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cient in dignity, in seriousness, and urbanity. They are They are too "familiar."

The way of God vindicated, in a sermon preached Lord's Day, Sept. 16, 1804, after the interment of his only child,. JONATHAN HOMER, A. B. who died of a consumption, Sept. 7, 1804, aged 21. By JONATHAN HoMER, Pastor of the first Church in Newton.

THE text selected for the affecting and melancholy occasion is in Psalm xviii. ver. 30. "As for God, his way is perfect."

The preacher first invites our "attention to the way of God in his providential government." He secondly" attempts to illustrate the perfection of this way. even when it clashes with our private views and interests." This he does by showing that the way of God "is the way of rectitude," "the way of wisdom," and "the way of goodness.' He finally improves the subject by observing that, "our knowledge of the general principles and motives of the divine government is an inestimable privilege to beings like ourselves, perpetually exposed to the piercing shafts of adversity," by "re

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commending an immediate and universal attention to this shelter," and by modestly delineating the character and worth of the departed youth.

The tenderness and sympathy excited by the circumstances of this discourse disarm criticism, and were it even less perfect would compel us" to weep with them that weep." A serious and rational piety, a heart deeply af fected with the government, and goodness of God, as well as del icate, parental affection, bleeding with secret anguish, are agreeably exhibited in this sermon, The style is plain and modest, but sufficiently elevated for the mournful and distressing occa, sion. As in most works of genius, its uniformity leaves us in doubt, which part to select as a specimen of its merits.

An appendix is attached to the sermon, containing notices of the death of young Mr. Homer from various publications in poetry and prose, with some extracts and compositions of his own, which further illustrate his amiable character. This compilation is not only calculated to do good by making the most serious impressions on the minds of youth, but is a natural expression of the parents' grief and affec tion, and tends to sooth and console their wounded hearts.

Religious Intelligence,

State of Religion in Suabia, Bavaria, and Hungary.

WE are enabled, by the favour of a Catholic (ecclesiastic) correspondent in Germany, to report, that the state of religion in the Catholic parts of that empire manifests unequivocal symptoms of improvement. The old

controversies are laid aside; practi cal religion is enforced; good mor als and useful instructions are inculcated, instead of the mere frigid forms of worship. The clergy are enjoined by a solemn proclamation

published throughout Bavaria, to take an active part in the religious instruction of youth. There are sev eral monthly publications, (one at Lintz in Upper Austria, another at Constance, in Suabia) intended to spread moderate maxims in religion: and these have contributed to explode that abominable tenet, which admits of no salvation out of the (Romish) church. A writer in one of these works has even ventured to propose, instead of the mass, which is performed in Latin, the substitution of a prayer book in German. Instead of the old catechism a new one is preparing; in which religion is earnestly recommended as a matter, aot of form, but of the heart.

In the Bavarian dominions, many religious orders, monasteries, &c. have been abolished, as corrupt and superstitious: many pilgrimages have been prohibited, and many saints' days have been abrogated. It must, at the same time, be acknowledged, that a spirit of infidelity makes rapid progress in the Catholic part of Germany. This indeed might be expected. To be offended with superstition, is not the same thing as to embrace religion: and where pure Jeligion is unknown, what other alternative has the thinking mind?

A few years ago, several Catholic divines, in the circle of Suabia, adopted a manner of preaching, which excited general attention. They most strongly enforced by doctrine and example the necessity of vital godliness, and practical religion. Their churches were crowded. Those who adhered to the old system, caused them to be cited before the tribunal of the bishop of Augsburg; where they so effectually defended themselves, as to be dismissed to their respective parishes without further harm.

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difficult: not merely by the authoriz ed arguments employed by the Catholic clergy, during six weeks previous to such conversion, in order to induce the applicant to remain a steady member of the Romish communion: but also by the terrors of imprisonment, stripes, and other violences. It is even said, that justice itself is biassed, on these occasions; and that absolutions for false evidence are not uncommon. During the last war, when a conscription took place, every art was used to enrol Protestants as soldiers, that they might perish by the sword of the enemy. Protestants are excluded from public offices. Protestant books undergo severe investigation, and few which are sound in their principles are allowed. The Catholic clergy even wished to pro hibit Protestants from going to any German university for education. Protestants who are zealous are represented as seditious: those who are quiet, are sneered at as atheists. A spirit of fanatical bigotry prevails, at which enlightened and liberal Catholics themselves are terrified. It is again become the fashion on the anniversary day of Corpus Christi to preach controversial sermoons against the Protestants. Various religious orders are revived; and the education of youth is exclusively entrusted to the Catholic clergy. Eclectic Rev.

DISTRESS IN GERMANY.

(Continued from p. 563.)

THE following intelligence has been received from the Rev. W. Kueper, German Chaplain to his Majesty, at St. James', in a letter addressed to the Rev. Mr. Steinkopff.

"STAFFORD-PLACE, Dec. 19, 1805.

"My dear Friend,

"To make you sensible of the calamities sustained by his Majesty's subjects in Hanover, I need not have recourse to minute details. It is notorious, that ever since the month of June, 1803, when Hanover was invaded by a French army, that country has been ruined, and the well-being of most of its loyal inhabitants destroyed systematically. Exor bitant contributions were raised; and

every month new taxes invented, that fell most heavily on all, even on the lowest class of the subjugated; while thousands of French conscripts, who wanted every thing, successively poured in, and were quartered in great numbers on every housekeeper, and lodger, and when clothed and fed were called away, to give room to others, that were to be provided for in the same manner. Soon the most industrious men throughout the country became unable to bear these expenses; all commerce and business being nearly stopped-the levied money being sent to France in large sums the harvests proving scanty, and the prices of every thing rising in proportion as more was wanted,made the sad effects of this public calamity to be wofully felt, especially in these communities and families, which had formerly supported themselves by their industry. In every town, and every viliage, many honest, reputable people were reduced to beggary, and almost brought to despair for want of the absolute necessaries of life. After having sold and pawned whatever they had to part with, numbers of them I know have been obliged to leave their homes, their starving wives and children; and some have fled over to England to enrol themselves as privates in his Majesty's army, amongst whom were clergymen's sons, and several other respectable persons, who had formerly followed mercantile or literary professions. It was not before things were come to this extremity that part of the French invaders, by the movements of Prussia, were obliged to withdraw, clearing away most of the cattle that had been left to the unhappy peasantry. But yet several thousands of the enemy still Occupy the fortress of Hamein, plaguing its inhabitants, destroying and pillaging the country around; and a large army of English, Russian, Prussian, and Swedish troops is now assembling: to provide for these, all the grain of the exhausted country has already been threshed out by order of government.

And

although they are no longer exposed to the points of French bayonets, yet such is now the situation of many thousands of my poor countrymen, that, I can assure you, on authentic

intelligence, they are in the greatest want of relief, and are most sorely distressed to get bread for themselves and for their children, and to be sheltered from the cold.

"My worthy friend, yours entirely, W. KUEPER." This affecting communication made a strong impression on the Committee, and in consideration of the length and severity of the sufferings of the Hanoverians, a considerable sum was appropriated to their immediate relief.

London, Jan. 17, 1806.

Since the first publication of the preceding documents, the Committee have been favoured with many liberal subscriptions, which have enabled them to afford supplies to numbers of the distressed inhabitants of the continent; and they are now greatly encouraged to persevere in their endeavours to assist the poor sufferers in various parts of Germany.

In publishing some of the following letters, the Committee, for obvious reasons, have deemed it proper not to give the authors' names. The writers are persons highly respectable, and well known to some of the Committee and it should be observ ed, that none of them will be partakers of this bounty, being themselves above want: the joy they express arises purely from the happiness they feel in being the honoured almoners of this providential relief.

:

Translation of a Letter from a respect. able Clergyman in Germany, dated December 6, 1805.

"Your letter of the 22nd of Nov. 1805, addressed to our highly re spected friend had an astonishing effect on him, and on us all. The determination of English Philanthropists to relieve those who are suffering all the calamities of war, we justly ascribe to a very gracious interposition of Divine Providence, and are fully convinced, that what they now sow, they shall more abundantly reap at the day of the great harvest, When all the blessings now implored for them, shall richly descend upon thent. We were forcibly struck with this passage: "God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye always having sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work, as

it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever." O how great is the mercy of our God and Saviour towards those who were on the very brink of destruction !

"The sum of £100 we have already received from Messrs. of

; and, in the name of so many sufferers, we beg to express our most sincere and respectful thanks to all their benefactors. At the same time we humbly pray that God, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, may impart to us that wisdom which is requisite, in order to distribute these charitable gifts in a most prudent, equitable and beneficial manner. We wish to do nothing rashly, but deliberately. Our next shall give you particulars."

Translation of a Letter from a respectable Merchant in Nuremberg, dated December 6, 1805.

"I cannot express the excess of my joy, when I received your letter of the 22nd of November, in which I read with astonishment, that One Hundred Pounds sterling have been assigned to our distribution among those Austrians, and others, who have been plunged by the war into poverty, want and distress. I felt like Peter at the miraculous draught of fishes, and was 80 overcome by the view of this providential assistance, that I could not help exclaiming, “Lord, depart from me, I am a sinful man!" I immediately went and communicated your letter to my highly respected friend

We looked at each other without knowing what to say for joy and gratitude. On my knees I will adore my God, and call upon all my fellow-christians to join me in thanks and praises to the Most High. Oh! what will be the reward of all those nobleminded and generous Christians in London, and Great Britain, who, from so great a distance, hastened to our relief. As soon as I had received the £100, I placed it in the hands of the Rev. Mr., till we can obtain from different ministers and magistrates the best information respecting those families and individuals who have suffered most severely. We will pay a due regard to good and pious people; but wherever we meet with great distress, we shall think it our Vol. II. No. 1.

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duty to administer relief. There wil be soon a meeting of a committee, at which the matter will be more fully considered; and in due time we will send you more circumstantial accounts, and letters of thanks we may receive, in order that you may see what emotions of joy and gratitude your gifts have caused."

Translation of a Letter from Heidel

berg, dated December 8, 1805. "From Messrs. — I received your very acceptable letter of the 22nd of November, the contents of which filled me with inexpressible joy. O! thank in my name those excellent friends, who have so kindly thought upon their suffering brethren in Germany. God will reward them.

"In

as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

"The plan I shall adopt in executing this most delightful commission, is as follows:In the first place, Í have this day written both to Stuttgardt and Nuremberg, in order to inform myself of the districts they intend to relieve; and by entering into a correspondence with them, I, as well as they, shall be better enabled the more equally to distribute the money committed to each of us. In the district, which falls to my lot, I will look out for some intelligent and conscientious men, with whom I may consult on the best method of affording relief, and whom I can entrust with the disposal of some part of the money. From each I shall take a receipt, keep an exact account of the whole expenditure, and finally send it over to you, for my own satisfaction, and that of the Committee."

Translation of a Letter from Stuttgardt, dated December 13, 1805.

With the most lively impressions I have just received your intelligence of the considerable present, which some English and German friends have made to such of our country. men as have suffered most severely by the calamities of war. I will call together all those Gentlemen whom you have named, with the addition of some others; the money shall be most conscientiously disposed of, and with due regard to all the particulars you mentioned, and when this

has been done, a report shall be transmited to you.

P. S. Since the above was written, I have received the remittance of £100 sterling."

Translation of a Letter from a respectable Gentleman in Suabia, dated December 14, 1805.

"In the Electorate of Wertemberg, the districts that have most suffered are those of Heidenheim, Koenigsbrunn, and Blaubeuren. As it was impossible so speedily to provide such a vast quantity of provisions as was demanded,every thing that could be found was taken away without scruple, so that the poor inhabitants had nothing left for themselves. Had the armies kept their position near Ulm but a few days longer, whole districts must have emigrated, or have been starved to death. The soldiers were not satisfied with taking all the provisions they could find, but also appropriated to themselves many other things. The tender voice of humanity seemed entirely suppressed. One whole village in our neighbourhood was entirely plundered without any act of hostility having taken place, or any offence been given, but that the inhabitants did not possess what the French soldiers required them to furnish. From the clergyman they took literally every thing but his shirt. He, among the rest, shall partake of the benefaction from England. Several other villages met with a similar fate."

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. La Trobe, dated Neville's-Court, Fetter-Lane, London, Jan. 21, 1806. "Great distress prevails in Upper Lusatia, Bohemia, and the adjacent parts, among the poorer classes of society, amongst whom are many truly

pious families, in connexion or acquaintance with our brethren. I yesterday received a letter from Herrnhut, stating the misery of the people in that neighbourhood to be very great indeed, and likely to rise still higher before the next harvest. Our brethren at Herrnhut, and elsewhere, have exerted themselves to the utmost of their power, and by their connexions have procured corn, &c. when none else could get it, and thereby have kept many poor families from perishing with hunger: but now the scarcity begins to be felt in all our settlements, and there is an almost total stagnation of all business. The poor linen manufacturers in Lusatia, Bohemia, &c. are entirely destitute of employ.

Two of our Missionaries, going to Surinam, told me, that many people had died in consequence of the unwholesomeness of the articles they were obliged to substitute for bread."

The Committee most readily resolved to employ the United Brethren, (commonly called Moravians,) to distribute a considerable portion of relief in the districts above-mentioned : By the vicinity of their residence to Moravia, the late scene of dreadful conflict and devastation, they will be enabled to penetrate the most insulated abodes of misery in those countries, and to relieve the wretched inhabitants who survived the late ter

rible contest.

A letter from the Secretary of the London Missionary Society to one of the Editors of the Panoplist, dated Feb. 1806, states, that more than 10,000?. sterling had already been collected in England for the distressed Germans,

Literary Intelligence.

LINDLEY MURRAY.

THE celebrated LINDLEY MURRAY has lately added to his long catalogue of useful publications, an En

glish Spelling Book, which if we may judge from the sentiments of the British critics, and from its sale, may be pronounced his chef d'auvre. So great is the reputation of this lit

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