Miss Louisa Cook's rapturous state. "From this period she lived chiefly in retirement, either in reading the sacred volume on her knees, or in pouring out her soul in prayer to God. While thus employed, she was not unfrequently indulged with visits from her gracious Lord; and sometimes felt herself to be surrounded, as it were, by his glorious presence. After her return to Bristol, her frame of mind became so heavenly, that she seemed often to be dissolved in the love of God her Saviour."

-Ee. Mag. pp. 576, 577,

Objection to Almanacks.

insert the following case of conscience. I frequently find in Scripture, that Usury is particularly condemned; and that it is represented as the character of a good man. that he hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase,' Ezek. xviii. 8., &c. I wish, therefore, to know how such passages are to be understood; and whether the taking of interest for money, as is universally practised among us, can be reconciled with the word and will of God? Q."-Ev. Mag. p. 74.

Dancing ill-suited to a creature on trial for eternity.

"If dancing be a waste of time; if the precious hours devoted to it may be better employed; if it be a species of trifling ill suited to a creature on trial for eternity, and hastening towards it on the swift wings of time; if it be incompatible with genuine repentance, true faith in Christ, supreme

love to God, and a state of entire devotedness to him,-then is dancing a practice "Let those who have been partial to such utterly opposed to the whole spirit and vain productions only read Isaiah xlvii. 13, temper of Christianity, and subversive of and Daniel ii. 27; and they will there see the best interest of the rising generation." what they are to be accounted of, and in-Meth. Mag. pp. 127, 128. what company they are to be found; and let them learn to despise their equivocal and artful insinuations, which are too frequently blended with profanity; for is it not profanity in them to attempt to palm

their frauds upon mankind by Scripture quotations, which they seldom fail to do, especially Judges v. 20, and Job xxxviii. 31? neither of which teaches nor warrants any such practice. Had Baruch or Deborah consulted the stars? No such thing."Ec. Mag. p. 600.

This energy of feeling will be found occasionally to meddle with and disturb the ordinary occupations and amusements of life, and to raise up little qualms of conscience, which, instead of exciting respect, border, we fear, somewhat too closely upon the ludicrous.

The Methodists consider themselves as constituting a chosen and separate people, living in a land of atheists and voluptuaries. The expressions by which they designate their own sects, are the dear people—the elect—the people of God. The rest of mankind are carnal people- the people of this world, &c. &c.

The children of Israel were not more separated, through the favour of God, from the Egyptians, than the Methodists are, in their own estimation, from the rest of mankind. We had hitherto supposed that the disciples of the Established churches in England and Scotland had been Christians; and that after baptism duly performed by the appointed minister, and participation in the customary worship of these two churches, Christianity was the religion of which they were to be considered as members. We see, however, in these publications, men of twenty or thirty years of age first called to a knowledge of Christ under a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Venn, -or first admitted into the church of Christ under a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Romaine. Doubts if it is right to take any interest The apparent admission turns out to have been a mere mockery; and the “Usury.—Sir, I beg the favour of you to pseudo-christian to have had no religion

A Methodist Footman.

"A gentleman's servant, who has left a good place because he was ordered to deny his master when actually at home, wishes something on this subject may be introduced into this work, that persons who are in the habit of denying themselves in the above manner may be convinced of its evil." -Ec. Mag.

for money.

at all, till the business was really and effectually done under these sermons by Mr. Venn and Mr. Romaine.

An awful and general departure from the Christian faith in the Church of England.

able pleasure to see upon the cover of your Magazine for the present month, an advertisement, announcing the establishment of a packet, to sail weekly between London and Margate, during the season, which appears to have been set on foot for the

accommodation of religious characters; and in which 'no profane conversation is to be allowed.'

"A second volume of Mr. Cooper's sermons is before us, stamped with the same broad seal of truth and excellence as the cified Redeemer, who are in the habit of "To those among the followers of a cruformer. Amidst the awful and general de- visiting the Isle of Thanet in the summer, parture from the faith, as once delivered to and who, for the sea air, or from other con the saints in the Church of England, and siderations, prefer travelling by water, such sealed by the blood of our Reformers, it is pleasing to observe that there is a remnant, deratum, especially if they have experienced a conveyance must certainiy be a desi according to the election of grace, who continue rising up to testify the gospel of in the course of the last summer, when a mortification similar to that of the writer, the grace of God, and to call back their shut up in a cabin with a mixed multitude, fellows to the consideration of the great and who spake almost all languages but that of leading doctrines on which the Reformation Canaan. Totally unconnected with the was built, and the Church of England by concern, and personally a stranger to the law established. The author of these ser- worthy owner, I take the liberty of recom mons, avoiding all matters of more doubtful mending this vessel to the notice of my disputation, avowedly attaches himself to fellow-Christians; persuaded that they will the great fundamental truths; and on the think themselves bound to patronise and two substantial pillars, the Jachin and Boaz of the living temple, erects his super-honour of the dear Redeemer for its proencourage an undertaking that has the structure. 1. Justification by faith, without fessed object. It ought ever to be rememworks, free and full, by grace alone, through bered, that every talent we possess, whether the redemption which is in Jesus Christ, large or small, is given us in trust to be stands at the commencement of the first laid out for God;-and I have often thought volume; and on its side rises in the beauty that Christians act inconsistently with their of holiness," &c.-Ev. Mag. p. 79. high profession, when they omit, even in Mr. Robinson called to the knowledge of their most common and trivial expenditures, to give a decided preference to the friends of their Lord. I do not, however, anticipate any such ground of complaint in this instance, but rather believe, that the religious world in general will cheerfully unite with me, while I most cordially wish success to the Princess of Wales Yacht, and pray that she may ever sail under the divine protection and blessing;-that the storm into a calm, when crossing the lake humble followers of Him who spoke the of Gennesareth, may often feel their hearts glowing with sacred ardour while in her cabins they enjoy sweet communion with their Lord and with each other;-and that strangers, who may be providentially brought among them, may see so much of Jesus exemplified in their conduct and conthe beauty and excellency of the religion of versation, that they may be constrained to say, "We will go with you, for we perceive that God is with you.-Your God shall be our God, and his people shall henceforth be our chosen companions and associates.' A religious Hoy sets off every week for I am, Mr. Editor, your obliged friend and

Christ under Mr. Venn's sermon. "Mr. Robinson was called in early life to the knowledge of Christ, under a sermon at St. Dunstan's, by the late Rev. Mr. Venn, from Ezek. xxxvi. 25, 26; the remembrance of which greatly refreshed his soul upon his deathbed."-Ev. Mag. p. 176. Christianity introduced into the Parish of Launton near Bicester, in the year 1807.

A very general spirit of inquiry having appeared for some time in the village of Launton, near Bicester, some serious persons were excited to communicate to them the word of life."-Ev. Mag. p. 380.

We learn in page 128, Meth. Mag. that twelve months had elapsed from the time of Mrs. Cocker's joining the people of God, before she obtained a clear sense of forgiveness.

Margate.

"Religious Passengers accommodated.To the Editor.-Sir, it afforded me consider

sister in the gospel, E. T."-Ev. Mag. p. 268. A religious newspaper is announced in the Ev. M. for September. —It is

The religious vessel we have before spoken of, is thus advertised :

:

"The Princess of Wales Yacht, J. Chapman, W. Bourn, master, by divine permission, will leave Ralph's Quay every Friday, 11." &c. &c.-July Ev. Mag.

After the specimens we have given of these people, anything which is said of their activity can very easily be credited. The army and navy appear to be particular objects of their atten

66

said of common newspapers, "that they | are absorbed in temporal concerns, while the consideration of those which are eternai is postponed: the business of this life has superseded the claims of immortality; and the monarchs of the world have engrossed an attention which would have been more properly devoted to the Saviour of the universe." It is then stated, "that the columns of this paper (The Instructor, Price 6d.) will be supplied by pious reflections; tion. suitable comments to improve the dispensations of providence will be intro-pleasure we insert the following extract of 'British Navy. It is with peculiar daced; and the whole conducted with a letter from the pious chaplain of a manan eye to our spiritual, as well as of-war, to a gentleman at Gosport, intimattemporal welfare. The work will ing the power and grace of God manifested contain the latest news up to four towards our brave seamen. Off Cadiz, o'clock on the day of publication, to- Nov. 26. 1806.-My dear friend - A fleet for gether with the most recent religious England found us in the night, and is just occurrences. The prices of stock, and going away. I have only time to tell you correct market-tables, will also be accurately detailed."-Ev. Mag. September Advertisement. The Eclectic Review is also understood to be carried on upon Methodistical principles.

Nothing can evince more strongly the influence which Methodism now exercises upon common life, and the fast hold it has got of the people, than the advertisements which are circulated every month in these very singular publications. On the cover of a single number, for example, we have the following:

that the work of God seems to prosper.
Many are under convictions;-some, I
trust, are converted. I preach every night,
and am obliged to have a private meeting
afterwards with those who wish to speak
about their souls. But my own health is
suffering much, nor shall I probably be
able long to bear it. The ship is like a
tabernacle; and really there is much ex-
ternal reformation. Capt..
objection. I have near a hundred hearers
every night at six o'clock. How unworthy
am I!-Pray for us.'"-Ev. Mag. p. 84.
The Testimony of a profane Officer to

raises no

the worth of pious Sailors.

"Mr. Editor-In the mouth of two or three witnesses a truth shall be established. I recently met with a pleasing confirmation of a narrative stated some time since in your Magazine. I was surprised by a visit from an old acquaintance of mine, the other day, who is now an officer of rank in his Majesty's navy. In the course of conversation, I was shocked at the profane oaths that perpetually interrupted his sentences; and took an opportunity to express my regret that such language should be so common among so valuable a body of men.

"Wanted, by Mr. Turner, shoemaker, a steady apprentice; he will have the privilege of attending the ministry of the gospel;-a premium expected, p. 3.Wanted, a serious young woman, as a servant of all work, 3.-Wanted a man of serious character, who can shave, 3.Wanted, a serious woman, to assist in a shop, 3.-A young person in the millinery line wishes to be in a serious family, 4.Wants a place, a young man who has brewed in a serious family, 4.-Ditto, a young woman of evangelical principles, 4.Sir,' said he, still interspersing many -Wanted, an active serious shopman, 5.To be sold, an eligible residence, with 60 acres of land; gospel preached in three places within half a mile, 5.-A single gentleman may be accommodated with lodging in a small serious family, 5.-To let, a genteel first floor in an airy situation near the Tabernacle, 6.- Wanted, a governess, of evangelical principles and corresponding character, 10."

solemn imprecations, an officer cannot live at sea without swearing; not one of my men would mind a word without an oath; it is common sea-language. If we were not to swear, the rascals would take us for lubbers, stare in our faces, and leave us to do our commands ourselves. I never knew but one exception; and that was extraordinary. I declare, believe me 'tis true (suspecting that I might not credit it);

there was a set of fellows called Methodists, his pleasures at 5 per cent. for the puron board the Victory, Lord Nelson's ship poses of doing good. (to be sure he was rather a religious man himself!) and those men never wanted swearing at. The dogs were the best seamen on board. Every man knew his duty, and every man did his duty. They used to meet together and sing hymns; and nobody dared molest them. The commander would not have suffered it, had they attempted it. They were allowed a mess by themselves; and never mixed with the other men. I

have often heard them singing away my. It is part of their policy to have a great self; and 'tis true, I assure you, but not one of them was either killed or wounded at the battle of Trafalgar, though they did their duty as well as any men. No, not one of the psalm-singing geutry was even hurt; and there the fellows are swimming away in the Bay of Biscay at this very time, singing like the d. They are now under a new commander; but still are allowed the same privileges, and mess by themselves. These were the only fellows that I ever knew do their duty without swearing; and I will do them the justice to say they do it.' J. C."-Ev. Mag. pp. 119, 120.

tained of the 25th regiment. We is always casy to make, but not easy believe this is the number: but we to resist. It encourages the grossest quote this fact from memory.

superstitions; for if the Deity rewards We must remember, in addition to and punishes on every slight occasion, these trifling specimens of their active it is quite impossible, but that such a disposition, that the Methodists have helpless being as man will set himself found a powerful party in the House of at work to discover the will of Heaven Commons, who, by the neutrality which in the appearances of outward nature, they affect, and partly adhere to, are and to apply all the phenomena of courted both by ministers and oppo- thunder, lightning, wind, and every sition; that they have gained complete striking appearance to the regulation possession of the India House; and of his conduct; as the poor Methodist, under the pretence, or perhaps with the when he rode into Piccadilly in a thunserious intention, of educating young der storm, and imagined that all the people for India, will take care to in- uproar of the elements was a mere hint troduce (as much as they dare without to him not to preach at Mr. Romaine's provoking attention) their own par- chapel. Hence a great deal of error, tacular tenets. In fact, one thing must and a great deal of secret misery. This always be taken for granted resp cting doctrine of a theocracy must necessarily these people, that, wherever they gain place an excessive power in the hands afooting, or whatever be the institutions of the clergy; it applies so instantly to which they give birth, proselytism and so tremendously to men's hopes and will be their main object; everything fears, that it must make the priest omnielse is a mere instrument - this is their potent over the people, as it always has principal aim. When every proselyte done where it has been established. It is not only an addition to their tem- has a great tendency to check human poral power, but when the act of con-exertions, and to prevent the employversion which gains a vote, saves (as ment of those secondary means of effectthey suppose) a soul from destruction, ing an object which Providence has -it is quite needless to state, that every placed in our power. The doctrine faculty of their minds will be dedicated of the immediate, and perpetual interto this most important of all temporal ference of Divine Providence, is not and eternal concerns. true. If two men travel the same road, the one to rob, the other to relieve a fellow-creature who is starving; will any but the most fanatic contend, that they do not both run the same chance of falling over a stone, and breaking their legs? and is it not matter of fact, that the robber often returns safe, and the just man sustains the injury? Have not the soundest divines of both churches always urged this unequal distribution of good and evil, in the present state, as one of the strongest natural arguments for a future state of retribution? Have not they contended, and well, and admirably contended, that the supposition of such a state is absolutely necessary to our notion of the justice of God,

Their attack upon the Church is not merely confined to publications; it is generally understood that they have a very considerable fund for the purchase of livings, to which of course, ministers of their own profession are always presented.

Upon the foregoing facts, and upon the spirit evinced by these extracts, we shali make a few comments.

1. It is obvious, that this description of Christians entertain very erroneous and dangerous notions of the present judgments of God. A belief, that Providence interferes in all the little actions of our lives, refers all merit and demerit to bad and good fortune; and causes the successful man to be always considered as a good man, and the unhappy man as the object of divine vengeance. It furnishes ignorant and designing men with a power which is sure to be abused: -the cry of, a judgment, a judgment, it

VOL. I.

- absolutely necessary to restore order to that moral confusion which we all observe and deplore in the present world? The man who places religion upon a false basis is the greatest enemy to religion. If victory is always to the

H