REVIEW S. The Acts of the Apostles; with Notes, chiefly Explanatory; designed for Teachers in Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes, and as an Aid to Family Instruction. By HENRY J. RIPLEY. Stereotyped Edition. Boston: Gould and Co. 12mo. Sacred Rhetoric; or Composition and Delivery of Sermons. By HENRY J. RIPLEY, Professor of Sacred Rhetoric and Pastoral Duties in the Newton Theological Institu tion. Boston: Gould and Co. 12mo. Sermons delivered in the Chapel of Brown University. By FRANCIS WAYLAND. Boston: Gould and Co. 12mo. Proverbs for the People; or Illustrations of Practical Godliness, drawn from the Book of Wisdom. By E. L. MAGOON. Cincin nati. Boston: Gould and Co. 12mo. The Earth and Man; Lectures on Comparative Physical Geography in its relation to the History of Mankind. By ARNOLD GUYOT, Professor of Physical Geography and History at Neufchatel. Translated by C. C. FELTON, of Harward University. Boston, U. S.: Gould, Kendall, and Lincoln, 1849. London: John Chapman. We have often felt regret that there is so little intellectual intercourse between America and England. American cotton and American biscuits are articles of commerce, but of American literature comparatively little is known. To the Christians of both countries this is a serious loss, and it would afford us pleasure to learn that our notice of the books that are named at the head of this article has the effect of introducing them to English readers. Professor Ripley's are among the best expository writings with which we are acquainted. In their general character they resemble the Notes of Albert Barnes, while in one respect, at least, they possess a recommendation which we cannot concede to the works of that deservedly popular commentator. The author maintains scriptural views of the ordinance of baptism, and he brings them forward on all proper occasions. This is of far more importance than is generally supposed. Nothing has tended so much, we believe, to retard the progress of baptist sentiments, and lead to their abandonment by the descendants of their advocates, as the use of pædobaptist expositions. It is a great mistake to imagine that difference in sentiment respecting that ordinance affects those passages alone in which the subject is treated of formally; in all commentaries written by pædobaptists with which we are acquainted, the interpretation of numerous passages of scripture is influenced by the supposition of the authors, that the natural descendants of the pious are entitled to advantages and interested in promises which do not belong to the children of others. Pædobaptist principles are insinuated in them, in a manner which common readers do not detect, and which produces imperceptibly important results. If, as is the case in many affluent baptist families, the young people are habituated to attend the ministry of pædobaptist pastors who are faithful to their own creed, and to consult the works of pædobaptist commen tators when they meet with texts that perplex them, what is to be expected but that they shall adopt pædobaptist opinions? Independently of this, however, Professor Ripley's Notes evince a combination of learning, piety, and good sense, which would secure to them the approbation of British Christians if they were known in our island. The Sacred Rhetoric will not supersede, by its discussion of the principles of the science, either Campbell or Whately; but for practical purposes, and especially for the ministerial student, it surpasses or rather supplements them both. The tract of Dr. Ware on Extemporaneous Preaching which is appended, adds to the value of the volume. While due consideration is given to delivery and method, there is throughout such practical homage paid to the great principle laid down by Milton, as cannot fail to direct attention to the grand secret of pulpit efficiency. "True eloquence," says that master-spirit, "I find to be none but the serious and hearty love of truth." Dr. Wayland's sermons are admirable specimens of academic exposition and appeals; and it may be safely said that there is in this country nothing like them, or so well adapted to guide and encourage the inquiries of intelligent young men. The subjects are Theoretical and Practical Atheism-The Moral The Proverbs for the People abound in apt quotation, felicitous expressions, and in evidence of clear insight into spiritual truth. The Earth and Man is a pleasing little treatise on a subject which Humboldt's Cosmos and Mrs. Somerville's Physical Geography have made popular. It is one which is intrinsically interesting, and recent investigations in nearly all the physical sciences are adding to its interest, and seem to indicate an approach to the discovery of more comprehensive general laws. This volume has advantages over those we have named. It is less costly, and more simple. Above all, it combines, with notices of the earthly and physical, a running commentary on man as influenced by the condition and circumstances of the various countries of the globe. We commend the whole of these volumes to our readers. BRIEF NOTICES. Facsimile Large Edition. The English Version of the Polyglott Bible; containing the Old and New Testaments: with a copious and original selection of References to Parallel and Illustrative Passages, exhibited in a manner hitherto unattempted. London: 8vo. Plain Morocco 21s, Turkey Morocco, plain 22s. 6d, extra 25s. portion of Bagster's Polyglott Bible has long been a favourite with the public. We have often been surprised to find it in cottages as well as among the more refined classes, and have been amused as well as gratified by the complacency with which the owner has spoken of what he called his "Polyglott." Nearly thirty years have elapsed, however, since its first appearance, and many who delighted in it A thin pocket volume containing the English formerly have begun to experience the truth of memory. page observations which have occasioned its reproduction in a larger and bolder type. It is remarked justly that, "All who have been accustomed to the regular use of any particular cdition of the scriptures, must be aware how much their ability to refer from one passage to another depends on their remembrance of the position of the passages upon the particular parts of the pages where they occur; so that while they are able to turn with ease to the passage they wish to consult in their own bibles, they are often quite at a loss in searching for the same truths in a bible with which they are not familiar." The publishers have, therefore, prepared for their old friends an edition which may suit the altered state of their vision, and continue to them the advantages of local It corresponds page for and line for line with the pocket editions; the central column of marginal references and various readings is just where they have been used to see it, and they have before them the very bible with which they have been familiar, as it would appear through spectacles adapted to their sight. How great an accommodation this will be to multitudes it is unnecessary to show. The summary view of events occurring in the interval between the rebuilding of the temple and the birth of John the Baptist, the Harmony of the Four Evangelists, and the tables of various kinds which are introduced, all increase the utility of the publication; while the style of elegant simplicity in which it is clothed must gratify every person of correct taste. This volume will often be selected, we doubt not, as a handsome present to a newly married couple: happy they on whose hearts its contents shall be written, and in whose lives they shall be exemplified! Institutes of Theology by the late THOMAS CHALMERS, D.D., LL.D. Volume II. Edinburgh: Sutherland and Knox. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. If we may be allowed to mention the effects of that partial examination of this volume which we have made, the first has been an earnest desire to read thoughtfully every page and every sentence; the second, a feeling of regret that the voice of the eloquent lecturer can be heard no more in those halls in which candidates for the ministry congregate; and the third, delight that so many of those who are now engaged in the service of the churches have enjoyed the advantages which such instruction could not fail to yield. The disease for which the gospel remedy is provided having been treated of in the previous volume, the first portion of this is on the Nature of the Gospel Remedy, and here the thoroughly evangelized spirit of the author, his filial reverence for all that God has said, his consciousness of the limitations of human intellect, his cordial attachment to the cross, and his perception of its extensive bearings on the diversified interests of man, impart to the discussion an indescribable charm. The next portion is on the Extent of the Gospel Remedy; and here, while he shows himself to be firmly attached to the system called Calvinism, he discriminates clearly between what belongs to that system, and the baneful excrescences which have too often been supposed to be its necessary adjuncts. Then follow Supplementary Lectures on the Trinity-on the Moral Uses of the Doctrine that Christ is God-on the Union of the Divine and Human Nature in Christ-on the Doctrine of the Spirit-on the Distinction between the Mode in which Theology should be learned at the Hall, and the Mode in which it should be taught from the Pulpit-on Didactic and Controversial Theology. These are of great practical value. "In all our discussions of the different questions in theology," says the author, "we have ever rejoiced when, instead of a merely intellectual dogma, a topic, perhaps of learned controversy, we could perceive any opening whatever by which it might be turned to an object of plain and practical application." To any of our brethren who may feel it necessary to restrict themselves to two volumes of the works of Dr. Chalmers, we should say, By all means select the two volumes entitled, "Institutes of Theology." The Christian Life: a Manual of Sacred Verse. By ROBERT MONTGOMERY, M.A., Oxon., Author of "The Omnipotence of the Deity," Luther,' "Gospel in Advance of the Age," &c., &c. London: Arthur Hall and Co. pp. 484. 66 This volume, which is dedicated by permission to Her Majesty, is published in aid of a the Hospital at very excellent institution Brompton for Consumption and Diseases of the Chest. It is computed that 36,000 persons die of pulmonary consumption in England and Wales every year; that one-fifth of the mortality of adults in our country arises from this fatal disease; and that in the metropolis, in every 170 persons there is one wearing away under the operation of this lingering malady. In this hospital, an asylum is afforded to large numbers of such sufferers, and others receive advice and medicine as out-patients. Dissenters, if they can obtain Letters of Recommendation, are admissible as well as churchmen, though we do not recognize the name of any dissenter on the committee of management. We regret that the same inducement to dissenting ministers to make collections is not given by the rules as are held out to "every incumbent who shall permit collections to be made in his church for the benefit of the hospital." As to Mr. Montgomery's work, nothing in it is so much in accordance with our taste as the object to which its profits are devoted. It is no dishonour to him, as a clergyman of the state church, to be strongly attached to that church, but we cannot be expected to sympathize with him in the caresses with which he fondles her, or to join with him in the exclamation, "God save the Church! be this our cry, Unhappily too, as we think, Mr. Montgomery's admiration is most enthusiastically excited in reference to the baptismal theory which the presiding judge of the Court of Arches has just decided to be the true doctrine of the established church, and which it may be better "Thou little trembler, robed in white, While hearts for thee are striving charms May rest secure in Christ's baptismal arms. * "More than our first-born parents knew, Before they proved to God untrue, August, 1849. Lon- to lay before our readers in the poet's language | The Eclectic Review. than in our own. don. 8vo., pp. 128. The first article this month is of a useful character, depicting vividly the immorality of the stage and its concomitants, and giving a biographical sketch of Montague Stanley, an actor of some celebrity, who conscientiously abandoned the pursuit in which he had delighted, and from which he had derived his support, when his eyes were opened to see his need of that salvation which the gospel exhibits. Next we are led to a consideration of the Laws of Nature and the Inventions of Politicians, too brief to elucidate greatly a subject so extensive and difficult. We then come to an article which gratifies us much, as it corroborates the highly favourable opinion which we have already expressed to our readers of Mr. Burchell's memoir of his energetic and devoted brother. A similar pleasure is afforded to us by the review of Fairbairn's Typology of Scripture, which will aid the circulation of that useful work, describing it as "unquestionably superior, both in critical skill and argumentative power, to most treatises on the same subject in our language, while it is inferior to none in reverence for the words of the Spirit, and in richness of evangelical truth." Pridham's work on Ceylon, Sir George Head's Rome, Browning's Poems, the Bass Rock, Freehold Land Societies, and Arbitration Treaties, furnish the texts for the other articles. Works this regen'rate gift; Angels who on their trial stood, Exceed not this majestic good That may thy soul uplift; A child of God!-can seraphim aspire "From thee the curse is rolled away; To them who heed his call: Now, to the stillness of thy soul is given, The North British Review. August, 1849. No. XXII. Edinburgh. 8vo., pp. 376. The first forty-four pages of this number are on Mr. Morrell's views of systematic theology as developed in his "Philosophy of Religion." The reviewer combats in detail Mr. Morrell's statements respecting inspiration, apostolic teaching, and the Christian life, and maintains that his sublime mysticism will not meet the case of a sin-sick soul, or a conscience labouring under a real conviction of guilt. "With the deepest grief," it is added, "we express our firm belief that his theology is essentially of such a character as to send all that are thus broken hearted to Rome's refuges of lies, while as for those who are heart-whole, and can dispense with a clear and valid ground of peace, it provides enough of vague sentiment to interest and awaken, without either any appeal based on God's violated law to subdue and to alarm, or any authentic and authoritative message of mercy to reconcile them, as sinners, to the Holy One and the Just." Another valuable article is on the recent expedition sent by the government of the United States to explore thoroughly the river Jordan and the Dead Sea. The voyage down the Jordan, from the sea of Tiberias to the sea of Sodom, has never been accomplished before, we believe, at least in modern times; but it has now been performed, notwithstanding the interposition of unlooked for difficulties from falls and rapids, and we find here an interesting account of it, and of the peculiarities of the sheet of brine and bitumen in which it terminates, dissipating some unfounded fancies, and confirming many remarkable facts. Dean Swift and his biographersGioberti, the Italian politician German Socialism-the Ten Years' Conflict-Eastern Europe Railways and the Indian wars, furnish topics for other elaborate disquisitions. VOL. XII.-FOURTH SERIES. The Characteristics and Dying Testimony of A frank, faithful, and judicious discourse, containing a delineation of the character of the late Dr. Styles, and an outline of his life. This talented preacher was born March 17th, 1782, and died June 22nd, 1849. A love of reading distinguished him in his boyhood, and when he was seventeen years of age he was admitted to Hoxton College. Before he had attained his twentieth year he entered on the ministry at Newport in the Isle of Wight. He was afterwards pastor of independent churches at Brighton, Brixton, Clapham, and Foleshill near Coventry. He possessed an exuberance of animal spirits, and the propriety of his conduct was in several instances publicly questioned; but many of the allegations against him were proved to be calumnious, and in other cases, gentlemen of integrity who conducted investigations, and could not vindicate him wholly, continued to honour him with their friendship. Sir Henry R. Bishop's Edition of Handel's with a Piano Forte Accompaniment, adapted from the Score, by Sir Henry R. Bishop, Prof. Mus., Oxon. London: D'Almaine and Co. Imperial Quarto, pp. 16 each No. There are thousands, doubtless, to whom an edition of Handel's works in sixpenny numbers will be acceptable. In this the music is beautifully engraved, and the name of the editor insures scientific propriety. "Acis and Galatea" is to be completed in six numbers, and "Israel in Egypt "in twelve. The Friends of the Poor of Hamburgh; or the Exercise of Christian Benevolence. Translated from the French. Edinburgh and London: Johnstone and Hunter. 24mo., pp. 72. Many suggestions which may be valuable to friends of the poor in this country will be found in this brief narrative. Sabbaths with my Class; with an Introduction on Bible Class Teaching. By a Scripture Teacher. London: B. L. Green. pp. 128. Cloth. We pay a high compliment to this second volume of Green's Sunday School Library in saying that it is worthy to rank with the first. They are both volumes which teachers will value and from which they may derive much aid in their important labours. The Orphan Working School (Removed from the City Road,) Haverstock Hill, Hampstead Road, Instituted in the Year 1758, for the Maintenance, Instruction, and Employment, of Orphans, and other Necessitous Children. Incorporated 1848. Office, 19, Gresham Street, London. London: Unwin, Bucklersbury. All the information that can be needed respecting this very excellent institution is included in this small publication, which contains a list of subscribers, newly arranged with the express purpose of facilitating the labour of the friends of candidates in canvassing for votes. Notes, Explanatory and Practical on the General Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude. By ALBERT BARNES. Carefully Revised and Compared with the last American Edition, by the Rev. JOHN CUMMING, D.D. London: George Routledge and Co., 1849. pp. 447. The uniformity of this with volumes from the same pen which Messrs. Routledge have issued previously, will recommend this edition to those who possess other portions of the set. For a notice of the same work in a different size, we beg to refer to our number for July, 1848. Address of the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, on the Occasion of his Baptism, at John Street Chapel, August 9, 1849. London: B. L. Green, pp. 11. The Report of Mr. Noel's address in the Christian Times in the form of a tract, which may be obtained for distribution on easy terms. Several thousands have been circulated already, and we hope that many thousands more will be called for speedily. RECENT PUBLICATIONS Approved. [It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works enumerated, not of course extending to every particular, but an approbation of their general character and tendency.] The Hammersmith Protestant Discussion; being an Authenticated Report of the Controversial Discussion between the Rev. John Cumming, D.D., of the Scottish National Church, Crown Court, Covent Garden, and Daniel French, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, on the Differences between Protestantism and Popery; held at Hammersmith, during the months of April and May, MDCCCXXXIX. From the Short-hand Notes of CHARLES MABURY ARCHER, Esq. New Edition, with a Copious Index. London: Arthur Hall and Co., 25, Paternoster Row. 8vo., pp. 684. Christian Education. Man, as the Babe, the Boy, the Youth. Hints upon Physical, Mental, Moral, and Religious Training. By Philotecnus, Member of the Incorporated College of Preceptors. London : Nisbet and Co. pp. xv., 127. A Paper on Longevity, read to the Leamington and Warwickshire Medical and Chirurgical Society, M.R.C.S., Surgeon to the Southam Eye and Ear InWarneford Hospital. By HENRY L. SMITH, Esq., firmary. Worcester: Deighton and Co. pp. 21. Practical Thoughts. By the Rev. WILLIAM NEVINS, D.D. With an Introduction by the Rev. EDWARD BICKERSTETH, Vicar of Watton. B. L. Green. 18mo., pp. xii., 186. Parables. Translated from the German of Krummacher. B. L. Green. 16mo., pp. 30. Wine and Milk for Weary Pilgrims; or, Encou ragements and Consolations from the Holy Scriptures, for the Spiritual Refreshment of the Children of God, while Sojourners upon Earth. B. L. Green. pp. 95. A Full Christ for Empty Sinners. By the Rev. W. ROMAINE, A.M. B. L. Green. 32mo., pp. 63. The Words of a Believer. By the ABEE DE LAMENNAIS. B. L. Green. pp. 119. Blind Alice. By AUNT KITTY. B. L. Green. PP. 120. How Little Henry of Cichenfels came to the Knowledge of God. B. L. Green. Square 16mo., pp. 60. Thoughts on the Study of the Powers and Susceptibilities of the Human Mind. Addressed to a Meeting of Sabbath School Teachers. By a Teacher. London: Sunday School Union. 16mo., pp. 16. |