ART. 1.-Harrington-School Hymns. Being a Collection of Hymns for the Social Worship of Children. By John Yates. Liverpool, printed by F. B. Wright. Sold in London by Hunter. 1817. Pp. 293. Crown 12mo. THE attempt to sow and water minds of the young, is, doubtless, praeticable. For what do we understand by Devotion? Is it not a deep and lively and efficacious sense of God on the heart? The habit of surveying him as our heavenly father, supreme governor, perpetual witness, our friend, our counsellor, our judge, of referring to him every object and person and event and interest? Now this habit may be formed with particular ease in the infant and the youthful breast, in consequence of the readiness with which children feel the force of corresponding earthly relations. What idea, for example, is so familiar to them, and so pleasing, as that of a parent? The name then and the thought of a human parent, may, without difficulty, be employed to impress on their souls a just sense of their "Father who is in heaven."

Devotion is no innate principle, no sudden impulse, or momentary feeling: it is a certain state of the understanding, the affections, the will, the temper, and the character, in respect of God; and, so far as men themselves are concerned, it depends, for its existence and growth, on the use of proper means, and the operation of wellknown laws. The faculties of Man are calculated for the cultivation and exercise of it: as the young mind is capable of veneration, gratitude, love, attachment, confidence, hope, in regard to human beings, who will maintain that it must necessarily be a stranger to the spirit of Devotion?

These remarks are confirmed by facts. History and observation place before us illustrious examples of early piety. Our readers, we doubt not, have witnessed in many of the rising generation that enlightened and unostentatious, yet steady and influential, Devotion which is most pleasing to the Creator. The hearts of several young persons can attest that we have

not describe a fictitious quality: for those hearts have been warmed with holy thankfulness, melted in contrition, risen to God in humble trust and profound submission, and triumphed in the hope of his everlasting favour. and Childhood is entrusted employ every fit opportunity of bringing the young acquainted with their Maker, with his perfections, character, government and will, by means of the objects of creation, the events of life, and the records of history, Devotion, we may presume, will be an early attainment. In most tender minds there is a love of inquiry, a spirit of ingenuous curiosity. They seck, as it were, the Lord, if, haply, they may feel after him, and find him. It is true, some of their first impressions of this Infinite Being may be very rude and incorrect: not a few of the questions which they address to their parents and teachers concerning him, will more easily awaken perplexity, and a degree of astonishment, than receive an answer. But their desire of knowledge, on a subject of such mighty interest, ought not to be discouraged. On the contrary, let it be, as much as possible, countenanced and gratified. When Reason advances to maturity, those improper conceptions of the Divinity to which we have referred, will soon be rectified. If the feelings, however, of the infant and of the child have no tincture of Devotion, we may justly fear that there will be an almost total want of religious sensibility in the future man. Young persons, we think, are more prone to err respecting the natural attributes of God than respecting his moral character. It is with difficulty they can conceive of his eternal being, his universal presence, the spirituality of his nature, and his perpetual agency. They can soouer believe, and more readily acknowledge, that he is good, in every acceptation of the word. This distinction is important to be remembered; being not a little pleasing in itself, and capable of being applied to very useful purposes in Religious Education.

If those to whom the care of Infancy

While children are led to the know

ledge of their Creator not formally and systematically, but as incidents and opportunities arise, they should also be habituated to acts of prayer, private, domestic and cial. If on the one hand, it is particularly arduous to withdraw their thoughts from present objects, in which instance, to speak the truth, all mankind partake of the character of children, on the other hand, let it be considered that it is more easy to impress and affect the feelings of the young than those of men of riper years. We are not recommending long addresses to the Deity, but those which are regular and fervent. Do we expect that our offspring will reverence, love and trust us, while there is no frequent and cordial intercourse between ourselves and them? That were as rational an expectation as to look for an abundant harvest where no ground has been prepared and no seed been sown. And can the issue be otherwise in regard to our Heavenly Father, Instructor and Sovereign? Is HE found of them who ask not for him?

A sense of God may, further, be cherished in the young mind by the use of devotional poetry. Few persons habituated to the work of early instruction, can have failed to remark the benefit, and even necessity, of the exercise of language, as one instrumeut of storing and strengthening the learner's intellect. It is the same in religion. In this view, Sacred Poetry, by the boldness and attraction of its figures, and by the harmony of its numbers, is particularly fitted to engage the attention, to fix itself in the memory, and to stamp in lasting characters on the heart the truths of which it is the vehicle. We are stating the result of our experience as well as of our observation.

The compiler of the volume before us has, therefore, conferred a signal favour on the friends of the religious instruction of children, by offering this "Collection of Hymns" to the acceptance of parents and of teachers. We cordially unite with him in hoping that it may win young minds to God, and Christ, and Heaven." It is calculated for great and extensive utility; most of the hymns being adapted to the capacities and the situation of children generally, instead of being limited to the circumstances of pupils

in Frce and in Sunday schools. Hence we beg leave to suggest the expediency of the respectable Editor likewise presenting to the public, in a separate form, the majority of these poetical compositions, consisting of all those which are not designed exclusively for young persons educated by charity. Numerous indeed are the families and the seminaries into which such a manual of devotional poetry would find admittance: we are inclined to think that it would even be considered as a standard-book in this department of education.

To the origin of these benevolent labours of Mr. Yates we have already referred: it demands, however, a more distinct notice. This collection "was made for the use of the children who attend a free school at Harrington, a small town adjoining Liverpool, and in the township of Toxteth Park." Contributions to the support, and assistance in the management, of the school, which instructs more than three hundred children, of both sexes, and was established, in the year 1815, by the more wealthy inhabitants of the township, are invited from charitable persons of all religious denomi nations. To the children of "the poor of all religious denominations" its doors are open: and, with the same unanimity, the subscribers, highly to their honour, resolved, “that a particular attention should be paid to the religious and moral improvement of the children;" but "that no peculiar doctrines of any sect should be taught." The religious instruction of the children devolves on "the visiters," who administer it more immediately on the Lord's day, during a part of which the school is converted into a church for the pupils, who on the other part of that day are attended to such places of worship as their parents approve. "In discharging the duties of their office, the visiters found great want of a hymn book, sufficiently copious to embrace all the important subjects on which the children were addressed, and at the same time free from all sectarian opinions. To supply this want," was the special object of the compi lation under our review.

The number of the Hymns is two hundred and ninety-three, with which the notation of the pages exactly corresponds; a commodious, we presume,

and, for this reason, a proper, arrangement. There are seven classes of subjects and each class is subdivided into sections, which sections are marked with a running number, amounting to twenty-three. From a good "Index of subjects," which comes after the Preface (the "Index of first lines" being placed at the end of the book), we copy the titles of the classes and of the sections.

"CLASS I. pp. 1-81. ADAPTED ΤΟ THE BEGINNING OF WORSHIP. Sec. I. Lord's day morning. Sec. II. For the beginning of worship on any morning. Sec. 3. For the beginning of worship at any time. Sec. 4. For children at free schools. CLASS II. 32-78. ADORATION, PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. Sec. 5. Adoration of the divine perfections. Sec. 6. Praise for the works of creation and providence. Sec. 7. Thanksgiving for temporal and spiritual mercies. Sec. 8. Thanksgiving from children at free schools. CLASS III. 79-107. DIVINE REVELATION. Sec. 9. The life, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ. Sec. 10. The excellence of the Gospel. CLASS IV. 108-141. DUTIES AND SINS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH. Sec. 11. Faith and repentance. Sec. 12. Duties to God. Sec. 18. The affections due to Christ our Saviour. Sec. 14. Social virtues. Sec. 15. Personal virtues. Sec. 16. Sins of children and youth. Sec. 17. Motives to early goodness. Sec. 18. Means of religious improvement. Sec. 19. Appropriate to children in free schools. CLASS V. 235-241. Sec. 20. Life, death and a future state. CLASS VI. 242-270. Sec. 21. Particular occasions. CLASS VII. 271-293. Sec. 22. For the conclusion of worship at any time. Sec. 23. For the conclusion of worship in the evening.”

A large proportion of these hymns, possess distinguished excellence, and are the compositions of writers of acknowledged merit. The compiler thus pleads, and, in our opinion, very pertinently and judiciously, for the admission of several productions which children on the first perusal will not be able to comprehend, and which are characterized by highly poetical imagery.

"One of the most pleasing and useful employments of the visiters and teachers in schools is, by illustration

and interpretation, to co-operate with the sacred muse. And when hymns of beautiful simplicity are not to be obtained, it is far more desirable that the pupils should be assisted to rise, even by a slow and difficult process, to the perception of what is truly excellent, than that, by the use of vulgar compositions, they should become accustomed to associate groveling images and quaint or irreverent expressions with their religious sentiments and feelings, and thus be rendered for ever incapable of acquiring that pure devotional taste, which is in itself one of the highest mental attainments, and which, through the whole period of our existence, will be a source of the most exquisite delight."

For the "few hymns" in this collection" which have but slender claims to admiration," the Editor makes the following apology,

66

they are the best which could be found upon those subjects concerning which they treat; and it was thought more eligible to take these than to omit the subjects altogether."

Of the original hymns in the volume many, we are here informed, " were composed by persons whose names would do great honour to any literary work. But some of these friends did not wish to be announced. On this account, and also because several hymns, even of celebrated authors, were necessarily altered, in order to bring them within the province of this work, it has been thought expedient to omit the names of the authors altogether."

In Liverpool and its neighbourhood persons may, doubtless, be found "whose names would do great honour to any literary work." From one of these, as we conjecture, the first hymn which we shall copy may have been received: at least, the subject reminds us of the translator of some fine strains* of the muse of Lorenzo de Medici.

"32. L. M.

The inquiring mind gratified. 1. Who gave the sun his noon-day light? Who taught the moon to shine by night? Whose hands the sheet of heav'n un

roll'd,

All set with stars like drops of gold?

* Orazione.

2. Who gave the winds their course to know?

The ocean tides to ebb and flow?
And day and night preserve their bounds,
And changing seasons know their
rounds?

3. Could man conceive the vast design? Could he the grand machine combine? Stretch his weak hands from pole to pole,

And bid them on their centre roll?

4. Could man, with all his skill, compose The humbiest blade of grass that grows? Or at his will ordain to be

The meanest insect that we see?

5 'Twas God who gave creation birth, Who form'd this wondrous globe of earth,

And breath'd throughout the mighty whole,

The likeness of a living soul.

6. Bow then to God, O all that live!
To God eterna! praises give!
Who fashiou'd by his mighty hand,
Sun, moon and stars, and sea and land."

With the hymn that we shall next transcribe we first met in a recent collection made at Exeter, to which it was an original communication: it is highly pleasing and instructive

"89. L. M.

The love of Christ to men.

1. See how he lov'd, exclaim'd the Jews, *
When Jesus o'er his Lazarus wept :
My grateful heart the words shall use,
While on his life my eye is kept.

2. See how he lov'd, who travell'd on,
Teaching the doctrine from the skies;
Who bade disease and pain be gone,
And call'd the sleeping dead to rise.
3. See how he lov'd, who firm yet mild,
Patient endur'd the scoffing tongue;
Who, oft provok'd, yet ne'er revil'd,
Nor did his greatest foe a wrong.
4. See how he lov'd, who never shrank
From toil or danger, pain or death;
Who all the cup of sorrow drank,
And meekly yielded up his breath.
5. See how he lov'd, who died for man,
Who labour'd thus, and thus endur'd,
To finish the all-gracious plan,
Which life and heav'n to mau secured.
6. And shall such love not meet return?
Not prompt the conduct, move the
breast?

Shall not our grateful bosoms burn,
To prove our love by every test?

* John xi, 36.

7. Yes, our great master will we love,
Who every gen'rous feeling knew;
His faithful followers ever prove,
And keep his pattern still in view."

It would gratify us to place before our readers a few others of those poetical compositions in this volume with which they are unacquainted, and which strongly claim their notice. Fearful however of disproportionately extending the present article of review, we confine ourselves to a single further extract:

"159. P. M.

Gratitude to benefactors.

1. Dark is the sky when day retires,
And clouds obscure the glowing fires
That glitter through the night:
But darker is the youthful mind,
That never yet the sun could find
Of learning's purer light.

2. How then shall I my thanks express
To those whose cares have deign'd to
bless

My inexperienced youth;
To guard me lest my steps should stray,
To point out wisdom's arduous way,

And clear the path to truth?

3. Had they not stoop'd my youth to save,
Who knows but in the dangerous wave,
Of vice I had been lost?
No helper near, no faithful friend,
In time a needful hand to lend,

Abandon'd, scorn'd and lost. 4. Then I'll intreat the God of love, That he his blessings from above,

Would shower upon them all; And more my gratitude to shew, Whate'er they teach I'll strive to know, And follow as they call."

We heartily wish, and confidently hope, that this little volume may obtain a wide circulation and to the editor we shall owe yet greater obligations if he will publish the selection of which he speaks towards the conclusion of his preface.

ART. II.-An Inquiry into the Nature of Benevolence, chiefly with a View to elucidate the Principles of the Poor Laws, and to shew their Immoral Tendency. By J. E. Bicheno, F. L. S. 8vo. pp. 150. Hunter.

TH

1817. THIS is a sensible and well-written pamphlet, on a subject which becomes every day of more interest to Englishmen. The burden of the poor is next to the National Debt, the greatest hindrance to national pros

perity and the most alarming symptom in the body politic. Any writer who points out the means of mitigating the evil, its removal is out of the question for half a century at least,) or who prepares the way for this being done by tracing it up to its beginnings and exposing its principles, is entitled to the thanks of the community. Such a writer is Mr. Bicheno. He examines the legislative enactments with regard to the poor, and shews that they are founded on these four principles:

"I. Almsgiving is an absolute duty, without regard to the character of its objects. II. Every human being, unable to labour, has a right to suste

nance. III. Every human being, able and willing to labour, has a right to receive employment, or the wages of labour. IV. The virtue of charity is capable of being enforced by legislative authority."

All these principles he disputes, and concludes, that whilst the legislature continues to act upon them, "the system will only proceed to a consummation of national ruin."

The author is a disciple of Mr. Malthus, and we apprehend that the times have made and are making thinking men converts to the doctrine of that able but startling reasoner.

1817, Jan. 11, the Rev. TIMOTHY DWIGHT, D. D. President and Professor of Divinity of Yale College, in the United States of America. He was born at Northampton, in the state of Massachusetts, May 1752. He took the degree of bachelor of arts in 1769, at the age of seventeen. At the commencement of 1771, he was elected a tutor of the college, the duties of which station he discharged, for six years, with great fidelity and success. Soon after leaving college, he accepted an offer made him to enter the American army as chaplain; and served in this capacity, in the division commanded by General Putnam. The

case with which he conformed to the habits of a camp, and the facility with which he seized upon the manner best calculated to attract attention, and to secure the object of his official performances, is strongly exhibited in a discourse which he delivered in the American camp, on a day of public thanksgiving for the surrender of General Burgoyne. At the close of the revolutionary war, there were many questions deeply interesting to individuals and to the community, which came before the state legislatures; and especially in Massachusetts, where the revolution began. At this difficult time, Mr. Dwight was chosen to represent the town of Northampton, in the General Court at Boston. In the year 1785, he published an epic poem in eleven books, entitled, "The Conquest of Canaan." In the year 1794, he published Greenfield Hill

a poem in seven parts. The subject of this poem seems to have been suggested by the situation of the writer. The village of Greenfield is situated on a pleasant and beautiful eminence, affording an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, and Long Island Sound. The landscape, therefore, is the principal subject of the first part of the poem. The happy condition of the inhabitants is the subject of the second, and was intended as a general description of the towns and villages of New England. It was the intention of the author to exhibit, the blessings which flow from an equal division of property, and a general competence. He has here pourtrayed a state of society and manners, to which, it is well known, he was ardently attached. The other subjects of the poem are:-the burning of Fairfield by the British in the revolutionary war;-the destruction of the Pequods, a warlike race of Indians;— the clergyman's advice to the villagers; the farmer's advice to the vil lagers; and the Vision, or prospect of the future happiness of America.

While Dr. Dwight resided at Greenfield, his reputation as a preacher, and as a man of literature and splendid talents, was constantly increasing and extending. As a preacher, at this time he was especially distinguished for the clearness of his thoughts, for the copiousness and elegance of his diction, and for the distinctness and fervour of his elocution. On the death of President Stiles, in May 1795, the