. per 70lb.; and the best Oats 2s. 6d. to 2s. 7d. per 45lb. Grinding Barley being somewhat scarce, is more saleable at 3s. 2d. to 3s. 8d. per 60lb. On the 13th inst. 1000 barrels of New Orleans sour flour, in bond, were sold by auction at 12s. to 12s. 3d, per barrel. This day 2000 bushels of Dantzic wheat, in bond, were offered by auction. and withdrawn at 4s. per bushel, of 70lb.; 3s. 7d. per bushel was actually bid. American Flax Seed sells freely at 65s. to 66s. per barrel of seven bushels. American red Clover Seed at 63s. per cwt. PRINTED BY H. FISHER, LIVERPOOL, PRINTER IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY. |