Few

To writers who, by original bent of mind, and by a special course of study, are qualified to treat subjects of great and general interest, upon large and comprehensive principles, society is deeply indebted. authors, comparatively, have the power of generalization. It is more common to look at things in detail than in their relations to each other, and to the great whole of which they form a part. We would not undervalue the power which many possess of analyzing the several topics which pertain to the philosophy of social existence; but we are conscious of surpassing obligations to those who can seize, with a powerful grasp, the grand outline of things, and render obvious the complex and hidden relations which pervade the social system. If the former class multiplies the topics of our minute and accurate observation, the latter gives a conscious impulse to our powers of thought, by which we are enabled to escape from the beaten track in which even educated men are wont to move, and by which we come to understand and to group the various phenomena which exist in the living and thinking world by which we are surrounded.

Dr. Vaughan is evidently a writer who looks at objects from that elevated and commanding position, to which nothing could have raised him but long continued mental discipline, a discipline conducted on large and comprehensive principles, and fostered by a diligent study of mankind in those records which contain their complicated history.

The Christian world are much indebted to our author for the many seasonable efforts of his pen with which they have recently been favoured. His " Religious Parties in England," his "Congregationalism," his "Modern Pulpit," to say nothing of his larger works, are all fresh and vigorous compositions, calculated to infuse new life into our

modes of thinking upon topics of common interest; and we may safely avow our conviction, that his "Age of Great Cities" will not diminish aught from his well-earned reputation. It is, indeed, a most healthy and refreshing work, from the perusal of which no man of moderate intellect can rise, without feeling that a panoramic view of modern society has been opened up to his view as vivid as it is just and realizing. Few volumes, perhaps, could be selected in which so wide a field is occupied, without prolixity on the one hand, or unsatisfactory brevity on the other.

Our author's first chapter is devoted to a lucid statement of the object of his very valuable Essay. He well describes the conflict, in modern society, between feudalism and civilization; exhibits the interests affected by that conflict; and then passes on gracefully to the theme of his work, which is evidently to set that class of short-sighted statesmen and would-be political economists right, who would endeavour to proscribe the influences by which our great civic populations have been created, by raising an unmeaning clamour against their social state. Our author is the defender of our great cities, without becoming the apologist of their crimes, which he traces to causes which are capable of being remedied, and to which he invites the anxious attention of his enlightened readers.

In his second chapter, we have a glowing, but affecting sketch of the social features pertaining to great cities, both in ancient and modern times. Then the author passes on to consider the tendencies in modern society to the formation of great cities; and, in four successive chapters, unfolds the bearings of great cities in their relation to science, arts, and literature, popular intelligence, morals, and religion.

The impression of the volume, considered as a whole, is vivid, practical, and, in the highest degree, beneficial. We hope it will be read by all our statesmen who venture to meddle with questions pertaining to the intellectual, social, moral, and religious improvement of the people; many of whom, with some claim to statistical knowledge, evince profound ignorance of those immortal principles which should guide men in the accomplishment of any great patriotic result. If class interests are not laid aside, both in politics and religion, a crisis will soon be accelerated in our social and ecclesiastical relations, which will be ruinous to the well being of our country. Our statesmen must legislate for all, if they are not to destroy all; and the national church must be content with the influence she already possesses, if she would long retain even that. Our great cities have risen up largely beneath the fostering care of men of various religious de

nominations; and no statesman worthy of the name must hope to frame schemes for their education exclusively under the control of the clergy of the Establishment. The man who attempts this, and all who aid his plans, may expect an immortality of fame, but it will be the fame of those who aim to practise injustice under the venerable name of law.

We sincerely thank Dr. Vaughan for one of the healthiest productions that has seen the light in these eventful times.

On the OLD and NEW COVENANTS. By DAVID RUSSELL, D.D., Dundee. Second Edition, much enlarged. 12mo. pp. 530.

James Maclehose, Glasgow.

This is with us an old favourite; because, when it first appeared, we were indebted to it for clearer views of the ancient dispensation that we had formerly possessed, and because, also, it disabused us of certain prejudices, which the perusal of less Scriptural works had wrought into our minds. In its present enlarged form, it is better fitted than ever for the purpose of enlightening the minds of Christians on the comparative character of the old and new Covenants. The author is indeed mighty in the Scriptures; and we cannot help concluding that this is one of his happiest efforts. We recommend it to the notice of students in particular. It has a tone about it which we could rejoice to see infused into the theology of our churches. Purely Scriptural, it is at the same time distinguished by an originality of conception, and by an opulence of illustration, which entitle it to become a class book in our colleges. Oh that the theology of the schools of the prophets would take the type and form of Dr. Russell's divinity ! Nothing could more contribute to the popularity of our younger brethren, or to the revival of pure and undefiled religion in our beloved country.

The PASTOR CHIEF: or, the Escape of the Vaudois. A Tale of the Seventeenth Century. 3 vols. post 8vo.

Cunningham and Mortimer, Adelaide-street. This, indeed, is a tale, and we very rarely notice tales; but it is so true to history, so admirably written, and, moreover, so well fitted to subserve the cause of simple primitive Christianity, as opposed to Tractarianism and Popery, that we dare not deny ourselves the satisfaction of warmly introducing it to the notice of our readers, and especially to the younger portion of them, who would desire to become acquainted with the thrilling story of the Vaudois-their fidelity to the truth of God their dauntless

courage amidst exterminating persecutionsand the influence which they exerted in preserving and upholding for so lengthened a period the essential peculiarities of the Protestant faith. The fair author of these deeply interesting volumes apologizes for this first effort of her pen. But she had no need to offer such an apology; for few there are who have written long and much, who could have produced this delightful and refreshing narrative, if such it may be called. One of the great recommendations of the work is, the documentary portion of it, contained in the third volume, which amply sustains the historical references with which it abounds. We sincerely trust that the "Pastor Chief" will realize a large circulation. It is richly deserving of it; and we venture to predict, that there is yet Protestant feeling enough remaining in England, notwithstanding its present unhappy guides, to secure the popularity of a work which tells the tale of political frenzy, goaded on by popish counsels, and popish hatred of the truth of God. We will also take upon us to anticipate, that though this is the author's first literary effort, it will not be her last, if Providence should spare her valuable life. Such a pen must not be allowed to slumber.

The RAMBLES of the EMPEROR CHING TIH in KEANG NAN. Chinese Tale. Translated by TSIN SHEN, Student of the Anglo-Chinese College, Malacca. With a Preface by JAMES LEGGE, D.D., President of the College. 2 vols. 8vo.

Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans. The Chinese will be better understood by the perusal of these volumes than by almost any number of European descriptions of them. The Rambles of Ching Tih is one of their popular tales, as much read, perhaps, in China as Robinson Crusoe is in this country. It is professedly a narrative of one of their emperors, who, on his accession to the throne, gave himself up to corrupt advisers, lived in luxury and vice, and wellnigh reduced his kingdom to anarchy and rebellion; but who afterwards yielded to patriotic counsellors, recovered the tranquillity of the empire, quelled the insurrection of the rebels, put down a corrupt magistracy, and found himself the object of his people's admiration and love.

The tale we believe to be founded in facts, though it partakes much of the marvellous, and exhibits peculiarities which belong to no European work of similar pretensions. It gives a full insight into the court of China, depicts the character of its government, and presents a full view of the manners, habits, superstitions, and idolatries of the Chinese people. It is altogether a curious production, which may be read with advantage by

all who wish to understand the unique and mysterious character of a nation with whom Divine Providence has now brought us into amicable relationship.

The translation of Ching Tih's Rambles bas been effected as a class exercise, by Tsin Shen, a highly talented youth in the AngloChinese College, Malacca, and affords ample proof of the energy and success with which the president of the college is prosecuting his labours for the benefit of the youth of China, in imparting to them the knowledge of the English language, and thereby opening up to their view the science, literature, and theology of Great Britain.

Dr. Legge's account of the translation, in his brief Preface, is as follows:

"About twelve months ago it occurred to me to bring out from the press of the AngloChinese College, an edition of the Four Books and Five Kings,' the Gospels, as they have been called, and Pentateuch of China, accompanied with a translation and notes, which might serve as a standard work to the foreign student of Chinese Literature, and lay open to the general reader the philosophy, religion, and morals of that singular people.

"In pursuance of that object I requested the translator of the following sheets to commence a version of the Shoo King, but he had not got through many sections before it became plain that a work so obscure and elliptical demanded a greater mastery of the English language than he was possessed of. As a preliminary exercise, therefore, I put Ching Tih's Rambles, into his hands, and finding as the translation proceeded, that the work was not devoid of interest, I resolved, as I could find leisure, to revise his version, as well for my own improvement in the Chinese language as in the hope that it would prove both acceptable and useful to the public.

"The story is founded as much upon facts as most historical novels of European production. The intrigues of the Eunuchs, their seduction of the young sovereign, and the insurrection of the rebels, are all in accordance with the narrative of Chinese history. The work, therefore, will assist in conveying a more accurate idea of the Court of China, and the position of its Emperor, than it is possible to obtain from works of more pretension and of greater merit. The translation may safely be received as faithful; Chinese scholars may differ perhaps in their rendering of two or three of the stanzas prefixed to the several chapters, as indeed the translator differed from himself at different times; but Chinese poetry is confessedly obscure, and several teachers have been consulted in every case of doubt.

"It is hoped that the production will be

received with sufficient favour to encourage the translator and others of his countrymen to study effectively the English language, in order to lay open to European nations the treasures which their own may contain,-an exercise, which will eminently tend to disabuse their minds from the prejudices of education, and to give them that knowledge and imbue them with those sentiments which will qualify them to be useful to their countrymen."

LECTURES ON FEMALE PROSTITUTION: its Nature, Extent, Effects, Guilt, Causes, and Remedy. By RALPH WARDLAW, D.D. Delivered and Published by Special Request. Second Edition: of which the Profits will be given to aid any Effort that may be made for the suppression of the Vice in the City of Glasgow. 12mo. pp. 188.

James Maclehose, and all booksellers.

We are most happy to find that this extraordinary work, for such it is, has reached a second edition. Most ardently do we wish that it may pass through many editions; that it may be read by every philanthropist, every Christian, every patriot, every friend of human kind; and more especially that it may fall into the hands of every young man throughout the British dominions. It has already created a deep sensation in many minds; and we believe that its full impression has not yet fallen upon the public mind. We do entreat that class of our readers, who distribute books gratuitously, to lay out a liberal sum upon such a work as this. No uninspired production was ever fitted to do more good. We hope soon to notice more particularly than we have yet done, the two last lectures in the volume.

WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

1. Letter to Sir James Graham, Bart., on the Education Clauses of the Factory Bill. With A# Appendix, containing Lord John Russell's Resolutions, with remarks thereon. By JAMES COOK EVANS, Esq., of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn. Svo, pp. 12. 2d. or 12s. per hundred. Ward and Co.

2. An Analytical Digest of the Education Clauses of the Factories' Bill now before Parliament, with observations and objections. To which are added, Practical Suggestions to the opponents of the Bill. 8vo, pp. 44. James Dinnis.

3. A Plea for Liberty of Conscience. A Letter to the Right Honourable Sir James Graham, Bart., one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, on the Education Clauses of the Factories' Bill. By JOHN HOWARD HINTON, M.A., one of the Secretaries of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland. Svo, pp. 16. 4d. Houlston and Stone

man.

4. On the Educational Clauses in the Bill now before the House of Commons, "for Regulating the Employment of Children and Young Persons in Factories, and for the better Education of Children in Factory Districts." By W. J. Fox. 8vo, pp. 32. C. Fox.

5. Military Operations at Cabul, which ended in the retreat and destruction of the British Army, January, 1842. With a Journal of Imprisonment in Afghanistan. By LIEUTENANT VINCENT EYRE, Bengal Artillery, late Deputy Commissary of Ordnance at Cabul. Third edition, 12mo, pp. 328. Murray.

This is a volume of deep and thrilling interest, which all must see who wish to understand the awful occurrences at Cabul.

6. Part III. of the History of China, Pictorial and Descriptive; from the earliest period to the present Time. By Miss CORNER, Author of "Questions on the History of Europe," the "Historical Library," &c. 3vo. Dean and Co. Threadneedle-street.

7. From original and authentic Sketches, uniform with Mr. Allom's splendid popular work, "the Turkish Empire Illustrated," China, in a Series of Views, displaying the Scenery, Architecture, 30cial Habits, &c., of this ancient and exclusive Empire. By

THOMAS ALLOM, Esq. With Historical and Descriptive Notices, by the Rev. G. N. WRIGHT' M.A., 4to. Parts I., II., III., IV., V., VI. Fisher, Son, and Co.

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

1. Shortly will be published, the third and cheap edition of The Martyr of Erromanga; or, the Philosophy of Missions, illustrated from the Life, &c., of the Rev. John Williams. By the Rev. JOHN CAMPBELL, D.D.

2. Second edition of Letters on Missions. By the Rev. W. SWAN.

3. In the press, A Memoir of the late Greville Ewing, Minister of the Gospel, Glasgow. By his Daughter. One vol. 8vo, with a portrait.

4. Astronomy and Scripture; or, Illustrations of Holy Writ in connexion with that Science. By the Rev. THOMAS MILNER, M.A. One vol., foolscap 8vo.

Mrs. Linnæa Evans was the youngest daughter of the late Dr. Lamb, of Newbury, in the county of Berkshire. She was

called early in life to deplore the loss of her beloved father, whose parental affection it appears left so deep an impression upon her heart, that it was never effaced. While suffering from the recent loss of her beloved parent, and residing for a time with her pious cousin, Miss Lamb, of Reading, she was led to attend the ministry of the Rev. T. C. Everett, co-pastor with the late Rev. A. Douglas over the church assembling at Broad-street meeting. It was under the ministry of the Rev. T. C. Everett that the word of God first came with power to her heart. A sermon by that devoted minister on the words "There they crucified him," appears to have been the means, under God, of leading her to the Saviour. Naturally alive to all that is affectionate and tender, and softened as her feelings were by the stroke which deprived her of her beloved parent, she ever attributed her con

version to the compassionate love of that Saviour, who came to heal the brokenhearted, and to die that we might live. From that time she gave up her soul to God; and, at the age of sixteen, was admitted a member of the Christian church. This step, though taken early in life, she never regretted; except, as she said in her last illness, when she had offended her God by backsliding from him; then she was ashamed to think she was a member of a Christian church. In reference to her religious character at that time, her cousin thus writes:"I was pleased to observe the great consistency of her conduct, and the lively interest which she took in Christian ordinances. The chief characteristic of her religion was humility. She had very humbling views of herself, and a childlike confidence in her Saviour. Hers was a simple

and genuine faith-the same in the commencement as in the end of her course." While residing at Reading she was an active and regular teacher in the Sunday-school; and, spending the intervals between her labours on the Sabbath with the family of Mr. Poulton, a respected deacon of the

church, she formed with his family a friend'ship which was only terminated by her death. Of her, though it may be said with truth that" she devoted her youth to God," yet, both from the force of her native excellence and her Christian spirit, she became so affectionately beloved by a numerous circle of relatives and friends in the town of Reading, that the name of Linnæa is still embalmed in their memories, and lives in the fragrance of her cherished worth. After a time, coming to reside in Chelsea, she was introduced to Dr. Morison, and became a member of the Christian church under his pastoral care. At about this time, a circumstance occurred, apparently of trifling moment, but showing by the result what potent effects are sometimes produced by a few simple words pronounced, or written, at the right time and in the right place. At the request of the deceased, her pastor wrote in her album the following brief sentence: "Live near to God, my dear friend, and the sorrows of life will be divested of their bitterness, while every enjoyment will be heightened and sanctified." These words, for the remainder of her life, became cherished treasures; and even on her death-bed, the writer of them had the assurance from her own lips, that they had been the means of her greatest solace amidst the changing scenes of life. Being placed at this time in a position of great responsibility for one so young, she found in prayer and communion with God that support and encouragement which could alone have enabled her to discharge her highly responsible and trying duties. She won the affection and respect of all who came within the sphere of her society. Though naturally diffident and somewhat reserved, until after a fuller acquaintance, she has left on the hearts of all who knew her, from the most aged to the youngest, an indelible impression of her warm affection, her gentle manners, and her happy and Christian spirit. When united in the marriage state, her heart expanded with the warmest affections, and the care of her young family occupied, and indeed engrossed, the whole of her anxieties and time. The delicate state of the health of her dear children, and especially of her eldest child, was always a source of the deepest anxiety; but her maternal love kept pace with the demands upon her care: night and day, for six years, she watched over her tender flower; and, contrary to the forebodings of the highest medical and surgical authorities, he still lives, a monument of his mother's watchfulness, and the pledge of her answered prayers. Making her children, as much as possible, her companions, she began their education even from the cradle; not, indeed, by endeavouring to make them excel in what is often, by a

strange misnomer, called education; but by training their dispositions, forming their tempers, teaching them how to fulfil their moral duties in that little world of which they were the citizens, by bringing their infant minds to understand the simple truths of religion, and to come to Christ their God and Saviour. The simple lessons thus taught by a fond mother with her own lips, and sealed upon her dying bed, will, it is fondly hoped, not be forgotten. Forgotten they cannot be; the seed of the kingdom sown in faith by a prayerful mother cannot be unfruitful, for the promise of God standeth sure; and often was the mother on her death-bed overjoyed by instances of the thoughtful and pious words of her dear offspring. On one occasion her dear little boy, a child of three years of age, on bidding her "Good-night," said to her, entirely of his own prompting, Mamma, I do pray to God, for Jesus Christ's sake, make mamma better." Often did they assemble in a little group, and after a long discussion of death and heaven come to the conclusion that, if God should take mamma to heaven, they hoped they might all go too.

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Upon the birth of her fourth and last child (December 1841) her health, which, after her previous confinement, had recovered but slowly, showed signs of great weakness; but it was hoped that, as she was now able to leave her room, she would gradually recover her wonted health and strength, and that she would be soon restored to her beloved family. But, oh, the uncertainty of human hopes! without any premonitory symptoms, but simple weakness, at the still hour of midnight, when buried in deep sleep, she was awakened by a sudden and unusual cough. A blood vessel on her lungs had burst, and her life blood was seen streaming from her. Amid the alarm which naturally attended so painful and unexpected an event, the patient sufferer remained perfectly calm and composed, and humbly resigned herself to the will of God. Medical aid came instantly to her relief, and by the blessing of God the vessel was stanched. On the next day, hearing that her youngest boy, then about two years of age, was suffering from a severe headache, she, with a mother's tenderness, earnestly wished him to be laid by her side upon the bed. This was done; but while the happy child was soothing his dear mother's face with his little hand, and her heart with gentler words, he was suddenly seized with violent convulsions which lasted for many hours, and even threatened his life. Before the little sufferer was relieved from the attack, the afflicted husband was summoned to the bedside of the mother, and was doomed to see the crimson stream of life again break forth from its wonted