pamphlet, it was well worth reprinting, and its being subjoined to Capt. Thrush's Letter increases the value of his scasonable, temperate and interesting publication, which we dismiss with a cordial recommendation of it to our readers. ART. IV. The Wisdom and Goodness of God in the Appointment of Death. An Essay on the Moral Benefits of Death to Mankind. By David Eaton. 12mo. pp. 48. Sold by the Author, 187, High-Holborn. 1822. THE sensible author of this Essay expresses his surprise that while so many volumes have been written on death, its "moral benefits" have been so much overlooked. These he accordingly states and reasons upon in this little publication. Some of his observations have been anticipated in Mr. Watson's "Various Views of Death," (Mon. Repos. XVI. 305,) but we know of no short treatise, drawn up in a popular form, which contains so much sound argument, enforcing a rational preparation for death, or administering consolation under its be reavements. In the following passage, the author appears to us to take a just view both of human nature and the Divine dispensations: "Men, as frail beings, naturally contract in their journey through this world, certain habits and opinions which, though not always absolutely wicked, are neither wise, nor pure, nor liberal, nor just. And, at a certain period of life, the mind becomes so stationary and contracted, as almost to preclude the possibility of enlargement; and the habits are so fixed, that scarcely any means are sufficient to rectify or remove them. The whole his tory of man is decisive evidence of this truth. It is quite proverbial to say, that use is second nature, that custom is a tyrant; we need only reflection and observation to perceive that habit is indeed invincible. But death, by withdrawing the aged, not only removes their infirmities, but also their prejudices, their ignorance and their faults; and younger minds, more pure, docile and ardent, profit by their errors and discoveries, and make those moral and intellectual attainments and improvements of which their fathers formed no conception. Death not only removes prejudiced individuals from the world, but, by its apprehended approach, frequently removes an individual's prejudices from himself. And, a man awaking from the sleep of death, in new circumstances, may have new feelings and see things in a very different light, as, in the morning, the intemperate look back with regret on the last night's excess. This reasoning supports the pleasing idea, that the world is, and will continue to be, improving: a fact as grateful to man as it is honourable to the moral government of God."-Pp. 20, 21. The following reflection, which approves itself equally to reason and piety, is happily expressed: "All things are so fitly adjusted, so nicely balanced in due weight and measure, by the Divine Architect, that, were the fear of death stronger than it is, it would produce settled gloom and melancholy, and destroy cheerfulness and all the innocent pleasures of life. If it were less awful and impressive, it would 'cease to produce that attention and those moral effects which now conduce so much to knowledge, virtue and happiness. Or, if we had no doubts and fears, if our faith were stronger and our hopes brighter, if we had clearer views of the glory and felicity of heaven-our minds would he so fixed and absorbed by the blissful scene, that we should undervalue our present existence; this world and its affairs would cease to influence us, and its most important duties and labours would be neglected; the moral economy of life would be at an end, and all those active energies which now so much conduce to the well-being of society, could not exist. How great is the wisdom and goodness of God! What a provision for happiness, by which the good man can enjoy both this world and the next! The light shineth,' but not so brightly as to oppress our vision, or to prevent, in many instances, both doubts and fears, which serve to increase our vigilance and inquiry; yet the light of life is sufficiently strong to excite ardent hope and strong desire, and to bear every wish above.' Pp. 31, 32. 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JOHN MORELL, LL.D., before the Friends and Supporters of the UNITARIAN FUND, at Parliament-Court Chapel, London, May 29th, 1822. Fugaces Labuntur anni. To Him whose wisdom guides us, Years follow years :—and ages Seem less than passing days. What do they leave behind them? A ruined pile we find them, That lifts its proud head and decays. Short is the date of glory; Lasts longer far than he : And when his praise is spoken- The stars that sparkled o'er him, But he, their sovran Lord, is dead. Than this proud frame of ours? . Man's breath the north-wind freezes, And even the Zephyr's breezes Can chill his heart and crush his Dew of the morning sprinkled, And sinking into clay : Though scatter'd-gracious Father! Into Thy fold of endless day. A. |