Version in German, which has led to such practical results, which no one more than Luther would have endeavoured to prevent, and which he would have considered as a needless torment of the mind, and productive only of schism and enthusiasm. He translated into German, (and the same holds good in the English Version,) with some degree of looseness, justifiable upon general principles, at times, but here, unfortunately, erro neous: Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you.'"-pp. 309--313. The whole of this criticism, which extends several pages fur ther, upon the error in the trans- LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS, WITH SHORT NOTICES. ་་་་་་་་་་་་་ ENLARGED INDEX TO CALMET. 4to. fested towards all plans for improving London: Holdsworth. Price 5s -Those the condition, and promoting the welwho possess Calmet's Dictionary of the fare, temporal and spiritual, of the Bible, with the late Mr. C. Taylor's human race, that some persons have valuable addition of Fragments, in 5 been inclined to regard the strength of vols. 4to. will, we are sure, be glad to opposition exerted, as a fair test of the have this General Index to the Dic probable utilty, if not even of the sucbess tionary and Fragments, which is ar- of the project. There is, however, so ranged under one Alphabet, instead of much of the "new school" of innohaving, as before, to refer to the nume vation about us, as to induce the perrous Indices, which the work contained. suasion that the benefit certainly outThis Index, with the ADDITIONAL re- weighs the alleged evils; besides, the ferences in it, is, we are credibly in- work is now so far advanced that it canformed, done by an author, whose not be impeded. The education of name, if given, would be a sufficient the lower orders must go on. The chief guarantee as to its correctness. It point of option is either to leave it to comprises a scientific analysis of con- itself, or to give it a useful and religious tents, an alphabetical list of subjects, direction. Dr. Brown seems very much and a methodical arrangement of texts, of our opinion, as far as he has collected illustrated and explained. and condensed in this pamphlet, from various sources, chiefly official, a large body of evidence on this important topic, whelming testimony to the value of and has, besides, furnished an overSabbath School instruction, We have no room for extracts, but we must cordially recommend this work to the perusal of all persons connected with the management, or concerned in the defence of Sabbath Schools. ORIENTAL OBSERVATIONS AND OCCASIONAL CRITICISM, illustrating several Hundred Passages of Scripture. By John Calloway, late Missionary in Ceylon. 12mo. Price 3s. THE CHARACTER OF DAVID: a Series of Essays addessed to Youth. By John Newstead. 18mo. Price 1s. THE TESTIMONY OF EXPERIENCE TO THE UTILITY AND NECESSITY OF SABBATH SCHOOLS, delivered at St. Andrew's Church, Edinburgh, on the 28th of May, 1826, &c. &c. By the Rev. J. Brown, D. D. London: Nisbet.-The opposition of those who uphold the existing order of things, no matter what, when, or where, has been so generally mani A GUIDE TO ACQUAINTANCE WITH GOD, by the Rev. James Sherman, Second Edition. pp. 180. Nisbet. Price 2s. 6d. The disclosures of the last day can alone reveal the amount of uselessness which has resulted to the souls of men from the publication of the small, plain, and practical religious treatises which were sent from the press during the 17th century. They were in most cases, no doubt, sermons which were amplified by their venerable authors to treatises, and we are glad that Mr. S. has, in the valuable little volume before us, followed this plan, for in this printing age, sermons are considered as ephemeral, and possess but a transient influence; their octavo size is against their permanence. This evangelical and affectionate "guide," has reached a second edition before we have had an opportunity to commend the first, which we cheerfully do, and though the protracted indisposition which afforded its esteemed author leisure to compose it was much to be regretted, as it detained him for so long a period from the pulpit, yet we doubt not but he will find, by the usefulness of this silent preacher, that he was not excluded from his beloved employment in vain. If any thing need be said to promote its circulation, we may state that the venerable Religious Book Society have recently inserted it amongst heir publications. A DEFENCE OF THE MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH SEA AND SANDWICH ISLANDS, against the Misrepresentations contained in a late Number of the Quarterly Review, in a Letter to the Editor of that Journal. By William Orme.-We beg leave to direct the attention of our readers to this letter, particularly on account of the documents it contains. Those furnished from America exhibit overwhelming evidence of the injustice of the charges preferred against the Missionaries in the Sandwich Islands, and establish the Christian character and efforts of our transatlantic brethren in the most satisfactory manner. THE CRUCIBLE; or Christian SelfExaminer. 8vo. pp 112. Nisbet.Under this quaint title, a convenient and very neat book is supplied, to assist in that too much neglected closet duty selfexamination. The left hand page is filled by three columns; the first, entitled directions, contains different texts of Scripture, which enjoin the following duties, which are indicated in the second column, Religion, Faith, Charity, Filial, Conjugal, Parental, Humility, Patience, Resignation, Temper, Forgiveness, Judg. ment, Circumspection, Diligence, Motive and Spiritual Mindedness. The third division furnishes space for each day of the week, in which a private mark may be inserted according to the decisions of conscience. The right hand page is left blank for more extended remarks. There is a page for every week in the year, and consequently the volume contains fifty-two texts upon each of the above duties. This is not a novel plan; more than a century ago the eminently learned and devotional Rev. Benjamin Bennet recommended, in his second part of the Christian Oratory, something of this sort, and we think, with him, that it may be found very useful. But we must suggest one caution, "the commandments of the Lord are exceeding broad." Let not those who employ this, confide their self examination, even to the copious selection of texts it supplies; but in their devotional reading of the Scriptures, let them employ those texts, devotions, and precepts, which continually occur, faithfully to their own consciences, and never depend upon the selection of another for that which they are bound to search out for themselves. REMARKS ON THE FOLLOWING TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE: viz. Matthew xii. 31, 32; Luke xxii. 19. with 1 Corinthians xi. 25, ; Romans i. 19-23, 25.; Romans viii. 19-23; 1 Corinthians iii. 12-15.; Hebrews vi. 4-6; Hebrews x. 26.; 1 John v. 16. By James M'Gavin, Paisley. Second Edition. Glasgow: Gallie, 1827. Price Ninepence. THE AFFECTION'S MEMORIAL, OR of Jemima Thurgood Higgs, youngest TOMB EMBALMED. A Brief Memoir Daughter of the Rev. James Higgs, of Cheshunt. London, Holdsworth. 1827.8d. rative of one who "remembered her -A very pleasing and interesting narCreator in the days of her youth,”-one whose example we can confidently recommend to our young readers. BRIEF MEMOIR, relative to the Operations of the Serampore Missionaries, Bengal, with an Appendix, including recent Intelligence from India. A SUMMARY VIEW OF CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES, comprising the Doctrines peculiar to Christianity, as a System of Revealed Truth. By Thomas Finch, Bishop's Stortford. London, Holdsworth. 1827. 5s. 6d. This plain and useful Summary of the peculiar doctrines of our holy religion, is published under circumstances which reflect great credit on its respected author. Twelve years ago, Mr. Finch preached a sermon, which, he observes, was a hasty composition, written at a time when his views on several points of great importance were extremely vague and unsettled;" subsequent inquiry led him to disapprove and regret its publication, and he prepared for the press a series of discourses, containing what he then conceived to be more consistent views of divine truth. Having, however, had to lament his precipitancy, in the former case, he judiciously deferred any farther appearance in print, until time and experience had enabled him to weigh his sentiments maturely and deliberately. This he has done, and the work before us is the result. It will prove a valuable manual to that numerous class who want either means to purchase, or lei sure to peruse larger works; the style is good, and the subjects well arranged. We could have wished, however, that the texts referred to had been embodied in the work, instead of the plan adopted of throwing them together at the end of each chapter. A few texts, aptly quoted, are much more likely to excite the reader's attention, than mere references to fifty, which is the number referred to at the close of the third chapter. WORKS PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. Historical Tablets and Medalions, illustrative of an improved System of Artificial Memory, for the more easy remembrance of remarkable Events and Dates; exhibiting, in a Series of neatly-tinted Engravings, (including more than one hundred medallic Portraits) a connected outline of Historical and Biographical Chronology, the complete Succession of all the Roman Emperors, and of the Sovereigns of England and France, down to the present Time. Together with an appropriate Introduction, Appendix, and Vocabulary. Designed and arranged by John Henry Todd. The Tablets may also be had, neatly executed on Card-board, and fitted up in a handsome box-so that a number of Students might, with equal convenience and economy, be using them at the same time. Price £3. 3s.-We understand that the Rev. John Whitridge is preparing for immediate publication, in a very neat 18mo. Price Two Shillings, for the year 1828, A Scripture Diary; or, Christian Almanack comprising, a Chronological Arrangement of the Holy Scriptures in Daily Portions, for reading the whole Bible within the Year; together with the Festivals of the Jews, and some Events of Sacred History, Selections of Ecclesiastical Literature, Notices of Biblical Publications, &c. &c. &c. The outlines of this interesting Work have already been published, N. S. No. 34. with acceptance, in the Scripture and Home Missionary Magazines; and it is proposed to adapt it to the convenience of readers in general, without regard to any religious peculiarities whatever.-A Poem descriptive of Henley-on-Thames and its immediate Environs. A Delineation of the characteristic Features of this beautiful Scenery (the Admiration of the Native and the Stranger), has, we believe, never before been attempted.--Christian Friendship on Earth perpetuated in Heaven; being an attempt to establish, on the principles of Reason and Revelation, and to consider under its various Consolatory and Practical Aspects, the Doctrine of Recognition amongst good Men in the 12mo. Price 5s. or to Subscribers, 4s.-World to Come. By C. R. Muston, A.M. Dr. John Owen's Essays on the Day of Sacred Rest, in which the Origin, Nature, and Obligations of the Sabbath are inquired into, and the various Opinions, which have arisen against the Obligation of Christians to obeserve it, are met and refuted. The whole revised and pruned of its repetitions, (but not otherwise abridged,) by the Rev. J. W. Brooks, Vicar of Clareborough, Notts. and Chaplain to Viscount Galway.-The Rev. John Morison, of Chelsea, is preparing for publication, in two large volumes, octavo, "An Exposition of the Book of Psalms, Explanatory, Critical, and Devotional: intended chiefly to aid Private Christians in the enlightened perusal of Compositions, in which the National History of the Jews, and the Personal Experience of David, are often blended with the Spirit of Prophecy." It is intended to publish the Work in SIX PARTS, containing about Twenty-five Psalms each. The First Part will be ready for delivery by the 1st of December, and the remaining Parts will appear on the 1st day of every second month subsequently. The volumes, when complete, will contain more than a thousand pages of letter-press, and will be sold at £1.4s, as a whole, or at Four Shillings in Parts.-Religion in India, a Voice directed to Christian Churches for Millions in the East. Edited by the Revds. S. L-, and J. W. M--. Price 98.-. The profits to be devoted to the Mysore Mission College.-The Rev. J. R. Pitman has in the press, and nearly ready for publication, in 2 vols. 8ve. a Second Course of Sermons for the Year, containing two for each Sunday, and one for each Holy day; abridged from the most eminent divines of the Established Church, and adapted to the service of the day.--Shortly will be published in one vol. 12mo. The Old Irish Knight, an Historical Tale, by the Author of a Whisper to a NewlyMarried Pair, &c. &c. 4 C MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. ་་་་་་ RELIGIOUS REVIVALS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, U. S. "Rome. The following account of the revival of religion in Rome, is from the Rev. Moses Gillet, pastor of the Presbyterian church, dated October 30th : "Gospel ordinances have been statedly administered here almost twenty years. Several seasons of revival have been enjoyed, and the church increased from fourteen members to two hundred and twelve. The fruits of these revivals have been manifest in the Christian deport ment of the subjects. For a considerable time, however, previous to the late outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we had been in a cold, formal state. Meetings were well attended, and discipline administered. Still we ought to confess with shame, that there was much formality in our worship, and many faithless prayers were offered up to Him who requires us to be lieve with the heart. "In October, 1825, a revival took place in the town of Western, under the preaching of Mr. Finney, the influence of which was felt here. The latter part of November, the influence of the spirit was visible in the conviction of sinners in the eastern part of the town, called Wright's Settlement. Meetings soon became very solemn. In about four weeks, forty might be numbered as hopeful converts to Christ. On the last Thursday but one, in December, a church prayer meeting was held in the meeting-house, which was very solemn and interesting. Great searchings of heart prevailed among professors. In the evening a few individuals agreed to meet at a private house, half a mile out of the village. The house was crowded. After prayer, and reading a passage of Scripture, a few remarks were made. One young man was so distressed as to be unable to suppress his feelings. He was heard to utter broken sentences of prayer. We united in our supplications at the throne of grace, and the spirit of the Lord appeared to come down suddenly in the midst of us, and to fill the room in an astonishing manner. All present appeared confounded. Old professors stood and trembled. There was a death-like stillness, or solemn awe, such as I never before witnessed. Little was said, except in prayer. The young man was in great distress till toward morning, when he found peace in believing. Great seriousness from this time was manifested. "Monday evening, the last week in December, a meeting of inquiry was held for convicted sinners. Mr. Finney came here that evening, and remained four weeks, and was a distinguished instrument in promoting the revival. The meeting of inquiry was at a private house, and a prayer-meeting at a school-house at the same time. The room was filled with inquiring sinners. After prayer, personal conversation, and a short address, we dismissed them. Instead of retiring, they partly fell upon each other, and gave vent to their feelings in sobs and groans. It was with difficulty we prevailed upon them to retire. From this time the excitement became general in the village. Meetings were held for about five weeks in the church every evening, and most of the time the house was crowded. Sometimes there was preaching, and sometimes only prayers with short addresses. Meetings of inquiry were now held in the day time, and in some instances three hundred and upwards have attended. Great stillness and solemnity prevailed till the close, when sometimes there would be a burst of feeling in groans and loud weeping. We urged them to retire, telling them that they must look to Christ; that their impenitent tears would not save them. When not engaged in meeting, we visited from house to house. often found sinners in great agony of mind, and Christians in almost equal agony, praying for them. Although constantly engaged, it seemed we had little to do, except to look on and see the salvation of the Lord. We "The description here given falls far short of the reality, during the greatest excitement. Worldly business was to a great extent suspended. Religion was the principal subject of conversation in our streets, stores, and even taverns. Merchants' and mechanics' shops were many of them closed in the evening, that all might attend meeting. Instances of hopeful conversion were most frequent about the second week in January. All classes of people were affected. Many who had regularly attended public worship for twenty years, and lived through revivals unmoved, were now made to tremble and bow to the cross. Four lawyers, four physicians, all the merchants who were not professors before, and men of the first respectability in the place, are hopeful converts. "Sabbath schools have been established here nearly ten years. We have now evidence that the seed of the word has not been sown in vain. More than one hundred and thirty, who have attended these schools, are hopeful subjects of renewing grace. Children from nine to twelve years of age give evidence of piety, and their promptness in applying passages of Scripture is truly striking. "During the greatest excitement there was little open opposition. Scoffers were confounded: universalists trembled. Some renounced their sentiments, and were brought to repentance. The moralist was stripped of his vain covering, and led to beg for mercy. Great is the change. It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.' In March, one hundred and sixty-seven were received into the church upon profession of faith. The whole number received is two hundred and eighty-four. "During the spring and summer past, meetings have been held every evening in the week. For eleven months there has been no time when sinners were not under conviction, and but few weeks without instances of hopeful conversion. Meetings of inquiry are continued, and a spirit of fervent prayer still prevails. Direc "Some additional remarks respecting this work of God may be useful. After the revival in Western commenced, it became a subject of conversation in Rome, and many professors and others attended. Christians returned, feeling that something must be done. Our prayer-meetings became large and solemn. tions were given to pray for a definite object for the influence of the Spirit, to revive Christians and convert sinners. There was such wrestling and agony in prayer as we had never before witnessed. Christians viewed their impenitent connexions and neighbours, as standing on the brink of hell, and that nothing but the mercy of God could save them. They prayed as though they could not be denied. They seemed to take hold of the promises of God to prayer, with strong faith. Striking answers appeared to be given. In the language of the prophet, it might be said, 'As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.' Christians seemed to plead with God, as a child would plead with his parent; and they found him more ready to give the Holy Spirit, than earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. Indeed, the great instrument in this glorious work has been prayer. Christians seemed to believe both the promises and threatenings of God, and in view of them have wrestled at the throne of grace until they prevailed. The word of God, in sermons, short addresses, at prayer-meetings, and in private conversation, has had a powerful effect in convicting sinners of their great guilt, and desert of eternal punishment. The truths brought into view, are such as have generally been termed the doctrines of grace. The justice, purity, and binding nature of the divine law, with its awful penalty, have been exhibited with great clearness. The sins of the heart have been exhibited, not merely for transgressing the law, but for rejecting mercy, for not repenting and turning to God. Christ has been exhibited as the only and all-sufficient Saviour. Repentance and faith have been urged continually upon sinners, as their immediate duty; that they were without excuse for not complying_with_these requirements. Convictions have been more sudden and more pungent than we have witnessed in former revivals. Sinners in some instances have trembled through their whole frame, in view of their guilt, and the impending wrath of God; though in no instance, to my knowledge, was bodily strength wholly suspended. And however strange it may appear, when sinners have thus been filled with mental agony, and bodily agitation, they have complained that they had no feeling, that their hearts were hardened. It was not necessary to teach them that there was an eternal hell. They felt, that without a change of heart, there could be no heaven for them. Convicted sinners were exhorted to submit themselves to God. They were told they must repent or perish; that they must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, or be damned; that their impenitent groans, and tears, and prayers, could not save them. Every false dependence was torn away as soon as possible. Often would they say cannot change our own hearts.' The command was urged- Make you a new heart and a new spirit, for why will ye die?' No allowance was given to wait God's time. They were told-- Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation;' that the longer they continued impenitent, the greater their guilt, the more danger of becoming hardened, of grieving the Spirit, and of dying without hope. We "It will doubtless be asked, with no ordinary interest--What are the fruits of this revival? Three or four instances of backsliding have occurred. One has been suspended for intemperance. These cases are to be lamented, and we hope will humble the church, while sinners may pervert them to their own hurt. In general, the subjects appear as well, if not better, than in former revivals, which I have witnessed. A marked reformation in morals is too apparent to be denied. The Sabbath is more strictly observed. Intemperance and profane swearing are checked. More good feeling in neighbourhoods and families prevails. The church is blessed with peace and harmony. It may be said in truth, these Christians love one another. May it be our prayer, that no root of bitterness may spring up to trouble us; but that we may keep |