Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-05-12
an rNTEnEsTiNc CRITICISM

attracting the attention of the public 70 their
publications, than DR.. Hlntsr. His famous
work .sTHE SACRED BIosRArHy. no sooner
5 appeared than il was universally read. The
uo1sltu 81 the plan, and the elegance OF the
execution. contributed TO raise degree OF
euriosity which is seldom excited by the pro-
:ductions OF the pulpit. Printed sermons are
often suffered 10 moulder on the shelves OF
the book seller. from an idea that it IS I'M
possible TO say any thing nsav on theme SO
frequently discussed. Some thing uncom-
mon, either in language or method, is abso-
lutsly necessary to overcome this apathy !:
and both these qualities claimed the public
alfention 10 the Sacred Biography, Ilhs
style was marked by an animation OF senli-
ment and glow offancy which are never
fcand in the works Of common mind ana
lie discourses, instead Of assuming the hack
med forms OF sermons, appeared IN the m
teresting and entertaining form OF bIosRA-i
mr.. Dr.. Hunter did not shut himsii up IN
closet 10 learn from ersing books, that art
! al Improving and reforming mankind which
can only be successfully learned from expe-
s:ence. He mixed with society he acquired
knowledge OF the human heart from obser,
vations and the acuteness Of his own sensi,
bility made him readily perceive the most
proper means ofworking on the affections o.
others. Example, he well knew to be on
all occasions more effectual than mere pre-
eepf: he knew. this TO be particularly the
case in religious matters, where II is often
pleaded, as an excuse for neglect. that the
: precept is toe perfect for human nature to at
tempt lis execution. In bis Sacred Biogra-
ply he therefore turns the most interesting
ofthe Scripture characters, 10 the important
s purpose for which they were certainly de-
signed; Of enforcing the doctrines Of religion
by example. The numerous occasions which
the lives OF those distinguished persons pre-
sent, OF bringing the precepts OF religion d.
rect,y home to the feelings OF Individuals
of painting in affecting colors the wretched
B consequences of vice-ot stimulating the
mind tostbe most elevated exertions OF sir-
! .tue--of shelving the pleasure which results
from the exercise OF thelnilder affections OF
The heart and the serene happiness which
never taiIslto flow from consciousness OF be-
ing beioyedsby mankind and approved Of in
the sight of heaven; such occasions were Pc
culiaFly fitted to give scope TO the sensibiiisy
aud fancy Of our author aud we have rars-
Nv to scompIain of his having omitted to pro.
ct by them Ii is his peculiar praise in this
(, work that he has introduced frequent des-
criplions innumerable moral precepts and
all Inc essens;ai doctrines OF religion without
ever faliguing the attention. The Sacred
Biography may bejustiy characterised as ex-
hibiting re iigion in the most attracting torn
religion teaching by examples. But DR..
Hunter did notcopiine himself solely 10 the
exsmplcs Of tue Patfiarchs. There are yir-
tues yscrilur TO the Female ser which cannot
be deduced from the example of men; our
author has therefore, ana ia his own enchsnt-
ing manner, placed before US The characters
Of Deborah, Ruth, aud Hannah women
who were repdered iIlustrious by different
qualities, yei all remarkably calculated for
patterns OF imitation. The advantages which
women enjoy under the christian dispense
tion--the retiriDg virtues for which they
! ought TO be peculiarly distinguished the
importast part which belongs 10 them ia
: promoting the happiness of their husbands,
and III the education OF their offspring these
circumstances are painted in manner too
glowing and Impressive not 10 produce the
happiest effects on the hearts OF the female
readers. And, as a welcome, conclusion,
and crown Of all, DR.. Hunter has given US
the life Of oar blessed Saviour, exhibiting in
tae most striking point OF view the divine
spirit ana glorious tendency Of bis religion to
raise the hearts of the faithful above the sor-
rows OF liie--toilluminate the dark valley Of
s death, and after having instructed, regula.
ted, and sweeiered the life that now is, 10
disclose continuation OF being and Of bliss,
boundless as our wishes, and lasting as eter-
nity''
Parents who wish to see their children en-
riched and adorned with all of the angelic
and happy, that celestial spirits created in
the simihtude of God are capable, will nc
doubt be gratifed TO learn that work Sc
Z smgularly calculated to do good, is now