Memorable Men and Memorable Events. Columbus: or, the Discovery of America. By George Cubitt. Stiff covers, gilt edges. 18mo., pp. 144. John Mason. The several works of which this is the first, will, perhaps, be best described by copying the brief Prospectus by which they are announced. "Under this title it is proposed to issue a Series of portable volumes, descriptive of the chief eras in Modern History, containing sketches of the leading events of each period, or biographical accounts of some of the most eminent men, with whose names those periods have been associated. Such a series, it is thought, will form useful and interesting presents to the young, for whose benefit they are especially designed; and will be a valuable addition to the general department of School Libraries. The volumes will be published at short intervals, each complete in itself; and the whole series will not contain more than twenty volumes." The author, in the first instance, only contemplated four volumes, all referring to one country and one period,-Columbus, Cortes, Pizarro, and the final Expulsion of the Moors from Spain. Connected with these men, and their remarkable proceedings, are many deeply interesting incidents, some of them of the most romantic character: but by these, the most important principles are established and illustrated. To combine all these, so as to teach the youthful student how to read history and biography to advan tage, was the author's object. The subject, however, expanded before his view; and he soon saw that there were other "memorable men and memorable events," that might be treated in the same way, and the separate volumes arranged under this as their general title. "Columbus " may be taken as a specimen of the manner in which it is intended that the whole shall be written. A favourable reception given to the first volume, will encourage the author to proceed with the greater diligence and pleasure in this attempt to Christianize history by the investigation of some of

its miscellaneous chapters, and the development of their principles.

Memorials of Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Wife of the Rev. Thornley Smith; including brief Notices of the Wesleyan Missions in South Africa, and of some Occurrences connected with the recent War in that Country. By her Husband. 18mo., stiff covers, pp. 70. John Mason. Though printed in what may seem the humble form of a small "Reward-Book," this interesting and excellent narrative furnishes a valuable contribution to the enlarging stock of Christian biography. The principal references, of course, are to the deceased; but along with these will be found some delightful illustrations of Missionary work in South Africa. By such an example of piety the youthful reader can scarcely fail to be benefited, while holy stimulants to the zeal of the young Missionary Collector will likewise be found. By a little spinning-out, a larger volume might have been given; but our decided judgment is, that the condensation which has reduced it to its present size, as it is likely to secure a wider circulation, has greatly increased its value. The aged as well as the young will find it useful; but it is to the young that we particularly recommend it.

Pastoral Addresses, comprising the Substance of Pulpit Discourses. By the Rev. George B. Macdonald. Nos. I., II., III., IV., and V. 16mo., each pp. 16. Sold by John Mason.—Mr. Macdonald, in resolving on the publication of this series of "Addresses," has hit upon a capital idea. He is thus seeking to widen his sphere of influence by adding the press to the pulpit, and obtaining as readers many who would never have become his hearers. We are glad to know that the plan is likely to be a taking one. At a very large railway-station in the north, a little time ago, while waiting for the train by which we were to pursue our journey, we sauntered to the book-stall, (which is now become a regular appendage to every station of any importance that we have seen,) and there, on the

table, among books of almost all sorts, we found these "Pastoral Addresses." We learned, on inquiry, that, just in the way of trade, the bookseller had ordered a hundred copies to be sent to him monthly, believing that he should find many travellers who would be purchasers. We congratulate Mr. Macdonald on this. He will thus have the opportunity of giving valuable instruction and counsel to many who, very likely, will never hear his voice. The subjects are evidently selected in direct reference to the writer's object. They are not confined to those more spiritual topics which would be required in Pastoral Addresses prepared exclusively for what may be termed the church. In this respect they differ from the excellent ones published by Mr. Barrett. If we might use an expression which our readers will understand, we would say, that Mr. Macdonald's "Addresses" are designed for the congregation.

Each is excellent in its own way. Mr. Macdonald's "Addresses" are of a more general character, and are thus better adapted for those general readers whose religious profit he aims at promoting. This will be seen from the titles of the first fiye: "Decision and Indecision;""Of Family Religion;” “The tried Word of God;' "Prepare to meet thy God;""The Prosperity of Zion." We have read them with much pleasure; and feel thankful when we think, that a number of these quiet but efficient little instructers are "running to and fro," and that thus, the best kind of "knowledge" is likely to be "increased." We shall be glad if this brief notice should induce our readers to procure them for themselves, and lend them to others. The more extensive the circulation, the more good is likely, by God's blessing, to be done.

Testimony to the Truth; or, the Autobiography of an Atheist. Foolscap 8vo., pp. xvi, 312. Smith, Elder, and Co.

This is a very singular volume, interesting throughout, and, to those who can mark the gradual developments of a thoughtful mind, occasioned by the presentation and reception of truth, instructive also. The writer was religiously educated, but no particular care seems to have been taken to guard him against the snares of infidelity: the consequence was, that when the enemy assailed him, being unprovided with the means of defence, he was easily overcome. Paine's

"Age of Reason" began to unsettle him; Voltaire came next; and then, a course of infidel reading completed the work, and left him, in early manhood, a

professed atheist. Conscience was of course silenced; and not only was every exercise of religion abandoned, but all that could lead to present gratification indulged. He says, "I learnt to drink as freely as suited the company and occasion; and, indeed, hesitated at nothing I wished to do, provided it could be done with impunity." While comparatively young, he emigrated to Australia, where his intemperate practices so increased, that we wonder he did not die of delirium tremens before he had time to begin to think. Going into the back-settlements of the country, he had leisure for thought, and some remarkable circumstances made bim begin to think. He also procured a Bible, which he diligently read. The volume records the process by which he became, ultimately, a firm believer in Christianity. One thing, indeed, we have noticed with regret. His first train of thought seems to have led him in the path of evangelical orthodoxy. But in a brief note on the last page, he says, "I think it desirable to remark, that of late years I have greatly lost that tendency to insist on comprehending those more mysterious portions of the system of salvation which derive their character from the essentialism of the Godhead." And this is said in direct reference to the atonement. In the body of the work it is the original process that is described; and we are sorry that its conclusion thus suggests a doubt as to his continuance in those correcter views, as we must ever esteem them, which at first opened before him. It is by the atonement that to those who "see the salvation of God," "the glory of God is revealed." Justice and mercy harmoniously co-operate in the redemption of the sinner, so that we have before us Deity, "full-orbed, in his whole round of rays complete."

The Mothers' Monitor; or, Readings for Maternal Associations. By Ann Jane. 12mo., pp. vii, 172. B. L. Green.

Much has been said in favour of what are termed "maternal associations;" and, with some qualification, we certainly agree in what has been said and published respecting them, considering them as instruments in the hand of divine Providence of achieving much good, when properly and efficiently conducted, but also capable of accomplishing a far greater amount of evil, unless those who direct the movements thereof are active, evangelical, and enter upon the duties of such a plan con amore, with an ardent desire to promote the glory of God and the good of mankind. We are told in the preface of this work now on

our table, that Melancthon may be said to have had in his mind's eye a maternal association, when in the sixteenth century, during a time of great depression, the Reformers had met to consult on the best means to be adopted, Melanc thon returned to the room he had left, with a bright countenance. Luther, astonished, said, "What now, Philip, that you are become so cheerful?" "O, Sir," replied Melancthon, "let us not be discouraged; for I have seen our noble protectors, and such as I will venture to say will prove invincible against every foe!" Luther, thrilling with pleasure, exclaimed, "Who and where are they?" "Ah!" said the gentle Philip, "they are the wives of our parishioners, and their little children, whose prayers I have just heard; prayers which I am sure our God will hear." This was not, indeed, a regularly organized maternal association; but it was a most interesting mothers' meeting.

II.

Xenophon's Anabasis. Books I. and

With a copious Vocabulary. For the Use of Schools. By James Ferguson, M.D. 12mo., pp. 124. Oliver and Boyd. -A very useful publication, and edited with considerable skill. The text of Dindorf Dr. Ferguson adopts; but in the punctuation he has consulted Poppo. The Vocabulary is as accurate and complete as might be expected in the production of one who has evidently been determined to send into the world a work which will be creditable to himself, and beneficial to all engaged in scholastic pursuits.

Mamma's Absence; or, "The Written Rules." 12mo., square, pp. 48. Seeleys. -An excellent volume, adapted for great usefulness among the rising generation, in which, by a very simple mode of illustration, the universal obligation and authority of the holy Scriptures are exhibited and inculcated.

The Child's Poetical Naturalist. With Notes. By Mary Dring. 18mo., pp. 194. Hamilton.-A manual of really interesting and instructive subjects, calculated to excite a spirit of inquiry and observation, and to lead, especially the young, to discover

"Words in trees, books in the running brooks,

Sermons in stones, and good in everything." In the prefatory remarks of our fair authoress we are informed, "that the wantonness and cruelty which we so often see practised on the weak and defenceless portion of the brute creation is generally the effect of ignorance. When the understanding has been properly

educated, the sympathies are awakened; and the mind, having received a correct bias, has a favourable influence on the disposition. Indeed, they who have been taught the use and value of every creature in the order of divine Providence, who have been taught to consider the surprising instinct displayed by some, and the important advantages mankind derive from others, are drawn to regard them with admiring wonder. And even within the bounds of a house, or the limits of a garden, what numerous objects present themselves to inspire this feeling! For instance, observe the curious web of the spider, the silken cell of the caterpillar, the order and economy of the beehive, and the ingenious architecture of the ant-hill; and say, could a child, whose mind was awakened to consider the wisdom and power of Him who created these creatures, and who endowed them with the extraordinary faculty they display, regard the insects themselves with cruelty or indifference? And yet the ability and ingenuity displayed by the insect tribe is but one source of interest, among many, which a study of natural history presents. A large portion of the animal kingdom have important uses, and others, singular properties, which it is both desirable and necessary to understand." The rudiments of such a pleasing and profitable science are in this volume presented to our juvenile friends.

H.

The Number and Names of the Apocalyptic Beasts: with an Explanation and Application. In two Parts. Part I. The Number and Names. By David Thom, Ph.D., A.M., Heidelberg; Minister of Bold-street Chapel, Liverpool. 8vo., pp. xxxix, 398. K. Lewis.-This is a very curious, and in many respects, a singular, work, indicating, at all events, great industry in research on the part of the author. With the second part, consisting of an "Explanation and Application," we have, of course, nothing to do, as it is, as yet, unpublished. From other writings given to the world by Mr. Thom, we more than suspect that, if ever it comes before us, judging it by our own standard of Christian orthodoxy, we shall have to express our utter disagreement. decidedly should we have to dissent from the opinions of one with whom the late unhappy (we use the word without the slightest feeling of disrespect) Blanco White expressed himself as satisfied. By far the larger part of the present volume is occupied by statements of the various interpretations that have been given, by writers almost numberless, to

Very

the passage in question.

Mr. Thom states, fully, and in general, we think, correctly, the principle of interpretation, and, on this point, communicates some useful information. The actual interpretations Mr. Thom arranges in four classes-Those which are obviously and glaringly without any foundation of truth whatever those which, although mistaken, are distinguished by something novel and ingenious: those which, if not the truth, at all events, may have some connexion with it: the true solutions. To the first three, upwards of two hundred and fifty pages are given. What is said on the fourth, the solution furnished by the author, takes up little more than six pages. He thinks that the first beast is discovered in "H PHN, The Mind:" thus, H-8. -500. P-100. H-8. N-50 = 666. "The second beast is, ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΙ ΣΑΡΚΙΚΑ I, Fleshly Churches:" thus, E-5. K-20. K-20. A-30. H-8. Z-200.1-10. A-1. 1-10–304. Z-200. A-1. P-100. K-20. 1-10. K-20. A-1. I-10. -362. 304 +362=666. As to the "explanation and application," it is only said, "In this thirteenth chapter of the Apocalypse, we have set before us the two grand principles of human nature which have a reference to religion, the Sadducean, and the Pharisaical: the former asserting the supremacy of the human mind, and the latter substituting the external, the ceremonial, and the shadowy, for the internal, the heartfelt, and the true." It would be unfair to comment on what is left unexplained and unapplied: we content ourselves, therefore, with this brief description of the volume. Only, we may be allowed to add, that in whatever way Mr. Thom applies his solution, and entering into no discussion as to its correctness, one thing, at all events, is certain, that we have here what may be explained and applied so as to exhibit the two grand sources of opposition to the saving truth of God our Saviour self-confident wisdom, developing itself in the various forms of infidelity; and self-trusting righteousness, giving rise to the almost endless forms of Pharisaism.

Family Prayers, adapted to Portions of the Pentateuch, and chiefly framed in Language from the Commentaries of the Rev. Thomas Scott. By William Burt Whitmarsh, one of Her Majesty's Coroners for the County of Wilts, &c. 8vo., pp. 205. Nisbet.-These prayers, one for every morning and evening for seven weeks, appear to be written on this principle a portion of Scripture is selected, and the prayer, besides what may be

termed the usual topics, contains devotional references to the scripture that has been read. They who require not the aid of a prepared form, would nevertheless find much benefit in the adoption of the same principle in their own addresses to the throne of grace while engaged in domestic worship. The prayers in this volume are evangelically devout; and even where they are not used according to their primary intention, they may be read with much advantage in the devo tional meditations and other exercises of the closet. Prayers that are evangelical in sentiment, and scripturally correct in expression, may be usefully read in private by those who in public employ no set form; undoubtedly the more excellent way. But, at the same time, propriety of language in extemporary prayer is of the highest importance. They who use phrases that they have caught from others, and to which they can attach no definite meaning, do, practically, employ a form as much as if they spoke from memory, reciting what they had got by heart. Without the true spirit of prayer, of course, all is of little avail; and this can only be secured by the attainment and preservation of vital godliness. Along with this, however, the gift of prayer, readiness of utterance, combined with accuracy of expression, is of no ordinary value. Even sincere piety has often strengthened prejudice, and given offence needlessly, because it has not been enlightened piety. The true Christian will remember that it is his duty to place no stumbling-block in his brother's way; and especially to avoid, in devotional exercises, such improper utterances as can scarcely fail to offend. Where such improprieties are excused by being ascribed to inspiration, still more mischief may be done, and a prejudice created against spiritual religion that will not be easily overcome. The life and power of devotion being secured, (for this is indispensable,) proper means should be used to acquire readiness and correctness in devotional utterance. And for this purpose, such volumes as the one now before us may be read with advantage, in addition to the benefits which may result from it as a help to closet meditation.

The Way of Faith: or, the Abridged Bible; containing Selections from all the Books of Holy Writ. By Dr. M. Büdinger; translated from the Fifth German Edition, by David Asher. cially sanctioned by the Rev. Dr. Adler, Chief Rabbi of the United Congregations of the British Empire. Intended for the

Spe

use of Jewish Schools and Families. 8vo., pp. xvi, 374. S. Bayster.-The whole title-page, but especially the last sentence, will show that this volume is not, to speak colloquially, exactly in our way. Nevertheless, as it has been sent to us for notice, were we to allow it to lie on the table, without saying a word about it, we might appear to be wanting in the proper respect we should ever wish to cherish to our elder brethren of the seed of Abraham. The design of the volume is excellent. The author gives copious selections from the word of God, (of course, as a Jew, he only receives what we call the Old Testament,) in order "to point out to his co-religionists generally, and to his sisters of the house of Jacob particularly, the way to the faith of their fathers." Family instruction is his object. We are glad to see such a decided testimony to the supreme authority of religion as revealed. Dr. Büdinger says, While reason seeks, revelation shows, the way to happiness, and enlightens the path with the light of faith." He evidently feels that the foundation of education should be, scriptural religion. He therefore says, "How is it possible religious doctrines should be retained on the minds of the young, and benefit them, when they hardly know the name, and much less the value and the contents, of those sacred volumes, whence all those doctrines are derived? Let faith first be strengthened by the word of God; let the youthful mind first acquire a knowledge of God, and a love for the good, by an intimate acquaintance with the biblical facts, descriptions, and characters; then only, and not till then, let a systematic instruction in religion succeed, and it shall prove as salutary as a vernal shower upon the young grass." We rejoice to witness this endeavour to spread the light of divine truth, by means of scriptural instruction, among the families of the Jews in this country. As Christians, we receive the Old Testament along with them; and we may be allowed to express our opinion, that the more they know of the writings of "Moses and the Prophets," the more likely will they be to feel their need of further instruction, and to seek for it where we think it is alone to be found. The volume is not at all controversial in its character; and, as far as we can judge, we should say, were we among the author's "co-religionists," to use his own term, that the selection was well suited for its object. It is pleasing to see how little the translation differs from that which we have in our

own authorized version. Of course, the volume is not one which our readers generally will want to procure: the biblical student, however, may be interested in both the translation and the notes. Of the latter, we may just say, that they are few, brief, and practical, just inserted where some explanation of the text appeared to be necessary.

Anti-Calvinism: or, the Key which unlocks Scriptural Election. In Nine Letters to a Friend. By Thomas Brocas, Esq. 18mo., pp. 44. Arthur Hall and Co. The author's father, a very respectable and useful Wesleyan Local Preacher at Shrewsbury, was well known as a zealous and able defender of those views of the redeeming mercy of God which the Wesleyans believe to be scriptural, and by which they are so greatly encouraged in warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come, and on account of which they have so frequently been charged with various forms of heterodoxy, as if they obscured the glory of the divine sovereignty, and divided the praise of human salvation between the grace of God and the merit of man. Often have they had, while subjected to charges of this sort, which they knew to be groundless, to say, "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach; because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe." Mr. Brocas has long been removed to the region of eternal life and love; and his son, the writer of these "Letters," who speaks of himself as now approaching the term when men must cease both to work and to live, proposes, in this small publication, to furnish a compendium of his father's arguments, as they are scattered through several publications, mixed up with the observations occasioned by local and temporary controversy. The "Key" furnished by both father and son works on the principle of national election to spiritual advantages, rather than of personal election to eternal life. The reader, at all events, will not be obstructed by any irrelevant matter. Mr. Brocas simply presents and developes the argument, and gives the pith of the whole controversy in a very small pamphlet. He joins issue with his opponents on one point; and to that point he confines himself, and, as we think, successfully.

Tales, Essays, and Poems, by Joseph Gostick, Author of the Spirit of German Poetry. 12mo., stiff covers, pp. 184. Simpkins.-Several of these pieces, the author tells us in his preface, have appeared in different periodical publica