odical, as an "apologist for pub- The Congregational Lecture, Fourteenth lished infidelity and blasphemy," because he had sent into the world an Address to Deists showing that Jesus Christ and his apostles were not responsible for the prosecution and imprisonment of persons who sold books against Christianity. Remembering what his boldness cost him only twenty-five years back, and remembering the unquestionable excellence and noble-heartedness of some who censured him then, he cannot be severe on men who, in the seventeenth century, hesitated to include among their clients, "Jew, Turk, and Papist." Let Nye and his colleagues have full credit for what they did; but let not history be falsified to make them appear more liberal or less liberal than they actually were. They pleaded for liberty against the sticklers for uniformity liberty not for themselves alone, but for their baptist brethren also, nay, for all whose errors were not, in their judgment, fundamental. For their sake, as well as for the sake of historical truth in the abstract, we greatly regret that claims should have been set up on their behalf which cannot be substantiated; but if the title of the engraving were somewhat modified, we could gaze upon the engraving itself with unmingled admiration and delight; and the title is rather objectionable on account of associations connected with it, arising from the circulation of misapprehensions of the facts, than on account of what it expresses. Were it possible to hear the words uttered, as it is possible to Series. The Work of the Spirit. By In this case it is easy to make a report of that kind which is to many readers the most satisfactory, though it requires from the reviewer little more than the discharge of the humble duty of a faithful witness. A brief statement of what the author believes he has performed can be presented in his own words, with a certificate that, in our judgment, the representation is correct. "The sum of our entire argument is, that the practical energy of the spiritual life displays the distinct yet harmonious workings of the spirit of man and of the Spirit of God. "It has been the purpose of the lectures now concluded, to take a comprehensive survey of doctrines respecting the work of the Holy This purpose Spirit in the salvation of man. has led to an examination of man himself, in that respect in which he is the subject of the principles, and in the spiritual power of Chris- compared these human writings with the word of God. Let me, in conclusion, declare with simplicity and plainness the issue of these studies. "I have no doubt that when men turn to God there is a direct work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts; that there is, also, a consequent operation of the truth believed by the converted to induce them to turn to God, and to excite and encourage them to the attainment of perfect holiness; that it is the Holy Spirit's power within them that renders them willing to attend to that which the same Spirit teaches them in his word; that in attending to that teaching, and in following it, they act with the entire freedom of their intellectual and moral constitution; that the operations of material nature are not analogous to the agency of spiritual being, and that philosophy has not yet explained either the one or the other; that I am not warranted to say the truth is the means of beginning the spiritual life, though I am unable to conceive of that life in man being developed otherwise than by his free, practical, and devout belief of the truth which the Holy Spirit has revealed. "Short of this I cannot stop. Beyond this I do not go. I honour the gifts, and appreciate the motives of the men-whether dead or living-from whom my deliberate judgment leads me to dissent. But to me the work of the Holy Spirit is, at this hour, what it has ever been a mystery. I receive the declara tions of scripture on this subject with reverent faith: I have laboured to expound them, here and elsewhere, according to the measure of ability for which I feel that I must render an account unto God, and with whatever light of knowledge he has enabled me to acquire. In them I read, what is to me, a plain revelation of the fact that the Spirit of God works immediately in the spirit of man for the salvation of his soul, and for the redemption of his body; and also the fact-to which consciousness bears witness-that he in whose spirit the divine work begins, gives proof that it has so begun in him, by believing the gospel, and by leading a life of watchfulness and prayer, of humble trust in Christ, of reliance on the promises of grace, and of patient preparation for that world where his holiness will be complete, and where his blessedness will last for ever."-pp. 395–397. The perusal of this volume has afforded us much pleasure, and we cordially recommend it to the attention of intelligent Christians, especially of those who are entering upon evangelical labour. Its contents are evidently the result of careful investigation and independent thought. The plan has been gradually formed, the author tells us, during a pastoral ministry of thirty years, and amid the engagements which have employed him through a large portion of the latter half of that period as a teacher of theology. His views have not been adopted hastily, or presented to the world without having been tested by comparison with those of his contemporaries. His doctrine corresponds substantially with that of Owen, but it is presented to the present generation in a manner correspondent with their habits of thinking, and with a knowledge of modern theories respecting the important subject to which it refers. He has familiarized himself with speculations both of continental and English writers with whom he does not concur. Without intending to intimate that we coincide in every opinion which the author has advanced, it is our desire to express a very high estimate of the intrinsic worth of his performance, and of its adaptation to the present times. BRIEF NOTICES. Critical History and Defence of the Old Testament Canon. By MOSES STUART, Professor of Sacred Literature in the Theological Seminary, Andover, Massachusetts. Edited, with Occasional Notes and References, by the Rev. Peter Lorimer, Professor of Theo logy and Biblical Literature in the English Presbyterian College, London. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 8vo., pp. 390. Professor Stuart's object in this work is one of great importance. It is to give 66 a critical and historical view of the Jewish canon of scripture in the days of Christ and the apostles, and to show that this canon, as received by the Jews at that time, was declared by our Saviour and his apostles to be of divine origin and authority, and was treated by them as entitled to these claims." The editor's estimate of the performance is, in our opinion, correct: "it supplies, to a considerable extent, a long felt desideratum, and though it is not of the nature of a complete introduction to the Old Testament, but leaves the demand for such a work in our own language still unsupplied,—yet as a general outline of the critical history of the Ancient Canon, and of the argument upon which its divine authority mainly rests, it will be found of excellent service, both to students of theology and to general readers, who are desirous of informing themselves, and coming to intelligent conclusions upon these interesting and important subjects." Mr. Lorimer regrets that in one or two instances he has felt himself obliged by a regard to the sacred interests of truth, in connexion with questions of great practical moment, to enter a caveat against some of the views which the author has broached. We are obliged to him for what he has done in this respect, and should not have complained had he done so more frequently, the author being, in our view, too much disposed to allow himself to be led by German scholars into by-paths from which otherwise his naturally sound judgment would have preserved him. The work is, however, valuable. Many important questions are thoroughly discussed, and the results brought out satisfactorily. Respecting the Song of Songs, Professor Stuart's opinion is, "that the book was, beyond any reasonable critical doubt, included in the canon whenever the same was completed;" that, "whoever they were that inserted this book in the canon of scripture, they must have regarded the work as of a religious cast;" that "there may have been some books, neither ritual nor politico-ecclesiastical, written for the time being, and the circumstances then existing, and which were wisely adapted to do good in this state of things-which books, by the introduction of a better and more perfect system of religion, have become, in a good measure, obsolete, or no longer useful to us, because our circumstances, habits, manners, and modes of thinking, are so different from those of the Jews in their partially civilized state;" that," the Canticles is a book rather to be regarded in the light of a local one and adapted to partial usage than as a book now, under the full light of the gospel, specially adapted to our use;" that it is much better suited to the oriental than the occidental mind, and that "it may still have another day of usefulness among the Asiatics." The Ten Years' Conflict: being the History of the Disruption of the Church of Scotland. By ROBERT BUCHANAN, D.D. In Two Volumes. Blackie and Son, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Warwick Square, London. 8vo., pp. 491 and 650. Without expressing an opinion on any of the numerous questions discussed in these volumes, or on the general merits of the controversy to which they refer, we can say without hesitation that we are very glad that they have appeared. The series of events which they record must be for a long time to come important and interesting, and it is desirable that the world should have a full, correct, and well authenticated account of the whole. Here we have a comprehensive history written by one who was minutely acquainted with the transactions of which he treats, and who thoroughly enter ed into the spirit of the party which entitled itself to admiration and sympathy. The narrative is preceded by five preliminary chapters, quite necessary for the English reader, on the Nature of the Question-on the Peculiarities of the Scottish Reformation-on Church and State in Scotland from the Reformation to the Revolution-on that which is described as the Dark Age of the Scottish Church, the Eighteenth Century-and on the Balance of Parties at the time when the struggle commenced. Chapters follow on the Assembly of 1834, the Veto-law, and the Chapel Act-on the Fruits of Evangelical Ascendency-on the Auchterarder Case on the Collision-and then others illustrating the Conflict in its successive stages. The representations made throughout are, of course, in accordance with the views of the founders of the "Free Church;" but there is nothing to excite our suspicion of more one-sidedness than was under the circumstances unavoidable, and the documentary character of the work must render it one of permanent utility. It will, doubtless, be a standard book in future generations as well as in our own. The Singular Introduction of the English Bible into Britain, and its Consequences: illustrative of the Paramount Duty and Imperative Obligation of British Christians to other nations in the present eventful period. London: 8vo., pp. 57. The basis of this pamphlet is a larger work by the same author, Mr. Anderson of Edinburgh, entitled Annals of the English Bible. In this he enlarges on our obligations to William Tyndale and John Rogers, "the two primary agents, under God, to whom Britain must ever remain indebted," illustrates the providential interpositions by which the work was achieved, shows how little we are indebted for the blessings which we derive from it to men in high stations, and urges upon British Christians, as individuals, the duties devolving upon them in reference to the millions who are still destitute of the invaluable treasure. He cautions his readers against turning any longer an indolent eye only to what are called societies, reminding them that at no time did the vast multiplication of the bible in English depend and argues strenuously for the putting to press upon any combination of men, large or small; and printing in this country of "myriads of the sacred volume, say the New Testament, in all the European and in many of the Oriental languages already translated." The Bible of Every Land: or a History, Critical and Philological, of all the Versions of the Sacred Scriptures, in every Language and Dialect into which Translations have been made: with Specimen Portions in their own characters, and Ethnographical Maps. London: Samuel Bagster and Sons. 4to. Part V. Information respecting above twenty languages of the Indo-European class, and the translations of the scriptures or parts of the scriptures which have been commenced, is contained in this portion of a work which to all who delight in biblical literature must be interesting. One very curious section is that relating to the Rommany or Gipsy version. So completely does the language of our English gipsies belong to the Indo-European class, that Lord Teignmouth, the first president of the British and Foreign_Bible Society, who had spent many years in India, happening to meet with a gipsy woman, and being struck with her resemblance in form and feature to his former neighbours in the east, addressed her in Hindustani with which language he was familiarly acquainted, and found to his surprise that she could understand him perfectly. The gospel of Luke, in this language, was printed by Mr. Borrow at Madrid a few years ago, to the consternation of the Romish priesthood, who immediately took measures for its suppression. Heaven's Antidote to the Curse of Labour; or the Temporal Advantages of the Sabbath, considered in relation to the Working Classes. By JOHN ALLAN QUINTON. With Six Engravings by George Meusom, from Designs by Gilbert. London: Partridge and Oakey. 12mo., pp. 141. Cloth, gilt. Nothing more can be necessary to recommend this work to attention than the bare announcement that from the thousand and forty-five productions submitted to the adjudicators, in consequence of the offer of three prizes for the three best essays on The Temporal Advantages of the Sabbath to the Labouring Classes, this is that to which the highest premium was awarded. The writer was born thirty-two years ago at Needham Market in Suffolk, and was the eldest of twelve or thirteen children. After going through the forms of schooling, with little practical advantage, as he now thinks, at the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to a printer and bookseller at Stowmarket. His constitution was unfit for prolonged muscular exertion, and this led him to form and indulge a taste for reading. He then became a sabbath school teacher, and shortly after, through instrumentality in connexion with the school, a decided Christian. At nineteen years of age he was received into fellowship with the independent church at Stowmarket; and for the last twelve years he has combined close attention to business in a printing office at Ipswich with attempts of various kinds to promote the spiritual interests of those around him. Since the evidence of mental superiority has been displayed which this essay affords, he has been removed, we believe, to a situation in which he will enjoy opportunities for usefulness congenial with his character and talents. Egypt: a Popular and Familiar Description of the Land, People, and Produce. With an Introductory Essay by the Rev. THOMAS Boaz, Missionary from Calcutta. With a Map and upwards of Fifty Engravings. Second Edition. London: John Snow. 16mo., pp. 328. In this attractive volume will be found a cyclopædia of information respecting Egypt as it now is, and this, of course, illustrates the state of Egypt as it was in earlier centuries. For the history of this remarkable country recourse must be had to other publications, except as it may be gathered from a copious chronological table; but all that is needed to be known for ordinary purposes of the geogra phy, inhabitants, and productions of Egypt, is furnished here in a satisfactory form. It is the work of an industrious compiler, who has consulted standard authorities and recent travels; and the engravings with which it is adorned are useful as well as pleasing. Scripture Sites and Scenes, from Actual Survey, in Egypt, Arabia, and Palestine. Chiefly for the use of Sunday Schools. London: Arthur Hall and Co. 12mo., pp. 190. The writer states that the plan of this work "does not embrace many of the scenes of the New Testament, these being reserved for another volume. The present contains brief notices of the earliest sites in Palestine frequented by the patriarchs; of Egypt and its condition in their day; of the scenes of the Exodus; of Edom and its rock-hewn capital Petra; with a general survey of the past and present state of Jerusalem, containing the substance of the author's walks' in and around that memorable city." The admixture of personal adventure with the geographical information, and the desire of the author to trace out accurately the steps of ancient worthies "in the days of their pilgrimage," add to the pleasure of the reader, and there is about the whole the aspect of truthfulness. We do not, however, discover any special adaptation to Sunday schools; the book is more suitable we think to a higher class of students: the religious observations are but few, and those few are not quite in accordance with our notions of theological propriety. The engravings on steel, twelve in number, add much to the value of the volume. The Lord's Supper: a Treatise founded on First Corinthians xi. 23-34. By the Rev. JAMES MORGAN, D.D., Belfast. Belfast: W. M'Comb. London: Nisbet and Co. 12mo., pp. xv., 356. The views of the author, who is a minister of "The Presbyterian Church in Ireland," are substantially those which we regard as correct; but there are phrases and references to matters of detail which are not indigenous in our churches, and which we do not desire to import. What he says respecting the works of two English episcopalians, we are ready to say respecting his: "The sacramental treatises of Haweis and Bickersteth are most edifying and refreshing, yet they have peculiarities arising out of their ecclesiastical connexions which render them, in some respects, not so well adapted to all classes of the people." Yet it is a highly respectable volume; and ministers will find it suggestive of topics and trains of thought which may be useful in preparing for the exercises devolving on them at the Lord's table. Consumption of the Lungs, or Decline: the Causes, Symptoms, and Rational Treatment. With the means of Prevention. By T. H. YEOMAN, M.D. London: Sampson Low. 16mo., pp. 80. Though in many constitutions strong tendencies towards this fatal malady have been received from a parent, yet those tendencies may be so much counteracted by judicious measures, or so much aggravated by mistaken courses, that it is important that sound information respecting the disease should be circulated among all classes. This little work is exceedingly well adapted for general perusal, being intended for unprofessional readers, and giving clear, intelligible, and practical views of the whole subject. There is not the slightest approximation to quackery discernible, but the object of the author seems to be to make known what medical science in its present state teaches respecting consumption, and what all persons of delicate habits, young people contemplating matrimonial engagements, and especially parents, ought to know. A Glance at British India. A Lecture delivered on behalf of the Young Men's Association in connexion with the Baptist Missionary Society, at the Mission House, Moorgate Street. By the Rev. F. TUCKER, B.A., formerly Missionary in Calcutta. London: 16mo., pp. 31. Price Threepence. An epitome of information respecting India with which all our young friends especially would do well to acquaint themselves. prayerfulness, from the words, " And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." "Read, and you will Know" or, the Young Christian directed and encouraged in the Pursuit of Knowledge. By JAMES CLARK. Second Edition. London: 32mo., pp. 87. Price Ninepence. Taking for his motto the words in which the mother of one of the greatest scholars of the last century, Sir William Jones, was accustomed to address her son, the author illustrates by argument and facts, the best means for the acquisition of knowledge. These are, a deep and ardent desire for it-a diligent and persevering application to its sources-a cheerful hope of success—and a spirit of dependence on the blessing of God. The Trial of Antichrist, otherwise, The Man of Sin, for High Treason against the Son of God: tried at the Sessions House of Truth. Taken in Short Hand by a Friend of St. Peter. Aberdeen: G. and R. King. 32mo., pp. 170. A reprint of a work published about forty years ago, in which, under the form of a statetrial, an epitome of ccclesiastical history is given, as far as relates to the rise, progress, assumptions, and tyranny of the Romish pontiff. The reader will find in it information which every one ought to possess, given humorously, and with a just appreciation of that system of iniquity to which many wilfully shut their eyes to their own peril and that of their country. Life's Last Hours; or the Final Testimony. R. T. S. Monthly Series. Price 6d. The general design of this volume is to illustrate the blessings conferred by true reli Idolatry: its wide Diffusion and Certain Ex-gion in the closing scenes of human life. This termination. A Lecture delivered at the Mission House, Moorgate Street, November 15, 1848. By the Rev. F. A. Cox, D.D., LL.D. London: 16mo., pp. 22. Price Threepence. Instructive and cheering. The argument for the divine origin of the gospel is well put, that while the moral power of Christianity has been manifested in the subjugation and sanctification of idolatrous minds, conquering their most stubborn prejudices, and establishing itself amidst their grossest superstitions and vices, Idolatry has been unable to produce any impression on the territories of Christianity. While the religion of Jesus has converted idolators, the religion of the shasters has not converted Christians." The Eve of Pentecost. A Sermon preached at Yeovil, before the Western Association of Baptist Churches, May 31, 1849. By SAMUEL G. GREEN, B.A. Published at the Request of the Association. pp. 18. Price Threepence. An eloquent discourse on union-trust-and is done principally by giving accounts of the dying experience of ungodly and self-righteous men on the one hand, and on the other of eminent Christians. The instances of both kinds are numerous, and judicious observations are interspersed with the narratives. Loiterings among the Lakes of Cumberland and Westmoreland. By the Author of “Wanderings in the Isle of Wight." London: R. T. S. Square 16mo., cloth, gilt. A book which will undoubtedly be acceptable to many young persons and to some old ones. It belongs to a class of which it is important that the Religious Tract Society should furnish an ample supply for juvenile readers, communicating general knowledge in a manner that will prove attractive, with an entire freedom from evil tendencies and the occasional introduction of religious observations. The Bunhill Memorials. An Account of nearly Three Hundred Ministers, who are buried in Bunhill Fields, of every denomination. With the Inscriptions on their Tombs and Grave |