by revealed truth to be the result of unholy inclination. "They did not like to retain God in their knowledge." The consequence was, "God gave them over to a reprobate mind." The stricter sense, the closer reading, of the original is, "That since they did not use their judgment to retain God in their knowledge, he gave them up to a misjudging mind." A moral cause blinded them. Only on this account can it ever be true of man, that "God's judgments are far

above out of his sight." Amidst the abominations of "the worst of the Heathen," whatever the general example might indicate, however wide-flung the flood-gates of licentiousness, the understanding and conscience never inculcated and honoured them, no true tribunal within or without approved and justified, -virtue could still appeal to reason and right, fearless that she should be driven from their judgment-seat. (Page 65.)

The Year-Book of Missions: containing a comprehensive Account of Missionary Societies, British, Continental, and American; with a particular Survey of the Stations, arranged in Geographical Order. By Elijah Hoole, one of the General Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. 8vo., pp. viii, 423. Longman and Co.-We have been much interested in this spirited and enterprising volume; it has evidently been prepared with much toil, incessant application, and research; at the same time, we fully believe that it will amply repay, in correct knowledge and able and prompt assistance, all who may, from time to time, peruse its pages. The plan which Mr. Hoole has followed throughout the work, and with such great success, is as follows:

"The reader will observe that the details of Missionary operation commence in the Holy Land, 'beginning at Jerusalem;' that the stations of the various Societies, European and American, are traced thence to the eastward, through Armenia and Persia, to the borders of the Sikh state of Lahore, in Northern India. Thence the Missions of the various Societies are followed to Bombay, and down the western or Malabar coast. The thread is then resumed in the northwest, and pursued over the vast continent of India to its metropolis, Calcutta; and thence down the eastern or Coromandel

coast, to Madras, Tranquebar, and Travancore, including the inland districts, and passing over to the island of Ceylon. The Missions in the great countries further east next come under review;— those of Assam, Arracan, Burmah, Siam, China, and the large and populous islands of the Chinese seas. By an easy transition, Van Diemen's Land, Australia, and New-Zealand, next demand attention; and the reader is thence led northward, through the great Pacific Ocean, by way of the Friendly Islands and the Feejees, the Society Islands, and other Polynesian groups, the last of them being the Sandwich Islands, to the western coast of the northern portion of the continent of America. There the aboriginal tribes of America claim a deep interest, from those residing on the banks of the Columbia, to the subdued empires of Central America, and the wanderers on the shores of Hudson's Bay, Labrador, and Greenland; and next, the Missions among the settlers in Canada, and the other colonial possessions of the British empire on the continent and islands of the northern division of the new world. The numerous Missions in the West Indies are the next in order; and then those of the southern portion of the continent of America. The course thus far observed is resumed on the coast of Africa, where the Missions extend from the islands and shores of the

river Gambia, for more than two thousand miles of coast, running chiefly to the south and east, to the banks of the Gaboon river; fifteen hundred miles south of the Gaboon are the Missions in the Damara Country and in Namacqualand; and by way of the south-east coast, they extend through many tribes of Hottentots and Kaffers to DelagoaBay on the eastern side of the continent. Further to the north, Missions are found at Mombas, Ethiopia, Abyssinia, and Egypt, and on the shores and islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Resuming the survey at Gibraltar,-Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, all are witnesses of Missionary labour and zeal. The Missions to the Jews throughout Europe, though not the least in importance, are the last in order, except the Missions in Greece, and the successful Mission to the Armenians in the Turkish empire, an enterprise commanding admiration by its boldness and skill, and exciting thankfulness for its success, and for the evidence it has elicited that Divine Goodness is extending a spirit of intelligence and toleration among the professed followers of the false Prophet. This concise survey of the order in which the Missions are recapitulated, brings under review many nations and races of men, and embraces vast regions of the most populous parts of the world. If the plan of the work admitted of such an addition, it would be easy to recount regions and countries of the world, equally extensive and populous, into which the light of the Gospel has not yet penetrated. Of India alone it may be said, that not one town in a hundred has had the offer of the Gospel, and perhaps not one Hindoo among ten thousand has any knowledge of the character and work of Christ. What, then, can be said of other countries not so highly favoured? as, for instance, the regions of Central Asia, China, Japan, the interior of Africa, South America, and many parts of Europe.' To say merely that we recommend this work to the attention of our readers, is saying comparatively little: it is calculated to furnish much instruction and profit with regard to the great designs and stupendous operations of Providence in the evangelization of the world; it will prove a faithful and constant companion on the library and drawing-room table, and an interesting and pleasing vade mecum in the railway carriage, to those who are appointed to advocate in public the cause of Christian Missions, of charity, and of truth.

The "Death of Dr. Chalmers," drawn by Alexander Handyside Ritchie, Esq.; a handsome lithographic print; and may be procured at the warehouse of Messrs. Partridge and Oakey, Paternoster-row, London.-A mournful reminiscence of a great and good man; and although something may be said expressive of a wish that a line or two on the face might be advantageously altered, we hesitate doing so, as we cannot imagine that every feature of the deceased was perfectly natural when the artist undertook the cast. The idea of the Rev. John Bruce, M.A., is fully caught: "In a season of perfect quiet and composure, he had laid himself gently back upon the pillows, which were so placed as to elevate him nearly in a sitting posture; his heavenly Master called, and he departed."

Nelson's British Library. Post 8vo. pp. 256. T. Nelson.-Another volume of one of the most useful serials of the day. It contains the "Phenomena of the Seasons,' "Captivity of Captain Knox in Ceylon," "John Hooper, Bishop of Gloucester," "South Africa, and its Missions," and other pieces as interesting as they are instructive. We hope multitudes of readers are profited by the enterprise of the spirited publisher.

Baptism, the Designation of the Catechumens, not the Symbol of the Members, of the Christian Church: a Reply to the Lectures of the Rev. Charles Stovel on Christian Discipleship and Baptism ;and to the Strictures of the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw, in an Appendix to his “ Dissertation on Christian Baptism." By Robert Halley, D.D. Post 8vo. pp. vi, 213. Jackson and Walford.-This volume will chiefly be interesting to those who possess the "Congregational Lectures," published some time ago by Dr. Halley. He here defends, against two objections, the position which he there took up. Mr. Stovel's work we have not read, and therefore it would not be fair to pronounce an absolute judgment on the controversy as between himself and Dr. Halley; but unless the latter be guilty of such unfairness in quotation, and such misrepresentation of his adversary, as would banish him from all honourable company, and render his writings morally worthless, whatsoever their value in abstract argument might be, he has completely demolished all the pretensions to championship which Mr. Stovel may have made. Of Dr. Wardlaw he writes in a very different manner, yet fairly wrestling with his arguments. On the whole, of the two, we should say that Dr. Halley came nearer to the true

statement of the subject, though even he has not fully satisfied us of the correctness of his views.

:

Sojourn of a Sceptic in the Land of Darkness and Uncertainty, between the Land of Original Impressions and the City of Strongholds, in the Kingdom of Light with an Account of his Journey thither, and of his safe Arrival thereat: being the History of the Rise and Progress, or the First Impressions and Final Development, of Divine Truth in the Unbelieving Soul. Delivered (after the manner of the "Pilgrim's Progress") in the Similitude of a Dream. By Peter Hately Waddell, Minister of the Gospel at Girvan. 12mo., pp. xviii, 251. Simpkin. Did we hold the same theological system which Mr. Waddell has embraced, we should be inclined, on the whole, to speak very favourably of the performance before us. It contains many sound arguments, and much excellent advice, on the subject to which the titlepage will show that it refers.

We say,

however, on the whole. He who attempts to track the footsteps of Bunyan, undertakes a task in which, hitherto, no one has been successful. Many of the references to religious experience flow evidently from a mind to which Calvinistic views are familiar, and even natural; and from them we, of course, dissent. Making allowance for them, which were to be expected from a Scotch theologian, there is both much good in the work, and often great ingenuity in the allegory.

Liberty of Conscience illustrated: and the Social Relations sustained by Christians, as Members of the Commonwealth. Lectures. By J. W. Massie, D.D., &c. Post 8vo., pp. 202. John Snow.-These Lectures are primarily designed to illustrate the historical painting, executed not long ago, of the Independents in the Westminster Assembly, advocating the doctrines of religious liberty, against the views generally entertained by the Presbyterians. There are some very interesting notices of the persons repre sented in the painting, as well as of the principal characteristics of their times. On most of the general subjects Dr. Massie has made some excellent observations; but on what we must think to be those extreme views held by many Dissenters at present, we differ very widely from him. However, he always writes in a good spirit, stating his arguments, and leaving them to work their own way, or fall to the ground, according to their strength or weakness.

An Earnest Ministry the Want of the Times. By John Angell James. Fools

cap 8vo., pp. xvi, 341. Hamillon.-An admirable volume, in reference both to the subject and the manner in which it is treated. It is no ambitiously written composition. The author's heart speaks throughout; and while we recommend the book to all, we especially and earnestly trust that all junior Ministers will most seriously ponder this solemn, yet paternal address. Political quacks-we cannot help calling them so, when we view their nostrums in connexion with the critical state of the patient-may say what they please; but just here is the "want of the nation,"-God's own truth, delivered as it ought to be, by a ministry of God's own providing: this can save the nation, whether in England or Ireland, and nothing else can. Perhaps, at another time, we should have contented ourselves with thus speaking; but the manner in which a volume, recently published in Scotland, and noticed in a former Number, speaks of " Wesley and Wesleyanism,' "induces us to quote a paragraph to show that bitterness, and bigotry, and exclusiveness, are not the necessary concomitants of Calvinism. Mr. James says, "Now turn to those extraordinary men, Wesley and Whitefield; and who of us can read the account preserved to us of their amazing labours, and equally amazing success, without something of a self-reproaching and desponding feeling, as if we were living almost in vain? When we see them dividing their whole lives between the pulpit, the closet, and the class-room; sacrificing all domestic enjoyment and personal ease; encountering savage mobs, and addressing congregated thousands; pacing backward and forward the whole length of the kingdom, and crossing the ocean many times; moving the population of cities, and filling nations with the fame and the fruit of their evangelical labours; breathing little else than the atmosphere of crowded chapels and preaching-rooms, except when they lifted up their voice under the canopy of heaven; regaling themselves, not with the dainties of the table, nor the repose of the soft luxurious couch, but with the tears of the penitent, and the songs of the rejoicing believer; making it their one and only business to seek the salvation of souls, and their one and only happiness to rejoice in the number of their conversions; indifferent alike to the savage fury of their persecutors, and the fondest flatteries of their followers; sometimes rising from the bed of sickness to address the multitudes, in circumstances which rendered it probable that they would exchange the pulpit for the tomb to sum

up all in one short sentence,-wearing out life in labour so great, that it looked as if they were in haste to die; when we see this, how can we endure to think of the way in which we are living, or scarcely imagine that we are living at all? How can we read their lives, and not blush for ourselves? How can we witness their earnestness, and not feel as if we knew nothing of the passion for saving souls ?" (Page 191.) This last sentence exactly hits the truth. There is, we are persuaded, labour for professional fidelity. But the Christian Minister is sent to do a certain work, and to accomplish a certain end. He is Christ's ambassador; and his object must be, not to compose good diplomatic addresses, but to secure success in the business for which he is sent. No tradesman has business more real, and he is to engage in his work as a man of business. His all in all is to be,

success.

Travels in the East. By Constantine Tischendorff, Editor of the "Codex Ephrami Rescriptus," "Codex Friderico-Augustanus," &c. Translated from the German by W. G. Shuckard. 12mo. pp. xvi, 287. Longman and Co.Our author has displayed in the production of this work no ordinary mind; his learning and habits of observation, his originality of thinking, and persevering industry, will not fail to make the volume one of the most entertaining and useful among those which have recently come before us, and constitute it a great favourite with all our intelligent readers. He is no Puseyite; he abominates the trimming, compromising character of the few who would everlastingly contend for the oft-exploded, and now more than ever wretched, dogma of the apostolical succession, as held by certain of the Clergy of the Reformed Church of England. We hail with pleasure the appearance of the volume, it being well worthy of the perusal of every individual who carries within him a true Protestant heart.

Parting Precepts to a Female SundayScholar, on her Advantages and Responsibilities. By Mrs. J. Bakewell. 18mo.

pp. xii, 94. B. L. Green.-Confessedly

one of the very best of all Mrs. Bakewell's valuable productions: we hail its birth with sentiments of pleasure, although in "the process of publication," as the phrase is, we learn it was nigh suffering strangu lation; and if this had been the case, we without hesitation say, that a public loss would have been the result. One chief reason which led our fair author to undertake the task of administering advice

under the circumstances alluded to, she relates herself:-"It has long been a subject of deep regret, that so few of our elder Sunday-scholars attach themselves to the school in which they have been trained, or become members of the church with which that school is connected. As soon

as they can read fluently, and become, in some degree, masters of their own actions, the temptations of the world and the deceitfulness of the unrenewed heart lead them to seek for happiness in the society of those who look upon religion as a needless and painful restraint." To provide a remedy for the evil which she deplores, to guard the scholars from evils to which they are exposed, and to guide them into the way of peace, is Mrs. Bakewell's object; and as far as she was concerned, her task has been satisfactorily accomplished. We therefore direct the attention of all to this cheap and most useful book, being convinced that we have only to describe its character, to secure a prompt and general perusal of the work.

Letters from the Continent to a Beloved Parent. By a Clergyman's Wife. 12mo. pp. xv, 458. Seeley and Co.-We are happy to see our intelligent author again in the field, and hasten to congratulate her on the event. The occasion of her re-appearance in the arena of literary anxiety and toil, is somewhat mournful and affecting: "Called by the heavy affliction of a very near relative to leave England for a protracted period, a record of passing events and impressions afforded her a pleasing occupation, and proved a source of interest to friends at home. At the present time, when such constant communication exists between our own and continental countries, it is a subject of astonishment, that defective information should still prevail, as to the practical working and real character of Popery in its strongholds; and one of the chief objects of this unpretending volume is to bear a faithful testimony as to the condition of those countries where Roman Catholicism reigns supreme. Never was it more incumbent on the true followers of Christ, to be on their guard against the insidious advances of so subtle an enemy as the Church of Rome has ever proved to the simple truths of the Gospel." With these sentiments we fully coincide, and are pleased with the manner in which they accompany the author through almost every page of the work: her descriptions of places and scenes which she visited are graphically impressive, they are characterized by a vein of true Protestant and evangelical