to be allowed, and at the suggestion of its friends, the Society applied to the author to prepare an edition with special reference to their wants, if it could be done consistently with his views of historic integrity, and fidelity to the truth. After some delay, the present work is issued as the result of the author's compliance with this request. It appears divested of all remarks or allusions of a character that can give offence to the various evangelical denominations co-operating together in the Society, and yet containing everything the author deemed desirable to the historical narrative, or the reflections and truths he wished to inculcate along with it. The author has prepared a preface for this edition, which is excellent in its way, and has taken the responsi bility of all the alterations made from the original copy. The publication of a work like this, by a Society whose agencies and channels reach all sections of the land, and overstep the bounds of almost every sect or society, is to be deemed a most auspicious and important event. Beyond all other instrumentalities, this Society has the means of circulating the book, and its engaging, precious truths, in just those places, and among that portion of our population, where they are most needed. The book is perhaps the best antidote to Romanism that exists in the language, except the Bible; and while it is important that the older and more enlightened communities should be quickened by its spirited narratives, and instructed by its lessons, it is incalculably more important that it should be scattered broadcast over the West, and through those unprotected regions, where the enemy is pouring in like a flood, to find a territory all ready and ripe for his influence. We should be glad to know that the means are had for placing the work in every family in the land.

4. Paley's Natural Theology, with Selections from the Illustrative Notes, and the Supplementary Dissertations of Sir Charles Bell and Lord Brougham. Edited by ELISHA BARTLETT, M. D., with numerous wood cuts. Harper & Brothers. 2 vols. 12mo. We have here the original text of Paley untouched, and a variety of interesting illustrations, comments, and arguments, derived from these eminent annotators of Paley, placed in the body of the work, but distinguished from it by brackets. It is also prefaced by a brief, but well-written life of the author. These annotations are valuable, not only for their intrinsic instructiveness, and as ingenious illustrations of great truths, but, especially, as supplying those deficiencies in the scope of Paley's argument which have always been felt, and at the present day, peculiarly detract from the usefulness of his work. The work itself, as now expanded and fortified, though less valuable than an original argument covering the above field, is by far the best popular presentation of the truths of Natural Theology that our language contains. The exquisite concinnity of Paley's style, and the clearness and force of his reasoning, have never been surpassed.

5. The Church Member's Manual of Ecclesiastical Principles, Doctrine, and Discipline. By WILLIAM CROWELL, with an Introductory Essay, by HENRY J. RIPLEY, D.D., Professor at the Newton Theological Institution. Boston; Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. pp. 276, 12mo.

Our design is simply to describe, not to analyse or argue with, the present work. It is a defence of the ecclesiastical polity and doctrinal tenets of the Baptist denomination, as they are entertained in the Northern Churches. The pure Congregational church theory, hyper-Calvinistic theology, and the Baptist views of the ordinances, are the book's main positions; and these are defended with a vigor and clearness of argument that reflect great credit upon the learning and tact of the author. There is an air of practical good sense, and a spirit of candor and good feeling towards other denominations, which give the book additional value, and will, undoubtedly,

enhance its usefulness.

6. Harpers' Edition of the Pictorial History of England.*

Since our last issue, ten or twelve parts of this serial edition have been published. The work more than realizes the promise its first numbers gave of value and interest. Differing in its plan from the histories of the old model, and embracing in its sketches, the annals of the nation's progress in industry, wealth, commerce, and the useful arts, as well as a more minute and genial account of the people, it does not supersede, but supplies the deficiencies of, the other histories, and presents aspects of the subject which have the freshness of novelty, and the importance of truth. The

illustrations, finely executed on wood, are a pleasing and useful feature of the work, often answering a better purpose than pages of description, and giving to the narrative that life-like aspect which is history's highest charm. The numbers, as they are issued, are elegantly bound in large volumes.

7. General History of the Christian Religion and Church; from the German of DR. AUGUSTUS NEANDER. By JOSEPH TORREY, Professor in the University of Vermont. Vol. I. Boston: Crocker & Brewster. pp. 740, 8vo.

The public was led, years ago, to expect a translation of Neander's great work by Professor Torrey, the long delay of which is now explained. After the completion of Professor Torrey's translation, Neander published a second edition of his first two volumes, containing so many alterations and improvements, that the translator bravely resolved to recast the whole, and present an English version of the work as Neander left it. The delay is amply paid for, and we trust the fidelity of the worthy translator will also meet with due appreciation. To say that it is incomparably the best version of Neander that exists in the language, by no means describes the merits of the work. It is a singularly accurate and beautiful transfusion of the very thoughts of the great author into our own vernacular, so clearly and perspicuously that the reader scarcely remembers that he is a German, or that this flowing, easy English, is extracted from the tough periods of one of the most intensely idiomatic writers in Germany. We cannot doubt that it will supersede all the versions, and become identified with the work itself in its English history.

Of Neander's work itself, the pages of the Repository have so often and so minutely spoken, that its extraordinary merits must be too well known to need a new description. It comes nearer to a true ideal of a history than any work we know of. It is not a cold record of ill-understood events, occurring at a vast distance; but the fresh, glowing narrative as of an eye-witness. The author has thrown himself so completely into the times and scenes he depicts, and so thoroughly mastered the men, the manners, the doctrines, and the events of his annals, that he portrays them with the distinctness and finish of a contemporaneous sketch. And when it is remembered what those events were, which compose the history of the Church,-the doctrines developed, the heresies broached, and the abstruse discussions in which the progress of theology consists; it will readily occur, how extraordinary must be the learning which has thoroughly mastered, and the skill which has adequately described them all. Without thinking it faultless, we regard it a matter of congratulation that so erudite and complete a work has been brought to the access of American scholars and clergymen, in so excellent a manner.

8. The Life of Wesley; and the Rise and Progress of Methodism. By ROBERT SOUTHEY, ESQ., LL.D. With Notes by the late S. T. Coleridge, and Remarks, with Life and Character of Wesley, by Alexander Knox, Esq., by Rev. CHARLES C. SOUTHEY. Second American Edition, with notes, &c., by REV. DANIEL CURRY, A.M. 2 vols. 12mo. Harper & Brothers.

The appendages of this work add not a little to its value. As it originally came from the author's hands, it was one of the finest pieces of biography in the language, however unjust in some of its statements, and partial in its views. It is evident that the great elements of Wesley's character, which really made him a hero, were keenly appreciated by the poet; and they are described with that singular felicity of style and enthusiasm of feeling which rendered Southey one of the finest prose-writers of the age. Coleridge's notes were written without a thought of publication, and are, therefore, the frank out-pourings of his fine mind as excited by the glow of the narrative, or the contemplation of its subject. That they are acute, sagacious, learned, and admirable, is only to say that they are Coleridge's. The estimate of Wesley by Knox, the friend and correspondent of Bishop Jebb, is remarkably candid, considering the theological differences of the two. Mr. Curry has added a review of Southey's performance by Dr. Watson, and some judicious notes of his own. The whole medley makes an unusually interesting and valuable work, which the lovers of fine writing, and the admirers of noble traits, and of lofty Christian character will unite in approving.

9. Exercises in Hebrew Grammar, and Selections from the Greek Scriptures to be trans

lated into Hebrew. With Notes, doc. By H. B. HACKETT, Professor in the Newton Theological Seminary. Andover: Allen, Morrill & Wardwell.

An admirable idea is realized in this little work,—the use in the study of the Hebrew, of thuse exercises in writing and translating, which are now so generally adopted in the study of all other languages. The praxis is so constructed as to introduce the difficult business of writing Hebrew in a gradual and easy manner, and accompanied with such grammatical and lexicographical references, as to impart a knowledge of the structure, idioms, and genius of the language more thoroughly than we should suppose to be possible in any other method. The first lessons are in pointing, the whole philosophy of which is perspicuously illustrated, and rendered familiar. It then proceeds to writing Hebrew sentences, in doing which all the grammatical principles involved are clearly exhibited. We should think it of inestimable value for a thorough mastery of this language. There are traces throughout of the finest and most accurate scholarship, and a practical acquaintance with the business of leaching, which will render the work useful for the purposes it aims al.

10. History of the Conquest of Peru, with a Preliminary View of the Civilization

of the Incas. By William H. PRESCOTT. 2 vols., 8vo. Harp & Brothers.

A new product of Mr. Prescott's pen is an event in our literary history, in which none will fail to take an interest. His fame has become identified with the literary reputation of this country, and the unquestionably great success which he obtains is a matter of honest pride with his countrymen. In some of the higher characteristics of the historian, he has no living superior; and his works, as they are succes. sively produced, are not only seized with the avidity of a deep present interest, but are placed at once in the select rank of standard historical compositions. It is, therefore, a pleasing duty to announce the issue of another work, which will not detract at all from the fame which his previous efforts have won.

The present work is a counterpart of the History of the Mexican Conquestanother stage of the same stirring and romantic career--and possessing all the elements of interest, excitement, and wonder, which invest that work with so unwonted a charm. The Incas, previous to their destruction by the Spaniards, presented a civilization as elaborate and wonderful as the Aztecs; and ihe Conquest, though not so difficult and protracted, brought out a bravery and a brilliancy of exploit quite as striking. These exciting scenes, as well as the wbole gorgeous history of Spanish conquest, Mr. Prescott portrays with a minuteness and accuracy of know. ledge, a graphic power, and a true philosophical spirit, which are rarely exhibited, and impart an inexpressible charm and value. We have only need to say to the readers of the Mexican history, that the present is a picture equally strange and moving, and wrought with the same masterly skill, to suggest the highest inducement for its perusal. The mechanical execution is greatly to be commended, as well as the moderate price at which the publishers afford a work which might reasonably be held at a much higher rate.

THE

BIBLICAL REPOSITORY

AND

CLASSICAL REVIEW.

THIRD SERIES, NO. XII.-WHOLE NUMBER XLVIII.

OCTOBER, 1847.

ARTICLE I.

CHRISTIANITY THE END AND UNITY OF ALL

SCIENCES AND PURSUITS.

By Rev. Wm. ADAMS, D.D., Pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church, New-York.

What is that which constitutes the law of relationship and sympathy between men of all occupations and opinions ? Theologians, of different schools ; physicians, of rival systems; politicians, of antagonistic parties; metaphysicians, of different philosophies; men of books, devoted to theories; practical men, bringing science into the service of agriculture, navigation, and the mechanic arts, --what is that which gives unity to pursuits so various and complicated ?

Our first and superficial thought might be, that there is no relationship at all between employments so multiform; that they are heterogeneous and antagonistic, like the different agents in a chemical laboratory, with no possibility of reducing them to a simple basis, where all would coalesce and combine in one homogeneous compound.

Are we ready to admit this ? Educated to trace all truths and things to ultimate principles, are we disposed to believe that human life is without any law of order, any relationship of parts, any unity of design? Is the Science of Law an independent and unrelated pursuit, jealous of all partnerships ? Is the Healing Art a separate pursuit, disconnected from a common object, like an amputated limb from the body? Does Theology belong only to men who dress in black, preach sermons on SunTHIRD SERIES, VOL. III.

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NO. 4.

days, and who are sent for to do their ghostly office over the dying and the dead? Is Natural Philosophy like an insulated jar ? and Geology itself a boulder on the world's surface and History a congeries of discordant events ? and Astronomy a lone and lofty science, with no attractions to a common system ? and Ethnology, the amusement of an antiquary's closet ? Poetry, is it a solo strain in life's performance; and Art, is it a selfish and solitary workman who has set up for himself? Such an imagination occasions intellectual confusion and pain. “The intuition of unity," says Lord Bacon, in one of those pregnant aphorisms which are characteristic of his mind, “is the end of all philosophy." Mythology represented the Muses and the Graces as grouped and embracing; and there is a principle in our natures which is painfully disappointed, if it succeed not in discovering that ultimate object which gives unity to all sciences and pursuits.

It is very obvious that the divers occupations of men are not, all of them, related directly and immediately; but mediately, like the branches of a tree, to each other, through the parent stock. What is the trunk from which all the distributions of truth proceed, and in which all unite? There is no inquiry which belongs more legitimately to every scholar than this.

The different professions and pursuits of men may be compared to the maps of different continents, countries, states, counties, cities and towns, each more or less extended and minute; a small space being projected, it may be, on a large scale ; yet all of them having a place and relation to each other on a map of the world, or the surface of a revolving globe. A strange kind of geography is that which conceives of the British isle as a world by itself, and North America as another and independent creation, without being capable of comprehending how all parts and places belong to one and the same ball. There is a knowledge of particular sciences which is perfect and minute, like the pocket map of a traveller, directing a stranger through all the streets and squares of a city; so there is a knowledge of the mutual relations of all departments of knowledge, resembling the combination of all parts and places into one globe; the formation of what Bacon calls a mundus intellectualis. Lexicographers define the word “system” to mean an assemblage of truths, so related and adjusted to one another as to create a series of mutual dependencies. Many attempts have been made to classify and compact together all the various departments of knowledge into one simple system, most of which have been signal failures, because of the omission or misplacement of one all-comprehensive subject.

We cannot now refer to a more notable mistake of this sort, than the one which is to be found in the celebrated treatise of

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