Prospectus of the Third Series of the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, Being
a Continuation of the Arminian or Methodist Magazine, Originally Commenced, in
1778, by the
Rev. John Wesley,
M.A.Wesley, John
(1703–91)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
In describing the outline sections of the third series, the writer observes
that the third section 'MISCELLANEOUS ESSAYS,
CORRESPONDENCE, AND EXTRACTS', may contain,
among other things, 'Selections or original Communications in Natural History
and Philosophy' and 'Recent Voyages and Travels' (4).
The sermon, which is on the text 1 Cor. 1. 21–24, has been published
'at the request of the [Wesleyan-Methodist] conference' (19). It begins by
noting that in the PRESENT 'age of Missionary and Bible
Societies a question has been revived, Whether the knowledge of
GOD, and its happy effects, be not attainable by the mere
exercise of reason, without the aid of revelation'. Emory notes that, in the
quoted text,
St PaulPaul, Saint
(fl. 1st century)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> appeals to
historical facts to show that 'the world by wisdom knew not
GOD'. (19) Argues that 'The proper province of reason and
science is in the service of revelation' (19–20). In this province
they are both 'honourable and useful', but when they 'aspire to the ascendancy'
and seek to 'supersede the necessity of revelation,—God takes care to
humble their pretension, and to pour confusion on their pride'. Divides the
subject of the sermon into two parts: 'The insufficiency of human wisdom for
the purpose of saving knowledge' and '[t]he means by which it pleases
GOD to enlighten and save the world'. (20) Endeavours to place
the subject in a practical light. Contrasts knowledge of God before the
Christian era among the Jews and the Gentiles. Dismisses the notion that the
Jews had their exclusive knowledge of God as a result of intellectual
superiority or from innate ideas, and asserts that it came instead from divine
revelation. Points out that despite all the 'improvements' made in other
branches of knowledge 'by the study and wisdom of men, none has ever been made
in the knowledge of GOD, except by revelation of himself'. The
idea of 'creation out of nothing' came from revelation, and
'hence the eternity of matter [...] was universally held by those who were
unenlightened by revelation'. It is a truth which has the 'clearness and
certainty' of 'proper knowledge', unlike the 'imperfection and uncertainty'
characteristic of human discoveries. (22) The Jews were, like other nations,
inclined to superstitions and idolatries, from which they were only reclaimed
by divine revelation. Reviews the religious beliefs of the most accomplished
pagans of the pre-Christian era, including the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and
Romans. Pays particular attention to the views of
PlatoPlato
(428–348/7 BC)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, who 'certainly said many
excellent things of a supreme incorporeal intellect, whom he called God' (25).
Dismisses the objection that Plato and others 'concealed their real sentiments,
from fear of the fate of
SOCRATESSocrates
(469–399BC)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>'. Concludes: 'So far was
the world, by wisdom, from knowing GOD, that just where
philosophy and reasoning flourished most, just there precisely did superstition
and idolatry also most abound', and illustrates this from the case of Athens.
(26)
Quotes an extensive passage from Chateaubriand describing the physical
geography and natural history of Palestine, in confirmation of Moses'
prophecies relating to the land (Deut. 28. 23, 24 and 29. 22–25).
Observes: 'The most minute, as well as the most magnificent of the objects
of creation, exhibit to the contemplative mind evident proofs of the wisdom and
goodness of their almighty Author. This has been strikingly illustrated
occasionally, in those articles of the
Methodist MagazineArminian Magazine
(1778–97)
Methodist Magazine
(1798–21)
Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine
(1822–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> which display
the works of GOD' (37). Wishes a more enlarged view could be
given of divine design, and elaborates on the great extent of the vegetable
kingdom, citing
Alexander
von Humboldt'sHumboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm
Heinrich Alexander von)
(1769–1859)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> estimates of the numbers of known plant species and
their geographical location.
Mawe 1812Mawe, John 1812.
Travels in the Interior of Brazil: Particulary in the Gold and Diamond
Districts of that Country, by Authority of the Prince Regent of Portugal,
Including a Voyage to the Rio de le Plata, and an Historical Sketch of the
Revolution of Buenos Ayres, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and
Brown
CloseView the register entry >>
Christianity, Political Economy, Disease, Immorality, Medical
Treatment, Adulteration, Astronomy, Theology of Nature, Politics, Nomenclature,
Astrology, Population
Publications cited:
Chalmers 1817Chalmers,
Thomas 1817. A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation,
Viewed in Connection with the Modern Astronomy, Glasgow: John Smith and
Son; Edinburgh: William Whyte; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
[and 4 others]
CloseView the register entry >>
Asserts that Christianity has 'complete moral efficacy' to 'correct the most
corrupt state of society'. Given that there are Christian countries of long
standing where serious social ills exist, concludes that the remedy has been
'adulterated' and improperly applied in some instances. Nevertheless considers
that the genuine remedy 'is not lost, as appears from many sufficiently
attested cases of relief or cure; and if moral disease still rages, and, in
certain districts, spreads its most concentrated contagion [...] the fair
inference is, that such districts have been too much neglected by those in
whose hands this powerful panacea has been deposited'. Observes that a
'more extensive application' of the treatment is the pressing issue to which
Thomas
Chalmers'sChalmers, Thomas
(1780–1847)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns is
addressed. (40) Discusses the alleged causes of the degenerate state of urban
populations and attributes it instead to 'the non-application of
Christianity' (42). Argues that 'Moral and political evils are inseparably
involved', and that statesmen and political economists need to understand the
character of 'genuine Christianity'. Claims that, '[b]y a silent operation, and
by methods undignified by the technicality of science, it [...] infallibly
works out, wherever it prevails, all the ends of good government, and all the
results of the science of political economy'. The reviewer does not mean to
suggest that political economy 'is useless', since it 'may direct efforts,
where it cannot create the principle from which they must spring', but it is
'mere intellectual play, without the operating and corrective influence of
religion'. (43) It would be like applying the principle of astrology (were that
principle shown to be valid) while ignoring the influence of the most recently
discovered planets; the projects of the 'Economist' are affected by 'moral
counteractions' which can only be controlled by religion (43–44).
Exemplifies this from the poor laws, which encourage 'the spirit of dependence,
improvidence, and pauperism', a moral evil 'which cannot submit to a scientific
or political cure'. (44) An extract from the book under review suggests that
Christianization can have the desired effect without Christian workers knowing
about it: 'as well may the inventor of a philosophical apparatus disown the aid
of those artizans, who, in utter ignorance of its use, only know how to prepare
and put together its materials, as may the [...] speculator in the walks of
civil economy disown the aid of those christian labourers, who, in utter
ignorance of the new doctrine of population', only know how to lead others to
Christian virtue. The reviewer suggests that Christians should look to the
'deep and divine philosophy, of Religion' rather than so much to 'human laws
and science'. (45) Observes that these truths have been well expressed by
Chalmers, and concludes that the 'practical and stirring nature' of the work
'renders it one of the most important works which has, for many years, issued
from the press' (46).
In an age when 'so many attempts are made to corrupt the minds of the rising
generation, through the means of elementary books of instruction', the reviewer
is pleased to be able to recommend Time's Telescope as 'an attractive
work, which is entirely free from the taint of bad principles'
(46–47).
Christian Retrospect of General Occurrences Interesting to those who Fear
God, on Account of their Influence on Religion, or on Public Morals and
Happiness
Describes the recent prevalence 'in Spain, and some other parts of Europe'
of a 'malignant Epidemic, which has defied the power of medical skill, and
depopulated whole districts'. Observes: 'It is by such interpositions as these,
that the terrible majesty of GOD is made manifest to those who
have offended him, and that the inhabitants of the world are called "to
learn righteousness"'. (49)
Welcomes the scientific education of mechanics as a boon to British
industry, and for its possible 'moral effect' by 'substituting intellectual for
low and sensual enjoyments'. Considers religion the 'principal thing' for moral
purposes, but suggests that 'auxiliary plans are not, in their place, to be
despised'.
The second part of the sermon focuses on 'The means by which it pleases
GOD to enlighten and save the world' (83), but continues to
make reference to the inadequacy of human reason for religious knowledge.
Observes that the Bible is 'in many respects, a learned book', and that 'to be
acquainted with its learning, is not only desirable and ornamental, but highly
useful'. Observes that learning is required to understand its 'natural history,
its philosophy, its astronomy, and all those incidental branches of science
which tend either to solve its difficulties, or to elucidate its history'.
However, such learning is unnecessary to understand the gospel. Draws an
analogy between the gospel and the natural world: 'The earth on which we
tread,—the waters which encompass it,—the sun, the moon, and stars,
which sine above us, and shed their rays around us,—all these have
mysteries and glories to exercise the utmost learning. But, thanks be to God,
this is not essential to the enjoyment of their substantial benefits'. (86)
Ireland 1816Ireland, W. M.
1816. 'Some Account of the External Changes Which Take Place in the Surinam
Frog (Rana paradoxa, Linn.), From its Earlier Stages Till it Becomes a
Perfect Animal', Quarterly Journal of Science, 1, 55–59
CloseView the register entry >>
Political Economy, Christianity, Education, Morality,
Reading
Agrees with
Thomas
ChalmersChalmers, Thomas
(1780–1847)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> in valuing the parish system and in considering it
applicable to the new urban areas. Extracts lengthy quotations concerning the
inadequacy of current attempts to introduce Christian virtue to 'the ignorant
and vicious poor in large towns' (105) and concerning the more 'agressive
movement' that is required, particularly relating to the use of Sunday schools
(106). Discusses the need for education to be suffused with religious
instruction and contrasts the situations in England and Scotland in this
regard.
Brewster 1821Brewster,
David 1821. 'Observations on Vision Through Coloured Glasses, and on
their Application to Telescopes, and to Microscopes of Great Magnitude',
Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, 6, 102–07
CloseView the register entry >>
Kotzebue 1821Kotzebue, Otto
von 1821. A Voyage of Discovery, into the South Sea and Beering's
Straits, for the Purpose of Exploring a North-East Passage: Undertaken in the
Years 1815-1818, at the Expense of His Highness the Chancellor of the Empire,
Count Romanzoff, in the Ship Rurick, under the Command of the Lieutenant in the
Russian Imperial Navy, Otto von Kotzebue, 3 vols, London: Longman, Hurst,
Rees, Orme, and Brown
CloseView the register entry >>
Seeks to answer
Joseph
Priestley'sPriestley, Joseph
(1733–1804)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> philosophical objections to the doctrine of the divinity
of Christ by pointing out that Priestley himself concedes that some of the
doctrines he endorses are similarly 'incomprehensible by reason' (161).
Christianity, Publishing, Medical Treatment, Electricity
In the letter, Wesley defends himself from various criticisms. In response
to charges that he assumed too much in writing on 'Philosophy and Physic' and
that he was meddling with these subjects, he observes that he published his
Primitive Physic[Wesley, John]
1747. Primitive Physick; or, An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most
Diseases, London: Thomas Trye
CloseView the register entry >> and
Electricity Made Plain and
UsefulWesley, John
1760. The Desideratum; or, Electricity Made Plain and Useful by a Lover of
Mankind, and of Common Sense, London: W. Flexney [and 5 others]
CloseView the register entry >> with the intention of doing 'as much good as I can' (171).
Political Economy, Christianity, Scientific Practitioners
Discusses further the principle espoused by
Thomas
ChalmersChalmers, Thomas
(1780–1847)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> of 'locality' (i.e. the development of local systems
of Christian mission), applying it to the Wesleyan-Methodist Church. Approves
of Chalmers's advocacy of the use of lay people in Christian missions, quoting
at length from his defence of the practice. Chalmers champions the practice of
training clergy in 'the general literature of the times', so that 'some of them
shall attain an eminence of authority and respect in the other sciences' (175).
This is necessary so that Christianity should have its defenders 'in every
quarter of human society; and there should be among them such a distribution of
weapons, as may be adapted to all the varieties of that extended combat, which
is ever going on between the church and the world' (175–76). Argues that
while such learning is necessary to uphold Christianity among the well-educated
and powerful, it is not generally necessary for purposes of mission among the
poor.
Observes that it is only recently that people in 'this christian and
inquisitive country' (177) have become fully aware of the moral and general
wretchedness of the idolatrous nations. This disclosure has been made by
missionaries, rather than by military men, merchants, or 'philosophers, who,
though they have enriched science by their researches among the peculiar
natural productions and phenomena of those distant regions, or more accurately
fixed their geographical limits, or opened new fields for literary industry,
have left matters of religion either untouched, or very superficially noticed'.
While missionaries have contributed much to 'useful and curious knowledge',
they have contributed more to 'the knowledge which to christian philanthropy is
in the highest degree interesting'. (178)
Christian Retrospect of General Occurrences Interesting to those who Fear
God, on Account of their Influence on Religion, or on Public Morals and
Happiness. No. III.—Meeting of
Parliament.—Ireland.—Agriculture
Arguing for a more Christian response to such 'public calamities' as the
current agricultural distress, observes: 'We have read somewhere, that
DR.
FRANKLINFranklin, Benjamin
(1706–90)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, a man not over strict in his
religious opinions, advocated the opening of the sittings of the American
Congress with prayer to GOD' (183).
Argues that Joshua's injunction that the sun should stand still is not to be
understood in 'philosophical' terms, and that it 'referred merely to the
appearance of the scene'. Also argues that a miracle was certainly
wrought, and that it was probably 'effected by means of a cessation of the
earth's motion on its axis'. (233)
Belzoni 1821, p. 146Belzoni, Giovanni
Battista 1821. Narrative of the Operations and Recent Discoveries
within the Pyramids, Temples, Tombs, and Excavations, in Egypt and Nubia and of
a Journey to the Coast of the Red Sea, in Search of the Ancient Berenice and
Another to the Oasis of Jupiter Ammon, 2nd edn, 2 vols, London: John
Murray
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Ethnography, Biblical Authority
Uses the extract to confirm the biblical account of Ishmael's
descendents.
Account of the Opobalsamum, or Balsam-Tree, of Judea. (From
BUCKINGHAM'S 'Travels in Palestine, through the Countries of
Gilead and Bashan'. 4to. Lond. 1821)
Buckingham 1821Buckingham, James
Silk 1821. Travels in Palestine, through the Countries of Bashan
and Gilead, East of the River Jordan: Including a Visit to the Cities of Geraza
and Gamala, in the Decapolis, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and
Brown
CloseView the register entry >>
Compares
Thomas
Chalmers'sChalmers, Thomas
(1780–1847)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> views on lay ministry, as detailed in the previous part
of the review, to those of
John WesleyWesley, John
(1703–91)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and
discusses the question in relation to the Church of England. Quotes lengthy
extracts from the book under review on the subject of religious establishments,
approving Chalmers's liberal attitude towards Methodism. Concludes by
recommending all 'Christian Philanthropists' to immediately purchase and
carefully study the work.
Buckland 1822Buckland,
William 1822. 'Account of an Assemblage of Fossil Teeth and Bones of
Elephant, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Bear, Tiger, and Hyæna, and Sixteen
Other Animals, Discovered in a Cave at Kirkdale, Yorkshire, in the Year 1821;
With a Comparative View of Five Similar Caverns in Various Parts of England,
and Others on the Continent', Philosophical Transactions of the Royal
Society, 112 (1822), 171–236
CloseView the register entry >>
Observes that, while we can know little of God himself, and are incompetent
judges of his works, we can still perceive them to exhibit wisdom and power.
Remarks: 'The wisdom and skill of the DEITY are not more
apparent in the works of nature, than in those of grace'. The remainder of the
article emphasizes the manner in which the perfections of God are reflected in
the 'unity of design' of the Bible. (301)
Belzoni 1821Belzoni, Giovanni
Battista 1821. Narrative of the Operations and Recent Discoveries
within the Pyramids, Temples, Tombs, and Excavations, in Egypt and Nubia and of
a Journey to the Coast of the Red Sea, in Search of the Ancient Berenice and
Another to the Oasis of Jupiter Ammon, 2nd edn, 2 vols, London: John
Murray
CloseView the register entry >>
Townsend 1821Townsend,
George 1821. The Old Testament Arranged in Historical &
Chronological Order: (on the Basis of Lightfoot's Chronicle,) in Such Manner,
that the Books, Chapters, Psalms, Prophecies, &c. may be Read as One
Connected History, in the Words of the Authorized Translation. With Copious
Indexes, 2 vols, London: F.C. & J. Rivington
CloseView the register entry >>
Quotes a passage justifying the book as an aid to the serious study of the
Bible: '"The visible world," he remarks with equal truth and piety, "so
magnificent and so beautiful, is a temple worthy of GOD the
CREATOR: the spiritual world, described in the pages of
Scriptures, is a temple equally worthy of GOD the
REDEEMER. Both equally demonstrate the mercy and the love of
the same all-wise Providence to the bodies and the souls of men. [... I]f the
researches of science to promote the happiness of the body, or to illustrate
the laws and the harmony of the universe, are regarded with favour, in such a
manner it is trusted the present attempt will be received, which is intended to
promote the happiness of the soul, and to elucidate the great scheme of
ALMIGHTY GOD in the moral government of the
world"' (314–15). Further quotations stress the book's value for the
learned and unlearned alike. A quotation discussing the continued outworkings
of divine providence continues: 'HE rules over the least as
well as the greatest events; and as the beauty of a flower, and the mechanism
of an insect, declare the universality of his Providence as a loudly and as
plainly as the sun in the heavens, or the moon walking in her brightness; so
does the declaration of his own immutable Scripture, that not a sparrow falls
unpermitted to the ground, convince the Christian who views the stupendous
events recorded in his Bible, that he too is not and cannot be unnoticed nor
neglected in the government of the universe' (316).
Christian Retrospect of General Occurrences Interesting to those who Fear
God, on Account of Their Influence on Religion, or on Public Morals and
Happiness. No. V.—Applications to the Lord Chancellor Respecting Lord
Byron's 'Cain' and Lawrence's 'Lectures'.—Guilt of Being Accessory to the
Circulation of Mischievous Books
Applauds the decision of the Lord Chancellor (John Scott (1st Earl of Eldon)Scott, John, 1st Earl of Eldon
(1751–1838)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>) to refuse
copyright protection to
George G N, 6th Baron
Byron'sByron, George Gordon Noel, 6th
Baron
(1788–1824)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>CainByron,
George Gordon Noel, 6th Baron 1822. Cain: A Mystery, London:
printed for the booksellers
CloseView the register entry >> and
William
Lawrence'sLawrence, Sir William, 1st Baronet
(1783–1867)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>Lectures on Physiology,
Zoology, and the Natural History of ManLawrence,
William 1819. Lectures on Physiology, Zoology, and the Natural
History of Man, Delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons by W. Lawrence,
London: J. Callow
CloseView the register entry >>, on the grounds that they
contained attacks on the Bible. Welcomes the fact that 'not merely the inferior
offenders have been visited, but that the great culprits, those who make taste
and science the media through which to convey the poison, have been told
that they are making a market of vice, and that the laws of an insulted country
shall not be employed in their favour'. Argues that the issue is not one of
'freedom of discussion' since poetry and lectures for medical students are not
the proper place for theological investigation, and the 'introduction of
infidel principles' in such cases is 'gratuitous'. (318) Observes that the
'reading and studious youth of our country, are the class of persons most
endangered by these publications', and urges: 'The sin of reading bad books
ought to be pointed out by Minister, and their circulation as much as possible
prevented by Parents, Guardians, and the Managers of Public Libraries'.
Discusses this point at some length, and observes: 'Books are put within the
reach of females, which it is a stain upon their virtue to say they have read,
and an insult to them to inquire whether they have read through'. (319)
Buckland 1822Buckland,
William 1822. 'Account of an Assemblage of Fossil Teeth and Bones of
Elephant, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Bear, Tiger, and Hyæna, and Sixteen
Other Animals, Discovered in a Cave at Kirkdale, Yorkshire, in the Year 1821;
With a Comparative View of Five Similar Caverns in Various Parts of England,
and Others on the Continent', Philosophical Transactions of the Royal
Society, 112 (1822), 171–236
CloseView the register entry >>
Observes that 'Many friends' have 'expressed their satisfaction' with the
account given of the paper in the previous number, and provides an abstract of
the remainder of the paper.
The extract is introduced by an editorial note stating that it is reprinted
'contrary to our usual rule' from 'a respectable contemporary Publication'. The
editor continues: 'We should be glad, if some of our scientific readers would
oblige us by occasional communications of the same class, adapted for popular
use'. The extract promises to 'select a few of the most prominent features in
Chemistry, which are proofs of the existence and providence of the
DEITY, and which have been omitted to be mentioned, or are
only slightly touched upon, by
DR.
PALEYPaley, William
(1743–1805)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and other writers on Natural
Theology'. (370) The instances given include the adaptation of the composition
of air for the purposes of respiration, the adaptation of the density of air
for various purposes, the role of plants in renovating the atmosphere, and the
anomalous expansion of water on freezing.
Campbell 1822Campbell,
John 1822. Travels in South Africa, Undertaken at the Request of
the London Missionary Society: Being a Narrative of a Second Journey in the
Interior of that Country, 2 vols, London: Francis Westley
CloseView the register entry >>
Publications noticed:
Jamieson 1822Jamieson,
Alexander 1822. A Celestial Atlas: Comprising a Systematic
Display of the Heavens in a Series of Thirty Maps: Illustrated by Scientific
Descriptions of their Contents, and Accompanied by Catalogues of the Stars and
Astronomical Exercises, London: G. & W. B. Whittaker
CloseView the register entry >>
In reviewing
John Campbell'sCampbell, John
(1766–1840)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>Travels in South Africa observes: 'We have heard these Travels
complained of as meagre and uninteresting. To those who take them up in hope of
receiving information on Natural History and Science, they are so; but these
were not the objects of the Traveller.' Considers the author has done what he
was sent to do, outlining 'The country, the habits of the people, the moral and
political state of the Tribes visited, their superstitions, and, above all, the
necessity which exists of sending them the Gospel, and the encouragements and
difficulties of Missionary enterprise'. Concludes: 'Read with Missionary views
and feelings, the work is very instructive and interesting'. (383)
Theology of Nature, Natural Theology, Biblical Authority
Observes: 'Neither the works of Creation, nor the dispensations of
Providence, nor the corruscations of the fiery law, could furnish man with
clear, consistent, and harmonious views of the divine perfections. It is only
in the face of CHRIST Crucified that we behold the full
splendour of the divine glory' (429). Notes that neither people nor angels have
perfect knowledge of God. Reflecting that some 'mere sciolists in knowledge'
reject the Bible because there are mysteries in it, avers: 'Were there no
mysteries in the Bible, it could not have come from God, for mysteries abound
in all his works. We can find out neither Him nor any of his works to
perfection' (432).
Piety, Philosophical Psychology, Empiricism, Natural Theology,
Horticulture, Gas Chemistry, Infidelity
Observes: 'It is a matter of wonder, as a powerful writer of the present day
has observed, that every idea that rises in our minds should not excite, as its
secondary impression, a recollection of the presence of GOD.
[...] The ennobling, the awful, and yet delightful idea of the Great Cause of
our being and felicity would doubtless be suggested to our minds by every thing
around us, and within us, were man now in the perfection in which he was first
created'. Describes the devotional frame of mind as a plant which, with 'all
the disadvantages of climate' can be 'raised by the grace of
GOD to considerable maturity'. Declares: 'The spirit of
devotion, like a flame that receives unseen supplies, may burn with unusual
brightness even in a damp atmosphere'. (436) Argues that true devotion consists
in breathing 'back again those heavenly and holy purposes which the
DIVINE SPIRIT has inspired'. Contrasts it
with the 'sentimental adoration of Deism, or even of philosophical
Christianity'. (437)
Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious, With
Occasional Characteristic Notices
Anon
Genre:
Regular Feature, Literary Notice
Publications noticed:
Taylor 1822Taylor, Isaac
1822. Elements of Thought; or, First Lessons in the Knowledge of the Mind:
Including Familiar Explanations of the Terms Employed on Subjects Relating to
the Intellectual Powers, London: B. J. Holdsworth
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Philosophical Psychology
Section: Missionary Notices, Relating Principally to the Foreign Missions
Carried on Under the Direction of the Methodist Conference
A extracted report of the proceedings of the
Evangelical Missionary Society of BaselEvangelical Missionary Society of Basel
CloseView the register entry >> details its
efforts in founding an institution 'for the education of pious young men to the
work of evangelizing the heathen' (476). Relates: 'Our Directors have found, by
experience, that the minds of pious youths, who devote themselves to the study
of the sciences, frequently lose the fervour of devotion in proportion as the
understanding becomes enlightened (476–77). Considering this to be due to
the manner in which the studies are conducted, they have adopted 'a method of
theological instruction, by which the mind is not only informed, but the heart
and the affections are also engaged' (477).
Describes the cultivation of hundreds of plants from three grains of wheat,
by means of off-sets. Avers that, had it not been for the destruction of some
of the crop by various causes, the result of the experiment would 'have
astonished the most scientific agriculturists in Europe' (574).
Townley 1821Townley, James
1821. Illustrations of Biblical Literature: Exhibiting the History and Fate
of the Sacred Writings, from the Earliest Period to the Present Century;
Including Biographical Notices of Translators, and Other Eminent Biblical
Scholars, 3 vols, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
CloseView the register entry >>
Describes the difficulties experienced by
Martin LutherLuther, Martin
(1483–1546)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> in
identifying precious stones, animals, and anatomical structures mentioned in
the Bible. Luther had recourse through
Georg SpalatinSpalatin, Georg (also Burckart, Burkard, Burkhard)
(1482–1545)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>
to the collection of gems of
Elector
Friedrich IIIFriedrich III, Elector of Saxony
(1463–1525)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> of Saxony, and 'employed butchers to dissect
different animals, at his own house, that by examining their different
parts, he might accurately express the sacrificial terms' (579).
In the extract, Philip describes a mermaid exhibited at Cape Town which has
appeased his scepticism regarding the existence of such creatures. It is owned
by
Captain EadesEades, Capt (of Boston)
(fl. 1822)
WM3/1/9c/4 CloseView the register entry >> of
Boston, who is shortly to take it to London en route to America. The editor
includes the account as having 'the sanction of a highly respectable name', but
notes that the non-arrival of the mermaid in London has raised the suspicion of
an imposture having been practised on Philip (599).
Describes the tree and its many uses from first-hand experience. Concludes:
'Having given this unadorned and minute description, the reader is left to make
such reflections as the cast of his genius may suggest. One thing I may safely
say, that piety will here find a subject for astonishment and praise'
(649).
Miller 1768, Miller, Philip
1768. The Gardeners Dictionary: Containing the Best and Newest Methods of
Cultivating and Improving the Kitchen, Fruit, Flower Garden, and Nursery, as
also for Performing the Practical Parts of Agriculture; Including the
Management of Vineyards, with the Methods of Making and Preserving Wine,
According to the Present Practice of the Most Skilful Vignerons in the Several
Wine Countries in Europe, Together with Directions for Propagating and
Improving, for Real Practice and Experience, all Sorts of Timber Trees, 8th
edn, London: printed for the author
CloseView the register entry >>Philosophical
Transactions of the Royal Society, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society
(1665–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >>Letters and Papers on
AgricultureLetters and Papers on Agriculture
(1780–1829)
Journal of Bath and West of England Society for the
Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures and Commerce
(1853–1900+)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >>
The article consists of two letters, one from the author to Adam Clarke and
Clarke's reply. The author having noted that an experiment similar to Clarke's
had been carried out some years before, Clarke replies giving further details,
and suggesting that his own experiment was more impressive. He concludes that
the 'whole has the most direct tendency to show the inexhaustible power with
which God has endued the seeds of vegetables, and especially those which are of
most use to man' (650).
Parkinson 1822Parkinson,
James 1822. Introduction to the Study of Fossil Organic Remains,
Especially those Found in the British Strata, Intended to Aid the Student in
his Enquiries Respecting the Nature of Fossils and their Connexion with the
Formation of the Earth, London: printed for the author
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Scientific Practitioners, Status, Christianity
The appearance of a fourth edition of
Olinthus G
Gregory'sGregory, Olinthus Gilbert
(1774–1841)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>Letters to a Friend is described as affording 'an
additional proof of the service which learned Laymen may render to the
interests of Christianity, by employing their pens in its defence, and by
consecrating the influence of their names and character, as men of science, to
the best of causes' (658).
The writer urges that 'in most cases, where the Physician is admitted to
administer relief to the afflicted body, the faithful Pastor should not be
refused the pleasure of administering divine consolation to the immortal mind.
He, at least, should not be put off with, "The medical attendant has
said, that the patient must not be disturbed"' (699).
An editorial note introduces the article as having been 'received from a
Gentleman of high rank, now resident at Berlin' (719). The translated extract
describes the medical cases and their treatment, based on the practice of a
peasant. The original extract was itself based on an account which appeared in
the
Vermischte
Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiets der HeilkundeVermischte Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiets der Heilkunde von einer
Gesellschaft pract Aertze zu S. Petersburg
(1821–54)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> in 1821.
Jowett 1822Jowett,
William 1822. Christian Researches in the Mediterranean, from
MDCCCXV. to MDCCCXX. in Furtherance of the Objects of the Church Missionary
Society: With an Appendix, Containing the Journal of the Rev. James Connor,
Chiefly in Syria and Palestine, London: L. B. Seeley, and J. Hatchard &
Son
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Public Health, Epidemiology
Jowett describes a visit to a Coptic Church in Alexandria and reports that
incense was frequently used, 'which is very necessary in such a country, where
cold damps and pestilential airs sometimes infest a church' (727).
In an extracted passage contrasting 'Heathenism and Christianity', Leifchild
observes: 'Where genius has blazed, and the arts and sciences have flourished
[...] the monuments of benevolence have been few and small'. He suggests that,
by contrast, Christianity has been a blessing 'in every point of view'. Under
its influence, people 'ventured on dangerous seas, they explored unknown
countries, they endured unheard-of privations; not to increase their knowledge;
not to bring ot light the monuments of ancient genius; not to augment to the
stores of the learned and curious; but to lessen the sum of human woe; to
recover men from the state of savages to humanity, and to
GOD.' (728)
Stewart 1803Stewart,
Dugald 1803. Account of the Life and Writings of Thomas Reid,
D.D. F.R.S.Edin.: Late Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of
Glasgow. Read at Different Meetings of the Royal Society in Edinburgh,
Edinburgh: William Creech; London: Longman and Rees
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Describes the initial opposition to Thomas Reid on his being presented to
the living of New Machar in 1737, and his ultimate popularity with his
parishioners.
Section: Missionary Notices, Relating Principally to the Foreign Missions
Carried on Under the Direction of the Methodist Conference
Reports from Colombo the prevalence of 'jungle-fever and dysentery' in the
'interior'. Relates how a few nights before, neighbouring villagers had
requested them to go and pray with them, 'hoping that GOD
might be pleased to remove from them a scourge which threatened to lay waste
the whole village'. Observes that the request 'was rather an unusual one in the
Singhalese country, the people having recourse almost invariably under such
circumstances to devil-ceremonies, and other rites of a similar description'.
(737)
One of the epitaphs relates to
Isaac NewtonNewton, Sir Isaac
(1642–1727)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, and
reads: 'Revolving Time, the Earth, the Sky, / Declare great
NEWTON cannot die! / Yet o'er this tomb thy sorrows shed: /
This stone confesses NEWTON'S dead!'.
Jowett 1822Jowett,
William 1822. Christian Researches in the Mediterranean, from
MDCCCXV. to MDCCCXX. in Furtherance of the Objects of the Church Missionary
Society: With an Appendix, Containing the Journal of the Rev. James Connor,
Chiefly in Syria and Palestine, London: L. B. Seeley, and J. Hatchard &
Son
CloseView the register entry >>
Jowett 1822Jowett,
William 1822. Christian Researches in the Mediterranean, from
MDCCCXV. to MDCCCXX. in Furtherance of the Objects of the Church Missionary
Society: With an Appendix, Containing the Journal of the Rev. James Connor,
Chiefly in Syria and Palestine, London: L. B. Seeley, and J. Hatchard &
Son
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Public Health, Epidemiology
Jowett describes a visit to a Coptic Church in Cairo, where the crowded
congregation prompted him to consider 'how inevitable contagion would be in
such a situation, if the plague were in Caïro' (787).
Reply to the Remarks of a Correspondent, On a Passage Respecting the
Proper Management of Sunday-Schools, Which Appeared in Our Review of
"CHALMERS on Civic Economy"
The report concerns the survival of bees after prolonged immersion in honey
and boiling. The afterword observes: 'Surely, "the Bible of Nature," to borrow
the somewhat insidious expression of an Arch-infidel, must be allowed to have
its mysteries, as inexplicable by us as any that are contained in the Bible of
Revelation'. Quotes observations on the above report from 'a late number of a
publication notorious for its sneers at Christianity', which states: '"Such a
miraculous suspension of the faculties of life baffles our philosophy, and
leaves us only to admire that hidden economy of nature, in her most minute
productions, which we must despair ever to understand"'.
Relates: 'As the nearer the iron approaches to the magnet, the more rapidly
it moves towards a contact with it, so the nearer the dire disease brought her
to her exit from earth, the more swift was her soul's approximation to Him who
is the centre and source of bliss: and as the more strongly the steel is
impregnated with the magnetic virtue, the more powerfully will it be inclined
to attract other metal, and communicate its own quality; so her spirit,
ripening for eternity, longed to be the instrument of communicating a measure
of its happiness to all around her' (816).