CLARK'S FOREIGN THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY. Volume IV. Giesler's Compendium of Ecclesiastical History. Vol. I. A Compendium of Ecclesiastical History. By DR. JOHN C. L. GIESLER, Consistorial Counsellor, and Ordinary Professor of Theology, in Göttingen. Fourth Edition, revised and amended. Translated from the German, by SAMUEL DAVIDSON, LL.D., Professor of Biblical Literature and Ecclesiastical History in the Lancashire Independent College. Volume I. 8vo. pp. 472.

T. and T. Clark, Edinburgh; and Hamilton,
Adams, and Co.

We have often, with great sincerity, expressed our deep obligations to Mr. Clark, for the enterprise he has displayed in the cause of biblical literature. No bookseller of the age has won for himself a more enviable reputation in this department; while every new publication which issues from his prolific press but enhances the debt of gratitude which is felt by many an anxious and earnest aspirant in the path of sacred knowledge.

As it respects Giesler's "Compendium of Ecclesiastical History," the first volume of which we now introduce to our readers, it may be well to describe its character, and to furnish some estimate of its general value. The author has long been known to the learned world as a man of immense literary attainments; which he has devoted with extraordinary zeal and assiduity to the cause of biblical knowledge. Like most, or at least like many, of his countrymen, his theological theories are not to be trusted; there is a blight on much of the German Divinity, which makes us cautious in committing ourselves unreservedly to its most evangelical authors.

As an ecclesiastical historian, however, Dr. Giesler is a writer of extraordinary dimensions. His text, which contains the thread of history, is remarkably brief and concise; but his notes are ample beyond all ordinary precedent; and supply to the student the means of verifying for himself the accuracy of the facts detailed. Hence, as a text-book, the work is of immense value, both for the information it contains, and the spirit of inquiry which it tends to awaken. Deep and varied research, and most determined impartiality, are the prominent characteristics of the work. The latter quality predominates even to a fault, and might breed a spirit of perplexity and doubt, in certain minds, where none ought to be felt. But the vast treasures of knowledge amassed in every page may be regarded as a compensation for all minor defects. The style is cold, rugged, and dry; but with all these disadvantages, and

they are by no means small, no student, of moderate pretensions, can afford to exclude from his library this masterly specimen of ecclesiastical research.

It will be sufficient guarantee of the faithfulness of the translation, to announce that it has been executed, con amore, by our friend, Dr. Davidson, whose German scholarship no one acquainted with him, or the German language, will call in question. He has, we believe, performed his task ably and well; and, as he has taken the author's last edition, viz., the fourth, as the basis of his version, there can be no doubt that it is superior to any other one that has hitherto appeared in an English dress. To students in divinity, and Christian ministers in general, of all denominations, we earnestly recommend this Encyclopædia of ecclesiastical reference. Sincerely do we thank our friend Dr. Davidson for the labour which he has put forth in the department of a faithful translator.

MEMOIR OF WILLIAM KNIBB, Missionary in Jamaica. By JOHN HOWARD HINTON, M.A. 8vo. pp. 572.

Houlston and Stoneman.

We regard it as a peculiarly happy circumstance, that the biography of this distinguished missionary should have been committed to the care of one in every way so competent to the task. It needed a mind as vigorous and well disciplined as our friend Mr. Hinton's to do justice to a life of such extraordinary incident as that of William Knibb. And we must say, after a very careful perusal of the memoir which we now introduce with great satisfaction to our readers, that the biographer has executed his undertaking with extraordinary skill and success. In this calm and deliberate verdict, we not only include Mr. Hinton's original estimates of Mr. Knibb's labours, sufferings, and character; but also the discreet and effective use he has made of the documents committed to him, and of the public speeches delivered by the deceased in his visits to this country, upon occasions of great and stirring interest.

Whatever might have been the constitutional or other infirmities of Mr. Knibb, no one of ordinary candour and discernment can fail to regard him as a man raised up by God for the work which was assigned him to accomplish. Endowed with masculine courage and never-tiring benevolence, he took his standing in Jamaica at a time when such a spirit was required to plead and defend the interests of injured and oppressed humanity. And nobly did he discharge his trust, in denouncing slavery,

John Johnstone.

The memory of the author of these "Remains" is very fragrant, not only in the immediate circle in which he moved, but in many other sections of the Christian church. His was a career of brightness. In life and in death, through the grace of God, he furnished a lovely example of what a Christian pastor ought to be, "in spirit, in faith, in charity."

As posthumous productions, these Remains bear some marks of imperfection, which would not have appeared, had they been prepared by the lamented author for publication. But they are glowing appeals to the human heart and conscience, founded on most evangelical views of Bible truth. Some of the author's accommodations of texts are such as we cannot approve; as, for instance, where he makes the "foolish woman," in Prov. ix., to be Satan; and the

gray hairs here and there," Hos. vii. 9, not known, to be, "the Bible neglected, prayer neglected, Christ little esteemed, sin not hated, Christians lightly esteemed, and the ungodly not warned," &c. Other extravagances of the same kind we have detected in this volume, and we cannot help thinking that, in justice to the deceased, the editor should have withheld them from

public gaze. But, notwithstanding these defects, the volume is a very interesting and instructive one, rich in all the materials which contribute to the power and pathos of the Christian pulpit.

FAMILY EXPOSITIONS: on the EPISTLES of ST. JOHN, and ST. JUDE. By the Rev. E. BICKERSTETH, Rector of Walton, Herts. Crown 8vo. pp. 264. Seeley.

This is, indeed, a family book, as its entire contents will show; but it is no less a book for the heart and the closet, which no Christian will be able to peruse without feeling himself drawn into communion with God. The expositions, though not elaborate or critical, are highly scriptural and very instructive; affording evidence, in many instances, of accurate research and sound biblical knowledge on the part of the author. But the spiritual and practical features of the volume are its grand recommendations. It enters into the very essence of experimental and vital godliness; it

breathes the spirit of the beloved disciple; between whose temper of mind and that of the writer, there are many points of striking resemblance. Such men as Mr. Bickersteth are a blessing to the age in which they live.

The EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE; its Origin and Development. Containing Personal Notices of its distinguished Friends in Europe and America. By J. W. MASSIE, D.D., M.R.I.A., Author of "Continental India," &c.

Those who wish to become acquainted with the providential steps which led to the formation of the Evangelical Alliance, will find them amply detailed in this volume. As a record of many minute circumstances and events connected with this hallowed confraternity of the disciples of Christ, it deserves to be regarded as an historical document of peculiar value. The author has entered warmly into the spirit of the Alliance, and has laboured with indefatigable zeal to consolidate and extend its interests. If anything were necessary to prove that a determined voluntary may, without compromise, be a zealous friend of this particular form of manifesting Christian union, the connection of Dr. Massie with the Alliance may be accepted as complete evidence of the fact. The more we reflect on the course which we have pursued in reference to the Alliance, the more we are convinced that we acted in accordance with the revealed will of God. Thankful

are we to say, that no sentence hostile to this movement of Christian mind can be found in any of our pages. May the Holy Spirit continue to smile graciously upon an undertaking, the object of which is to show to the world that Christians are one!

The LAKE, and other Poems. Pp. 255. 12mo.

Seeley, Burnside, and Seeley.

But for a press of matter we should have introduced this little volume to the notice of our readers on the past month. It at least fully sustains its pretensions. The writer does not assume to be a great poet. He is not one of those who would say with Horace,

"Sublimi feriam sidera vertice." But his muse has been to himself a solace and comfort, and it is well fitted to be the same to others. There is no piece of any length in the volume excepting "The Lake." The others are either sonnets or other short effusions. They all display a mind that is well acquainted not only with classical writers, but with our sterling

English literature. Genuine feeling is everywhere found, and the whole is baptized with the ethereal influence of Christianity.

The EXCELLENT WOMAN, as described in the Book of Proverbs.

Religious Tract Society.

We hail it as an auspicious feature of the present day, that so many works have been published fitted to elevate and refine the female character, and to hallow and direct female influence. The circulation of the writings of Mrs. Ellis upon this subject, of the beautiful little essay entitled "Woman's Mission," and of similar productions, cannot fail to be beneficial to the class for which they were designed, and through them to the rising youth of both sexes, whose minds and manners they contribute so powerfully to form. We have pleasure in commending to the notice of our readers the work of a new labourer in this interesting field, who has already distinguished herself in the walks of botanical science. The design of the publication is to illustrate the portrait of a good woman, drawn in the thirty-first chapter of the book of Proverbs. In the execution of this task, the writer has displayed great research and judgment. Considered as an exposition of an instructive portion of Scripture, the work would not disgrace the pen of a learned and critical divine. The author has spared no pains to bring the stores of biblical antiquities and classical allusion to unfold the meaning of a highly poetical, but in some parts obscure delineation of female excellence. But while the book is valuable as a record of the characteristics and occupations of Jewish ladies in the days of Solomon, the writer does not forget the widely different state of society in which British ladies of the nineteenth century are placed, and the very diversified character of the duties they are called to perform. In the application of the general principles involved in the inspired description to modern society, she displays admirable tact and judgment. The publication of this brief treatise by the Religious Tract Society will be a guarantee for the evangelical and unsectarian character of its sentiments. The style is easy and elegant, while the manner in which it is got up, and the exquisite pictorial illustrations by which it is embellished, render it as attractive in form as it is solid and useful in its contents. We recommend "The Excellent Woman as a suitable present to English maidens, and though the fair author knows not by experience the joys or trials of matrimony, yet many of her counsels may be perused with advantage by her matronly readers.

The ANGELS of GoD: their Nature, Character, Ranks, and Ministerial Services; as exhibited in the Holy Scriptures. By the Rev. THOMAS TIMPSON, Minister of Union Chapel, Lewisham, author of the "Companion to the Bible," the "Key to the Bible," &c. 12mo. pp. 524.

John Snow.

We are quite sensible that this very instructive and truly comforting volume has been sadly neglected. It was well deserving of better treatment; and we can assure the esteemed author that accidental circumstances alone have occasioned our delay in noticing it.

The subject here discussed has probably been too much neglected by theologians. By a careful induction of scriptural passages it will be found that angels are often the subjects of inspired reference and comment. They are beings not only endowed with superior faculties, but instinct with glowing benevolence; and are ever employed, under the moral government of God, in relieving misery or in diffusing happiness. seem to be the great moral counterpoise to the agency and influence of evil spirits, who are ever instigating men to sin, or drawing them into the vortex of misery to which it conducts.

They

As Mr. Timpson has treated his subject, he has invested it with a peculiar charm. He has looked at it in a variety of aspects; and in every separate train of thought he has found lessons of warning or consolation for the people of God.

The topics discussed are the following: The importance and perversion of the doctrine, the existence, the nature, the titles, the powers, the stations, and numbers of angels, cherubim, their nature and rank,seraphim, their rank and character,-the creation of angels,-Christ the Lord of angels, the fall of evil angels, — their power, malice, and operations.-confirmation of the elect angels,-Messiah the angel Jehovah,-prophetic mission of angels,cherubim guardian of the tree of life,Hagar relieved by the angels,-Abraham entertains three angels,-Lot delivered by angels,-Jacob preserved by angels,-Moses receives the law by the ministry of angels, -Balaam reproved by the angel,-Joshua encouraged by the angel,-Gideon commissioned by the angels,-Manoah instructed by the angel,-Israel chastised with pestilence by an angel,-Elijah translated by angels, Elisha defended by angels,-Senacherib's army destroyed by an angel,Daniel preserved by an angel,-John's birth foretold by an angel,-the virgin Mary assured by the angel Gabriel of the birth of Christ,-angels announcing the birth of Christ,-angels minister to Christ in his

temptation and in his agony,-angels are at the resurrection of Christ,-attend his ascension,-an angel delivers the apostle from prison,-Cornelius instructed by an angel,-Peter released from prison by an angel,-angels ministers of Christ to the saints,―angels receive the souls of dying saints,-angels minister at the resurrection, -angels the companions of saints in glory.

Our readers will perceive from this outline of thought that the work before us is no skimming or flimsy production, but a thorough investigation of the subject which it professes to treat. Indeed, we cannot withhold from Mr. Timpson our heartfelt thanks for the edification we have derived from his able and excellent essay.

MEMOIR of WILLIAM YATES, D.D., of Calcutta. With an Abridgment of his Life of W. H. Pearce. By JAMES HOBY, D.D. 8vo. pp. 488.

Houlston and Stoneman.

Dr. Yates was one of those men whom nature has marked out for great and noble enterprise. The shoemaker of Loughborough, however dexterous in his handicraft, was not to be permanently limited to his original sphere. He had mind of the highest type; and, in connection with his early conversion, Divine Providence arranged the circumstances and events which were to conduct him to the far east, as an honoured and distinguished missionary of the cross. His annals are sufficiently striking to deserve a distinct and permanent record; and

we are glad that they have been drawn up by one who intimately knew him, and with whom he was wont to correspond upon all the most touching incidents of his missionary career. Dr. Hoby has done full justice to the memory of a friend who was greatly revered beyond the immediate circle of his ecclesiastical connections. Few men have directed their steps to the east who have done better service than Dr. Yates to what may be termed our missionary literature. He had such a gift for the acquirement of language, that he did much in this department to stamp the missionary character. His labours in Sanscrit alone will be sufficient to fix his reputation as an oriental scholar of no mean rank. We believe him to have been a man of high attainment, and of pre-eminent worth; an ornament to his own denomination, a fit companion of Carey, and Ward, and Marshman, and others, and an honoured member of the great catholic community of which Christ is the glorious Head.

In his missionary character, moreover, he was a devoted preacher of the word; and, at last, fell a sacrifice to the incessant toils to which, in an inhospitable clime, he had been subjected for the space of thirty years. He died on his way home from India, and his mortal remains were committed to that deep which will restore its dead.

We thank our friend, Dr. Hoby, for this very interesting and instructive memoir. He has reared a suitable monument to the memory of his devoted friend; and the abridgment of dear Mr. Pearce's Life, by Dr. Yates, will be truly acceptable to very many.

JOHN WILKINSON, ESQ.

It is with feelings of the deepest regret that we record the death of John Wilkinson, Esq., of High Wycombe, Bucks, an event for which the expectation of his numerous friends had for some time been prepared. It took place at his residence, on Thursday, the 24th of December last, in the 66th year of his age, after a protracted and painful illness.

Mr. Wilkinson was the son of a pious clergyman of the Church of England. He received a liberal education, and on the death of his father his mother seceded from the Established Church and joined the Society of Friends, in whose principles she trained up her son, and of which Society he became a distinguished ornament, an evan

gelical minister, and repeatedly the president of their annual meetings. During the visit of the Emperor Alexander to this country, in 1814, Mr. Wilkinson preached before his Imperial Majesty, his sister the Grand Duchess of Oldenburgh, and suite, at the Friends' Meeting-house in St. Martin'slane, London. His subject was, the effects of vital religion, and the nature of true worship, beautifully applying the text, "He is their help and their shield," and afterwards concluded the service with earnest and appropriate prayer. Mr. Wilkinson formed one of a deputation of three to wait on the emperor with a congratulatory address from the Society of Friends, when his Imperial Majesty took occasion to allude in the kindest terms to Mr. Wilkinson's sermon, and expressed how fully his spirit