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A Selection of Hymns, including a great number of Originals. By John Rippon, D. D. The Twenty-seventh Edition with about 150 additional hymns, and the names of the Tunes adapted to most of them. Sold by the Author, No. 17, New Kent Road, and by Wightman and Co.

A New Selection of Hymns, especially | it, is not very wonderful; but we conadapted to Public Worship, and intend- fess that, after 66 a careful examination ed as a Supplement to Dr. Watts's of its contents," we differ from them Psalms and Hymns. Wightman and widely in our opinion of its character. Still, however, we should not have attempted to disturb the self-complacency of these gentlemen, who compose “the” self-appointed "Committee," had they not seemed (we do not say they designed) to convey an invidons comparison, by the remarks we have quoted, between their Selection and that of Dr. Rippon; and had they not apparently intended to rival, and if possible to supersede, the admirable hymn-book which for many years has been so generally used in the Baptist churches.

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"THE New Selection of Hymns" introduced to the notice of our churches by a modest preface, in which the Editors state, that "the greater number of the hymns have been selected from Doddridge, Steele, Beddome, Cowper, Newton, and others." It appears, too, that more than two hundred and sixty of them are found in Dr. Rippon's Selection! Mr. Montgomery has allowed them to insert some of his published compositions; and in addition, they are selected from Kirke White, Bishop Heber, Mrs. Barbauld! Dryden! Sternhold and Hopkins, and Tate and Brady: there are also a few original hymns, of various degrees of poetical merit; those which are anonymous are of a very humble rank. It is, indeed, on very slight pretensions, that the title-page proclaims, "Behold this is new!"

The Editors say, "If they have not succeeded to the extent of their wishes, they yet hope that this collection will be found to contain less that is objectionable, and more that a correct judgment will approve, than almost any other hymn-book yet published." And again, "We believe that a careful examination of its contents will justify us when we say, that it will be found equal, if not superior, to any collection of hymns now in general use. †"

That the Editors who have compiled this New Selection "especially adapted for the churches of the Baptist denomination," should have a high opinion of

* There is a singular discrepancy in the title-page and the running title; in the former the indefinite, and in the latter the definite article is employed.

+ Circular Letter.

Now, so far are we from considering the new Selection to be superior, that we do not hesitate in declaring it as our firm and impartial conviction, that it is inferior, very inferior, to its predecessor. So strong is our feeling on this subject, that we should certainly consider it as a matter for lamentation, should any of our congregations adopt it instead of that which has obtained such high approbation, and which we understand has been purchased in this country to the amount of more than two hundred thousand copies; to say nothing of the numerous American editions.

It will be expected we should produce proof of our opinion as to the inferiority. of this hymn-book to that of Dr. Rippon. We say nothing of its comparative merit in regard to "the combination of harmonious versification with correct sentiment and devotional feeling;" nor of its having fewer hymns; nor of its possessing a far less variety of subjects on many topics of peculiar interestsuch as, "On the Choice of Deacons," "On a Birth-day," "On a Marriage? day," &c. &c. But our grand reason is, that in this new Selection, many most important doctrinal topics are not distinctly introduced; we do not say, which it should seem have been carefully excluded. In the Index to Dr. Rippon's Selection, we find the terms

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Effectual Calling," "Moral and Ceremonial Law," 'Justification," and other important doctrines, but the new Selection has no notice of those subjects!

Being, as we deem, sound Calvinists, we mote the circulation of a book, when cordially approve of the succinct and con- by so doing we might contribute tocise declaration oftheir sentiments which wards, in any degree, excluding such our forefathers made in 1688, in which important subjects as those above enuthey represent themselves as "holding merated from our sacred and social the doctrines of Personal Election and psalmody. Final Perseverance," &c. These topics Since writing the above remarks, we are but sparingly introduced. As old- find that Dr. Rippon has published a fashioned Trinitarians, also, we are not new edition, the twenty-seventh, of satisfied: the Doxologies, compared with his Selection of Hymns. In this will be Dr. Rippon's, are poor indeed. "The found, without any advance of price, about old is better." one hundred and fifty additional hymns, In order to ascertain by an easy pro- original and selected, interspersed so cess the comparative excellences of the that the order of the hymns and pages is two volumes, let any person compare not disturbed.-Many of these consist of the index of each as to the titles of the Doxologies (ascriptions of praise to all hymns, and the Scriptures on which the Persons in the Trinity), in various they are founded. We really wonder, metres. To prevent the necessity of purconsidering the wide and extensive field chasing the new editions for the sake of of poetry which the Editors might have obtaining the new hymns, Dr. R. has pubtraversed, and as with no very spar- lished them in a separate volume, amounting hand too they have plucked from ing to about one hundred pages of lettertheir neighbour's garden, that they have press: these are sold by all the booknot produced a far better and much sellers. less exceptionable work. Even admitting the editions to be rather cheaper than those of Dr. Rippon, (and paper as well as labour are cheaper than they were,) or that the profits (should there be any) will be bestowed on the poor, we cannot by any means give our influence to recommend, and thereby pro- the Baptist congregations.

We do not hesitate in saying, that the present edition, containing 800 hymns, is so superior to every other Appendix to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, both as to merit and price, as to stand unrivalled; and we feel persuaded it will be for a long period, the hymn-book of

LITERARY RECORD.

New Publications.

1. Scripture Harmony; or the Bible Textuary: including a Precept, Prayer, and Promise for every day in the year. Selected and arranged in their present form, to shew the connection existing between them, and intended to be committed to memory as an auxiliary to improvement in Scriptural knowledge. pp. xii. 110. London: Longman and Co.; Birmingham: J. C. Barlow.

importance. All who wish to improve themselves in an acquaintance with the Scriptures, by an easy and interesting mode, should procure this volume.

2. Twelve Sermons on the Abrogation of the Moral Law. By the Rev. Robert Harkness, Carne.

3. Rev. G. Mutter's Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Williams of Homerton.

4. A New Edition of the Rev. Augustus Montague Toplady's Works; with Life, Portrait, and Facsimile of his Handwriting.

We can safely recommend this little book, as constructed on a good and well executed plan. It is very neatly printed, which in works of this kind is a matter of no small 6 vols. 12mo.

5. Six Sermons on Isaiah ix. 6. or Jesus and a recommendatory preface by the Rev. Christ set forth as most Wonderful in the W. Jay, of Bath. 12mo.

Constitution of his Person and Discharge of A Defence of the Scripture Doctrine rehis Offices, &c. By the Rev. William Not- specting the Second Advent of Christ, from cutt, formerly Congregational Minister at the erroneous representations of modern Ipswich. Edited by E. Davies. 12mo, 1s. 6d. Millenarians, by the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, of 6. Sermons intended for the use of Fami-Strathblane, will appear early in September. lies or to be read in Villages. By the Rev. W. Garthwaite. 1 vol. 8vo. 7s. 6d. bds.

7. The Motherless Family; or Maternal Influence displayed. By Esther Copley, (late Hewlett,) Author of "Cottage Comforts," etc. In 18mo. 1s.

8. A New and Improved Edition of Psalms and Hymns. Edited by the Rev. Thomas Willcocks.

In the Press.

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The Family Monitor; or a Help to Domestic Happiness. By the Rev. John Angell James. 12mo.

An Inquiry into the Popular Notion of an Unoriginated, Infinite and Eternal Prewhether that doctrine be supported by the science for the purpose of ascertaining Dictates of Reason and the Writings of the Old and New Testaments: with Preface containing a Dialogue between the Author and one of his readers. By the Rev. James Jones,

A Refutation of the Doctrines of the Hypostatical Union of the two Natures in Jesus To be published at the close of the preChrist, and of his Eternal Sonship, as both sent year, in two vols. 8vo. price 21s, extra those doctrines are advocated by the Rev. boards, Essays on the Principles of MoraRichard Watson, and the former by Dr.lity, and on the Private and Political Rights Adam Clarke with critical remarks on the and Obligations of Mankind. By the late most popular errors relative to the mode of Jonathan Dymond, Author of an " Inquiry the Divine existence by a Trinity in Unity; into the Accordancy of War with the Prinand a development of the true identification ciples of Christianity," &c. of the Divine Logos with human nature, as revealed in the Scriptures. In a series of Letters addressed to the President of the Wesleyan Conference. By Sam. Tucker, V.D. M.

A Disertation on the Priesthood of Christ. By the Rev. John Wilson, of Montrose.

A new edition of the Memoirs of the Life and Character of Mrs. Sarah Savage, eldest daughter of the Rev. P. Henry, A.M. with additions by J. B. Williams, Esq. F.S.A.

Fisher's Grand National Improvements, or Picturesque Beauties of the British Empire in the Nineteenth Century; commencing with Liverpool, Manchester, &c. in the department by W. H. Pyne, Esq. and others; county palatine of Lancaster. The literary the graphic, by and under the superintendence of Mr. Robert Wallis. The Drawings will be taken on the spot by Messrs. George Pyne, Charles Claud Pyne, Austin, Williamson, and other eminent Painters.

GLEANINGS.

BAPTISM BY IMMERSION, IN THE CHURCH

OF ENGLAND.

(From the Leicester Herald.) On Sunday last (Aug. 23), at St. Martin's church, in this town, Mr. John Butler, druggist, living in Wharf-street, was publicly baptized, by immersion, by the Rev. E. T. Vaughan, the vicar. The request being somewhat singular, together with the performance of the ceremony, not having, we understand, taken place for two hundred years before in that church, we are induced to give the particulars.

The candidate, Butler, it appears, is in the habit of attending the ministry of the Rev. E. T. Vaughan, at St. Martin's church; never having been baptized according to the manner of the Establishment, he has had some qualms of conscience of late on the subject, and in order to learn whether sprinkling or dipping was the proper mode, has had recourse to all the modern writers on the controversy; when he came to the conclusion that immersion was the scriptural mode of performing this "outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace," and he applied to the Rev. E. T. Vaughan to perform

the ceremony. The worthy vicar, we are informed, felt rather astonished at his request, and demanded some time to think of the subject, as the way he wished the ceremony to be performed was quite new to him. The Lord Bishop of the diocese (Lincoln) having held his visitation in this town the week before last, the worthy divine named the subject to him, who replied, that if the individual wished it, he had better perform the ceremony.

used in baptism," the Doctor says, "It was the custom of every church of Christians to require adult persons that were to be baptized, to spend some time in prayer and fasting before their entrance into that holy covenant, that they might come with greater seriousness and stedfastness of resolution to the sacrament thereof; and the church did use to fast with them and for them.

"Their general and ordinary way was to baptize by immersion, or dipping the person, whether it were an infant, or grown man or woman, into the water. This is so plain and clear by an infinite number of passages, that as we cannot but pity the

would maintain the negative of it, so also we ought to disarm and shew a dislike of the profane scoffs which some people give to the English antipædobaptists, merely for their use of dipping. 'Tis one thing to maintain that that circumstance is not absolutely necesary to the essence of baptism, and another to go about to represent it as ridiculous and foolish, or as shameful and indecent; when it was in all probability the way in which our blessed Saviour, and for certain was the most usual and ordinary way by which the ancient Christians did receive their baptism."

Accordingly, last Sunday morning, to use the words of the Rev. E. T. Vaughan, this "imposing ceremony" took place. Long before it began, the avenues leading to the font were crowded, and the church alto-weak endeavours of such pædobaptists as gether presented a fuller attendance than usual. At the conclusion of the second lesson, and while the congregation were singing Rock of Ages cleft for me," the Rev. Divine walked to the font, attended by the candidate and he sureties, where was placed a large tub, made for the purpose, about seven feet in length and three feet in height, of an oblong shape, and containing about one hundred gallons of water. The minister having read the service for the public baptism of such as are of riper years, proceeded to immerse the candidate, who, having taken off his coat, ascended three steps, which were placed at the end of the tub, got into the water, and walked to the end, when the clergyman immersed this individual who had renounced the devil and all his works." Several prayers followed, appointed for the occasion, and the "imposing ceremony" terminated. The Rev. E. T. Vaughan afterwards preached an excellent sermon on the subject, from Col. ii. 11, 12.

"Before the Christian religion was so far encouraged as to have churches built for its service, they baptized in any river, pond," &c. So Tertullian says, "It is all one whether one be crished in the sea or in a pond, in a fountain or in a river, in a standing or a running water; nor is there any difference between those that John baptized in Jordan, and those that Peter baptized in the river Tiber. But when they came to have We have been rather prolix in our state-churches, one part of the church, or place ment, owing in some measure to the singularity of the ceremony being performed in the Establishment, for which we hope our readers will pardon us. This is another proof, if proof were wanting, of the liberality of our Church.

REMARKS.

The most able writer on infant baptism of the ministers of the Established Church, was the Rev. Dr. Wall, Vicar of Shoreham in Kent. He published a thick quarto on the subject at the beginning of the last century, and received the thanks of the Convocation for his performance. A few quotations from this learned work, as to the ancient manner of baptizing by immersion in the English Church, may not be unappropriate at this time, for the information of the members of that church. In Chapter IX. Part 2. entitled, 66 Of the most ancient Rites of Baptism," for the purpose of shewing that " dipping was ordinarily

nigh the church, called the baptistery, was employed to this use, and had a cistern, font, or pond, large enough for several to go into the water, divided into two parts by a partition, one for the men, and the other for the women, for the ordinary baptisms." p. 463, second edition.

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By history, it appears that the cold climates held the custom of dipping as long as any; for England, which is one of the coldest, was one of the latest that admitted this alteration from the ordinary way. Erasmus says, With us (the Dutch) they have the water poured on 'em in England they are dipt.' This is good authority for so late as the time of Henry VIII. at which time he lived in England. And I produced before (15) a passage out of a Convocation in that king's reign, which also shews that the general custom in England then was to dip infants, and it continued so for two reigns more." p. 467.

"In England there seems to have been some priests, so early as the year 816, that

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attempted to bring in the use of baptism by popery, yet they have since received it from effusion in the public administration; for those neighbour nations as had began it in Spelman recites a canon of a Council in that the time of the Pope's power. But all year: Let the priests know, that when other Christians in the world, who never they administer holy baptism, they must owned the Pope's power, do, and ever did, not pour the water on the head of the in- dip their infants in the ordinary use." p. 477. fants; but they must always be dipt in the Speaking of the year 1661, Dr. Wall font. As the Son of God gave his own says, "It was by reason of the increase example to all believers, when he was thrice which had been of this opinion [the Bapdipt in the waters of Jordan, so it is neces-tists], that the Convocation which sat presary by order to be kept and used.'" p. 469. sently after the restoration of king Charles II. The offices or liturgies for public bap- when they made a review of the Book of tism in the church of England, did all Common Prayer, found it necessary to add along, so far as I can learn, enjoin dipping, to it an Office for the baptism of those who, without any mention of pouring or sprink- having been born in those times, had not yet ling. The Manuale ad usum Sarum, printed been baptized; whereof there were many 1530, the 21st of Henry VIII. orders thus who were now grown too old to be baptized for the public baptisms:-'Then let the as infants, and ought to make profession of priest take the child, and having asked the their own faith. They give in the preface name, baptize him by dipping him in the to the said book an account of the occasion water thrice,' &c. And John Frith, writ- which made that necessary then, thongh not ing in the year 1533 a treatise of baptism, formerly, in these words; Together with calls the outward part of it the plunging the baptism of those of riper years, which down in the water, and lifting up again; although not so necessary when the former which he often mentions, without ever men- book was compiled; yet by the growth of tioning pouring or sprinkling." p. 469. Anabaptism, through the licentiousness of the late times, crept in among us, is now become necessary.' ." Part II. p. 427.

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"What has been said of the custom of pouring or sprinkling of water in the ordinary use of baptism, is to be understood From the above quotations, it is undenionly in reference to these western parts of able that the original and universal practice Europe; for it is used ordinarily no where of the Church of England, in regard to bapelse. The Greek church, in all the branches tism, was immersion, and that what is now of it, does still use immersion; and they designated a singular ceremony," was at hardly count a child, except in case of sick-one period a common occurrence. Why, ness, well baptized without it. And so do else, should the Office for the Baptism (imall other Christians in the world except the mersion) of those persons of riper years, Latins. That, which I hinted before, is a have been provided in the church? rule that does not fail in any particular that I know of, viz. all the nations of Christians that now do, or formerly did, submit to the authority of the Bishop of Rome, do ordinarily baptize their infants by pouring or sprinkling. And though the English received not this custom till after the decay of

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will be remarkable, but not impossible, should a church distinguished for its liberality! return to its ancient use of cisterns and baptisteries; but then, we conclude, the minister as well as the candidate, will "both go down into the water."

INTELLIGENCE.

DOMESTIC.

Recent Deaths.

of his Majesty's Customs, and has left three children, whose tender ages render them unconscious of their loss.

Died on Thursday, August 28, Mrs. Sarah Young, at Stepney Green, aged 61.

She

Died on Saturday, August 23, Elizabeth was the beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Young, Maynard, the beloved wife of Mr. Isaac above mentioned, and the venerable mother Maynard, of Walworth, aged 36. She was of Mrs. Maynard. After the lapse of five the eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Young, days only, she was called to meet her ami

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