principle. That constitution placed human destiny in the hand of one individual. Redemption has done the same. The Son of God is the second Adam. He assumed the nature of man, that he might stand in the same relation to the children of faith as that in which Adam stood to his natural descendants. The obedience which the principles of the Divine government required of him was to be performed through substitution and atonement and as through Adam's failure, as the great probationer of his species, all his posterity died, so through the Redeemer's perseverance and final victory, all that were included in the federal decree were made alive. From this glance, therefore, at a very mysterious doctrine of Christianity, which, however, is a doctrine of fact, it will appear that there was a reason for selecting human trans

gressors, and making them the objects of mercy through a mediatorial and compensatory process which applies not to creatures whose natures and original condition were different. The federal constitution rendered this practicable in regard to man. We cannot conceive of its application to beings of a purely spiritual essence; nor can we imagine how redemption, on the principle of substitution and atonement, and irrespective of the federal economy, could be accomplished in behalf of angels. A special redemption, in such a case, must have been provided for every individual; and then we may ask, with some hesitation, how could a substitute offer the atonement of death in such a nature without enduring it for ever?

19

A PRACTICAL GUIDE to the PROPHECIES, with reference to their Interpretation and Fulfilment, and to Personal Edification. By the Rev. EDWARD BICKERSTETH, Rector of Watton, Herts. Fifth Edition, enlarged. 1836. 12mo. ELEMENTS of PROPHETICAL INTERPRETATION. By the Rev. J. W. BROOKS, Vicar of Clareborough, Retford, Author of "Abdiel's Essays" on the Advent and Kingdom of Christ. 1836. 12mo. MEDE'S APOSTACY of the LATTER Times. With an Introduction, by J. D. GREGG, A.M. 1836. 12mo.

The PERSONAL REIGN of CHRIST. A Discourse, printed at the request of the Ministers of the Sussex Congregational Society, &c. By ORLANDO T. DOBBIN, A.B., Trinity College, Dublin. 1837. SINCE the subject of prophecy began of late years to occupy, in a more than usual degree, the attention of the Church, we have not failed to notice the principal works which have appeared in reference to it. Nor have we been backward frankly and candidly to express our opinion of their merits or demerits; but have endea. voured to introduce them to the consideration of our readers, according as we believed they would exert a salutary influence or otherwise on the interests of the kingdom of Christ. Those who have been in the habit of perusing our pages must be fully aware, that we have uniformly and unequivocally opposed the notion of a restored temporal theocracy, under the visible reign of our Redeemer. We have read, we believe, every work of any note that has been published on the subject; and we must say, that we have met with nothing in the smallest degree calculated to shake the views which we have advocated, but the contrary. These views, we hesitate not to avow, have been acquired, not in any school of prophecy, but by a long-continued and careful perusal of the prophetical scriptures, and by closely attending to the doctrine of the New Testament relative to the nature of the kingdom of grace.

It will be seen from the titles of the works announced at the head of this article, that the subject of prophecy generally still continues to attract considerable attention. The fact that, within a few years, Mr. Bickersteth's Guide has reached a fifth edition, is of itself sufficient to prove the commanding attitude which it maintains. The popularity of the work, however, is in some measure to be attributed to the deservedly high standing of the pious and

zealous author, among the members of his own communion, and the deeply practical character with which he has succeeded in investing the topics of discussion. Bating this feature, which we cannot too highly commend, we are sorry in being obliged to give it as our opinion, that we consider the writer to have greatly retrograded in his views since last he came under our notice. He now believes in a pre-millennial personal advent of Christ, and that he will so dwell on earth as to be visible in his glory; and so important does he regard the doctrine, that he scruples not to designate it, the generation truth. He expects a personal, visible, by which we suppose he means an individual, antichrist, to head the last apostacy. He is of opinion, that the Jews, when converted, are to be the eminently successful missionaries to the Gentiles, and are those for whom their universal conversion is reserved. He thinks that the first resurrection (Rev. xx.) is a literal rather than spiritual one. He has given up the views which he formerly entertained respecting a merely spiritual and universal kingdom of Christ. His notions of Hades, p. 313, seem very different from what we believe he once taught respecting the glory of that state of blessedness to which believers are at death immediately admitted. Whatever edification its readers may derive from the pious tone and practical character of the book, certain we are, it will be found a very unsafe guide to the just apprehension of the meaning of Scripture prophecy.

Of Mr. Brooks's work we must deliver a similar judgment. It treats of the Use and Importance of Prophecy; the Covenant of Promise; the Voice of the Church; the Interpretation of Prophecy; the Second Advent and Kingdom of Christ; the Judgment; the Restoration of Israel; the Restoration of Israel, and the New Jerusalem Dispensation; Daniel and the Apocalypse; Time mystically explained; Antichrist; the Ten Kingdoms, &c. Under each of these heads much interesting matter is advanced, which those who may differ from the author will know how to turn to good account in the study of the different subjects. Many important observations also occur in reference to prophetic interpretation; many modifications are presented of views which the author and several of his friends formerly entertained; and information which furnishes admirable illustration of the fulfilment of prophecy is liberally given. Still there is so much misinterpretation of the prophetic Scriptures; such a manifest pressing of passages, which, in their unstrained

import, respect solely the state of the Jews under the old dispensation, into the service of the favourite bypothesis of a future earthly theocracy; such a stringing together of passages, which are parallel in sound but not in sense; in short, such an evident want of tact in exegetical investigation, similar to what is more or less observable in all writers of the same school, that we fear the book will bewilder rather than guide, obscure rather than elucidate, the noble theme of prophecy. Had it not been dedicated to Mr. Bickersteth, and did that dedication not contain expressions of obligation, we should have been at no loss to infer that both authors had been initiated at the same school. Not only does Mr. Brooks largely apply the principle of a twofold fulfilment of prophecy; he even thinks that it would be wrong, in certain instances, to limit the principle to that only; so that we may have a five or a seven-fold accomplishment, or, indeed, as many as the fertility of our imagination may suggest.

With "Mede's Apostacy" most of our readers are, doubtless, acquainted. The present is a neat and convenient edition. The Latin, Greek, and Hebrew quotations are thrown into the lower margin, and the whole is presented in a very useful shape. The author has prefixed a spirited introduction of ninety-two pages, the design of which is to excite attention to the evils of the papal system, especially as existing in Ireland, and to point out the way in which they may most effectually be removed. This, he conceives, to be the forming of regularly organised bands of holy and devoted Christian men in different parts of that country, who should exhibit in their conversation the genuine fruits of the Gospel; and being well instructed with respect to the characters of the apocalyptic beast, should, along with their minister, be able to bear a powerful testimony against popery. The effect likely to be produced by such efforts, even on Protestants, he thinks, would be considerable. Both Churchmen and Dissenters would profit by

it.

"Talk as we may of the impropriety of separation from the Church, and I will go as far as any one in declaring, that I consider such separation as most improper and unscriptural; still we must admit, that the fault in some sort lies with ourselves. If the Church were, in point of labour and devotion to the cause of her Head, what she might be, I cannot but think that dissent would almost, if not altogether cease."

In

sesses all the brevity of a motto, it has the advantage of directly and fully expressing the subject to be discussed. The introductory remarks are at once calculated to excite attention and disarm prejudice. Adverting to a disposition to slight or omit the study of prophecy altogether, Mr. D. declares :-" With such feelings, and such a practice, I can have no sympathy. every point of view in which I can regard prophecy, I see it presenting claims upon my respect, which I should peril my Christian name did I hesitate to honour. Apart from the conduct of those modern students of the subject, whose zeal, untempered with knowledge, whose enthusiasm, little marked by discretion, have brought it into disrepute, prophecy deserves and demands our profoundest reverence, and our most diligent research."

The points of difference between the preacher and those who think with him, and the modern millenarians, are first taken up, distinctly stated, and ably discussed. To the theory of a visible personal reign, he objects, because it is an inversion of the natural and scriptural order of things; because men rather than empires are the subjects of the Redeemer's sway; because this theory prematurely terminates the dispensation of the Spirit; because the objects which it contemplates are different from those contemplated in Scripture by the advent of the Saviour; and, lastly, because it leads the saints to expect "a recompence of reward" different from that promised them in the word of God. On these several topics he dwells at considerable length, with great force of argument, and uncommon beauty of language. The second head embraces the points on which the parties are agreed. Here Mr. Dobbin shows, that this is the case relative to

the following positions :-That the piety of the saints will be of an eminent order during the millennium; that a universal publication of the Gospel will take place; and that it will be a period of unprecedented happiness to the earth. The conclusion is: -EXPECT IT. — T. PREPARE FOR IT. PRAY FOR IT. Did our space permit, we could place before our readers several admirable spirit and heart stirring extracts; but must content ourselves with one. "There would seem, then, to be a vital and irreconcileable difference between the Church and the world, the kingdom of Christ and the monarchies of the earth; a difference which none who know the true nature and interests of either, would attempt to reconcile; and which all the more recent enactments of the supreme Lawgiver -all the later recorded expressions of his will, aim to widen and continue. The plea of expediency can never sanction a breach,

however slight and well-intentioned, of a Divine institution ; and, indeed, I know not how a good case of expediency can here be made out. The principle of vitality exists in Christ's kingdom, in a measure so copious as to render it perfectly independent of the powers that be;' so that upon its part there can never arise a necessity for their union. The ark of God seeks no support from the hand of Uzzah. 2 Sam. vi. 6. The kingdom of Christ can maintain itself, enlarge its borders, increase its sabjects, exercise its discipline, and propagate its principles to the fullest extent, without the aid of another arm, or the intervention of a second party. In truth, the Church rejects the offer of secular assistance as an insult, inasmuch as it implies her inefficiency (if left to herself) to retain and extend her rule; and abhors the appliration of the principles of human governments, and of the measures of human administration, to a body strictly spiritual. The purple of the prince, the laticlave of the senator. the ephod of the priest, and the uniform of the soldier, (all graceful and becoming in their place,) she disdains to wear. They would mar her beauty, stain her purity, and forbid that free and unconstrained movement in which she delights; their presence in the council-chamber of the Church she resists as intrusive; and their attempted occupation of the throne of Christ she denounces as unhallowed usurpation, and a frontless invasion of the rights of Him who is her

Lord,'

and whom alone she is bound to revere. Psalm xlv. 11.” We have only to add, that we hope many such sons as Mr. Dobbin will go forth from Trinity College, Dublin, to spread the light of Divine truth throughout the land.

HOLY SCRIPTURE VERIFIED; or, the Dirine authority of the Bible confirmed by an appeal to Facts of Science, History and Human Consciousness. By G. REDFORD, D.D., LL.D. 8vo, pp. 624. Jackson and Walford.

This is the fifth annual series of Lectares which has emanated from the Committee of the Congregational Library, or, at least, which has been published under their immediate sanction. The entire series, so far as it has proceeded, has been highly creditable to the learning, piety, and theological research of the several lecturers. The annual production of such a volume must tend, with all competent and impartial judges, to augment the reputation of the body of Christians to whom the lecturers belong. Hitherto the subjects have been remarkably well chosen; as they have afforded opportunity to the preachers to

meet and remove some of the main difficulties which arise in the path of the theological student. The lecturers have evidently been suitably impressed with a feeling of the responsibility connected with their undertaking, and have done their best to contribute their part to the standard literature of the present age. It must be extremely gratifying for them to know, that their labours have called forth the warm applause of several enlightened divines, of various orthodox communities, both at home and abroad. We cannot but express a hope that a lecture which has produced five such volumes as those now on our table, may be perpetuated for many years to come, as a stimulus, and a source of instruction, to the rising ministry of our country. It is one of the main disadvantages of Dissent, that it has, strictly speaking, few literary foundations to call forth and reward the enterprise of its teachers; and it therefore becomes the more necessary that such institutions as the Congregational Lecture should be multiplied and vigorously supported by the voluntary contributions of those who take an interest in the mental and moral improvement of the denomination. There are hundreds of men among us capable of doing honour to themselves and the cause of religion, by the labours of their pen, if any fair prospect could be held forth of legitimate reward for the time, and effort, and expense connected with severe and protracted literary application to any particular brauch of theological science.

A few such volumes as the one before us would go far, with enlightened men of all denominations, to place Dissenting ministers in their true position in the republic of letters: and nothing can more contribute to this desirable end than the more general establishment of institutions resembling the Congregational Lecture, which shall offer due encouragement to the production of works of standing merit in every department of Biblical knowledge.

The object proposed by Dr. Redford, in his "Holy Scripture Verified," is the establishment of revealed truth by a number of scientific, historic, and metaphysical inductions, hitherto but little employed in support of the inspired records. His mode of treating his subject is often very powerful and convincing, always in a high degree ingenious. He begins with the facts of the creation, the deluge, the confusion of tongues, &c.; and, passing along the whole line of prophetic Scripture down to the coming of Messiah in the flesh, and the early triumphs of the Christian cause, takes occasion, as he prosecutes his interesting course, to call in to the aid and confirmation of the living oracles all the direct or collateral lights which pour from different

quarters on the path of investigation upon which he has entered. As an example of this, in treating of the creation and the deluge, he has availed himself of the science of geology in illustrating his theme, and shown that that science, so far as it deserves the name, has but tended to confirm the data of revealed truth. In treating of the confusion of tongues, likewise, as a distinct miracle, he has shown that all the labours of philologists have but served to evince that some such catastrophe must have originated the phenomena which distinguish the languages and dialects of the earth. The whole train of reasoning pursued in the volume is admirably sustained, and is rendered peculiarly interesting by a variety of most pleasing and striking illustrations. Seldom, indeed, have we read a volume more replete with sound information, conveyed in such perspicuous, appropriate, and elegant phrase. Our readers may judge of the style of the work by the following specimen :

"The Bible is a universal boon to mankind; and we who believe in its inspiration should do our utmost to give it extension and effect. It is not written for any particular nation or age. It does not depend, for its authority or its vouchers, upon any church, or all churches. It stands upon its own peculiar evidences; and no more requires the endorsement of the Church to make it current, than the sun requires the authority of the astronomers to warrant our belief in its existence, or our perception of its light and heat. The Bible belongs to the world, like the air, the ocean, the rivers, and the fountains of water. It is a common light, a common blessing, the imperishable heir-loom of humanity: our whole inheritance lies here. No party can claim any special property in it; none has any right to monopolise it, or dogmatise upon its contents. It adequately vindicates its own claims, by the light, and truth, and love, which never forsake it. Happily it has long since achieved for itself an emancipation from the priestcraft which had restricted its circulation, and dictated its import to the world. It has since been gradually dif fusing its light, and advancing towards that universal dissemination which its own prophecies foreshow as certain, and the auguries of these times indicate as near. Great and auspicious events to mankind seem to be travelling for their birth-hour. But whatever character they may give to the eras which have yet to revolve, our own times have received their appropriate stamp ; they can hardly miss the designation of the BIBLE AGE. Happy will it prove for ourselves if we are found as diligent in studying the contents of THE Bоok, as we have been zealous in promoting its circulation."

JOURNALS and LETTERS of the Rev. HENRY MARTYN, B.D., late Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge; and Chaplain to the Honourable East India Company. Edited by the Rev. S. WILBERFORCE, M.A., Rector of Brighstone. 2 vols. 8vo. L. & G. Seeley.

The name of Henry Martyn is embalmed in the tenderest recollections of all good men. His noble enterprise, as a missionary of the Cross, connected with his early fall in the field of glory, will transmit his memory to posterity, richly perfumed with the sweet odour of those heavenly graces which constitute the Christian hero and the Christian martyr. Those who have read his truly interesting memoir, by the late excellent Mr. Sargent, (and surely there are very few belonging to the Christian world who have not read it,) will rejoice to find that the half has not been told; and will enter, with eager delight, upon the perusal of these two volumes of Journals and Letters, which will enable them to trace his blessed career from August, 1802, to the hour of his death, in August, 1812. The great characteristics of all Mr. Martyn's written documents, whether in the form of journals or letters, are those of marked spirituality, and intense devotion to the glory of God. In his short but brilliant course, the Christian Missionary will find a model, so far as any thing human can be regarded as such, worthy of his sedulous imitation. Never, perhaps, was the principle of selfishness, in a fallen being, more entirely subjugated to the control of love to God and man; and never were brilliant parts, and rich literary endowments, more singly devoted to the one great object of missionary solicitude, the exaltation of Christ, and the salvation of souls. He was really dead to the world, without being infected with a single particle of moroseness or severity of character. We look on these Journals and Letters as a great boon to the Church; particularly to the rising ministry, both at home and abroad. They have a marked tendency to awaken noble sympathies, and to call into vigorous action the loftiest exercise of the spiritual mind. By private Christians they will be read as aids to closet devotion; and while they will teach them how to walk with God, they will, at the same time, show them how to make devotion active, and how to consecrate zeal by the power and energy of neverceasing prayer. The brief sketch of Mar. tyn's biographer, which Mr. Wilberforce has prefixed to these volumes, will be received with gratitude by the Christian public. One who so well understood, and so beautifully delineated the character of Martyn, must himself be an object of undoubted interest.