taining many hints and remarks fitted to instruct readers of a higher grade. f Of Mr. Horne's Compendium, we have yet to pronounce our opinion. The book, notwithstanding this foolish controversy, has greatly pleased us. It is quite an acquisition, as an analysis of his larger work, and as bringing many of its important points before us. It would form an admirable text book to any theological professor, and the general scholar will find it to his advantage to consult it, if he has not time to go into the multifarious details of the Critical Introduction. It is beautifully printed, contains a large quantity of matter, and the maps and other illustrative engravings and vignettes are admirably executed. If we understand the controversy aright, we are in a great degree indebted to Carpenter's work for Mr. Horne's analysis. If this be so, whatever damage the feelings and temper of the parties have sustained in this affair, the public are undoubtedly gainers. Could our opinion have any weight with the two writers, we would strongly recommend to them to stay further proceedings. An extension of the controversy can only do harm to both. It is unwise and unseemly for good men, while writing about the word of God, thus to contend. We have written most impartially and disinterestedly, influenced solely by regard to truth and righteousness, and to the interests of Mr. Horne and Mr. Carpenter, for both of whom we entertain very high respect. We have on this, as on former occasions, studied to exemplify the character of the impartial critic "Who to a friend his faults can freely show, And gladly praise the merits of a foe." This we A Biographical Portraiture of the late Rev. James Hinton, M. A., Pastor of a Congregational Church in the City of Oxford. By his Son, John Howard Hinton, Pastor of a Baptist Church at Reading. 8vo. pp. 384. With a Portrait. Holdsworth. 10s. 6d. ON the first perusal of this " Biographical Portraiture," we resolved to present a short outline of it to our readers. conceived to be due to the excellence of the deceased, and the influence which his christian and ministerial virtues possessed, during the period of his long residence in Oxford. The deserved celebrity of Mr. Hinton among our anti-pædobaptist brethren, as well as our feelings of regard for the author of the work before us, naturally led to the determination which we formed; and we shall now attempt, as briefly as possible, to effect our purpose. The "Biographical Portraiture" is sketched, perhaps we ought to say finished, by the hand of filial affection. It might be naturally expected, that the recollections of a son would lead to some colouring and touches, that would betray allowable partialities. So far, however, is this from being the case, that we think the principal defect of the work arises from the suppression of feelings, and an evident intention to keep them in so complete a state of regulation, that no suspicion of an undue attachment might be formed. This is not the only instance in which we have found memoirs composed by near relatives, wanting in the glow, and ardour, and sympathies, which are so necessary to throw a warm and lively hue over the exhibition of character. Mr. Hinton's narrative, though distinguished by the most respectful and filial. veneration towards his father, is marked by no indications, that would excite the slightest suspicion of unwarrantable prepossessions. The principal object of the biographer appears to have been the illustration of the various excellences that distinguished the character of Mr. Hinton. For this purpose, he has arranged the different parts of his work under the topics of " personal—ministerialand public character;" with subordinate sections, referring either to incidents in his life, or more specific exhibitions of temper and disposition. There is considerable ingenuity in the management of this biographical analysis; and the general style of the work is highly creditable to the piety, discrimination, and intelligence of the author. We confess, however, that we do not admire this mode of recording the memorabilia of eminent men. The parts of character thus considered in a state of dislocation, are so inseparable from each other, and so intimately blended and interwoven with any specific course of habits, that they cannot be estimated correctly on this principle of subdivision. No plan appears more natural or better adapted to the purposes of biographical composition, than to follow the order of time; tell the history of the individual as simply and succinctly as possible; introduce, in a chronological series, such letters and other documents as are necessary to the elucidation of the narrative -and then conclude by a "portraiture" of character, founded on the materials thus provided. We do not, however, think the less of the talent displayed in the work before us; though there is not that unbroken continuity of interest which is preserved in memoirs constructed on the principles we have stated. The Rev. James Hinton was born in 1761, in the county of Oxford. At the age of eleven, he was placed under the instruction of his uncle, the Rev. Thomas Strange, of Kilsly, in Northamp tonshire. "Here he was frequently memoir, we are diverted, as we whatever materials for narration it The subsequent chapters in the work record Mr. Hinton's marriage, and furnish several interesting developments of his character in private life. In all the domestic and social relations which he sustained, he appears to have been most exemplary and amiable; and we doubt not the influence of personal worth was most powerfully felt in all his pastoral and ministerial connexions. We could with pleasure extract many valuable passages, in reference to his parental affection and fidelity, his pulpit experience," and his pastoral management; but we think the following matter of history is worthy of being known, as illustrative of the temper and spirit of Oxonian loyalty and orthodoxy about thirty or forty years ago! "It was in connexion with the evening lecture that the first troubles of Mr.Hinton's ministry arose. An audience so constituted as we have seen this to be, was likely to be a disorderly one; but the principal disturbances were occasioned by the behaviour of some members of the University. It is with sincere regret that this reference is made. Cherishing (as the subject of this memoir always did, and taught both his family and flock to do) the highest respect for the University of Oxford as a body, it would be gratifying to bury in oblivion every thing which may cast a shade on its name, or on any of its members; more especially considering the effectual manner in which the grievances of the Dissenters were at length redressed, the great improvement, both in spirit and in discipline, which thirty years have witnessed, and the esteem in which the subject of this memoir was subsequently held. If, however, the facts of his life are to be recorded, as a matter of historical truth it must be stated, that among the members of the university who attended his ministry, were some who did, in the most violent manner, disturb and interrupt it. It would be in order that no more might be stated on this subject than is strictly true, and that no suspicion of unworthy feeling might arise that, in truth, as little as possible might be said, and that a veil might be drawn over the most flagrant details-if we presented to the reader a copy of one of the informations, laid upon oath before the first acting magistrate of the university. But even this shall not be done, nor shall any thing be told but the fact, that it was frequently very difficult for the preacher to continue the service, and sometimes impossible; on some occasions the worship being suspended for a time, until tranquillity was restored, and on others the congregation being prema turely dispersed, as the suppression of the tumult was impracticable. In these difficult circumstances, be conducted himself with uniform coolness, propriety, and dignity. There was, indeed, something in his quick eye and penetrating manner, which enabled him to maintain a very effective general control over his congregation and when he could not do this, he never lost the command of himself. He well knew the strength of his appeal to the laws of his country, and calmly had recourse to them. The persons employed in attempting to preserve order (of whom Mr. Bartlett, whose conduct was most admirable, was the principal) simply requested of a disturber his name and college,' which no gentleman could refuse it was afterwards intimated that, unless an apology was made, a prosecution would be instituted. By the adop tion of these measures the most stubborn were ultimately subdued; and acknowledgments were generally made, in order to prevent the ulterior proceedings. One of these documents, which is altogether official, having been signed in the Vice Chancellor's court, we may be allowed to insert. Oxford, 4th Dec. 1789. Whereas the congregation of Protestant Dissenters assembled for divine worship in their chapel, in St. Peter-leBailey, in the city of Oxford, was on Sunday evening last, the 29th Nov. 1789, very much disturbed and disquieted by several gentlemen of the university of Oxford, and particularly by Mr. of college in the said university; and whereas I, of college in the said university, being present at the time and place above mentioned, did by my presence, and some parts of my conduct, encourage and support the aforesaid - in his ill behaviour towards the said congregation, and particularly the Rev. James Hinton their minister, for which conduct of mine the said congregation was about to commence an action at law against me:-I do hereby acknowledge my conduct above mentioned to have been deserving censure, and contrary to the laws of this realm; and I do hereby heartily thank the aforesaid congregation of Protestant Dissenters for their lenity in laying aside their intended prosecution against me; and I do hereby faithfully promise never to give them cause for the like complaint in future. 'Witness my hand, this 4th day of Done in the presence of us, (Signed) JAMES HINTON, JOHN BARTLett.' "There was, however, notwithstanding these measures, so much ill behaviour of a less flagrant but very annoying kind, that it was at length found necessary for the university to enforce the statute entirely prohibiting the attendance of its members: tranquillity then became the general characteristic of the congregation, the occasional disturbances being excited merely by the freshmen of the season, and being speedily quelled. Of late years unpleasant circumstances of this nature have very rarely, if ever, occurred; and it is surely not too much to hope that they will never be repeated."-pp. 129–132. In this connexion, we deem it proper to introduce an account of the persecution that Mr. Hinton suffered at Woodstock, not long after the period above referred to, and which we have no doubt originated in the same general causes that produced the irritating insults to which the congregation at Oxford had been exposed. The narrative may well excite our thankfulness, for the altered tone of popular feeling, on the subject of religious liberty, and the improved spirit of modern times, though there are still occasional manifestations of a tendency to intolerance. We give the account in Mr. Hinton's words. "Early in the spring of the year 1794, I was requested by several of the inhabitants of Woodstock, some of whom had frequently heard me at Oxford, to preach to them at the house of Mr. Boulton, which was situated opposite the Marlborough Arms Inn, in that town, and was duly registered for that purpose at the quarter sessions at Oxford.-The commencement of our labours was fixed for Sunday, May 18, on which day I was to preach. On the Monday preceding I went to Woodstock, and visited three families, who appeared to be worthy people; and I was informed that several other families were desirous of the worship of God among them, in the mode in which they had been used to enjoy it in other places, but of which they had been deprived since their residence there. Conceiving it right to forward their pious wishes, and having been quite unused to fear in the pursuit of my duty, I was rather surprised to find Mrs. Boulton uneasy at the clamours of some vulgar people, who had threatened to break the windows, &c. Having always found the laws of my country fully adequate to my protection, I had no doubt but they would be so in this instance. At once to remove, however, all uneasiness from my friends, and all charge of imprudence from myself, I immediately waited on Henry Metcalfe, Esq., then Mayor of Woodstock, whose behaviour was such as I naturally expected from a gentleman and a magistrate: I claimed his protection for myself and the house, both being qualified; and having particularly informed him of the time and place of our meeting, I received the pledge that there should be no disturbance. this assurance I came home, very much satisfied; and on the ensuing Lord's-day I went to Woodstock, without any apprehension of danger, accompanied by my kind friend Mr. Bartlett, on horseback, while four other persons, whose names are Hugh Barnard, Thomas Brock, Jeremiah Hooper York, and John King, went on foot. About a quarter past six in the evening the service commenced, very peaceably; the congregation consisting of about thirty persons, besides children, perhaps fifty in all. After prayer and singing, I endeavoured to begin the sermon, taking for my text, Matt. xvi. 26. With For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?' but at this instant a mob arrived, to the number of three or four hundred persons, one fourth of whom were Irish recruits. They were extremely noisy, and many of them began to rush into the house. With those who first came in I expostulated with apparent success; but a second set being more refractory, I spoke of the protection of the law, and the consequences of their breaking it, which last argument produced some effect on them also. Another and more numerous company, however, still crowded the passage, armed with a well-pole and a scale-beam, which they thrust in among the hearers, using at the same time much abusive language. These implements were secured by some friends, and a little respite was gained, though it was of short duration. I attempted to go on with the discourse, but there were too many speakers for any one to gain much attention. Some insulting language from persons in the room, and much noise and indecent behaviour on the outside of the window near which I stood, together with every symptom of increasing mischief, obliged me to break off the service and dismiss the congregation.-When all had left the house, I still hoped the mob would disperse but they gathered round the inn, and some of them even came into the room in which we were. I began now to be somewhat concerned. A person was pointed out to me, whom some of my friends knew to be one of the Woodstock constables. I asked him if he was so, and he replied in the affirmative. I claimed his protection, but be positively refused it, because (as he said) he had 'no order from the mayor.' I therefore wrote a note, and sent it to the mayor, entreating him to interfere and suppress the riot: but the messenger brought an answer that gave me little hope of any speedy succour. Meanwhile the landlord and landlady were urging us to depart at one door, as the mob was pressing in at the other; and, indeed, there was no alternative. The friends on foot set out at the front door, while Mr. Bartlett and myself mounted at the back gate, closely followed by a most ill-looking Irish recruit, who was armed with a short stick or bludgeon, (as were also many others,) and who, on our mounting, set up a terrible noise, which appeared to be the signal to his companions that we were going. At this instant we might have escaped by a back road, as we had good horses; but as our friends were gone the other way, we determined rather to share their fate than to leave them to the mercy of the mob, though we were not then apprehensive that they would be allowed, within a few yards of the mayor's house, and without interruption, to proceed to such dreadful outrages as we presently experienced. Whilst we had been mounting and coming round the corner of a lane, closely followed by the above mentioned recruit, who cursed us more bitterly as we approached his companions, they had been shedding the blood of our friends. We saw a considerable quantity of it (and this was the first thing that truly alarmed me) lying on the stones in the street, and over it stood a middle aged man, an inhabitant of Woodstock, swearing with all the fury of a demon.-At this instant a handful of dirt struck me on the left side of my head; I saw the man who threw it, who appeared to be a corporal : and at the same time the recruit who had followed us from the inn began most violently to beat the horses on which we rode. I attempted to run back, but ia a moment we were surrounded; every way of escape seemed closed, and all attempts equally perilous. The mob had now left pursuing our companions, and stones came thick upon us from all quarters. A stroke from a bludgeon totally disabled my right hand. I could however hold up my arm, which I did, and thus prevented repeated and violent blows (it is impossible to say how many) from reaching my head; but my arm was miserably bruised from my shoulder to my wrist. Having no alternative but death, we set ourselves to press through the mob towards Oxford. For this purpose we placed our horses abreast, and spurred them sharply; when, as though conscious of their situation, they reared and galloped with great force, but without in the least degree separating from each other, so that the rioters were compelled to fall back on each side of the road, and open a way for our advance. Every one who could come near struck us with a bludgeon, or stone, as we passed, and cach of us was violently bruised on the side open to their assault; but one side of each being sheltered by the position of the other, we were enabled to maintain our seats and effect our escape. "When we had got a little before the the mob, I discovered Mr. Barnard, who had just strength enough to crawl out of a ditch into which the cruel wretches bad thrown him, having first so covered him with wounds and blood that he exhibited one of the most dismal spectacles I ever saw. Mr. Bartlett rode up to him, the rioters still pursuing at the distance of about two furlongs. Barnard,' said he, these wretches have almost murdered you, and they are coming up again; but come, we will take you with us.' The poor man was hardly capable of reply, for his speech was almost gone, and his senses seemed to waver; but he urged us to save ourselves, and leave him to a death which it seemed now impossible to avoid. I will not leave you,' said Mr. Bartlett: if they kill you they sball kill me too. Come, be cheerful; 'tis a good cause, and we will die together.' I rode up in the instant, and we contrived, though with great difficulty, to fasten his arms across the front of our saddles, and to drag him along between the horses. About three quarters of a mile from the town, the mob left us ; and at the distance of a mile and a half we stopped, obtained some relief for Mr. Barnard, and waited for the rest of our companions, who had escaped by different roads, and were, all but one, severely wounded. With much gratitude to Heaven that no life was lost, and with joy and tranquillity of spirit which I have |