It is the knowledge of "the only true God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent." -With this, however, must be included the first principles, at least, of human science, as subservient to it; inasmuch as the end includes the means which lead to it. "It is the glory of Christ's kingdom that it is established and promoted by knowledge. It invites examination, and courts humble inquiry. Is it thus with Paganism, or Mahometanism, or apostate Judaism, or Deism, or corrupt Christianity? No: these are works of darkness, for the dispelling of which many shall run to and fro, as with the lamp of truth in their hands. little, if any thing, superior to savages. Who can read the pathetic lines of Gray, when looking at the graves of the poor in a country church-yard, without dropping a tear of sympathy? "Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire; Hands that the rod of empire might have sway'd, Or waked to ecstacy the living lyre. But knowledge to their eyes her ample page, Rich with the spoils of time, did ne'er unroll; Chill penury repress'd their noble rage, And froze the genial current of their soul!" "We have a written religion; and though it is not essential to salvation that we should be able to read and write, yet these are essential to our making any con- "A portion of this evil may always considerable proficiency in the knowledge of tinue to be the lot of the poor in the preGod. Without being able to read we sent life: but it may be considerably dicannot "search the Scriptures," nor "me-minished; and when the knowledge of ditate in the law of the Lord by day and by night." It is a great disadvantage to the hearer of the gospel to be unable to compare what he hears with the word of God. Nor is it less so to a minister, or a missionary, in addressing such auditors. It might therefore be presumed, that prior to the general spread of the gospel there would be a general diffusion of knowledge, even amongst the lower classes of mankind. Secondly. Respecting the means by which knowledge shall be increased 66 many shall run to and fro:" that is, they that possess it shall be desirous of imparting it to others. There may be a desire to impart knowledge without possessing it: some good men, like Ahimaaz, are eager to run while yet they have no tidings, and some vain men have an itch to be teachers when it would rather become them to learn. Those who possess knowledge, however, would do well to impart it according to their ability. the Lord shall cover the earth as the wa ters do the sea, it will be so. God hath so ordered things, that we should be blessings to one another. One generation passeth not away till it has reared another to take its place. We might all have been called alone and blessed, like Abraham; but as in blessing him God made him a blessing to the nations, it is in some respects the same with us. If he gives us the cup of salvation, we must hand it round. If he gives us knowledge, or riches, or any other gift, we must not keep it to ourselves, but run to and fro that we may impart it. "If it be the design of God to diffuse the knowledge of himself over the earth in these last days, it might be expected that suitable means and instruments would be employed to accomplish it. When he meant to rear a tabernacle in the wilderness, he raised up Bazaleel and Aholiab, and other wise-hearted men, in whom he put wisdom and understanding. Thus we might expect men to be gifted and qualified for the work appointed them, and to be stirred up to engage in it. It might be expected, supposing a great work was designed to be accomplished, that societies would be formed, some to translate the sacred Scriptures into the languages of the nations, some to give them circulation, some to scatter tracts which shall impress their leading principles, some to preach the gospel, and some to teach the rising “It is chiefly by means of instruction that men are "wiser than the beasts of the field." We are born, it is true, with capacious and immortal powers, but while the mind is uninformed, they are of but small account. Knowledge enters principally at the door of the senses. To what do we owe the gift of speech? It may seem to be natural to us; but if we are born deaf we shall also be dumb; and if with this we are blind, there would be but little difference in point of know-generation to read and write. ledge between us and other animals. Why "Who can observe the movements of is man so long in growing up to maturity the present times without perceiving on Other animals attain theirs in a short time them the finger of God? They may not compared with him. Is it not that there have risen just in the order above describmay be opportunity for instruction? Both ed. The institution of Sunday Schools, may possess like powers: but the one is as they are called, for the children of the instructed, while the other is not. Many poor, took the lead about thirty years poor boys and girls in a country village, ago; since then other institutions of vawho cannot read, and never heard the gos-rious kinds have followed; but they have pel, nor converse with wise men, are very all risen nearly together, and all indicate a divine design. They form a whole, and, like the different parts of a machine, all work together. 66 Amongst those institutions, which have already attracted the attention of Europe, and not of Europe only, that which is now called "The British and Foreign School Society' claims our attention. And such a Society is wanted, to give success to all other institutions for the diffusion of knowledge; for, if the world were full of Bibles, it would be of little avail if the people were not taught to read them. Is not the British system of education an engine capable of moving the moral world? | From what little I know of it I am persuaded it is; and that God has caused it to be brought forward for this purpose. Its principle appears to me to be military. We all know that astonishing effects are produced in the political world by forming and organizing a number of men, every one filling the most advantageous post, and all acting together in concert. If this principle has been brought to bear in war, why should it not rather be employed in promoting knowledge, and diffusing the blessings of peace? It is of but small account whether it originated with a Bell or with a Lancaster, and whether the societies act in concert or not, so that they do but act. It may be a useful rivalry, and serve to provoke to good works. It requires to be supported, and I trust it If the nations of Europe who have sent and are sending messengers to learn the principles of our operations, should perceive our hands to slacken in the use of them, it must not only sink us in their esteem, but impede the progress of the work. It is only to be a little more œconomical, denying ourselves a few of the superfluities of life, and we may support all these institutions. The expence of one lust is greater than all the taxes of benevolence and religion. will be so. SLAVE TRADE. It is with much pleasure we give the following extract. 66 one, that, from its geographical situation, DISTURBANCE AT PARIS. A disturbance is said to have taken place at Paris, on the 17th January, which threatened serious consequences. The remains of Madam Raucour, an actress, were taken to the church of St. Roque for burial. The Priest refused to bury the remains of one of her profession according to an edict of his Holiness the Pope, but which had not for some time been acted upon. Her friends remonstrated, and a vast multitude assembled, who broke open the church; and a message was dispatched to the King for an order for her burial. The King replied, it belonged he could not interfere. A second memoto the jurisdiction of the Church, and that rial was sent, signed by the principal players, actors, and musicians in the theatres; stating, that if the King refused their request they would all in a body read their recantation of the Romish faith, and take up the Lutheran or Calvinistic creed. This could answer for the Pope's being unwilsucceeded with the King, who no doubt ling to lose so valuable a fraternity. What a lovely acquisition would they have made to the Protestant Church! GENEVA, DEC. 21, 1814.-Dear SirThe great moral question on the Slave Trade, as connected with the proclaimed intention of France for its continuation during five years, having here excited the highest degree of interest, you may judge of the happy feelings created by the arNEW PAPAL BULL. rival of Mr. Wilberforce's letter to Prince The following bull, was published at Talleyrand. And it was to be expected, Rome, on the 1st inst. by order of his Holithat at this present great moment, Gene-ness, and countersigned by the Cardinal va, one of the first seminaries of Protestantism, Geneva, emerging from a state of slavery, Geneva, loudly and thankfully acknowledging the hand of the Almighty in her deliverance,should not remain silent on the subject of the abolition of the Slave Trade-a subject equally sacred to religion and humanity. "It must, however, be evident to every Sec. of State, Pacea. "Every Ecclesiastic, Deacon, Sub-Deacon, &c. is forbidden to appear at any Play-house in their religious habits. The Play-houses are to remain shut every Friday throughout the year. No Ecclesiastic is to go into a Play-house, in whatever habit, on Wed. nesdays or Saturdays, but he may on SUNDAYS!" AWFUL PROVIDENCE. life had fled. From his general character, it is hoped, that he only left the sanctuary below to join in more elevated death is not known. Mr. Simpson, in the forenoon, had, we understand, in the usual course of lecturing, expounded a passage particularly appropriate, from Rev. iii. 3. He was not informed of the man's death till after the dismission of the meeting. In the afternoon, however, he improved the subject in a most impressive Sermon from Mark iii. 35; which, from the solemnity of the occasion, had a very powerful effect on the congregation. About a quarter past six on Wednesday morning, January the 18th, a fire was discovered at the house of Mr. Biggs, straw-strains, in that happy country where hat manufacturer, in St. Paul's Church Yard, by the foot passengers, who knocked violently for a considerable time, but without being able to awake any of the family. At length the door was forced, when the flames burst out with such fury, as to prevent any one from entering the house to give the alarm; but the family were at last roused from their slumbers by the ringing of bells and the cry of fire! Mrs. Biggs, with an infant in her arms, and a servant maid, got first out of the house in the state they had arisen from their bed, and were taken to Mr. Butler's, where Mrs. B. was covered with shawls, and such other light apparel as was near at hand. The eldest son of Mrs. Biggs, about nine years of age, and his sister, about four years old, unhappily perished in the flames! It appears they slept in a room, which no one who entered the house could reach, and to which the servants who escaped by the roof durst not venture. The situation of this unfortunate family was such, that the fire was not discovered till a quarter past six, and the house was down to the ground before seven o'clock! The fire entirely destroyed two houses, and damaged two others. To add to the misfortune of Mr. and Mrs. Biggs, the former of whom was from home when the fire happened, not a sixpence of their property was insured; and we hear they were only just entering on business. To the credit of the neighbouring inhabitants, it ought to be mentioned, that the ladies were all day on Wednesday sending in articles of dress for the children; and the same evening a subscription was entered into for the relief of Mr. Biggs and family, who have not saved a farthing of their property, either in stock, furniture, or wearing apparel. It is with great satisfaction we learn that upwards of a thousand pounds have been collected for the relief of the family. This dreadful fire happened at the back of Mrs. Stennett's house, in Paternoster Row, where several ministers and country gentlemen had taken lodgings, and were not a little alarmed for their safety. RECENT DEATH. On Thursday, January 19, a neat Chapel, capable of seating 200, was opened at Petworth, Sussex. The worship commenced by the Rev. J. Hunt, of Chiches ter, engaging in prayer. Rev. J. Scamp, from Havant, prayed the general prayer, ed from the xivth chapter of the 2d Book and Rev. J. Griffin, from Portsea, preach of Samuel, verse 14: "Yet doth he devise means, that his banished ones be not expelled from him." In the evening the service commenced by Mr. Griffin's en gaging in prayer; and the Rev. Nelson Gotery, preached from Acts xi. 26, and the Rev. Mr. Hunt concluded the interest ing services of the day in prayer. LITERARY NOTICES. The Rev. T. Raffles of Liverpool is preparing for press a new edition of Brown's Self. Interpreting Bible. Mr. W. Jacques, Private Tutor, and Translator of Professor Frank's Guide to the Study of the Scriptures, has in the press, and will speedily publish, An Abridgement of that esteemed piece, The "True Christianity" of the venerable John Arndt. A new and corrected edition of Dr. Hebrews is in the Press, and will be Williams's Abridgement of Owen on the published, in four octavo volumes, in the beginning of March. Mr. Cobbin's French Preacher, which is publishing by Subscription, will shortly be sent to press, and will appear about the month of May, in one octavo volume. This work will consist of valuable Discourses, translated from the most eminent At Edinburgh, on Sunday sennight, at Mr. Simpson's Meeting-house, Potter-row, the following awfully striking event took place. During the singing of the psalm, at the beginning of the morning service, a man, who had been only three weeks married, was suddenly seized, while join- Catholic and Protestant Divines. ing in this act of devotion, with an apoplectic fit, and instantly expired. He was carried into the session-house; and medical aid immediately procured, but "Seek Truth," in our next. CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EDITOR. To the Editor of the New Evan. Mag. | is competent to be chosen as a committee SIR, man at the annual election, whether miIn perusing a paragraph in your in-nister or member of a dissenting denomiteresting Magazine for this month, on the nation, as well as a churchman or clergyexertions which have been made in the man, not having a cure in the said district. counties of Berks, and Bucks. for the establishment of Adult Schools, I was surprised to find you regretting an occurrence which appears to me at least not to have taken place; viz. “ the introduction of a sectarian spirit," as well as a "system of exclusion adopted towards the Dissenting Ministers." The meeting at which these circumstances were supposed to appear, was one at which I was present. The professed and sole object of it was to teach adults to read, in order to their obtaining an acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures; and, it was also stated, that no other book than the Bible, nor any oral instruction, whether religious or otherwise, would be allowed in these schools. Resident clergymen officiating in the several parishes in the district, by paying the same sum, are stated members of the committee; and, considering the situation they hold, it seems no more than is due to their influence and character; but it neither gives them greater power nor influence toward those who are elective members of the same committee. And, as a farther proof that neither a sectarian spirit nor a system of exclusion is adopted towards the Dissenters, I may mention that out of five persons chosen to form a committee at the meeting before alluded to, for that part of the district to which I belong, four of them were Dissenters; and, I believe, a proper proportion will be found in every other part of the disThis sentiment, Sir, so far from breath-trict prescribed. Regretting that any ing a "sectarian spirit," is, in my opinion, a wise and salutary regulation; for to allow religious instruction to be indiscriminately taught in these schools, established as they are by the co-operation of Churchmen and Dissenters of all denominations, would, as I conceive, be to "introduce confusion" and disunion. The plan of incorporating oral religious instruction with teaching adults to read, has, I am aware, been practised at "Bristol" with very considerable success: but, Sir, if I mistake not, Churchmen and Dissenters have there, for a long time, been in the habit of zealously uniting in various institutions of a benevolent and religious nature; so that those mists of prejudice, which generally, as in this instance, attend the first meetings of discordant parties, have been dissipated and dispelled; and what is there looked upon as an ordinary occurrence, would, in a district like this, be totally impracticable. With regard to "the system of exclusion" towards dissenting ministers or dissenters in general, the supposition is erroneous; for, in fact, none are excluded but those who exclude themselves. Every anmual subscriber of half-a-guinea or more misunderstanding should have arisen on a I remain, Sir, respectfully your's, Henley, upon Thames, Jan. 9, 1815. The Editor thinks it necessary to state, that the article relating to "Adult Schools," which appeared in the former number, and which has given rise to this and the following paper, was transmitted hood of Uxbridge. He has since made to him for insertion from the neighbourenquiry from the writer who assures him the statement is correct. In giving place to this Correspondent's letter he evinces his impartiality, and hopes the in curtailing it of some superfluities. writer will excuse the freedom he has used EDIT. To the Editor of the New Evan. Mag. THY first number informs us that seve ral Dissenting Ministers in the counties of Berks, and Bucks. have recently refused to contribute to the support of Adult Schools, because no religious instruction is given but what is contained in the Bible. I was surprised at the intelligence; and indeed should hope it is not Let us then be cautious of checking their establishment by any opposition, arising from bigotry or narrowmindedness. ISAAC CANDLER. Colchester, first month, 10th, 1815. P. S.-Such of thy readers as wish for information on the management of Adult Schools, had better consult Dr. Pole's History of Adult Schools, price 2s. 6d. MR. EDITOR, religious world, that the great and useful Ir is become a general remark in the parts have almost imperceptibly led us exertions to spread, the Gospel in foreign home. I am led to make this remark in to forget our friends and neighbours at since visited a village, within four miles consequence of having a few Sabbaths of London, namely Stratford, in the county of Essex; when, on enquiring for a place of worship, I was informed neither Church nor Meeting-house were to be found in that extensive village, except a Roman Catholic Chapel lately erected, and an old house, turned into a sort of Chapel by the Society of Wesleyan Methodists; but which is so wretchedly sup¬ correct. It is the grand characteristic of | think accrue. the "British System of Education" for boys, that whilst the fundamental doctrines of Christianity are taught from the Bible, the peculiar explanations of different sects and churches form no part of the instruction. If it were not for this regulation, it is very improbable that persons of all the different denominations in the Christian world would unite in the promotion of education. If dissenters cannot conscientiously catechise children in the form used by the Church of England; and if Churchmen have an equal objection to the Assembly's Catechism or to any other formulary, is it not advisable to discard both in public schools, and use the Bible alone? By this plan, and by this only, can we reasonably expect that individuals of different religious persuasions will labour harmoniously together in the instruction of the rising generation. It is precisely thus with Adult Schools; and I therefore cannot but regret that any dissenters should refuse to co-operate with Churchmen in disseminating the knowledge of the Scriptures amongst the poor and ignorant, especially as it may be done without any compromise ofprinciple. I assisted in the organization and sub-plied, that seldom more than twenty or sequent management of an Adult School at Norwich. The pleasure I took in it was greater than the toil. I mention this, that if any of thy readers should have it in contemplation to form a similar school, they may be encouraged to proceed with diligence. It is very agreeable to observe the attention paid by the scholars, and still more so, to observe the rapid improvement of many of them. Several in the Norwich School, which is held only twice a week, learned to read with tolerable ease and fluency in less than four months. Their progress in writing was still more rapid. It may be useful to mention that each scholar pays the sum of 4d. monthly. This has been found of considerable advantage; for the money being paid in advance, (which was always cheerfully and readily done), they are more careful than they otherwise would be to attend regularly. Ten minutes before they separate, a portion of the sacred volume is read to them by one of the conductors; at the close of which they make a short pause, and then withdraw orderly. If schools of this kind were established in all parts of the nation, much good must I' thirty persons attend. It is lamentable to think that a place so full of inhabitants, and so many of the lower sort, who are employed in the different manufactories carried on in that place and its vicinity; should remain in such gross darkness and ignorance without any Christian exertions being attempted. It is computed, that not less than six hundred men and women are constantly employed in that place in the potatoe ground only, and most of these are Irish. Many of them fully as ignorant as those heathens to whom the Missionary Societies are so kind to send the means of instruction and salvation. Indeed there are very many villages round London in similar plight. I could name, I think, near half a score in the neighbourhood of Stratford that are totally without the sound of the gospel. It is to be hoped, the friends of religion I am, your's, PRINTED BY J. HADDON, TABERNACLE WALK |