forest, where he has almost undisputed hunting-ground. He fearlessly assails victims who cannot effectually defend themselves; such as the horse, the mule, and the ass; and he tears large pieces of flesh from their ribs : but he does not venture to meddle with oxen. He shuns men; and in the forest he even flies from the unarmed Indian. I fired at a very large puma, which immediately fled, roaring loudly. When severely wounded, and driven into a corner, this animal frequently commences a combat of despair, and sometimes kills the hunter. The puma measures in length about four feet, and in height more than two feet. More direful than any of the felines mentioned above is the sanguinary ounce, which possesses vast strength, and is of a most savage disposition. Though the favourite haunts of this animal are the expansive Pajanales, yet he frequently takes up his abode in the vicinity of villages and plantations, spreading terror among the inhabitants. Far from being intimidated at the sight of men, he often attacks individuals, and, when pressed by hunger, is not afraid, even in broad day-light, to slip into the forest-villages, in order to carry off food; and the booty, when once seized, is not easily recovered. An amusing example of this occurred in the Montana of Vitoc. An Indian one night heard his only pig squeaking loudly, as if in pain. He hastened to the door of his hut to see what was the matter, and he discovered that an ounce had seized the pig by the head, and was carrying it off. The Cholo, who determined to make an effort to recover his property, seized the pig by the hind legs, and endeavoured to drag it from the grasp of the robber. This contest was kept up for some time; the ounce, with his eyes glaring in the darkness, holding fast the head of the pig, and the Indian pulling it hard by the legs. At length the Indian's wife came to the door of the hut with a lighted faggot, and the scared ounce, with terrible howlings, slowly retired to the forest.-From Dr. Tschudi's Travels in Peru, during 1838-42. GOD DESIRES TO SAVE. GOD swears by himself that he hath no pleasure in your death. That he may prevail upon you to trust him, he tries every expedient. He does all that tenderness can devise to remove your suspicion, and to cheer you on to a confidence in his good-will. He pleads the matter with you. He beseeches you to accept of reconciliation. He offers it as a gift. Rather than lose you for ever, he sent his Son to pour out his soul unto death for you. And now that iniquity is put an end to; now that an everlasting righteousness is brought in; now that every attribute of his nature has been magnified by the great sacrifice; now that the weight of that heavy burden has been done away; now that there is nothing to intercept the flow of friendship from God to man,—does it come down free as the light of day, and rich as the exuberance of heaven, upon a despairing world.— Dr. Chalmers. CHIEFLY RELIGIOUS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES. [The insertion of any article in this List is not to be considered as pledging us to the approbation of its contents, unless it be accompanied by some express notice of our favourable opinion. Nor is the omission of any such notice to be regarded as indicating a contrary opinion; as our limits, and other reasons, impose on us the necessity of selection and brevity.] The Bible not of Man: by Gardiner Spring, D.D., New-York. And, The Religion of the Bible: by the Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, New-York. 12mo., pp. viii, 331. W. Collins.-Another of Mr. Collins's truly useful publications, containing two valuable works by American Divines. Our transatlantic brethren, however deeply indebted to the theological literature of the mother country, are backward neither in acknowledgment nor repayment. They not only write in English, but, in divinity at all events, like Englishmen. Dr. Spring's work, we believe, we have noticed before; but our readers will lose nothing by being reminded of a work in which, if there be much that is not absolutely new, as it would be difficult to find much novelty when writing on such a subject, in reference to which England appears as though in the order of providence "set for the defence of the Gospel," as well as for the exhibition of the doctrines of genuine social liberty; yet there is much that is novel in the form of statement, and which deserves to be well read by those who wish to see the ruinous sophisms of infidelity exposed, as they are here exposed, with equal eloquence and power. Dr. Spring never loses sight either of his conclusion, or of the premises through which he seeks to establish it: in this respect he resembles Paley; but differing from him in the employment of rhetoric as well as logic, giving to his treatise beauty as well as cogency. Mr. Collins has given Dr. Spring's work a suitable companion. The Bible is not of man: it is therefore from God. What then is it? Mr. Skinner does not dwell on the "strait gate," and the striving to enter in thereat; but he refers to some of the chief characteristics of the "narrow way," even the "way of holiness; and he does this in a manner which furnishes pleasant as well as instructive reading. It is really a good volume. Claims of the Church of Rome, considered with a view to Unity. By the Author of Proposals for Christian Union." 12mo., pp. iv, 127. Stiff Covers. James Darling.-Reserving VOL. IV.-FOURTHI SERIES. 66 our general observations to the next notice, (of another work by the writer,) we here only say, that the Proposals for Christian Union," mentioned on the title-page as a previous work of the same author, have received these commendations from two Romanist critics. In Dolman's Magazine, it is said, "We thank him heartily for this beautiful work." And the Tablet says, "The whole book breathes candour and charity." Where the advocates of Rome thus applaud, even though a man should be Davus, not Edipus, he may judge what the sentiments are of the applauded work. There is no enigma to be solved. The Sure Hope of Christian Reconciliation. To which is prefixed, Proposals for Christian Union. By a Member of the Church of England. 12mo., pp. 148. Stiff Covers. James Darling.Both these works are by the same author. The title of this latter, though in one sense not explicit, yet becomes, to serious reflection, an indication of feeling and principle by no means equivocal. Reconciliation to whom? Union with whom? Let not the simple-hearted reader imagine that any reference is designed to agreement among Protestants. Rome is the only object in the author's eye. Christian Reconciliation! Christian Union! That is the Reconciliation of the Church of England to the Church of Rome! the Union of the Church of England with the Church of Rome! Both volumes are written calmly, and with much ability. The author, however, overlooks one fact. He assumes that the Church of England is compact and consistent; or, in other words, that his views do really take in the entire of Church of Englandism. All the writers of this school seem to take for granted that their externalism is the real, original Church of England. When that Church was first established, certain principles were allowed to be introduced, or to remain, (he would say, happily; we say, unhappily,) which, whether true or false, are totally different from the grand principles by which the Reformation on the Continent was effected, and on which, 3 P by its earliest founders and martyrs, the Church of England itself was based. It was intended to be Protestant and evangelical; but, by a sort of compromise, relics of the fundamental principles of the Papacy were wrought up with them. The Puritans protested against this, predicting that eventually these relics would become dominaut, and be made the rule of the system. The pious conformists whatever be the faults of the Court of of England to the level of his own views of the teaching of St. Paul? The Afflicted Man's Companion: or, a Directory for Families and Persons visited with Sickness, or any other Distress. By the late Rev. John Willison, Minister of the Gospel at Dundee. With a Biographical Sketch of the Author. Issued by the Committee of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, for the Publication of the Works of Scottish Reformers and Divines. 12mo., pp. xxiii, 319. John Johnstone.-Mr. Willison was a deeplydevoted Minister of the Church of Scotland, not unworthy to be named with Rutherford and Halyburton. He died, in a good old age, in 1750. The topics and arrangement of this work (one of his best) are excellent. At the same time, it is only justice to our readers to say that it is, in sentiment and language, strongly Calvinistic. Mr. Willison was not only a Minister of a Calvinistic Church, but in his days the Arminianism which he best knew was neither that of the Leyden Professor, nor of the English Wesleyans, but of the Scotch Moderate, and the English “Laud,” schools. Among many it was Socinian, or even worse. And where not directly heterodox, it was most unevangelical. Semi-Christian "Natural Religionists," there is no savour of Christ in them: whereas of writers like Willison the desire and purpose to exalt Christ were the animating soul and visible characteristic. Am I a Christian? and, How can I know it? 24mo., pp. 188. Religious Tract Society.We are always glad to see these little "waistcoat-pocket " daily companions, as they are always ready for reference when a minute or two of favourable leisure may occur. This is one of the sort, and is good as far as it goes. The two questions are answered together, by the statement of the marks of the Christian character, as implying regeneration and sanctification. On one point it is, to us, essentially defective. The consideration of the Spirit's direct witness to justification and adoption is quite overlooked. The marks by which conscience may ascertain, "Am I born of God? Is the Christian character mine?" are laid down; but the theological scheme implied in all that is said seems to assume that we are the children of God in virtue of regeneration. We prefer the good old Protestant doctrine, that sanctification is preceded by justification, or, to quote Mr. Wesley's expression, "Holiness cometh by faith," even the faith through which God "justifieth the ungodly.' To him who receives free pardon in the blood of Christ, the Holy Ghost is given, who, in comforting by showing and applying the infinite mercy and grace of God in his Son, regenerates the soul, that so, being born of God, he may walk before God in the land of the living. Though rejoicing to hail substantial piety wherever we find it, we are powerfully convinced that at the present day sound doctrine, with correct and clear expression, must be carefully guarded and maintained. The Baptismal Reconciliation: with Fraternal Remarks on Dr. Halley's "Reply," and the Appendix of Dr. Wardlaw. By the Rev. Charles Stovel. Fiscp. 8vo., pp. viii, 277. B. L. Green. -Mr. Stovel is one of the ablest living controversialists on the "Baptist" side of the question at the same time, he has not been able at all to disturb our convictions, or, as he might perhaps consider them, our prejudices. We have at present no wish to enter on any of these subordinate controversies, least of all, the "Baptist" controversy. We therefore only announce the volume which is laid on our table, and which chiefly refers to points in which the author is at issue with the writers whose names are found on his title-page. We may just observe, however, that our readers must not, from the title-page, form an incorrect idea of the design of the work, as if that were to indicate some middle point where differences might be adjusted. The term "Reconciliation" refers to nothing of this sort. The Puseyites, Dr. Halley, and Dr. Wardlaw, differ in their views of certain "elements of Christian truth and duty," directly or indirectly associated with baptism. Mr. Stovel says,-and this will show what sort of reconciliation he means," By assuming that infant baptism is right, these elements are brought into hostility with each other; and by resigning that assumption, the way for their reconciliation is prepared." Northwood: The Friendship of a Jesuit. 8vo., pp. 260. Hamilton and Co. -The plot of this interesting and timely volume is, as far as we can learn, as follows: The Jesuit is an Italian of the name of Monti, who travels and appears in society under the assumed name of Mervin. The Jesuit's friend is a Lord Vincent, whom he involves, by his wily machinations and arts, in circumstances of great domestic disaster and distress. Northwood is the seat of a true-hearted and pious Protestant, Sir Henry Grey, at whose house, in whose company, and We by whose fidelity and sympathy, the mask is torn from the face of the atrocious Jesuit, and Vincent is undeceived. cannot say much in praise of the story itself: the style is often bombastic; and the whole is not conceived in such a happy manner as is needful to tell upon the readers in a way that would be satisfactory to ourselves. Many portions of it are unnatural, and, like a hot-house plant, carry vivid marks of being forced. The Jesuitical character of Monti is truthfully depicted, and may be perused with interest, especially by those who are occasionally called to ferret out these gentlemen from the holes and corners of civil society, where, for purposes which are too well known, they hide themselves, and prosecute their fell designs. The Jewish Nation: containing an Account of their Manners and Customs, Rites and Worship, Laws and Polity. With numerous illustrative Engravings. 12mo., pp. iv, 452. Tract Society. An admirable manual of ancient Judaism, and an indispensable companion to all who seek to understand the history of the Jews, as developed in the OldTestament Scriptures. Discourses on some peculiar and unusual Texts of Scripture. By the Rev. James Cochrane, A.M., one of the Ministers of Cupar. 12mo., pp. viii, 271. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.-With the exception of some points of doctrine on which we do not see eye to eye with our author, he has accomplished his task in a very interesting and instructive manner. The texts are confessedly curious, and, on account of their novelty, calculated to arrest attention; while the discourses, because of their fidelity and scriptural character, are well adapted to impress the heart. They are ten in number, and are arranged in the following order: I. Leviathan; II. and III. The clouted Shoes; IV. The Hole in the Wall; V. The Knives; VI. The Devils in the Swine; VII. A Time to Dance; VIH. The unturned Cake; IX. The borrowed Axe; X. Amen. Mr. Cochrane informs us, that he "selected such texts with a view to demonstrate that glorious Protestant maxim, that the whole word of God, down to the minutest clauses and expressions, is instinct with Gospel instruction. The Papist who depreciates the Bible, and the infidel who rejects it altogether, have often sneered at such texts. Is it to be admitted, for a moment,' they say, 'that the God of wisdom can have intended such utterances to be the directory of faith and practice? And if not, then there is much in the Bible which is utterly useless, and it is no standard of duty and belief. Now this is a proposition to which no Protestant Christian can accede. Very dangerous is it to allow for a moment, that any part of Scripture whatever is unprofitable, or to be regarded as practically no better than the rubbish and sweepings of inspiration. Most readily do I join issue with all the detractors of God's word upon such a point. There is not a single clause in the entire sacred volume but derives its inspiration from the Holy Ghost; an inspiration which was communicated for the express purpose of rendering such clauses the instruments of Gospel enlightenment, or, to use the words of the Apostle Paul, making them 'profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."" We need, therefore, only the blessing of the Most High, and all such texts, Mr. Cochrane maintains, will be found capable of edifying and improving us. The Popish Antichrist: His Character and Doom; as delineated in 2 Thess. ii. 1-12. By John Smyth, D.D., Minister of Free St. George's, Glasgow. 18mo., pp. 103. Hamilton and Co.-We have perused this small volume with considerable interest, and, we hope, profit. It is distinguished by the sound judgment, evangelical principle, and accurate taste, for which the author has been so long known. Dr. Smyth clearly and with effect traces the correspondence of the Popish system with St. Paul's description, anticipates its ultimate overthrow, and concludes with words of counsel and warning. The work is welltimed, and, at this critical season, is adapted for great and extensive utility. He Cares of Youth; or, Discourses on Subjects of Interest and Importance to the Young. By Samuel Martin, Minister of Westminster Chapel, Westminster. 12mo., pp. viii, 148. Ward and Co.Mr. Martin has already published two volumes of Discourses for the Young; the first, on their Circumstances; and the second, on Youthful Development. now gives a third, on what he terms their "Cares." There are twelve in the present volume, on the following subjects:-The Signs of the Times in their Aspect towards Youth; Occupation; Recreation; Mental Improvement; Habit; Temper; Marriage; Religious Profession; Social Influence; Benevolent Effort; Self-Government; Redemption of Time. The volume contains no pretension to anything ornate or elaborate in composition. The author evidently seeks something better than praise for eloquence and elegance. The discourses are plain, evangelical, judicious, and practical; and from the list we have given of their subjects, it will be seen that they, at least, are most important. Nor does the execution fall short of the plan. The youthful reader will find good advice, seriously and earnestly given. It is a volume calculated, as it is evidently designed, for usefulness. Wisdom, and Miscellaneous Poems. By J. F. Hulbert, M.R.C.S. 12mo., pp. av, 248. Longmans.-We confess that we always receive a new volume of poetry with something very much resembling the shoulder-shrug of our nearest continental neighbours. Deservedly or not, poets have acquired the character of being genus irritabile; and the task of criticism, never easy, on such productions becomes much more difficult. The disposition of some leads them (to use a common phrase) to like poetry; and if they acquire the ability of writing verse with tolerable ease, a volume is sure to be the result, though the true poetic power should be extremely feeble. The verse may correctly observe all the rules of scansion, and the choice of words be such that the lines read very smoothly, while yet all is dull common-place in both sentiment and expression. The case is most difficult of all, where the intention of the writer is evidently good, and the subjects explained or advocated true and important. Bad principles must be boldly condemned, even if put forth from all the ability of poetic talent, and with all the graces of poetic diction. Criticism should have no mercy on these poisoners of morals; and the more elegant the vehicle of this deleterious matter, the more prompt and severe should be the judgment. Better that a thousand Sternholds and Hopkinses be allowed to pass muster, than one of too many poets of high rank that might be named. The author of the volume before us, however, is very far removed from this dangerous and criminal mode of writing. Indeed, so good is his design, and so excellent, in general, his sentiments, that we only regret that we cannot praise his compositions as we would wish to praise them. The verse, too, is generally very respectable; sometimes even more than this. And the matériel, whether statement or reflection, is always instructive. Still, honesty obliges us to say, that the poetic power is by no means high, and that the verse does not always |