We have been surprised and delighted to observe Dr. P. speaking of the present emperor as
“Wise, energetic, and humane,” “who has begun a reform in the courts of justice;” “a man of penetration, energy, and benevolence; who has already given many pleasing proofs of his sincere desire to advance the spiritual interests of the Russian people;” “the determined courage and wise management of the young emperor,” &c.—pp. 348, 389, 392.
Surely, then, we may hope the national Bible Society will yet be restored.
The appendix contains seven sermons, as specimens of the style of preaching among the Russian clergy; and the plates, illustrative of the dress and amusements of the people, are from a collection of lithographic costumes which the author brought with him from Russia.
1. An Examination of the Practice of Infant Baptism, designed to prove that it is inconsistent with the Principles of the New Testament: respectfully proposed for the consideration of all those who are desirous of a Scriptural Reformation of the Church; and who are prepared to follow Truth wherever it may lead. By a Member of the Church of England. pp. 123.—Hatchard.
2. A Sermon on the Nature and Subjects of Christian Baptism. By Adoniram Judson, D.D., Burmah, p. 84.—Wightman.
Before assent is yielded to the result of any “examination,” it is important, besides cautiously considering the nature and amount of evidence which has been adduced in its favour, to reflect on the relative position which, as it respects the particular subject of investigation, the examiner has occupied in pursuing the object of his inquiry, and in relation to which he has now arrived to a conclusion he is anxious—on account (as he believes) of its accordance with divine truth—should influence the conduct of others. If it be undoubted that his education, his tastes, his connexions, and even his prejudices, were all on the side of that conviction which he professes to have derived from patient and persevering research, it seems not unreasonable to require a copiousness and strength of argument, in its support, which, were all the circumstances affecting his relation to it decidedly unfavourable, would, perhaps, scarcely be deemed necessary.
When, however, we witness the comparatively rare occurrence of an individual, surrounded with almost every description of temptation to stifle conviction, and, by his silence at least, to perpetuate a corruption in the Christian church, which for ages has been protected by legislative authority, popular favour, and implicit faith, not only nobly triumphing over every inducement to compromise the interests of truth by refusing to surrender himself to its acknowledged claims, but venturing forth, and assailing error in its most splendid fastness, and pursuing it to its final retreat; and that to, by the employment of arguments whose overwhelming force is partly derived from the peculiar suavity with which they are urged, we are unable to resist such an occasion for exclaiming, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.”