TIIE NATIONAL DEC. getting a fashion, but these is one species of preaching that does clot encrease, notwithstanding—preaching by example ; practical preaching; though Bibles are distributed by thousands; preachers spring up by hundreds, and chapels grow by fifties; yet there is not more virtue or more real religion than formerly; we are all for party in tips, win every thing else; many are " of St. Paul;" many " of Apollos," &c. and yet how few really of Jesus Clii Ist ! We have lisping " babes of grace" in plenty, but bow few of those " little children," of whom we tnay say " of such is the kingdom of Heaven t" When I read of 12001. given for a waggon, which belonged to a late tectarial p!eacher, (if the thing, as reported in the papers is true, though I can scarcely believe it) what can I think but that such people worship the servant instead of his Ford ? If the man who gave it (if he did give it) had distributed that sum in private, unpublished, charity, he would have honoured his maker ; as it was, he only honoured his fellow-creature; a man too, whose last words, which we may call the epitaph he is said to have written, were too presumptious for a true Slinister of Christ. _ _ But to return to the first object of this letter; Its nothing can be more desirable than a proper and Bountiful Distribu tion of the Scriptures, would not this purpose be better answered by one grand National Association ; every indivi dual could then equally exert himself, and it would defeat in some measure sectarian policy, and individual profit. Should not the Bibles distributed have expositions attached to them ? The Bible read literally is often by the weak and ignorant interpreted literally, and the result of action from such a principle is easily anticipated. It may be said every person may resort to his pastor for ihe clearing up doubtful passages, but then it would serve sectarial or itidiVilual pur pose, and fur that reason I object to it. There certainly are snarly strung blows aimed at. the Cburch of England, which the Establishment should ward off by every fair mode they can. It may be asked, who is to make the exposition to render it generally acceptible, as mens minds differ so much? ' Let a select number, eminent for sound learning, perspicu ous knowledge, and active piety, sanctioned by the Legisla• ture of Church and State jointly, associa:e for this pur pose; let the nation pay them for their labours; and from such men an hottest, unbiassed interpretation might be expected; and let it be so worded that all may undertand it ; that is, let it be free from the jargon of metaplip.ics and scholastic theology (if I may use such expr.-ssions) let it be divested of speculation and speak the palpable language of real intelligence. Let it be so clear, that " lie-who runs may read," Ilhd let it also be as comprehensive as clear. This is " a consummation devoutly to be wished for, though we have so many Family Bibles (in weekly numbers, neatly printed with new type, and embellished wi►h copper-plates), with annotations by a variety of Reverends, some of whom I have been informed (I don't vouch for the truth of it, and hope it is not true), have had nothing more to do with the publications alluded io than receiving a bonus for the use! of their names in the title-pages, and how often do the' annotations to these works differ llow many of them are as puerile as if written by a school-boy. To refer to my national scheme of annota:ing, I would cett inly have the majority of the interpreters of the Church of England, but I would also have many of the most eminent and most en lightened among the rational Dissenters assist the great and good work ; so would a Liberal and, I think, unexceptionable exposition be, produced void of prejudice, I have occa sionally seen what are called Poole's Annotations, though the greatest part are by other clergymen. I believe criefly son-conform sts, but I certainly should not recommend that SISTER. TS 1 work, as I do not agree with many parts of it, some of them . to me material, though some of them arc remarkably judici ous, aed exhibit much power of mind, and beside the re marks are toe diffusive for the purpose I propose. One great objection I have to many of the annotations I allude to is, they are most of them founded on the tenets of Calvir, who, in some things, I think exceeded the warranty of scrip ture, and whose burning a fellow creatute sheaved he (Id not possess that benevolence an Apostle should have. I have no time at present to say more, but wish once more to impress . that I would not in any way r event the proper distribution of God's %Vet(' ; 1 would only confend for its being done from a pi inciple not a mania; from piety, not pretence; from affection, not affectation ; and born a view to reformation not re\rolution ; and while it is done with these latter intents, may it increase and multiply like the " Widow's Cruize." 1 am, Sir, your obedient servant, A LAYMAN. • Sunday, Nov. fet„ 1813. AGRICULTURAL REPORT. Wheat sowing is generally fraished, the seal well got• in, ;ma from the suitable weather of late, and the good %%oiling of the land, tlas desired breadth is every where sown. 'Flue early sown wheats coo tinue to improve, and in sonic parts, should open weatherdeo►►tiuoc, will be very forward and rank. The autumnal bearded or cone wheat, commonly called rivets, formerly much sown in Norfolk and Suffolk is reported to have been some time past getting into disuse. Young clovers, and other seeds, and all the winter (Toils, have the ml st promising appearance, and no complaints at present of the slue. Turnips, particularly Swedish, good ►n places, w►ll not be a heavy crop generally The latter earryiugs of c-:irn and beans, in back ward and low grounds, have not been snccessli►l. Botkhave bet n put together in a damp and discoloured state, the beans very soft. From the drou2lity weather of July and Au!.;ust, potatoes a►e inferior crops in places. Present employment of the fiirmer, 114 usual at this season, fallowing for the spring crops, hedging, ditQi►- lug, draining, &c. • • FASHIONS FOR DECEMBER. 'PROMENADE OR CARRIAGE COSTUME. • .6 This dress, %viten divested of the spencer, or jacket, exhibits the Evening or Opera Costume. In order to render these commodicus habiliments the more clearly understood by our rt elders, we shaii commence with a description of the Eveniug or Opera Costume ; which consists of a round robe of ',smite or crimson-coloured Me rino, kerseymere, or queen's cloth, ornamented toned the boaour anti up the front with a fancy gold embroidered border. The bodice is composed of satin, or velvet, of the same colour, trimmed round the bosom and sleeves with braid and narrow swansdown ; the froar of the bodice richly ornamented, with gold and pearl buttons. it gold baud and pearl, or diamond clasp, confine the bottom of the waist, with a gold frog pending on each side, inclining towards the hack-of the figure. The robe is laced behind with gold cord. Hair disposed iu dialievelled curls, falling on the left side, and decorated with clusters of variegated autumnal flowers. Necklace composed e a treble row of pearl, white cornehan, or the satin bead, etn:fioed in front with a diamond clasp. Ear-rings and bracelets to corres pond. Slippers, of crimson velvet, ornamented with Lttlil fringe and rosettes, though we recommend those of white satin iu ;reveal enc.. White kid gloves, below the elbow. Fan of richly Itoste.d silver crape: The great convenience and novel attraction of this die-s, consist in its admitting of a spencer of the same material as the robe, whi. is richly ornamented, a la ith gold braid avd nct:ed buttuus, forming a sort of epantette on the shoulder , . The I)encer is embroidered up the seams of the ba ck, on the shoulder-, and to curet:: pond with the bottom of the robe. This fteuret, worn over the ovening, dress, aPords at once both cosolort xud utility ; and, with the additlon of a :•traw or velvet hat, or:tame:tied wills feathers, a:.11 half boots or Roman SILO4`!:, eons notes a mu-t attrac _ rive and appropriate captive cr protneuade eirmone. The C vnyc niroce as well as becoming - properties ut this sease,nable "via be duly appreciated by such ladies a. are iu the habit of ing the theatres!, or private evening partie , , Ott g a cutup tilt!: PI t r altel,rl INNI MI