Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

people described in the Bible, and on pages 399, 400 and 669. some observations on Eolopilic Idols, that deserve attention, On the whole we have been exceedingly interested in the book, and hope the indefatigable author will be well rewarded for this service done to the mechanic arts.

24.-An Exposition of the Creed. By John Pearson, D. D., late Lord Bishop of Chester. With an Appendix containing the principal Greek and Latin Creeds. Revised by the Rev. W. S. Dobson, A. M., Editor of the Attic Greek Orators and Sophists, etc. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1842, pp. 616.

This republication of Dobson's edition of Pearson on the Creed, in so convenient a form, must be especially acceptable to the members of the Episcopal Church in the United States, and contains matter worthy the attention of Christians of all denominations. Although there is abundant evidence that this creed was not formed by the Apostles, nor any other symbol of doctrine that has come down to us, yet it expresses in a few words the most important doctrines of the gospel.-The descent into hell is differently understood amongst Episcopalians themselves, and by some omitted in the repetition of the Creed. Bishop Pearson gives the various interpretations of that article, and the reasons for them, with candor; and, even although he represents the remission of sins prior to baptism, as obtained by that rite, he includes so much in his subsequent definition of baptism, as to embrace faith, repentance and all that can possibly be considered requisite to the forgiveness of sins. This Exposition was originally preached by Bishop Pearson to his parishioners, in the form of sermons, and embraces a pretty good system of Divinity. Bishop Burnet has said of it; Bishop Pearson on the Creed, as far it goes, is the perfectest work we have." To this edition there is added an Appendix containing the Symbola or Creeds. cited by the author.

66

25.-An Exposition of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England. By Gilbert, Bishop of Sarum. With an Ap. pendix containing the Augsburg Confession, Creed of Pope Pius, etc. Revised and corrected, with copious, notes and additional references, by the Rev. James R. Page, A. M., Queen's College, Cambridge; Minister of Carlisle Chapel, Lambeth. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1842, pp, 585.

This edition of the enterprising publishers is uniform with SECOND SERIES, VOL. VIII. NO. I. 17

that of Pearson on the Creed, and ought to be its companion on the shelf. The author's text is strictly preserved by the present editor, the references have been verified, the canons and decrees of councils are given in the original, and the places where they are to be found specified, copious notes have been added, with indices of texts of Scripture and a list of authors. As the thirty-nine articles of the Church of England contain a summary of doctrine, this work of Bishop Burnet is equivalent to a system of Divinity, one too, written with learning and judgment. We should be pleased to have it well studied, and to find the ministry of the Episcopal Church in this and other lands, deeply imbued with its principles and spirit. While the Bishop is attached to his own church and her creed, as laid down in these articles, he is by no means exclusive in his views, nor does he shut out from covenanted mercies those who cannot adopt the whole of this Episcopal Confession of Faith.

26.-The Divine Rule of Faith and Practice; or a defence of the Catholic Doctrine that the Holy Scriptures have been, since the times of the Apostles, the sole Divine Rule of Faith and Practice to the Church, against the Dangerous Errors of the Authors of the "Tracts for the Times," and the Romanists, as particularly, that the Rule of Faith is "made up of Scripture and Tradition together," &c.; in which also the Doctrines of Apostolical Succession, the Eucharistic Sacrifice, &c., are fully discussed. By William Goode, M. A., of Trinity College, Cambridge; Rector of St. Antholin, London. Vols. I and II. Philadelphia: Herman Hooker, 1842, pp. 494 and 604.

So long and explicit a title would seem to be almost a sufficient statement of the argument of the book. The reader, however, must prepare himself for a variety of topics and a minuteness and extent of discussion which is not here even intimated. These two well filled octavo volumes contain a labored and learned defence of the doctrines and polity of the Church of England, in every point on which the author supposes them to have been assailed by the Oxford Divines, or to have been in any measure disparaged by their peculiar views. They present, at once, the best exhibition and refutation of the doctrines of the "Tracts for the Times," which we have read. The positions assumed by the author, on the apostolical succession, baptismal regeneration, and several

other points of doctrine and polity, are of course unsatisfactory to the dissenting denominations. But as opposed to the Anti-Protestant views and tendencies of the Oxford writers, they enlist our warmest sympathies. On the whole, we re

joice that these volumes have been issued from the American press, and cordially recommend them to our readers, especially to such as may have been accustomed to regard with favor the writings of the Oxford "Tractators."

27.-Sketches of Foreign Travel and Life at Sea; including a Cruise on board a Man-of-war, as also a visit to Spain, Portugal, the South of France, Italy, Sicily, Malta, the Ionian Islands, Continental Greece, Liberia and Brazil; and a Treatise on the Navy of the United States. By Rev. Charles Rockwell. Two Volumes. Boston: Tappan & Dennet. New York : D. Appleton & Co., and Wiley & Putnam. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. London: Wiley & Putnam, 1842, pp. 404. 437. Octavo.

We are sorry that we have not had time to read these volumes entirely through before expressing our opinion of them. We have, however, read enough to awaken our strong interest in them and to raise our estimate of their value much above the point of our anticipation. They are not hastily written sketches of scenes and incidents, like too many of our books of travels. It is several years since the author's return from abroad, during which, he has spent much time and labor in the preparation of his work. Without this labor,—in the language in which its outlines were sketched in the midst of the scenes and events which it describes,-it would doubtless have been an entertaining book. But it has become a valuable repository of information, and is thus fitted not only to interest the general reader, but to convey important instruction to the more ac. curate inquirer respecting the internal condition of the countries visited. Much prominence is given to the present state of Catholic Europe, and the recent religious revolution in Spain and Portugal, indicative of the inherent superstition, bigotry and idolatry of the Papal system. The author's remarks on the present condition and prospects of the Colonies of Western Africa are also well digested, and worthy of con. sideration, while his suggestions respecting the morals of the Navy of the United States and other abuses, are such as few who hold a connection with the Navy have dared to make pub

lic. We have only space to add, that these volumes are hand. somely executed, and appear to us, in all respects, to merit the degree of consideration, which the labor bestowed on them by the author, and the interest of the topics embraced in them have given him a right to expect.

--

28. The Complete Works of Rev. Daniel A. Clark, with a Biographical Sketch, and an Estimate of his Powers as a Preacher. By Rev. George Shepard, A. M., Professor of Sacred Rhetoric, Bangor Theological Seminary. In two volumes. New York: Jonathan Leavitt. Boston; Crocker & Brewster. 1842. pp. 488, 440.

The readers of the Biblical Repository are aware that we place high, on the scale of excellence, the powers of the late Daniel A. Clark, as a preacher. His Sermons well deserve the high reputation they have acquired, for pungency, directness, and practical effect. We are glad to see them before the public in the respectable style of execution in which they are presented in these volumes, containing sixty-five full dis. courses, many of which had been before published, and thirtyfour outlines of discourses, which the editor denominates "Short Sermons," and which fill about ninety pages of the second volume. To these are appended several miscellaneous articles from the pen of Mr. Clark, which appeared in different periodicals during the author's life. The "Biographical Sketch," etc., by Professor Shepard, the substance of which is embraced in his "Review of Clark's Sermons," which appeared in the Repository for October last, is discriminating and instructive. On the whole, we regard these volumes as containing a rich treasury of thought, of inestimable value, not only to ministers of the gospel, but to intelligent Christians of all classes. Few discourses are so well suited to supply the place of the living preacher. The engraved portrait of the author, which accompanies the work, will remind those who knew him, of the force and power of his manner, and increase their interest in these remains of one so lately removed from his labors.

29.-Theopneusty, or the Plenary Inspiration of the Holy

Scriptures: By S. R. L. Gaussen, Professor of Theology in Geneva. Translated by E. N. Kirk. New York: John S. Taylor & Co. Boston: Tappan & Dennet. 1842. pp. 343.

Our readers were apprised of the character and scope of

this work by a review of the French edition, which appeared in the Repository for July, 1841. It now appears in English and from the American press; and the translator has enhanced its value by a few pages of Introductory remarks, in which he earnestly defends its main position, which is that the Scriptures,-all and every part of the Scriptures-are from God. This the author undertakes to establish by the authority of the word of God itself. This mode of reasoning, it is admit. ted, cannot be successfully used to convince the sceptic. To him, therefore, it is not addressed, but is designed to confirm the faith of believers in the divine authority of the whole and every part of the Bible. The author rejects all distinctions of inspiration, as the inspiration of superintendence, elevation, direction, or suggestion, and maintains that every part of the bible, every sentence, every word, is fully and equally inspired. The object of this argument cannot but be approved by all who receive the Scriptures as the word of God. But whether it is essential to the firmest faith in the divine authority of the Scriptures that the same degree of inspiration should be assigned to every word and sentence, be it in respect to the doctrine of the new birth, or the direction of an apostle concerning his cloak, may well be questioned, provided it be admitted, in both and in all cases, that the inspiration was all that the case required to make the teachings of the bible perfect for all the purposes of correction, reproof and instruction in righteousness. We are glad, however, to see this subject brought before the American public. The discussion of it, we earnestly hope, will be so conducted among us as not only to confirm the faith of believers, but also to convince even gainsayers that the Scriptures are the word of God, and shall stand for ever.

30.-The Kingdom of Christ delineated, in two Essays on our Lord's own account of his Person and of the Nature of his Kingdom, and on the Constitution, Powers and Ministry of a Christian Church, as appointed by himself. By Richard Whately, D. D., Archbishop of Dublin. New York: Wiley & Putnam. 1842. pp. 296.

This volume is introduced to the American public by a short but highly commendatory address by Dr. Skinner. To us it appears to be a most reasonable as well as valuable publication. On the powers and ministry of the Christian Church, though the work of an Archbishop, it opposes with boldness

« AnteriorContinuar »