shall we hesitate to scourge into their proper distance the motley group of pretenders, whose inane chatterings would overpower the sacred hymn, and who would perch themselves, with idiot impertinence, upon the very altar. would not take the field against them. But if their multitudes threaten us with the fate of Bishop Bruno-if they grow into a plague, and come "up into our bed-chambers, and upon our beds, and into our ovens, and into our kneading-troughs," contempt must give way to indignation, and, "And reckon ye yourselves with spirits of for our own sakes, we must stretch heaven." forth the rod over the land. R. T. METHODIST CONFERENCE. WHEN pious individuals meet together to consult, how, by giving circulation to the truths of the gospel, they may best promote the interests of mankind, they present a pleasing spectacle to every friend of virtue. It is natural for bigotry to trace their actions to an enthusiastic or a sectarian spirit; and from men who look no further than this "visible diurnal sphere," we are prepared to receive the charge of sinister ends, and unworthy motives. To reproaches such as these, and to others even of a deeper shade, the ministers which belong to the Wesleyan Methodist connection have been long accustomed; but amidst calumny and opposition, that branch of the Christian church which they have been made instrumental in forming, has gradually advanced to a state of high respectability among the Christian communities of the earth. It may assist us in our further considerations on this subject, to form a sort of analysis, or scale of poetic power, by which the merits of the various candidates may be tried. In the first class, we place the honoured and admirable few, "dear sons of memory, high heirs of fame," the sublimity of whose perceptions is equalled by the copious facility of their productions. Next to these are ranked those minds of a kindred essence, but of limited force. The offspring is noble, but the birth laborious. On them the curse has glanced not without effect, which "greatly multiplies their sorrow, and their conceptions; in sorrow do they bring forth." As we descend in the mental scale, as in the animal creation, we shall find the prolific powers in proportion to the diminutive size and subordinate station of the parent-and this forms our third class, in which facility makes some amends for the mediocrity. And On Wednesday, July 31st, 1822, last of all comes the elaborate little the Annual Conference of this increasthe "mus minimus,” brought to lighting body, commenced in their large by the parturient throes of an Ætna-chapel, City Road, London. Nearly the longest lapse of time, and the greatest exhaustion of labour, with the smallest possible result. As if a fly should emulate that "secular bird," the phoenix-or a shrimp, once in an age, reproduce its similitude. To some more microscopic eye we willingly leave the task of scrutinizing into the minute deformities, or pigmy merits, of these literary nonentities. Nothing is to be hoped or feared from them. If our readers be desirous of a further acquaintance with them, we beg to refer them to what are properly called the catalogues, at the conclusion of some of our reviews and magazines. "Mice and rats, and such small deer," will hardly repay the hunting. As a matter of choice, at least, we a fortnight prior to the above day, several ministers, delegated by their respective societies or districts, met together for the dispatch of some branches of business, as preparatory to the general conference, and to make arrangements for the transactions of what concerned their body at large., At the commencement of the conference, the Rev. Adam Clarke, LL.D. &c. was chosen president, the majority of votes being most decidedly in his favour. This is the third time which he has enjoyed this exalted honour among his brethren; and it is the only instance in their history, in which any individual has been thus distinguished. Under his superintendence, the multifarious concerns of the connection were conducted with judgment, discrimination, and wisdom; and if prudence, order, and unwearied application, in the management of important and complicated affairs, can entitle any man to the respect of his associates, Dr. Clarke has shewn himself, on this occasion, not undeserving of the suffrages which placed him in the chair. The number of preachers assembled on the occasion, amounted to between three and four hundred. These, coming from almost every part of the kingdom, were enabled, by their joint communications, to concentrate in one view the condition of Methodism throughout their extensive connection. From their various statements it appeared, that, during the past year, nearly twelve thousand members had been added to their societies; and in most places their cause was sufficiently prosperous, to induce an expectation of a considerable increase during the ensuing year. In their public meeting in conference, every subject proposed was open to free and undisturbed discussion; and although every one delivered his sentiments without reserve or partiality, the utmost harmony prevailed. Nothing, however, occurred of any particular moment to distinguish this from any preceding conference, with this exception, that nearly fifty preachers were now taken into full connection. Some few were also admitted on trial. The preachers, as is usual on these occasions, were stationed at the houses of their numerous friends; and perhaps, it is hard to say, whether the preachers who were thus received, or their friends who had the honour of receiving them, were the most delighted. Their meeting together was a season of mutual joy, and when the day of separation arrived, they parted from each other with regret. sion domestic concerns would seem to forbid attendance, the chapel in the morning, at this early hour, was much frequented, and in the evenings it was generally crowded, sometimes even to excess. To keep alive a spirit of inquiry, and to give to diversified talents an opportunity to operate, are among the advantages of an itinerant ministry. The effect of this, is never more conspicuous than during the seasons of conference. And although to both preachers and people we would ever wish to attribute more exalted motives, yet, in every department of life, the desire of something new is not without its influence. The stationing of the preachers must at all times be a work of considerable difficulty; and this must gradually increase, in proportion as the body becomes more and more enlarged. Many friendships, domestic ties, and local attachments, are always to be considered; and numerous invitations, claims, and partial promises, are to be adjusted. To meet these in all their bearings, is not within the power of man. It is only by one general rule that every subordinate case can be determined, namely, the prosperity of the work of God. Keeping this object in view, and relying on the Almighty for protection, the vote of conference ratifies the doom of all, and from its decisions there can be no appeal. It is not, however, to be supposed, that local feeling and disappointed anticipations, can always be annihilated, or even paralysed, by such determinations. Many of the preachers are sent to places, where, during the year, they have to cultivate an acquaintance with patience, and on some occasions the people have to learn the same lesson. But submission, in all cases, happily supplies the During the fortnight which the con- defects of acquiescence; and through ference lasted, with one or two soli- their joint operation, under the provitary exceptions, there was preaching dence of God, the body has thus far every morning at five, and every even- been preserved in peace, and favoured ing at seven. This is nothing more with the smiles of the divine approbathan a continuance of the primitive cus- tion. Methodism has already exhibittom established by the Rev. John ed a spectacle to the world which even Wesley, the founder of Methodism. conjecture had not anticipated; and, One thing, however, is singularly reasoning from analogy, we may conremarkable, namely, that although include, that it will bear a conspicuous their chapels the Methodist congrega- part among those instruments, by tions have statedly so much preach- which universal righteousness shall be ing, and although on the present occa- | established in the earth. REVIEW. The School of the Sabbath, a Poem. By William M Comb, 8vo. pp. 152. Mairs & Co. Donegall-street, Belfast, &c. 1822. WE have been so much accustomed to hear every thing depreciated which aspires to the name of poetry, if it contain no frenzied emanations of thought, no sparklings of genius, no coruscations of wit, that we even risk our critical reputation in attempting to recommend any productions of the muse, which make no pretensions to these exalted excellencies. We must not, however, lose sight of the useful, while we pursue the brilliant; nor imagine that the only birds deserving of admiration, are those that have painted wings. In a short but appropriate preface, the author informs his readers, that his poem "was not so much composed for the scientific or the sage, as for those who ardently desire the present and eternal welfare of their countrymen, and the education of the illiterate, indigent, and immoral, of a youthful community." In this sentence, the writer has comprised the character of his work; and although we cannot bestow upon the poem those exalted compliments, without which the pursuers of fame would be dissatisfied, we can congratulate him on the benevolence of his design, and the tendency of his composition. To captivate the car, to tickle the fancy, and to please the taste, are, with Mr. M'Comb, but remote considerations. His object in pointing out the advantages of Sunday Schools in general, is, to enforce the necessity of inculcating moral and religious principles, in such a manner, that they may reach the heart, and stand imbodied in the life. Nothing short of this, he conceives, can corrrespond with the importance of the undertaking; and nothing but this can prevent these mischiefs from resulting to society, which uncontrolled depravity, under the dominion of ignorance, might produce. The rebellion in Ireland, in 1798, he attributes, in a great degree, to the want of education, especially of such education as he here recommends. His design is truly laudable, and to those who have at heart the welfare of mankind, his poem will be treated with much re spect. Appended to the three cantos, of which this poem consists, there are several notes, which tend considerably to enhance its value. REVIEW.-The Sunday School, a Poem in six Books. By Abraham Watmough, 8vo. PP. 217. London: Blanshard, 14, City Road, 1821. THE subject of this poem bears so strong a resemblance to that of the preceding, as to leave no room for discrimination. The authors, however, have evidently occupied very different stations in life; but both are well acquainted with Sunday Schools, and, knowing how to appreciate their importance, they breathe a common wish to promote their general interest. The poem now before us, we are informed by its author, was written as a candidate for a prize of £21, which was offered in 1815, for the best production on the subject of Sunday Schools; and although it was not successful, it was pronounced by the judges as being "second in merit." Since that time, we apprehend it has undergone considerable alterations, some parts having been expunged, and new paragraphs added. The author who has fortitude and patience enough to keep his manuscript six years without publishing it, presents himself to the public in a respectable light. The range which the writer takes in this poem is very extensive, embracing a retrospect of periods from the time when the Roman eagles fixed their talons on our shores, down to the days of Mr. Raikes, the great founder of Sunday Schools. It must be obvious from this circumstance, that many things are mentioned, which have only a distant connection with the principal subject; though, in point of comparison and contrast, of morals and of refinement, these distant objects are not without their bearings and influence. Throughout the poem, many characters are introduced, which sustain their respective offices with a becoming dignity, in the various dialogues which they are called to support. Several affecting incidents are also recorded, which cannot fail to awaken attention, and excite solicitude. In cident, anecdote, and narrative, will frequently cover a multitude of poetical and literary sins. Of the six books of which this poem consists, four are written in blank verse, and two in rhyme; but why this singular diversity was adopted, we are not less at a loss to comprehend, than we are to discover the improvement which the change has made. In the former parts, the composition is not without its resemblance, in many striking instances, to that of Thomson's Seasons, decorated with the machinery which gives beauty to Paradise Lost. The author, however, will pardon us when we say, we do not mean to intimate that he has explored the mines of philosophy so profoundly as the former, nor introduced the celestial intelligences with so good a grace as he who pursued "things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme." The work, however, displays a vigorous effort of an enlightened mind, and a pleasing susceptibility of the harmony of numbers. The language is nervous and appropriate, without rising into affectation, or descending to vulgarity. Several of the notes evince an acquaintance with the history and morals of antiquity; and the scriptural allusions which are made throughout, carry conviction to every mind, that the author considers Sunday Schools as auxiliaries to the preaching of the gospel; as means to lead the youthful mind from vice to virtue, from iniquity to God. immoderate length. Its substance may be told in very few words. In the year 1753, when a bill for the naturalization of the Jews was introduced into Parliament, the measure being unpopular, this unhappy people were exposed to a storm of persecution. An aged Rabbi, suspected of being a spy, became particularly the object of infuriated vengeance; and to escape destruction, he removed, with his grandson, to a part of the country in which he hoped to find greater security. The lad, on his journey, having parted from his grandfather, fell in with an humane Irishman, who, having learnt his tale, accompanied him to the place where they had appointed to meet. On reaching the spot, they found the venerable Rabbi surrounded by a rabble, who were assailing him with stones. The lad ran to his assistance, and the Irishman, who was a gentleman's servant in the place, after espousing the cause of the sufferers, hastened to fetch his master, whose appearance dispersed the mob. The old man and grandson were then conducted to his house, and treated with much humanity and kindness. During their stay, several conversations took place between the old Rabbi and young Mr. Williamson, (whose father had afforded an asylum,) on the subject of the Messiah, whom the young gentleman avowed to be Christ. This is the most important part of the book. Young Williamson is just come from college, is well acquainted We had marked some passages for with the Hebrew language, is versed insertion, as specimens of the compo- in theology, manages the dispute with sition; but our limits forbid us this much dexterity, confutes the old man, indulgence. The work, into whose whose obstinacy remains invincible, hands soever it may fall, will tell its and, through his reasonings and arguown tale; and we shall be greatly sur-ments, the grandson is converted to prised if every one who peruses it Christianity. with attention, does not lay down the volume with a full conviction, that it is both his duty and his interest to give to Sunday Schools all the assistance in his power. REVIEW.-The History and Conversion of the Jewish Boy, 8vo. pp. 127. London: Hatchard, Piccadilly, 1822. THIS is a simple and unvarnished tale, not crowded with remarkable incidents, nor drawn out into an In the dialogues, to which this interview has given rise, the most formidable objections urged by the Jews against the Messiahship of Christ, are put into the mouth of the old Rabbi, and their removal and confutation follow, from the arguments of Mr. Williamson. This is a pleasall who feel interested in the controing way of introducing polemics; and versy, will find that Christianity has something more than prejudice and superstition for its support. And even where this interest is not excited, the little work, as containing a simple narrative, cannot fail to please. Humanity, compassion, and forbearance, are strongly recommended by the appearance and condition of every character that is introduced; so that while we pity the invincible obstinacy of the old man, we cannot but view with shame and detestation, the interference and clamour of a blood-thirsty Christian mob. This, on the whole, is an instructive work; and, from the probability of its being useful, we hope it will have an extensive circulation. REVIEW.-Poetical Essays. By A. J. Mason, embellished with eleven engravings on wood, executed by the author, pp. 111. London: Boys, Ludgate Hill, 1822. THE writer of these essays, we learn from a short introduction, is not an author by profession; and something of this we might have gathered from a perusal of them, if the information had not been given. An author by profession, would be very cautious in the use of such abbreviations as "T'resume," he'd stray," "T'employ," "T'attain," &c. He would also have watched the divisions of his subject, and not have united in one couplet, the end of an introduction, and the beginning of a tale, as we perceive in the following. 66 "Reflection pause, while here I pen my tale. Near Carno's height extends a verdant vale." The subjects of these essays are fifteen in number, some of which are local and transient, while others may be considered as permanent, and of universal interest. The essay on anarchy and war has some good thoughts, which are harmoniously expressed; but there are many passages which are susceptible of much amendment. An essay on peace, very naturally follows that on war; and in this desirable state of society, its various blessings are distinctly enumerated, and painted in pleasing colours. The essay on death, which is divided into two parts, is the longest, and, on the whole, better executed than the others, with an exception in favour of memory, which is a short piece, and not destitute of merit. Of the wood engravings with which this volume is decorated, our opinion is much more favourable than of the poems with which they are connected. In this, the author found himself more at home; and we are persuaded that the execution of this department of his work will not shrink from the severest scrutiny. REVIEW. An Abridgment of the Youth's Spelling and Pronouncing Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. By E. Dowson, 12mo. pp. 236. London: Booth, 32, Duke Street, Manchester Square. 1822. THE work, of which this is an abridgment, passed under our review some time in the year 1819, and our observations on its claims to public patronage, may be found in col. 459, of the Imperial Magazine, for the above year. Of the parent work, the radical principles may be found in the offspring which is now before us; and the principal distinction consists in the omission of amplified details in the latter, which accompanied the definition of terms in the former. The plan which the author adopts in this work, is, first to arrange in an alphabetical order, all verbs of one syllable, then those of two, then those of three, and finally those of four syllables, giving their meaning, and fixing their pronunciation. He then procecds with six alphabets of nouns, passing from those of one syllable, to such as include six, treating them in precisely the same manner as the verbs were treated, with regard to pronunciation and import. Adnouns or adjectives form the next class, which also are arranged according to their respective syllables under five alphabets. Adverbs also extend to five classes, the whole being defined, and the pronunciation of each word specifically given. The introductory part of this volume contains a brief analysis of Grammar; and in the concluding pages we have a list of nouns distinguished by their peculiar terminations; another of active participles, which are occasionally used as nouns; another of active participles, sometimes used us adjectives; another of passive participles, used as adjectives; another of adjectives, used instead of nouns; and, finally, some instances of nouns used as adjectives. In our former review we observed, |