work of salvation save that one great and perfect Mediator, who is both God and man. This is the distinguishing excellence of this book, that it relieves us from the doubtfulness and mistakes incident upon the obscurities and imperfection of mere human teaching, by giving us in the place thereof a Divine teaching. Here every individual may go directly and for himself to the pure fountain of truth, and directly and for himself to the Saviour of men. To enter the court of the King of kings, no costly

dresses and equipages, no stately formalities, no bribing of the cunning for the aid of their address, no worshipping of courtiers for their patronage, are necessary. The gates are thrown wide open; the entrance is lowly, unpretending, but pleasant, so as neither to attract the proud, nor to abash the humble; and whosoever entereth there with a broken heart and the docile spirit of a child, shall find acceptance, and be made wise unto salvation.-Extracted from the Canada Protestant Herald for April.

STABILITY.

THOUGH you get strokes and frowns from your Lord, yet believe his love more than your own feeling. The world can take nothing from you that is truly yours; and death itself can do you no hurt. It is not your rock that ebbs and flows, but your sea. Rutherford.

METHODISM.

METHODISM is a very convenient word; the general meaning of it, by those who use it, is, that the person or work to which it is applied has more religion than the speaker. I have known many religious persons in my life, but never one who had too much religion. A man must indeed be a simpleton, with little true religion, who will suffer himself to be laughed out of his principles by a nickname. Cant I detest; but religion I revere, and honour those who seriously profess it. If the Bible be true, as it most assuredly is, woe to them who are ashamed of Christ's words! Lord Teignmouth.

THE NEW CUT.

An old clergyman, who had an old tailor as his beadle or officer for many years, returning from a neighbouring sacrament, where Thomas was in the habit of attending him, after a thoughtful and silent pause, thus addressed his fellow-traveller, the "minister's man :" "Thomas, I cannot tell how it is that our church should

be getting thinner, for I am sure I preach as well as I ever did, and should have far more experience than when I first came among you." "Indeed," replied Thomas, "old ministers now-a-days are just like old tailors, for I am sure I sew as well as ever I did, and the cloth is the same; but it's the cut-it's the new cut!"

DENY THYSELF.

HAVE I found my God so gracious to me, that he hath denied me nothing, either in earth or heaven; and shall not I so much as deny my own will for his sake? Hath my dear Saviour bought my soul at such a price, and shall he not have it? Was he crucified for my sins, and shall I by my sins crucify him again? Am I his, in so many bonds, and shall I serve the devil? O God! is this the fruit of thy beneficence to me, that I should wilfully dishonour thee? Was thy blood so little worth, that I should tread it under my feet? Doth this become him that shall be once glorious with thee? Hast thou prepared heaven for me, and do I thus prepare myself for heaven?-Hall.

VICISSITUDE.

CHRIST's children must not expect always to lean upon his bosom. He sometimes sets them down on the cold, frosty side of the hill, and makes them walk barefooted upon thorns. Yet does he keep his eye of love upon them all the while.

The REVEALED DOCTRINE of REWARDS and PUNISHMENTS. By RICHARD WINTER HAMILTON, LL.D., D.D., Leeds. 8vo., pp. 572.

Jackson and Walford.

This is the twelfth series of the Congregational Lecture, and deserves to rank with the best specimens of controversial theology which the age has produced. The author has always been a rising man; and he now stands upon an undisputed eminence, as a scholar, a divine, and a popular defender of the Christian faith. This subject, as soon as it was announced, awakened considerable interest in the non-conforming and other circles. The truths to be contended for had been assailed in our own ecclesiastical circle; and the public well knew that Dr. Hamilton was sound in the faith, and would not fail to give "a reason of the hope that was in" him. In his hands the Congregational Lecture became popular, and his audience was compelled to adjourn from the library to the chapel in New Broad-street. The attention was well sustained to the last, though most of the lectures took nearly two hours in the delivery. No one could listen to the preacher without feeling that his preparation for the public duty devolving upon him was both careful and laborious. felt then, as we feel still, that in consequence of their great elaboration the discourses were somewhat more adapted to the press than to the pulpit. They were received, however, with marked attention as preached; they will now be read with deep interest and advantage by thousands, who will have an opportunity of weighing the force of argument by which the legitimacy of their conclusions are sustained. The more carefully they are examined, the less vulnerable will the author's logic appear to be. He has not advanced rashly or inconsiderately to his task; but everywhere evinces the acute philosopher and the accomplished divine. Dr. Hamilton, with all his range of intelligence, and all his flights of fancy, never ventures to "handle the word of God deceitfully" He is not taken with novelties; but steps along majestically in the good old path, so nobly adhered to by our Nonconforming ancestors.

We

Though his subject of necessity confined him to the "revealed doctrine of rewards and punishments," yet he has illuminated a vast variety of relative or dependent topics, in moral and theological science, as he marches on to his grand conclusions, in

reference both to the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. The first lecture supplies ample evidence of the truth of this statement. No one who understands the constitution of man, as indicated and attested by the phenomena of his own history, no less than by the data of revealed truth, can fail to perceive that Dr. Hamil. ton is not one of those second or third-rate theologists, who build novel and startling theories upon partial and ill-considered premises. Irrespective of Revelation, our author has successfully proved that man is a spiritual, responsible, and immortal being; and that however otherwise these characteristics of his nature may be attested, the evidence of their existence is to be traced in his own constitution. We deem this portion of the author's labours of essential service in combatting certain dangerous theories which have of late attracted some little attention; theories which, however disguised, attribute both to the fall and to redemption, a change in man's physical constitution, which is bad philosophy and worse theology.

In his second Lecture, Dr. H. sets forth, with a convincing clearness of conception, man's legal relation to the Deity; and shows that "the nature of every legislative principle, of every moral relation, is unchanged. Whatever was certain in retribution, is not now more certain; whatever was enduring in retribution, is not now more enduring. Man is universally sinful; man is, at all times, and in all places, consciously, demonstrably, guilty. With

this undenied admission Christianity merely coincides. It authenticates the independent fact. It seals and imparts the natural conclusion of reason and conscience. It takes, and confirms the judgment of the human mind. It avails itself of an invariable testimony. Having done so, its high and exclusive business commences !" p. 117. The train of thought in this Lecture, no less than in the former one, is essential to the author's ultimate conclusion; but irrespective of the fact, that it is a link in a great chain, it is in itself a beautiful demonstration of the relations of law, and of the strictly remedial character of Christianity. It concludes with some striking remarks on the analogical argument in defence of revealed religion, and on Butler's unrivalled production.

In his third Lecture, Dr. H. advances a step further towards his grand theme, and shows that the Bible distinctly recognizes the properties of man,-bis spiritualism, his

accountableness, his immortality; how its discoveries proceed upon all the grounds and measures of moral government; how it unfolds the resurrection and the judgment; and how it assumes the shape of a law, and exercises the shape of a jurisdiction:"It has always appeared to us," observes Dr. H., "an irresistible demonstration in favour of the immaterialism of the human soul, and its capacity of independent existence and action,-irresistible as its biblical defence and exposition,-to think of the man Christ Jesus,' and especially to meditate on his death: He became obedient unto death.' We see him die according to the mortal conditions of our manhood. The virtue of the sacrifice de. pends upon the most exact conformity: 'It behoved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren.' His death is the separation of the spirit: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the causes of that resignation we have not now to do. The fact is plain. The avouchment is infallible. 'He descended into the lower parts of the earth.' His spirit entered Hades, though it was not to be left in it.' His spirit returned. Then He rose bodily; the body of the flesh,' the corporeal organ, remaining exanimate until his spirit, resuming it, caused it to revive. This is our nature. We trace, in this fashion of man,' our laws of change and separation. It is the complete pattern. If it were not, the pure course of nature-its native evolution-that which is predicable of every man-He would not have tasted death for every man, nor been our proper substitute.

"But here an inquiry arises-it is not new-Whether we may not have mistaken the lessons of nature and Scripture, in attributing to man a physical immortality? Was he made immortal? Or, is this but conditional reward? We will not again open the question which respects the teachings of natural reason: we have reported our honest convictions upon them. From these we cannot recede. The inspired testimony may, however, be examined touching this fact. This is the proper order in which the examination should occur.

"Now an immediate thought arises, that, if men perish--their sin forfeiting the immortality which accrues to obedience-it is probable and fitting that such perdition should take place at death. This is the sentence. This is the only termination of being made palpable to us: everything of external sign and limit, beyond which we cannot follow any sensible evidence of life. At this point it seems most reasonable, if man be not immortal, that all existence should cease. Death is by sin. It is, then, the prepared execution of the sentence. is a ready stroke. Why should another

It

fall? Man has sinned to his utmost reach of responsible motion and action. Why should he not now suffer the threatened doom? If life be carried on, subsequently to death, it is a new gift-an addition to the proper term. It is more than mortal, though it be less than immortal. It is not included in the original case. Then it cannot be

necessary to it. To us, who see in the suggestion only a vain conceit to serve a particular purpose, it appears an arbitrary prolongation of misery, an hereafter which was not forewarned, something beyond forfeiture; an unnecessary revival of life, contrary to its own conditions-an excess of punishment, because a strain of law.

"Another thought might arise, that, if it be true that revelation contradicts the general confession of mankind-their most precious moral instincts-then the greatest professed blessing ever extended to them, casts them down to a grovelling far below their once ardent and elevating hopes; depresses the standard of their aims and fears; and strangely teaches them that their capacity for this belief was not given them to be exercised. While the idea might be encouraged, that every man, by the practice of virtue, would become immortal, no man could be prompted by this as a yearning of his nature, no man could feel that he truly was. It might be a motive to us, for it would be again set before us, but it could be nothing drawn out of our proper sensibilities and aspirations. But surely it is not like Christianity thus to lower the pitch of what is noble and refining. It is surely inversive to its spirit. Besides, this contradiction must invalidate itself. What is the law of nature? Is not common consent its promulgation? Eternal truths are supposed, not in human immortality,for that being a Divine effect is but a contingency, a physical maintenance; but in the inference of a First Cause, in the demonstration of moral law, and in the connexion of that immortality with these eternal, necessary facts. The first clash of any system with such truths must be its subversion! But in examining the sacred volume we can detect no lineament of the hypothesis, that man is not by nature immortal, and only possibly immortal by acquisition. nature is there regarded as one; an assumption, or a negation, of immortality would perfectly diversify it in different individuals. It addresses the nature fully, religiously; it governs it with equal laws for good and evil. It throws a solemn character over this probationary life, because of the future depending upon it. It shows to glory and virtue now, by what we must be. Its hand ever points to definite consequences." Pp.

147-150.

Our

We could rely on these admirable and

conclusive reasonings for the entire subversion of Mr. White's theory. But this is only a mere opening of the question; though the principles involved must decide the whole controversy. We hope in another notice to do justice to our author's entire argument.

(To be concluded in our next.)

The EXAMINATION of the TESTIMONY of the FOUR EVANGELISTS, by the Rules of Evidence administered in Courts of Justice. With an Account of the Trial of Jesus. By SIMON GREENLEAF, LL.D., Dane Professor of Law in Harvard University. Second edition, revised and corrected by the Author. 8vo. pp. 588. A. Maxwell and Son, Bell-yard, Lincoln's-inn. This Harmony of the Gospels has, for some time past, been regarded as a standard work in the United States. It is constructed on the principle, not only of meeting the difficulties and perplexities of sincere believers; but of convincing and bringing to a stand the enemies of the truth. Infidelity is bolder in America than in this country; and, amongst the many able defenders of revealed religion who have sprung up on the other side of the Atlantic, few have won for themselves a more distinguished reputation than Professor Greenleaf, the author of the volume which we now introduce, with unfeigned satisfaction, to the

notice of our readers. To extensive and well-arranged knowledge, he adds great acuteness of perception, and fervent zeal in the cause of the gospel. This latter quality,

in a layman, and in one devoted to the legal

profession, gives great effect to his literary productions. The present edition is more complete than the original one, as it contains many valuable illustrative notes. We particularly recommend the work to the attention of the tutors and students in our various colleges. To us it is more satisfactory than any other harmony of the gospels we have yet seen.

The SIGNS of the TIMES, as denoted by the Fulfilment of Historical Predictions, from the Babylonish Captivity to the Present Time. With an Examination of Mr. Elliott's Theory of the first Six Seals, and of the Death of the Witnesses, &c. By ALEXANDER KEITH, D.D., Author

of "The Evidence of Prophecy." Eighth edition, enlarged. 2 vols. 12mo. White and Co., Edinburgh; and Longman and Co., London.

Any work and prophecy from the pen of Dr. Keith must be received with favour by

the biblical student. He is an acute and indefatigable inquirer after truth; and has laid the Christian church under very weighty obligations by his past diligence and success. This new edition of his " Signs of the Times" is greatly enhanced by the introduction of many additional discourses made by him since the work first appeared; for Dr. Keith will always be adding to his stores of information. We are much pleased of the Six Seals and of the Death of the with his criticisms of Dr. Elliott's theory Witnesses. That author's views of Esta

blishments are a singular instance of the effect of prejudice arising from radically defective notions of the kingdom of Christ.

The TRACTARIAN HERESY: a Voice from Oxford. By JAMES SPENCE, M.A. Small 8vo. pp. 208.

John Snow.

We regard the author of this seasonable volume as a controversialist of no mean rank. Among all the able productions called forth, on the side of pure Protestantwhich the Romanizing spirit of the age has ism, it would be difficult, perhaps, to select a single small treatise so complete in all respects as the one which we now recommend with great confidence to our readers. Mr. Spence is placed in a sphere where he has the best opportunity of judging of the extent and inveteracy of the Tractarian heresy; and he has evidently taken great pains to understand the theories contended for by the Anglo-Catholic faction of the present day. Having some acquaintance popish party of the Established Church, we with the positions advocated by the semican venture to say that Mr. Spence's volume is a very clear and logical demolition of their pernicious system. Under six heads, viz., Tradition, the Catholic Church,the Ministry, the Sacraments,-Auricular Confession and Priestly Absolution,-and the Character and Tendency of Tractarianism, he has succeeded in exposing and refuting the main errors of that destructive heresy which has spread, and is spreading, like a moral pestilence, through the length and breadth of this great and free country.

Most cordially do we unite with the author in his concluding appeal to the yet surviving spirit of the Reformation:

"Men of God! the honour of your Divine Lord calls you to duty in this matter. You opposed, and his revelation disparaged, by see how his name is dishonoured, his truth the system which we have been examining. For the sake, then, of Him whose you are, and whom you serve, use your influence, lift up your voice, and raise your prayers to God against it.