573 Review-Essay on the Utility of Sea-Bathing. 574 staff, to plunge into the waters "hissing hot," | interest to his sensible remarks upon than to enfeeble the living forces of the sys- this subject, by the following narratem by so baneful a piece of caution."-p. 72. tion. The Essay contains a particular enumeration of those maladies, which bathing is calculated to remove or alleviate. Nervous diseases, scrophula, gout, rheumatism, epilepsy, indigestion, and many more of the evils which afflict and thin our species, are brought forward; many observations are made upon their causes, natures, &c.; and the manner in which bathing acts to their cure is pointed out. Mr. Williams, while he prescribes bathing as a remedy in nervous cases, has the candour to acknowledge that the hypochondriac is often indebted to the change, the society, and the recreations of a watering-place, for the benefit he experiences; and this concession he illustrates with the following whimsical story. "The practice of the Persian physicians, and of those in the regions southward, is well exemplified in the case of Sir John Chardin, in the seventeenth century. At Bender, on the Persian Gulph, Sir John was attacked with the epidemic fever, that raged there, accompanied with delirium. He was removed from the bad air at that place, to Laar, and was attended by the governor's physician. "I am dying with heat," exclaimed the patient." I know it," said his physician, “but you shall soon be cooled." He was ordered a cooling confection, some bottles of emulsion, and several pints of willow water and ptisan. The malignant flame still raged unabated. Some snow was then procured of the governor; and his apothecary, after filling a large vase with willow water and barley water, put a large lump of snow into it, and when half melted, presented it to his patient to take his fill. The bed was then stretched along the ground of the room, but it was thought to heat him, and the patient was laid on a mat with"The celebrated Sydenham, was once much out any covering, and two men were placed perplexed with a low-spirited patient, for at his side to fan him. The air was filled whose relief he had exhausted all the resources with a cool spray from the water constantly of his art; but he had the penetration to dis- thrown on the floor. But all this was inefcover, that if he could furnish him with a mo- fectual to allay the heat. Sir John was now tive of sufficient interest to divert the current placed in a chair, and while supported by asof his ideas from the cherished theme, hesistants, had two buckets of cold water poured might procure him relief. The nobleman was over him; and his apothecary then took a therefore informed, that there dwelt at Inver-bottle of rose-water, and bathed his face, ness in Scotland, a physician of great and deserved celebrity, in the cure of the disorder under which he suffered; and Sydenham told his titled patient, since he could do no more for him, he would give him a letter to carry to the more skilful Dr. Robinson. The nobleman seized the idea with eagerness, immediately prepared for his long journey, and from the strong interest of a new motive and pursuit, and the various engagements on the road, he had forgotten his malady before he reached Inverness. On his arrival in that town, no Dr. Robinson could be found, after the strictest search, and the abused invalid resolved to hasten back to London, to load his physician with reproaches, for having wilfully deceived him. With this paramount idea in his mind, which occupied the place of his former association of distempered notions, he reached home, and instantly summoned Sydenham to his presence, and demanded how he dared to abuse his confidence in sending him on such a fool's errand! Sydenham gravely asked, if he found himself relieved? The patient replied, that he was now well, but he had not to thank him or Dr. Robinson for it, and continued his severest invectives, &c." p. 108. Mr. Williams, it would appear, is a strong advocate for the cool treatment in cases of fever. He gives pleasing arms, and breast. The French surgeon standing by, exclaimed, " They will kill you, Sir!" But Sir John finding himself refreshed and recruited, persisted in submitting to the native doctors, congratulating himself being privileged with such delicious treat ment. on His fever abated, and his senses returned to the astonishment of his own friends, who expected that nothing short of death could happen to him from so strange a praetice. During his convalescence, he was ordered emulsions of the cold seeds, and abundance of raw cucumbers, water melons, and pears, with luxurious draughts of his snowcooled potation, which effectually extinguished all his remaining feverish heat."—p. 144. The reader who takes up Mr. Williams' book, expecting to find its pages rigidly confined to the subject of bathing, will be agreeably disappointed. Mr. Williams' excursive imagination has travelled into various departments of science and literature, and brought together a mass of valuable information from all quarters. He is indeed sufficiently full of his subject, and he imparts so much interest to it, that the reader, however thoughtless, or however fearful, insensibly resolves upon a dip. But if this book should 575 www Reviews.-Wesleyan Missions. be read by the patient, for the prescriptions, cautions, and directions in the use of the cold and warm bath, which it contains; it may also be read by the philosopher for its scientific research, by the scholar for its numerous classic allusions, and by the general reader for its fund of miscellaneous and valuable information. Mr. Williams has evidently brought to the investigation of his subject, a high degree of mental energy, and no small share of industry. Neither reading, nor study, nor experiment, has been spared in the prosecution of his work. The quotations we have made are an adequate specimen of his style, which throughout the whole book will be found lively, luxuriant, and figurative; we think too much so, for a work whose predominating feature is scientific, but perhaps not too much so, for the class of readers among whom it will most extensively circuIate. Our commendation of this volume is by no means unqualified. It contains some specimens of what we do not hesitate to pronounce negligent writing. The public, however, will excuse this, when they think of an eminent Practitioner, in a populous district, whose rapper is never still; and whose circle of patients presents diseases, so numerous, so diversified, that their names alone are more than the head of an ordinary person can contain. The candour of Mr. Williams will excuse our notice of these inattentions; and his pen will correct them in the second edition of his Essay. The book is a good book; but he who wrote it can write a better. 66 576 REVIEW.-Epsom Salt not a Nostrum, being Remarks on a Tract, entitled Instructions for the proper use of Epsom Salt," &c. By C. W. Johnson. To which are appended, some Considerations relative to certain alleged cases of Poisoning, by mistaking the Oxalic Acid, and other deleterious substances, for this Salt. By N. Goose. 8vo. pp. 36. Baldwin, Cradock & Joy; and Simpkin & Marshall, London. THERE are not many controversies easily to be understood, except by the parties engaged in them, and few can include more difficulties than those which refer to chemical subjects. In reply to the claims of Mr. C. W. Johnson, Mr. Goose undertakes to prove, that no individual has any right to demand from the public an exclusive patronage, either as the maker or the vender of Epsom Salt,—that his claims to superiority are unfounded, and that the charges brought against deleterious articles having been sold under delusive appearances, may be traced to causes, which have no immediate connection with the Salt under consideration. On both of these points, Mr. G. seems to have argued successfully; but we think his pamphlet would be more generally acceptable, if, divested of personalities and local allusions, it had only aimed to embrace science, principle, and fact. WESLEYAN MISSIONS. THE Wesleyan Missions, which a few years since were too diminutive to excite much attention, except among REVIEW.-The Importance of Religion have now attained such a degree of those by whom they were supported, in Early Life; a Discourse delivered eminence, as to hold a conspicuous at the New Chapel, Portsmouth, on rank in the Christian world. Every Sunday, March 11th, 1821. By the Rev. James Bromley. p. 20. Ports-dence of their increasing prosperity, anniversary brings with it fresh evimouth; Mills, &c. THIS discourse seems to be adapted to the situation and comprehension of those young persons, for whose benefit it was delivered. The observations are plain and practical, calculated to enforce the necessity of seeking after a communion with God in early life. The motives on which this is urged, are obvious to every capacity; and the advantages to be derived from piety, appear as the inevitable result. and furnishes new proofs of the advantages which result from the active co-operation of their advocates, and of their beneficial tendency among the heathen nations of the earth. The annual meeting of the London District Auxiliary society, was held on the 25th of April, in Great Queenstreet chapel, Mr. Alderman Rothwell in the chair. The Report was read by the Rev. Mr. Watson. The speakers on this occasion were, the Rev. J. Buck 577 Missionary Society.—Bible Society. ley, L. Haslop, Esq. Rev. E. Grind-| rod, W. Blair Esq. Rev. J. Anderson, S. T. Armstrong, Esq. J. Bulmer, Esq. Rev. R. Watson, N. Bingham, Esq. Rev. J. Gaulter, Rev. F. Caulder, Rev. J. Taylor, Rev. J. Scott, H. Noyes, Esq. and the Rev. J. Bunting. Of the important objects which they had in view, various surveys were taken by the respective speakers, from every one of which they were furnished with motives to persevere in the glorious cause which they had undertaken to support. The zeal and animation manifested on the occasion, have been seldom equalled, perhaps never surpassed. A spirit of genuine philanthropy breathed throughout the whole assembly, so that speakers and hearers appeared to be actuated by one harmonious impulse. Several anecdotes were introduced by the various speakers, tending at once to diffuse life throughout the assembly, and to illustrate the interesting subjects under consideration. THE annual meeting of this society, of which the preceding is only a branch, was held on Monday April 30th, in the New Chapel, City Road, London. Prior to the meeting, it had been expected, that Joseph Butterworth, Esq. M. P. would preside; but being prevented from attending by Some unavoidable business, Colonel Sandys was nominated, and unanimously requested to take the chair. This pious gentleman, who is a native of Cornwall, having spent upwards of twenty years in India, was intimately acquainted with the prejudices and general character of the Hindoos, and therefore admirably qualified for the office to which he was chosen. 578 Col. Munro, Rev. W. Ward, S. Armstrong, Esq. Rev. H. F. Burder, B. Shaw, Esq. Joseph Carne, Esq. J. Vander Smisson, Esq. from Hamburgh, Rev. T. Lessey, Rev. Jabez Bunting, Rev. R. Newton, and Mr. W. G. Scarth from Leeds. In a compendium like this, it would be folly to attempt enumerating even one half of the excellent things, which were advanced by the various speakers. Every one seemed to place the subject in a light that was new and advantageous, and the numerous incidents which were introduced cannot fail to be long remembered by those who heard them. Of the formidable difficulties which obstruct Missionary exertions in India, the Rev. Mr. Ward presented an awful catalogue. But over these, in numerous instances, the gospel has risen triumphantly, thus encouraging its friends to persevere, and proving its origin to be divine. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. ON the second of May, the seventeenth anniversary of this astonishing institution was held at Freemason's Hall, Great Queen-street, Lincoln'sInn Fields. The Right Hon. Lord Teignmouth, President, in the chair. At this anniversary, the chief speakers were, the Rev. John Owen, the Earl of Harrowby, the Right Hon. Viscount Loughton, the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer, W. Evans, Esq. M. P., the Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe, His RoyalHighness the Duke of Gloucester, Rev. Thomas Gisborne, Rev. John Brown, Lord Bentinck, the Right Hon. Charles Grant, Rev. W. Jowett, Rev. Jabez Bunting, Joseph John Gurney, Esq. George Sandford, Esq. and Sir T. D. Ackland. The Report, which was read by the Rev. R. Watson, stated, that under the direction of the committee, nearly 150 missionaries now filled upwards of 100 important stations;-that up- The Report, which was read by the wards of 27,000 members had been Rev. John Owen, stated, that, during united in religious society;-and that the preceding year, 104,828 Bibles, both in the East and West Indies, and 142,127 Testaments, had been dismany thousands of children were in-tributed; which, added to those of structed in schools which had been established, Ceylon alone containing nearly 5000, who receive daily instruction. The principal speakers on this occasion were, the Rev. W. Griffiths, John Poynder, Esq. W. H. Trant, Esq. former years, made a total of 3,201,978. It appeared also, from the statement given by this gentleman, that the total expenditure of the year amounted to £75,000, of which £26,270 had been for Bibles, and that the receipts for the year amounted to £89,154. 579 Church Society.-Prayer Book Society. It appears from the accounts presented at the meeting, that prosperity continues to attend the Bible Society in every part of the world;-that the prejudices which were formerly raised against it have gradually disappeared; -that some of its former enemies have lately become its friends;-that others have retired in silence from the contest in which they have been vanquished by the spirit of benevolence; that branch societies have been formed in the most unpromising regions;-that their numbers regularly increase ;-and that none of its illustrious supporters have grown weary in well doing. Of the benefits which had resulted from the circulation of the scriptures, many pleasing testimonies were also given, drawn from quarters, where, in all probability, had it not been for the Bible Society, the inhabitants would have lived and died without hope, and without God in the world. Into the languages spoken by the northern nations of Europe, the Bible had been translated: in Arabic, it had been undertaken by an Abyssinian; and in Chinese, a translation of the whole scriptures was already accomplished. These were grounds of future anticipation, and presages of success. soil was cultivated, the seed was sown, and furnished promises of an abundant harvest. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Of this Society, the twenty-first anniversary was held on the 1st of May, at Freemason's Hall, Great Queenstreet, when the Right Hon. Lord Gambier was called to the chair. On this occasion, the principal speakers were, Rev. Josiah Pratt, Hon. Lord Loughton, Rev. W. Dealtry, Rev. W. Jowett, Rev. E. Burn, Lord Bishop of Gloucester, Rev. Mr. Thompson, Charles Grant, Esq. Sir Charles Macartney, Rev. Dr. Thorpe, Rev. Dr. Steinkopff, Hon. and Rev. Gerard Noel, and the Rev. D. Wilson. The Report, of which an abstract was read by the Rev. Mr. Pratt, stated, that during the preceding year, the society had acquired new accession of strength;-that many individuals of considerable influence had co-operated in the grand design;that additional branch societies had been formed:-that the scriptures were preparing in the Maltese & Abys 580 sinian languages;-that in Calcutta and the northern India district, schools had been established, in which about 2000 children were receiving education;-that in India several native schoolmasters had rendered their assistance;-that many thousands of tracts had been circulated;—and that a great desire for reading the scriptures prevailed. The receipts of monies during the year, amounted to £33,921. 10s. 8d. and the total of expenditure to £31,991. 5s. 10d. The speeches delivered at this meeting, chiefly referred to some one or other of the articles enumerated in the preceding Report. Of the inhumanity which still prevails in India towards infants and widows, the Rev. Mr. Thompson drew a melancholy picture, that completely contradicted an opinion which had been propagated, namely, that the burning of widows was confined to the higher classes, and that those who suffered were voluntary victims. He had seen instances that completely falsified these statements; and the cruelties which he had been called to witness, demanded our compassionate activity and exertions. PRAYER BOOK AND HOMILY SOCIETY. ON Thursday the 3d of May, the ninth anniversary of this society was held at Stationer's Hall, Ludgate-street, when, as both the President and VicePresident were absent, Joseph Wilson, Esq., the treasurer, was called to the chair. On this occasion, speeches were delivered by Macaulay, Esq. John Poynder, Esq. Hon. and Rev. G. Noel, Rev. Mr. Jowett, Rev. Charles Simeon, Rev. Daniel Wilson, Rev. Mr. Marsh, Rev. Mr. Burn, Rev. W. Dealtry, and the Rev. Mr. Bickersteth. The Report, which was read by the Rev. C. R. Pritchett, the Secretary, stated, that the committee had distributed 8982 bound Prayer Books and Psalters, and 49,022 Homilies and Tracts. The receipts of the year amounted to £1993. 13s. 10d. and the disbursements to £2170. 5s. 10d. This excess of expenditure had arisen from the extension of the society's operations to foreign countries. In the speeches which were delivered at this anniversary, many warm 581 Liverpool Bible Society.-Literary Notices. but deserved eulogiums were passed on the form of sound words which the Liturgy contains, and on the truths of the gospel included in the Homilies. Between the church of England and that of Rome, a striking contrast was exhibited; and the interests of the former were advocated with much eloquence, and warmth of feeling. Towards others who were not so cordially attached to the establishment as themselves, a spirit of enlightened liberality was displayed, and the grand aim appeared to be to do good. AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY, LIVER- PURSUANT to public notice, the anni- On behalf of the parent Society in London, the Rev. Mr. Owen, one of the Secretaries, was present, whose eloquence, and statements of facts, excited a considerable degree of in terest. 582 creeds. Throughout the day, the utmost harmony prevailed. Under the influence of the general wish which was manifested, to spread a knowledge of the Gospel among heathen nations, party distinctions disappeared; and mutual pledges were given to one another by those present, to persevere in the arduous work which they had undertaken. The meeting continued until about four o'clock. A collection as usual was made at the door, which we understand corresponded with the benevolent spirit for which Liverpool has been long and so justly distinguished, but of the exact amount we have not been informed. (The remaining Anniversaries we hope will be given in our next.) Literary Notices. Just published, in 2 vols. 8vo. Memoirs of the Mexican Revolution, by William Davis Robinson. A clear systematic View of the Evidences of Christianity, 1 vol. 8vo. By J. Macardy. A description of Modern Birmingham, 1 vol. 8vo. By Charles Pye. The Vicar of Iver, a Tale. By the Author of the Italian Convert. 12mo. 3s. 6d. A Compendium of the History of the Jewish Youth; embellished with sixteen coloured EnKings; for the amusement and instruction of gravings. 18mo. 3s. Two Sermons: one on the death of Mr. J. Billing; and the other addressed to Young edition, enlarged and improved. 12mo. 5s. History of the Persecutions endured by the Protestants of the South of France, and more especially of the department of the Gard, during the years 1814, 1815, 1816, &c. including a Defence of their Conduct, from the Revolution to the present period. By the Rev. Mark Wilks. 2 vols. 8vo. 18s. The Support of the Christian Ministry; a Sermon, preached at the Nether Chapel, Shef field, before the Associated Churches and Ministers assembled there, April 25th, 1821. By the Rev. J. Bennett, of Rotherham. Third Edition, 1s. 6d. In the Press, in one volume octavo, a Grammar of the Sunscrit Language, on a new plan. By the Rev. Wm. Yates. The Bee, No. 22, has just been issued from Spiritual Recreations in the Chamber of Affliction, or Pious Meditations in Verse, Several clergymen from the written during a protracted illness of thirteen town and neighbouring parishes at-years. By Eliza. Post 8vo. 6s. boards. tended, and spoke in succession, in conjunction with various ministers belonging to the Independents, Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians. Both the place and the occasion exhibited a kind of neutral ground, on which the advocates of jarring sentiments might meet without hostility, and for a few moments lay aside the peculiar dogmas of their respective the Caxton Press. The Coronation is expected to take place early in July. About 2800 medals, nearly the size of a half crown, are to be coined. One that is very large will be preserved as a memorial of this event. |