Martyrologia, &c. Part XVIII. ; being also Part 1. of Martyrs of the Reformation. John Mason. This Part commences the third and concluding volume of "Martyrologia;" but the volume will also be published separately for the convenience of those who wish to possess the History of the Protestant Martyrs alone. Taking the present Part as a specimen, (and from our knowledge of the writer we believe it is only a fair specimen,) the volume which it introduces will not be inferior in value to any published in the present day. The first chapter contains a brief and ably-written sketch of the events which prepared the way for the Lutheran Reformation during the century which preceded it. It brings before us the Reformation dawning in England under Wycliffe, and then views it as brightening in Bohemia through the labours of John Huss and Jerome of Prague. Notices of their martyrdom by the orders of the General Council of Constance are given. The Inquisition is taken as a barrier device to check the progress of truth; and accounts of its formation, and rise in some countries to supreme power, with statistical statements of its sanguinary proceedings, are given, though briefly, yet with clearness and force. The invention of printing, and the progress of geographical discovery, are described in their relations to the leading subject of the history. Notices of some persons (such as Savonarola) who were, in the order of Providence, the more immediate precursors of Luther, conclude this important chapter. With the history of Luther himself the second chapter opens. A volume like this can, of course, contain nothing that is, strictly speaking, new; but this Part will show that the history will not be a compilation from former writers. The author has evidently read extensively; and, having thus collected the requisite materials, has so thoroughly digested them as to make them, in a manner, his own. He has read for the purpose of filling his mind; and, prompted by that fulness, he writes his narrative in his

own language. The facts may be furnished by others, as in all such cases they must be; but the composition is entirely from himself. The style is good, lucid, orderly, and impressive. It is evident that the author's heart is in his work, and that no pains will be spared that are necessary for bringing out a volume which shall be useful to the reader. The writer's principles are soundly orthodox and evangelical, and liberal without verging on infidel licentiousness on the one hand, or ecclesiastical exclusiveness and intolerance on the other. In cordially recommending it, we are performing an act of justice equally to our readers, and to the industrious and successful author.

The Christian's Daily Treasury: a Religious Exercise for Every Day in the Year. By the Rev. Ebenezer Temple, Rochford, Essex. Third Edition, re

vised. 12mo., pp. iv, 464. John Snow. We noticed the former editions of the work when they appeared, and see no reason to change the favourable opinion which we then expressed. The "Exercises" are each founded on a text of holy writ, and sustain somewhat of the "skeleton" form. Mr. Temple was evidently a moderate Calvinist, and some of his remarks are off-shoots of the Calvinistic theology. These, of course, we cannot approve: they are not, however, of frequent occurrence.

Scripture Baptism: a Series of Familiar Letters to a Friend, in Reply to "Christian Baptism," by the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, A. M. By Henry J. Gamble. Foolscap 8vo., pp. iv, 223. John Snow.-Mr. Gamble was once himself a Baptist Minister, but has conscientiously left the community to which he formerly belonged, his views having become conformed to those held by the great majority of the professing church. His mind having thus had the whole subject before it, in what we are sure must have been a painful investigation, he was perhaps the better prepared to examine the reasons assigned by Mr. Noel for a change in the opposite direc

tion. We have read the volume attentively. Whatever other excellencies it may possess, to one it may lay decided claim it is written throughout with the temper of a Christian and the style of a gentleman. And though we cannot exactly think with him on some minor points, taken altogether, his reasoning is generally clear, powerful, and conclusive, We know the character of the "Baptist controversy" too well to say that it is convincing; but we repeat the remark that it is conclusive, on all the principles of sound argumentation. Some of his observations, too, are not without a degree of novelty, even in this "almost worn thread-bare discussion, and deserve particular attention. Opponents ought not to be offended, for Mr. Gamble uses kind words to express hard arguments; and friends may be instructed by the light which he casts on particular aspects of the subject, as well as by the general support which he renders to it.

The Life and Epistles of St. Paul; comprising a complete Biography of the Apostle, and a Translation of his Letters, inserted in Chronological Order. By the Rev. J. W. Conybeare, M.A., late Fellow of Trinity College, Cam bridge; and the Rev. J. S. Howson, M.A., Principal of the Collegiate Institution, Liverpool. In Monthly Parts, 4lo.; to be completed in Two Volumes. Part I., pp. xvi, 16. (With Three Engravings, and numerous Cuts of Coins, &c.) Longmans.-Experience has taught us that it is not wise to commit ourselves to an opinion on a work which is to appear in successive parts when only the first part is before us. But the present case is decidedly an exception. The character of both the authors and the publishers furnishes a satisfactory pledge that such as the work professes to be in its commencing portion, such it shall continue throughout. And, accepting this pledge, and judging from this first part, we cannot hesitate to say that we are likely to have an important desideratum well supplied. The present part is mostly occupied in stating the general plan of the work, and showing that a life of St. Paul, chiefly drawn from his writings, in which allusions to the existing state of society are of perpetual occurrence, requires to be introduced by a sufficiently clear description of the men and their manners among whom the Apostle lived, in their leading classifi cations, Orientals, Grecks, Romans, and Jews. The divine wisdom, also, has to be shown, in selecting such a place as the metropolis of Palestine as

the source of the new religion, and such a time as that furnished by the full establishment of the Roman empire. The engravings are not only designed to beautify the work, but also to illustrate it, by placing before us the natural features of scenery on which the Apostle must frequently have gazed, and by which, it is not too much to say, his ardent, yet truthful, imagination must have been more or less influenced. We hope nothing will occur to prevent the regular and speedy advancement of the work to a happy completion.

Real Religion: or, The practical Application of holy Scripture to the daily Walk of Life. By the Authoress of "the Pearl of Days." Foolscap 8vo., pp. ix, 110. Partridge and Oakey.Some idea of this work may be given by stating the subjects of the chapters into which it is divided. I. Introduction. II. Early Opening of the Mind to the Reception of revealed Truth. III. Dangers and Difficulties incident to the Season of Youth. IV. Erroneous Views of Scripture Truth and Christian Duty generally prevalent among the Young. V. The Difficulties and Duties attendant upon subordinate Situations. VI. The Influence of Religion on the Improvement of Society. these topics the writer descants with simplicity, but also with considerable power. There is a greater depth of thought than we anticipated even from her former work. Her views of religion, though clearly evangelical, are by no means superficial. Her style is neatly elegant, well suited to her subject; and by its pregnant sententiousness, often reminds us of the writings of Hannah More. We are glad to express our opinion that she has won for herself a not unworthy place among those British females who have devoted their pen to the service of religious truth.

On

History of the Inquisition, from its Establishment to the present Time. With an Account of its Procedure, and Narratives of its Victims. Foolscap 8vo., pp. xii, 445. Ward and Co.The writer of this volume professes to give a condensed and consecutive starement and narrative derived from the numerous volumes which have been published, so as that the substance of them all may be given at one view. Such a work was wanted. Every author contains something important: no one contains all that is necessary for a complete view. The task thus undertaken has been performed with ability. We have here a complete, though brief, History

of the Inquisition. As to the propriety of such a work, much is said in relation to "dark ages, and to the

"changed spirit' of the Church of Rome. But even allowing this to be the case, an institution which, during its existence in one country-Spain-must have put to death, (after horribly torturing them,) by burning them alive, many thousands of persons on account of reliligion, must not be allowed to pass into oblivion. Truth and righteousness demand that it be placed at the bar of public opinion. Besides, it was an institution in which the Church which sanctioned it was deeply implicated. No thanks to the Popes and Italian ecclesiastics if it were not established wherever the Church existed. France and England would not have it, because the civil power did not choose to have imperium in imperio. The character of the Church is to be ascertained by the character of the means of defence and security which she employed. But for the Inquisition, Protestantism would have maintained its footing in Italy and Spain. In both cases it was extinguished in blood. The Church of Rome claims to be infallible and unchangeable, and to have sovereign power, even to the infliction of punishment on all professing Christians, as such, though never numbered in her community. In Italy-in Rome, at all eventsthe Inquisition is still retained. And as "the Church" still claims to be what she always was, it is right that her method of dealing with those who presume to differ from her, wherever she has power, be clearly understood and fully known. Where churches have acted inconsistently with their principles, we wish not to recal painful reminiscences,-though historic truth demands that they be put on record; but in the case of the Church of Rome, the punishment of heretics is part of the power she claims: it belongs to the system. The history of her proceedings, therefore, not only ought to he faithfully recorded, but the record ought to be within the reach of all. There was a necessity, therefore, for such a compilation as the one before us. The author has ably performed the task he undertook, and given us a volume which completely fulfils the implied promise of the title-page.

The Church in the World. By George Southern, Wesleyan Minister, Author of "the World about the Church," &c. 18mo., pp. xi, 199. Longmans. A practical treatise on Christian duty, calculated to be very

useful, and deserving an extensive circulation. The duty of Christians in reference to themselves and to each other, as dwelling in the world, and in reference to the world in which they dwell, Mr. Southern clearly sets forth. The three leading ideas of the volume are, "Consistency, Union, and Activity;" and these are developed in a variety of particulars. Indeed, it is this particularity which constitutes a leading excellence of the volume. General duty is often recommended; but it can only be properly enforced by branching it out into its details. The style is good,clear, terse, and natural. There is no attempt at display. The author's earnestness is nowhere obtruded; but it is

felt throughout. We are doing our readers a service in recommending the volume-not too large for their pocketto their favourable notice.

The Sacred Mountains. By J. T. Headley. 18mo., pp. 150. W. Collins. -A pleasing and useful little volume on the subject to which it is devoted. It may be laid with advantage on the family table. Not only children and youth, but older persons, may derive information from it which will be very serviceable to them in the course of their Scripture reading.

The High-Way of Holiness: by the Rev. Walter Weir, Minister of Longformacus. Flscp. 8vo., pp. iii, 192. Simpkins. Mr. Weir's treatise is founded on the well-known passage in the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. Without being at all fanciful, he follows out the figure employed in the text, and considers, the Preparation of the Highway of Holiness; the Highway itself; the Persons who are not found therein; the Preparation for walking in it; Examples of those who have walked in it; Duties and Encouragements of those who are walking in it; their Difficulties; their Enjoyments; the End to which it conducts. It is not a volume constructed for the scholar or student: it belongs to the literature of practical religion, and is a useful contribution to it. In these days of hurry, and little leisure, its convenient size is an additional recommendation.

The Sabbath-School and Bible Teaching. By James Inglis. 12mo., pp. iv, 219. Houlston and Stoneman.-How can an untaught teacher teach efficiently? So Mr. Inglis thinks, and writes this work for the purpose of teaching the teachers. It is an excellent production, -portable, though not so small as to be obscure. When we think of the number

on the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. By the Rev. John Cumming, D.D. Arthur Hull.-The writer justly regards the letters to the Asiatic churches, -Rev. ii., iii.,-as intended to instruct, admonish, and comfort the people of God in all succeeding ages. And we have pleasure in observing that, while he collects varied and recent information to enliven his pages, he bears in mind the purpose expressed in his introductory passages,-"to lay before" his readers "plain and interesting sketches of sacred duties and responsibilities," as these are suggested by our Lord's "precious epistles." We have no sympathy with any who disparage the purely didactic portions of God's word; yet we confess that, to us, the apocalyptic warnings have long appeared to come with a pathos and impressiveness all their own. Every well-considered effort to fix attention on these "faithful and true sayings, will have our earnest approval. Dr. Cumming treats his subjects with ability, and often with eloquence. If our severer taste inclines to selection and abridgment of collateral appeals, we willingly confess the rhetorical value of the other style. This beautiful volume is accordingly commended to our readers.

Sermons by Wesleyan-Methodist Ministers. No. I. January, 1850. London and Edinburgh. This first Number of a cheap serial contains a Discourse by the Rev. William Horton, on 1 Tim. iv. 8, and one by the Rev. Henry H. Chettle, on Job ii. 10. Both are edifying; and we trust the publication will be extensively useful.

Hora Paulina. By William Paley, D.D. With Notes, and a supplementary Treatise entitled "Hora Apostolice," by the Rev. T. R. Birks, A.M. Religious Tract Society.-Dr. Paley's acute and beautiful argument is above praise. Mr. Birks collects additional illustrations, and extends the inquiry to the Four Gospels, meanwhile giving to the whole, as far as may be, a practical

tone. The Supplement, exceeding in size the original Treatise, indicates much careful thought, successfully applied;

and it is easy to trace, and impossible not to admire, the devout student's love of his theme. The volume merits ampler reference than our time and space allow. But we are unwilling to wait for a future opportunity; and we gladly announce it with our cordial welcome.

The Holly-Tree: a Winter Gift of original Prose and Poetry. By George E. and Myra Sargent, with other Contributors. With Engravings by Dickes. 18mo., pp. viii, 160. B. L. Green.— The pieces comprised in this pleasing little volume are seventeen in number, designed for the young, and combining "the useful and the agreeable." They are good both in substance and form. It will be an acceptable winter gift now; but when summer comes, the young folk will not object to it.

Daily Bible Illustrations: being original Readings for a Year, on Subjects from Sacred History, Biography, Geography, Antiquities, and Theology. Especially designed for the Family Circle. By John Kitto, D.D., F.S.A.—Antediluvians and Patriarchs. January to March. Oliphant.-The first of four volumes,-all to appear in the present year. Of the design it is needless to speak; and of the execution it is enough to say, that it is worthy of the laborious author's fame. Dr. Kitto deserves well of sacred literature; and the present addition to his Works is extremely interesting. "An earnest endeavour is made," he tells us, "to introduce into the family circle a large amount of biblical knowledge, not usually accessible but to persons possessed of large and curious libraries; and to present, in an easy and unpretending shape, the real fruits of much learned discussion and painstaking research." The multiplication of such books is a welcome token that, amid some trials and discouragements, the church of God may rejoice in a revived and quickened attention, among her rising families, to the sacred pages. There, in high contrast to the precarious and glimmering wisdom of this world, shines "the brightness of the everlasting light."

Sacra Privata. The Private Meditations and Prayers of the Right Rev. Thomas Wilson, D.D., Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man. William Pickering.

The London Prisons: with an Account of the more distinguished Persons who have been confined in them: to which is added, a Description of the chief Provincial Prisons. Ву Нерworth Dixon. Jackson and Walford.

Memoirs of the Public and Private