mense concourse of persons assembled to witness them, totally precluded the possibility of our hearing the Doctor's voice on an occasion in which it deeply affected and penetrated all who were within the sound of it. Two Dissertations on Sacrifices; the with additional Notes and Indexes. Upon this principle the mediation of the Son of God is wholly undermined and the forgiveness of sin is said to be dispensed without any regard to the sufferings or merits of another, in flat contradiction to the plain testimony of the scriptures, Heb. ix. 22, Col. i. 14, 20. 1 John ii. 12. It may be fairly questioned whether the Socinian system has ever underby any writer than by Dr. Outram in gone a more thorough investigation the work now before us. It was written about a century ago, in exBur-lications of Socinus and Crellius, and confutation of the various pubpress as these authors had written in Latin, Dr. Outram made use of the same language in answering them. The extraordinary merit of his treatise has been duly appreciated and acknowledged by competent judges among Christians of various communions; and one may surely regard it as a matter of surprise that so valuable a work should have remained for a hundred years, locked up from the view of ninety nine readers out of every hundred, in the dark recess of a dead language. But the cabinet is at length opened by the skilful and laborious exertions of Mr. Allen, a gentleman whose classical attainments fully qualified him for the undertaking, and to whom we were already under great obligations for his excellent translation of Calvin's Institutes. (See the Christian Observer of July last, for a masterly Review of that work, and for a very honourable testimony to the merits of the translation.) LAELIUS SOCINUS the founder of the Sect of the Socinians was cotemporary with Luther, and found an able co-adjutor in his own nephew FAUSTUS SOCINUS, whose writings, we believe, are more numerous and display greater ability in defence of the Same tenets, than those of his predecessor. CRELLIUS was of the same school, and perhaps inferior to neither of them in learning, or ingenious sophistry. What Socinus and Crellius were upon the continent at the close of the sixteenth century, that were Priestley and Lindsey in this country towards the middle of the eighteenth. Our modern Socinians, indeed, affect to resent it as an insult that they should be denominated the followers of Socinus, since they do not acknowledge all the doctrines which he taught. Yet they have no scruple in terming their opponents Calvinists, though the latter object to several things that were held by Calvin. The distinguishing sentiment of Socinus was the simple humanity of Jesus Christ-that of modern Unitarians is the same; and hence they are properly termed Socinians, though they have found it necessary to carry some points to a length which would have staggered the confidence of their first founders. Their doctrine concerning the atonement is, that repentance is the only condition of pardon which God requires from any of his sinful creatures, and very consistently with this, they are led to deny that the death of Christ was a real sacrifice for sin, affirming that though it is often so called in scripture, yet it is only in a metaphorical sense, and by way of allusion to the Jewish sacrifices. Dr. Outram has very judiciously divided his work into two parts. The first Dissertation treats of Sacrifices in general, and of those observed by the Jews in particular. This dissertation is divided into twenty two chapters, which treat of the origin of Sacrifices-the places used for offering sacrifices-the nature and design of the Tabernacle and Temple-the Ministers of Sacrifices-consecration of the Aaronic priests-selection of Victims, &c. &c. &c. This part of the work, it will be recognized by our readers, bears a near affinity to the well known treatises of Godwin's Moses and Aaron, and of Dr. Jennings's Jewish Antiquities, but, in our opinion, the subject is handled in a manner very far superior to what it is done in either of those popular works. The second Dissertation, treats of the Sacrifice of Christ in particular, and is divided into seven chapters, of which we shall subjoin the titles. Ch. I. Of Christ's priesthood; the order to which it belongs, and his consecration to the office. Ch. II. Proofs that the Scriptures attribute to Christ a real priesthood. Ch. III. To what class of Sacrifices that of Christ belongs and in what it consists. Ch. IV. The efficacy of that obedience which he rendered to God in offering himself to die. Ch. V. The death of Christ, considered in the light of vicarious punishment. Ch. VI. Atonement effected by the death of Christ. Ch. VII. The oblation by which Christ presented himself to God in heaven, as a piacular victim previously slain for our sins-with the true nature of his in tercession. This syllabus of the work will apprise the reader of what he may expect to find in it, and we have not the smallest hesitation in recommending it in the most unqualified terms to his examination. Mr. Allen has justly observed that the subject discussed in it is infinitely important. "If Atonement for sin by the Sacrifice of Christ be not a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, it may be justly affirmed, that the language of scripture leads to gross and mischievous error that the Jewish ritual was a mass of unmeaning ceremonies-that there is no harmony between the law and the gospel, the prophets and apostles, the Old Testament and the New conclusions never to be admitted by minds that reverence the scriptures, or Him who inspired them." Preface, p. VI. "reconciliation," p. 375, &c. As Dr. Outram's work abounded with quotations from the Jewish Rabbies, the Christian Fathers, and the Greek and Roman Classics, we think the translator has done perfectly right in presenting these quotations to the reader in English, without inserting the originals, except in particular instances where the case required it. He has by this means rendered the work accesssible to every class of our Christian brethren, all of whom we hope will profit by it. Notwithstanding occasional trips, which we expect to find in every human performance, it is an invaluable treatise, and we confess we should like to see some of our modern Socinian championsthe Belshams, the Asplands, and the Carpenters, try their hand in an attempt to refute its principles and reasonings! They would find it tough work, and the product could not fail of being a great curiosity. We could have liked to see some account of the learned author prefixed to the volume, especially as he is very little known in the present day; but probably Mr. Allen had not materials for gratifying us in this respect. We noticed lately, a monument erected to his memory in Westminster Abbey-placed between those of Addison and Barrow, and, if we recollect aright, the inscription, which is in Latin, expresses that he was born in the county of Derby. Letter to the Public, illustrating the Doctrine of the Grace of God, as exemplified in the Case of William Mills, a Criminal who suffered Death at Edinburgh, on the 21st September, 1795. By the late HENRY DAVID INGLIS, Esq. Advocate. Fifth Edition. London. Higham, and Nisbet. Price 2d. pp. 36. 1917. The translator has not contented himself with merely rendering his author into an elegant English dress, but he has greatly enriched the work with several valuable disquisitions OUR readers may recollect that we which are subjoined by way of Notes. These relate to controverted points in Theology, and some of them are of no inconsiderable length; in them he has given ample proof of his erudition and the correctness of his judgment. Such is that on the question whether the practice of offering sacrifice to the Most High originated in human invention, or was of divine intimation, p. 18-29. Those on the imputation of sin, p. 327-329. and on the import of the scripture term but mentioned this little piece in the life of a highly respectable individual who had himself reaped considerable benefit from it, and who became desirous of making others partakers of his joy. An impression of four thousand copies has been printed at his expence, and are now retailing at the very low price mentioned above. There is also a superior edition, with a neat cover, at the price of three pence. This is all exactly as it should be. We trust that the glorified Head of the church will continue to make use of it, as he hath heretofore frequently done, as an humble means of pointing perishing sinners to the only way of escape from the wrath that is to come, by directing them to "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." In this way, it must continue to promote the fondest wishes of its amiable and benevolent author. Such of our readers as are in the habit of distributing tracts, we hope will not overlook the presentthan which we have never met with one more deserving of their regard. Questions Resolved, in Divinity, History and Biography: including a concise explanation of above four hundred difficult Texts in the Bible: and a great variety and of instructive and entertaining information in general Literature. The whole methodically arranged, with Indexes. By GEORGE GLYN SCRAGGS, A. M. London. Black. In Two Volumes Price 10s. 6d. about 420 pages in each. 1817. THESE Volumes, which appear to be the product of extensive reading and much thought, have no doubt been compiled with a particular view to the instruction of young persons, who will find in them many things worthy of being known. The first volume is restricted to subjects in Theology, and is divided into three parts-viz. the Solution of Questions on some important doctrinal subjects Lines occasioned by the lamented death of Her Royal Highness the Princess an explanation of difficult textsCharlotte Angusta of Saxe-Cobourgh. and, lastly, answers to experimental By the author of the combined View questions. The second volume, comof the prophecies of Daniel, Esdras, prehends Questions in History-Bioand St. John. London. Hatchard,graphy-Natural History-General 1817. 24 pages 4to. Is. 6d. THE author of this pamphlet is, we are told, the brother of a late English ambassador to the court of Madrid. As it lay upon our table waiting its turn, it was taken up by a lady of our acquaintance who read aloud the first four Stanzas, which are as follows: .6 Behold, O Lord, before thy throne, Now wounded in the tenderest part, If when thy threatened judgments fall, How shall we now our fear allay, Having proceeded thus far, she Literature-and Miscellanies, with a copious and very useful Index to each volume, which must greatly facilitate the reader's convenience. It cannot be expected that we should coincide with the author in all the interpretations which he has given of more than 400 difficult texts. We differ in our opinion of many of them from Mr. Scraggs-but what is the reader to infer from all this?-why certainly, that Mr. S. differs from us! And we certainly think that he may do all that without being either a heretic or false prophet. If some of the questions do not appear to us of sufficient importance to merit the attention they have received, and if others seem to us more nice than wise, this also is matter of opinion, concerning which our readers may either think with us or the author. We have ourselves always been fond of a little elbowroom, and have no objection to grant it to our neighbours where the matter is not fundamental! Religious and Literary Entelligence. DEMISE OF HER ROYAL HIGH-mont, and the Cabinet ministers were Although we are perfectly aware that none of our readers at the present mo ment need to be told of the heart-rending occurrences which we are about to relate; there nevertheless appears a propriety in placing them upon record in the columns of our Journal, were it only for the use of succeeding generations, and of readers yet unborn. "One generation passeth away" saith the preacher, "and another cometh, but the earth abideth continually," Eccles. i. 4. In a few months, or years at most, the scenes of lamentation and woe with which we are now so familiarised, can be known only by report; and the record of events that may be considered superfluous to us who are spectators to them, may arrest attention at a distant period; infuse into the thoughtless mind the fear of God; and inculcate correct sentiments of human frailty and the vanity of all sublunary enjoyments. The following is the account to which we refer, as published by authority. LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY. Thursday, November 6, 1817. Whitehall, Nov. 6, 1817. Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta, Daughter of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and Consort of His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg, was delivered of a still born Male Child, at Nine O'Clock last night, and about halfpast Twelve, Her Royal Highness was seized with great difficulty of breathing, restlessness, and exhaustion, which alarming symptoms encreased till half-past two this morning, when Her Royal Highness expired, to the inexpressible grief of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, of her illustrious Consort the Prince Leopold, and of all the Royal Family. also summoned to attend, as is usual in all cases where the issue is in the direct line of succession to the throne. Her indisposition continued, it seems throughTuesday night, though very slow in its out the whole of the day, and also of progress. On Wednesday morning at 8 o'Clock, the Privy Councillors assembled at Claremont bad a consultation with the medical Gentlemen in attendance--when, in consequence of the protracted state of the illness of the Princess, for their information and satisfaction, the following official Report or Bulletin was issued : "Claremont, Wednesday Morning, Eight o'Clock. "The labour of Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte is going on very slowly but we hope favourably. (Signed) -"M. BAILLIE. Before we proceed to offer any reflec-ferings, tions on this truly awful dispensation of divine Providence, it may be proper to record a few other particulars respecting it, which we collect from the public prints. Her Royal Highness began to be affected with the pains of labour early on Tuesday morning, when Sir R. Croft, who was engaged as Accoucheur, dispatched an express to town, requesting the immediate attendance of Doctors "Whitehall, November 6, a. m. "My Lord, "It is with the deepest sorrow that I Baillie and Sims, who hastened to Clare-inform your Lordship that her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte expired As respects the first fatal event, it must add not a little to the pain inflicted, when it is known that the little innocent was a male-that it was a fine and wellformed child-and that it had lived within a few hours of its introduction to the world. Notwithstanding these circumstances, however, the amiable Princess cheerfully acquiesced in the event, as being the will of God; and the Prince's heart was so much interested in her welfare, that he exclaimed in a rap ture of gratitude to heaven, God! Thank God! the Princess is safe." But, alas! there is nothing safe on earth! We now hasten to the closing scene. The Princess had borne her sufferings with a patience and submission, that had attracted the admiration not only of her Royal Spouse, but of all who had the opportunity to witness it. Nature had been, however, much exhausted; and it was judged necessary it should be recruited by rest and sleep, to which she seemed happily inclined. The Ministers It is almost unnecessary to say that exPresses were immediately sent in all directions. That to the Prince Regent found him just arrived at Carlton-house about four o'Clock, having returned from a visit to Lord Hertford, immediately on Highness's delicate situation. The Prince receiving intelligence of her Royal was about proceeding immediately to Claremont, when his royal brother the Duke of York and Lord Bathurst prehad just received. The effect was such vented him by the fatal intelligence they as to create the alarm of Apoplexy, and we are informed it was found necessary for his Royal Highness to submit to cupping and repeated bleeding to ward off the danger. The Queen, whose advanced age, as is natural to suppose, must draw along with it the infirmities of nature, had, by the advice of her Physicians, proceeded to Bath, the preceding week, for the purpose of availing herself of the benefit of the waters. An express was consequently dispatched to inform her Majesty of the calamity that had befallen the the Princess Elizabeth at dinner. The family; and the messenger found her and of State returned to town-the Prince was persuaded to seek repose in an adjoining apartment--and the Drs. Baillie and Sims also retired, leaving only Sir Richard Croft and the Nurse, Mrs. Griffiths, in immediate attendance. Soon after midnight, in the act of administer ing some gruel, the latter perceived symptoms of alarm. Her Royal Highness complained of difficulty in swallow-dispatch was addressed to General Taying, pain in her stomach, and a chilly tremor, the usual forerunners of convulsions. Drs. Baillie and Sims were immediately recalled; and Prince Leopold himself resumed, by her bed-side, his "Post of observation, "Darker every hour." About one o'Clock came on the fatal spasms. The Prince endeavoured as much as possible to conceal his anxiety and grief; but her Royal Highness, it is said, fixed her eyes upon him, and scarcely ever moved them; frequently extending her hand to meet the embrace of his. She continued sensible, it appears, to the last; and within a short time of her departure said to the medical attendants, Is there any danger?" Their reply was to request her to compose herself to rest; and she soon after "breathed a gentle sigh, and expired." It would be in vain to attempt to describe the scene which now took place. The Prince himself, it is said, sunk at first into a sort of stupor bordering on insensibility; which hesitates to believe the scene passing before its eyes, and tries to persuade us it is a dream, Awoke however by his reflections, his grief VOL. III. lor, who came out to read it, and called out Lady Ilchester to communicate the fatal news in the tenderest manner. On Lady I.'s return, her Majesty changed colour, and said, "I know some fatal event has happened." On hearing the particulars, the queen "covered her face, gave a convulsive sob," and with the Princess Elizabeth immediately retired. Shortly after this intelligence, her Majesty and the Duke of Clarence, leaving handsome donations to the principal charities at Bath, returned to Windsor. The Duke of Clarence was at a grand civic feast given in honour of the royal visit to Bath. On reading the express his Royal Highness immediately withdrew in silence; and when the purportof it was communicated to the company by Marquis Camden, the whole company. followed the example. Thus has this amiable and beloved Princess been snatched away, under circumstances the most interesting and afflictive, in the twenty-second year of her age. Only one short month ago, the nation fondly anticipated a long and illustrious line of princes, from the union of the houses of Brunswick and Saxe3 c |