common version is altogether unfaithful, that these texts DEMAND another rendering-therefore, we cannot but esteem it a duty, in all who have the ability, to give the question a fair examination. Such an examination may be made without great difficulty, and will satisfy any candid mind, that the argument cannot be insisted upon; that the rule is liable to so many exceptions and limitations, that it is impossible to argue from it in any given case, without taking into view other circumstances, and considerations of a wholly different nature.

It is not our design to enter into any discussion of this subject, but simply to recommend to those, who are desirous of being satisfied in regard to it, the tract of Winstanley, which is now easily to be obtained; and which not only examines and refutes the argument with learning and skill, but, what may be of weight with some, was written by a Trinitarian, who had every motive to wish to find it true.

An appendix follows, containing a brief, but very lucid and acute examination of Middleton's doctrines upon this subject, and some extracts from the remarks of the Monthly Review upon Middleton's work. The whole will well repay a careful perusal, and be found satisfactory to the inquiring scholar.

ARTICLE II.

A Sketch of my Friend's Family, intended to suggest some practical hints on Religion and Domestic Manners. By MRS. MARSHALL, Author of Henwick Tales.

"In every work, regard the Writer's end." Boston: Charles Ewer, 1819.

THIS is a pleasant book, and, we think, well calculated to do good. Its object is sufficiently made known by the title page, and is accomplished by the account of a gentleman's short visit to the family of a friend, in which he finds religion the handmaid of order, cheerfulness and happiness, and diffusing a charm over all the intercourse of a delightful circle. The mistress of the house, Mrs. Clifford, is an accomplished woman, of fine understanding and cultivated taste, who attends to the education of her own children, and makes her accomplishments and piety work together for their improvement. She is a sober, rational, and consistent christian; and being blessed with a husband of similar views, tastes, and feelings, is enabled to render all the arrangements of her household subject to the great principles

of duty and conscience. We might perhaps make reasonable objections to some of their notions respecting the discipline of children, and might say that his conversation with them is not always the most discreet; especially in one remarkable instance, near the commencement of the book, in which he talks in a very strange and bewildering style about total depravity, with the intention of persuading his daughter" a sweet girl of fifteen years old"--that "she is by nature a child of wrath even as others;" with one or two other similar mis. applications of scripture language. This, however, is the only passage of the kind in the work; all the rest, with the excep tion of a few insulated phrases, is quite innocent and inoffensive, and for the most part very judicious. And the dialogue just alluded to appears to have been written merely to unbur den the author's conscience, by declaring that she was sound in that article of the faith; and as there is nothing more of it, we presume it to have been inserted from a mistaken sense of duty contrary to her better judgment. Indeed she has no great zeal for the doctrine; for she makes Mr. Clifford abandon it as soon as possible, and speak of human nature and human duty in a strain of sober good sense, utterly inconsis tent with it. If our readers are not too much displeased with this commencement of the book to go on, they may find an antidote in the following sentence. Mr. Clifford had just spoken of the happy death of a friend.

"You mean, I suppose,' said I, that Arthur before his death, had the same views of religion, as you have.'My dear Bentley,' he answered, with the earnestness of one, who feels it to be impor tant that he should be rightly understood; it is in vain to talk of views and sentiments in religion. I will venture to affirm that the religion which goes no farther, is little better than practical atheism."

There is a fine scene exemplifying religious dissipation, which cannot fail to gratify and instruct our readers, and therefore we quote it entire.

"We had not risen from the breakfast-table one morning, when a female, rather young, and fashionably dressed, entered the room. After a few common place civilities she turned to Mrs. Clifford, saying, 'I called to tell you that Mr. S is in town, he preaches today at and you must positively put on your things, and go with me to hear him.' Could I consistently do so,' replied her friend, I should be very happy to accompany you; but, excuse me if I say, that were this excellent man to see the dear little group by which I am surrounded he would be the first to forbid my leaving them to listen to his sermon.'

"Perhaps the conscious recollection of some duty unperformed at home, just then stung the feelings of our fair devotee; or it might be purely a misguided zeal, which reddened on her cheek, as she retorted somewhat sharply, When, like Martha's, the heart is careful and troubled about many things, it is easy to find a pretext of duty to prevent our listening to the words of Jesus.'

"Mrs. Clifford mildly answered, I hope I am aware of this plausible deception, but in the present instance I am not conscious of meriting the rebuke. You may remember, my dear Mrs. Hammond, that Martha was not censured for a necessary attention to her ordinary and relative duties; but for an undue anxiety, an ostentatious and ill-timed desire of providing things, more than hospitably good." Perhaps too, I may remind you that there subsists a visible difference between her neglecting to hear the words of the Redeemer, when he honoured her roof with his sacred presence, and my deciining to attend the discourse of one of his servants, when such an attendance would necessarily involve a neglect of duties, more strictly enjoined upon me.' You have always a great deal to say about duties, my dear,' resumed the lady; but if I read my bible aright, no duties are so acceptable with God, as an affectionate reception of his gospel, and a desire to see his kingdom advanced in our own hearts, and in the world around us.' She then magnanimously declared her resolution to persist in her attachment to the "word preached," although it continued to expose her to many domestic sacrifices and involved her in several peity persecutions.'

"I believe Mrs. Clifford could have evinced to her fair friend, that she had not read her bible aright;' but as a spirit of recrimination certainly was not the temper by which she sought to maintain the honour of religion, she thought it better to drop the subject, than to expose her visitor to the imminent risk of losing her temper.

"A short silence therefore ensued, till Mr. Clifford inquired of Mrs. Hammond, Whether she had yet had an opportunity of visiting the sick woman, whose case he recommended to her? No, really,' she replied, I have not had one moment of leisure since you named her to me. On Monday, I was at a bible society's meeting; Tuesday, I went to hear Mr. - preach; Wednesday, I dined at Mrs. Nelson's, where a select number of serious friends were assembled to meet the Rev. Mr. H; all Thursday I was occupied in endeavouring to procure subscribers to our Dorcas society; and to-day I shall hardly have time to swallow my dinner, on my return home, before the arrival of a lady, who has promised to go with me to hear a sermon for the benefit of our Sunday school.'

"As Mrs. Hammond paused, I asked my friend, in a low voice, 'Is it possible to be religiously dissipated? · I fear it is a possible, though not, I should hope, a very frequent case,' he observed; then turning to the lady who had given birth to the supposition, he said, 'As your engagements are already so numerous, I fear your intended charity will come too late for poor Susan. Our Emma saw her on Wednesday, she was then almost incapable of receiving any nour New Series-vol. II.

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ishment; and I believe, that in a few days, her sufferings and her wants will cease.'

"If I mistake not, Mr. Clifford designed to convey a practical reproof to this wandering star,' and perhaps for a moment it was felt as such; but soon the salutary effects of her regret evaporated in extravagant expressions of sorrow.' Surely,' she exclaimed, there never was so unfortunate a being before. I would have made any sacrifices rather than have lost the opportunity of hearing the dying language of this poor but pious creature!' Then addressing Emma, How I envy you, Miss Clifford; it must be a sweet satisfaction, to reflect on the many hours which, for this year past, you have spent in reading to the aged sufferer. Perhaps, my dear, you will write a short narrative of her; it would be a charming obituary; send it to me when it is drawn up, and I will get it published next month. Don't you think it would be very interesting, Mrs. Clifford" she continued, turning to her, before she had given Emma time to reply.

"Emma bit her lips, to prevent a smile, though the mention of Susan's name at other times, might more easily have drawn a tear to her eyes.

"Mrs. Clifford replied, to us, who have so long witnessed her patient sufferings, every circumstance of Susan's death would be highly interesting; but I doubt whether it would be equally so to the public eye. I agree with you, however, in thinking that Emma has been highly privileged in reading to her from that sacred volume, which has furnished the comfort and support of a long life. In witressing the triumph of a faith like Susan's, at once so humble and so strong, she has enjoyed an opportunity of instruction, which may never again occur, and which, I trust, she will not fail to improve." "

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"The clock now struck nine, and our morning visitor, starting from her seat, took a hasty leave, alleging, that she had a long way to walk, and must be there by ten o'clock, for if she were not in time for the prayer, she should have to stand all sermon time, as it would be impossible to obtain a seat afterwards." p. 64-71.

We wish we had room for the domestic character of this fair devotee; and also for the fine description of Henry Talbot's wife, and the admirable contrast of Mr. Lindsey, the austere religionist, with Mr. Clifford, and the romantic sentimental religion of Olivia, and the touching story of Algernon and Vincent. But for all these, as well as for the interesting history of Mrs. Clifford's first religious impressions, we must refer to the book itself. We do not say that it is faultless; there are some things, especially some modes of expression, which sin against pure sentiment and pure taste; but upon the whole, we think it will be read with pleasure, and we know not why it may not be read with improvement.

ARTICLE III.

A General view of the Doctrines of Christianity, designed more especially for the edification and instruction of Families. Boston, 1809.

THE work, of which we have prefixed the title to this article, was published several years ago, and has been read by many among us with pleasure and protit. But it is not known as widely as it should be, and we wish to call to it the notice which it merits. It is not an original work, but was compiled chiefly from the writings of Rev. Robert Fellowes, whose name is probably known to most of our readers. The title we think not altogether happy, because it raises an expectation which the book does not answer. We should expect from it a regular statement of the great truths of our religion; but we find, what at present is perhaps as useful, a vindication of christianity from the gross and dangerous errour, which Calvinism has laboured to identify with this divine system. This may easily be supposed from the table of contents. The book professes to treat of the following subjects :--The nature of religion and the mistakes that occur on that subject; the free-agency and accountableness of man; the fall of Adam, and original sin; the doctrine of faith in general, and of religious faith in particular; the doctrine of works; the doctrine of regeneration; the doctrine of repentance; the doctrine of grace; the doctrine of election and reprobation; the doctrine of perseverance; the visiting of the iniquities of the fathers upon the children; and the sin against the Holy Ghost.To those who are acquainted with the five thorny points of Calvinism, the design of this compilation will be sufficiently understood from the enumeration of topics now given; and few designs are more praise-worthy, than to free christianity from the reproach brought upon it by that system.

The work under review is professedly popular in its style and mode of discussion. It has little refined and elaborate reasoning, but appeals to the great moral principles of human nature, and to the general strain of the scriptures. It expresses strongly and without circumlocution the abhorrence with which every mind, uncorrupted by false theology, must look on Calvinism; and although some of its delineations may be overcharged, yet they are substantially correct; and their strength is their excellence. The truth is, that nothing is so necessary on this subject as to awaken moral feeling in men's breasts. Calvinism owes its perpetuity to a torpid, palsied state of the