The Sinfulness of withholding Corn. A Sermon preached at Great Ouleborne,

on Sunday, March 26, 1890. By the Rev. Samuel Clapham, M. A. Vicar of Great Ouseborne, near Knaresbro'. Humbly recommended to the Nobility and Gentry to distribute

among

their tenants. Threepence ; or Twelve for Half-a-Crown. 12mo. Pp. 24. Rivingtons, London.

1800. NOTHING has occurred since the publication of this discourse materially to affect the so much agitated question of scarcity, if we except the intermediate circunstances of an average (if not an abundant) harvest seasonably reaped, and well got in; and large continued importations ;* circumstances not tending in any measure, we may imagine, to alter the opinion of those who, six months ago, considered the distress which we labour under from the high price of bread, as a consequence of monopoly and extortion rather than an effect of absolute deficiency.

Whether a scarcity do really exist, and to what extent, the proceeding in parliament will shortly, we hope, be enabled to determine ; and pending the investigation of this momentous question, the general agitation of it must in delicacy be permitted to rest till the result be properly cominunicated to the public, On the other hand, that unwarrantable advantages are taken of the times; that there are unprincipled combinations between the fariner, the factor, and a long train of jobbers ; that a ruinous spirit of speculation is gone abroad in this necessary article of human subsistence; these are truths which cannoi be controverted. To be satisfied that these things are so, we have only to look at the upstart afluence of a certain description of men, and sufferings of the poor.

We conclude, that the author of this valuable discourse supposes his argu. ments against the sin of withholding corn to be no less seasonable at the present moment, than they were in the month of March laft. If " no very fatisfactory reason" could at that time " be assigned why the price of corn should be fo iinmoderately high, and the difficulty of obtaining it so extremely great;" this difficulty, so far from being lessened in the interim, appears to be

very much encreased. Mr. Clapham's feelings are alive to the cruel pri. vations of the lower classes of society; he eloquently pleads the cause of the poor; and if eloquence can in this instance serve their cause, by working on ihe too callous heart of the extortioner, he will not, it is to be hoped, have employed his talents in vain.

in vain. He loudly calls on the withholders of corn to reflect on the turpitude of their conduct'; he fails not to represent to them, in lively colours, the punishment denounced against the oppreffors of the poor and needy, and is urgent with them, by a dereliction of their present principles and practices, to taste the sweet satisfactions that prevail in the breasts of the charitable and compassionate. The author appears to have, in some de.

, . gree, anticipated recent proceedings and occurrences. You cannot, he says, (addresling himself to the criminal objects of his censures and admonitions) is you cannot be ignorant that it is now the general wilh ; you cannot be without apprehenfion, that there will soon, should one artificial scarcity so

* Our readers will perceive that this article was written some months ago. The reasons for with-holding it so long, and for now suffering it to appear, will we trust, be sufficiently obvious, without any explanation from us, Reve

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quickly succeed another, be a general petition of the country to the Legiflature, to interpofe its authority, and exercise its controul, in a circumStance in which the welfare of the community is fo eflentially interested. What the wisdom of the Legislature may suggest, its power can enforce. Your complaints may then be as loud against the expedience, as is the cry of the country for the necessity of the measure ; which, be it what it may, will be said to be occasioned by yourselves." P. 20. It cannot be doubted, but that the Legislature will, and that speedily, adopt such expedients as are best calculated to remove the causes of our sufferings. " If, as is the prevailing idea, two causes combine ; a partial' scarcity, and a general dispolition to withhold from the market, the quantity necessary for a limited cone fumption ;" the correction of the abuse will we trust put a stop to the iniquity of one portion of the community rioting in the very vitals of another. "Buc if actual scarcity be the main and predominant cause, “it is (in the language of our pious author) the visitation of an all-wise and righteous Providence; and however we may suffer from it, let us all devoutly say, “ It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.” P. 14.

The evil once fairly aseertained, and generally understood, we persuade ourselves tat'the religious principle and good sense of a British public will calmly acquiesce in what cannot be so effectually remedied (under God's blessing) as by Christian meekness, and submission ; active endeavours to merit, and a steady confi. dence in obtaining, in his own good time, a mitigation of our sufferings. A Farewell Sermon preached at MarketDeeping, on Sunday April 6,

1800. By the Rev. R. Lascelles Carr, Curate of that Parish, and now Curate of the Parish of All Saints in Stamford. 4to. Pp. 26. Weft. London. FROM 2 Cor. xiii. 2, the able preacher delivers a very excellent and ani. mated Farewell Sermon, which breathes much piety, modesty and Christian humility. The principal subjects which engage his attention are Hallowing the Sabbath Day ; the receiving the Holy Communion, and Living in Peace. The following just remark peculiarly applies to those who are called Christians, and yet live in the habitual neglect of receiving the holy communion.

Prayer, praise, and thanksgiving are in the mouth of the Jew and of the Turk, as well as of the Christian. But to join together in commemorating the death of the Great Author of their religion is the peculiar duty of those only who are the followers of Jesus; a consideration which should make every man who calls himself a Christian, sensible of his obligation to fulfil this duty, and delirous of embracing every opportunity of discharging it." P. 18.

On the vacancy of the living, the parishioners of Market Deeping made application for Mr. Carr to have the living. We doubt not but in this inttance they did credit to themfelves and their pattor; but while we make this remark, we must enter our strong protest against all such interference with patronage. We think that there is too much of a republican spirit already in the church, to wish to have it increased.

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The Sin of Schism: A Sermon preached a; the Paris Church of Remptone,

Nottinghamshire, on Sunday, July 6, 1800. By Edward Pearson, B. D. Rector. Second Edition. 18.no. Pp. 36. 6d. or 5$. per Dozen. Rivingtons. London, 1801.

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THIS is a new edition of a sermon reviewed by us in our Number for November; and there spoken of in terms of merited commendation. We are truly pleased to find that the public have appreciated its merits, and afforded the worthy author an opportunity for making some useful additions. It is a most seasonable discourse and cannot be too widely circulated. The Sinner's Complaint under Punishment: A Sermon preached at the Paris

Church of Rempstone, Nattinghamshire; on the Faft-Day, 1801. By Edward Pearson, B, D. Rector. I 2mo, Pp. 38. 60. or 58. a Dozen, Rivingtons. London. 1801. . ANOTHER discourse from the same active and vigilant pastor, who ad. monishes his flock, in impressive language, that the fins of nations have, in ancient times, proved the immediate cause of their destruction, that God has repeatedly and most unequivocally denounced his vengeance on impenitent finners, that to our own iniquities are the calamities which we have experienced chiefly to be imputed, and that the only alternative we now have is, that of reformation or ruin. Towards the conclusion of this discourse are some excellent reflections on the fin of extortion and monopoly, and some ju. dicious remarks on the danger and wickedness of popular tumults. Scattered Thoughts; adapted to the Times and particularly the present Season. By a Friend to Church and State. Second Edition enlarged. Pp. 24. 3d. or 6d.

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Dozen. Hatchard, London, 1801, THIS little tract, written on the approach of Lent, contains some very pious remonftrances on the necessity of a more strict observance of that solemn season, and of the Christian Sabbath. Where religion and law com. bine to prescribe such observance, that neglect should pass with impunity is a matter of surprize, Our author, however, on some points, carries his rigour somewhat too far; we allude to his proposed abolition of hot-cross bunng which he describes as a relick of popery. But, we are persuaded, that he does not mean to contend that every thing which is of popish origin ought, on that account, to be proscribed. Such an averment.would favour more of fanaticism than of Chriftianity. For our part we fee no harm in hot-cross bunns; and we have insuperable objections to the abolition of any old custom, unless some evil bę proved to result from its existence. We must be careful in these critical times, to fteer the middle course, between lịcentiousness and puritani/m; and our best and surest guide, in such course, is the pure doctrine and disci. pline of the established Church of England.

The hints to Quakers for their non-compliance with the established rules of the country, od particular days, are both just and necessary; and most of the author's remarks are deserving of commendation. Of our newspapers he seems to have formed a very accurate estimate, as will appear from the following norice, subjoined to his book.

• The above thoughts were originally intended for the Sunday Reformer; but the Editor begged to be excused, acknowledged che goodness of the subject, but feared it might not be agreeable to some of his readers. I advise him to add to his title that of a fashionable Sunday Reformer. Reformation in newspapers I have long thought much wanted : most of them take great pains to inform þoth young and old how they may adorn and cure the body, at the

same time holding out the most delusive encouragements to licentious finners ; but, alas! not one will venture to prescribe a cure for the soul. I think it' would be a good scheme to have one paper published under the name of the Quack, where all who wished for information might refer ; for there really is not at present a newspaper which a modest young person of either sex can be surprized with in their hands without having cause to blush. Formerly there did appear, now and then, a good moral letter, or effay ; but, now, prescriptions to enable us to deceive each other, cordial restoratives, and hair manufactories, ftare us in the face, in the very front of all the daily and weekly publications.

• Since this little Tract made its first appearance, a daily paper, under the title of the Porcupine, has been most deservedly admitted as a desirable appendix at the breakfafting-table of every true friend to their King, to their Country, and to Decency.

The Charailer of the King, a Sermon, preached in the Cathedral Church of

St. Peter, Exeter; on Sunday, Nov. the 30th, 1800. By Jonas Dennis, LL. B. of Exeter College, Oxford ; Prebendary of Carswell; and Chapa lain to the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Exeter. 8vo. Pp. 14.

. 2d. is. gd. per dozen ; or 12s. per 100. Rivington, London. Trewman and Son, Exeter. IN this animated discourse the zealous and devout preacher exhorts the clergy to a strict performance of their duty, which he justly represents as peculiarly arduous in these critical times.

* At a time when riot and confusion, disloyalty and rebellion, faction, fe. dition, and treason, are every day extending their baneful influence among us --when no man seems afraid to speak evil of dignities"--when the authority even of our gracious Sovereign himself is disputed, his person insulted, his life attempted, and his character traduced and vilified ; vilified in particular by one daring unbeliever, whose throat is an open fepulchre-whose tongue hath used deceit—and the poison of asps is under his lips-whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness-neither is there any fear of God before his eyes.' At such a time, Timidity is thrice criminal+Silence is fin. If we should hold our peace, the very itones would cry out. We must therefore put men in mind (however unwilling they may be to be put in mind) “ to be subject to principalities and powers ; to obey Magiftrates ; to speak evil of no man; to be no brawlers, but gentle; shewing all meekness to all men.' We must 'exhort, first of all, that supplications; prayers, and giving of thanks, be made for all men

for Kings, and for all that are in authority : that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty : for this is good and acceptable in the fight of God our Saviour.' We must remind them; that every soul be subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but of God; the pow. ers that be, are ordained of God.' We muft warn them of the certain the dreadful punishment, which is denounced against every foul of man that opposesh those whơm the Alnighty himfelf liath appointed to rule over them. • Whosoever, therefore, resifteth the power, refifteth the ordinance of God; and they that relilt, shall receive to themselves--damnation."

He then proceeds to draw a portrait of our beloved Sovereign in strong and glowing colours--the colours not of adulation but of truth. He takes a view of his public and his private character, and Mews with what rigid fcrupulo

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sity he discharges the various duties of his situation, as a Christian, a King, and a Man.

We think, however, that the Preacher's zeal transported him beyond the bounds of accuracy, when he described the major part of the nation as avowed infidels and concealed Atheists. This, we consider, as an effufion of juvenile ardour, indignant at the progress of vice and irreligion. The nation, heaven knows! is bad enough, but certainly not so bad as it is here represented. Again, when he represents the King as “ surrounded, almost inevitably, by many noble adulterers, and honourable debauchees," he conveys an implied censure (though unquestionably without design) upon his Sovereign, with whom rests the choice of his own servants; and, moreover, seems to adopt a vulgar prejudice, that vice is more prevalent in the higher than in the middle and lower classes of society. This may be supported by very pretty theoretical arguments, but is proved by experience to be contrary to fact. And this is not, the time, as Mr. D. well knows, to speak evil of dignities, particularly, without reason. We shall not be supposed to contend for the perfect purity of the higher classes of fociety ; there, as every where else, heaven knows! there is but too much room for reformation. But we do contend, because we are convinced of ihe fact, that the other classes of society are more generally and inore radically wicked.

POLITICS AND POLITICAL ECONOMY.

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A fecond Twelvepenny Answer to a new (and Five Shillings) Edition of a

Three Shilling and Sixpenny Pamphlet, intituled “ A Letter on the In-
Auence of the Stoppage of files in Specie at the Bank of England, on the
Prices of Provilions and other Commodities; with additional Notes and a
Preface.” 8vo. Pp. 56. Debrett. London. 1801.
TE did hope that the last cumbrous pamphlet of Mr. Boyd would prove

his eyenea cantio, and, entertaining that hope, all farther animadveře fions on his production appeared to us fuperfluous. But, as experience shows the fallacy of judging of the operations of vanity, arrogance, and conceit, by thole criteria which enable us to decide, with tolerable precision, on the con. duet of reason and common sense, whose proceedings are consistent and uni. form, we cannot but think the public indebted to the author of the pamphlec before us, for the farther refutation and exposure of Mr. Boyd's glaring in. confitencies, rcored prejudices, and wild speculations. He skilfully defends himself against the insidious attacks of this ardent alarmist, successfully retoris the meditated blow, and leaves his antagonist prostrate on the ground.

On the subject of the allerted depreciation of Bank-paper, the folly of wbich we exposed in our review of the first edition of Mr. B.'s Letter, we have the following very pertinent remarks.

“ It is unnecellary to say that we admit the simple principle which he lays down with the formal authority of a pedagogue, that an excess of the circuLaring medium would operate its own depreciation, and the enhancement of exchangeable commodities. But when we find other reasonable, obvious, natural, great, änd powerful cuses, we rcfer, with confidence, to what we have already stated, in order to prove that such an excess docs not exist.