ology of the schools, and betaken himself to a common-sense diction familiar to the most ordinary English reader. But we think that the highest recommendation of the volume under consideration is, the correct views it inculcates upon all the great subjects of Christian morals, combined as it is with a generally instructive tendency in every department of thought which it brings before the mind of the reader. If we do not greatly mistake, the present edition is much altered to the better on the subject of slavery. Indeed, we must say that we read this part of the volume with an eagle-eyed determination to condemn wrong sentiments, if we found them broached; as we regard it as next to a crime to recommend any work for educational purposes that trips on such a vital topic as that of slavery. We are glad to think that Dr. Wayland has reconsidered some of the views which he formerly gave to the world on this muchagitated question. It is time for all good men to set their faces against this crying and shameless outrage upon the laws of God.

THOUGHTS on the HOLY SPIRIT and his WORK. By the Author of "Thoughts upon Thought." 12mo. pp. 360.

John Snow.

The subject of Divine influence is at all times one in which sincere Christians ought to feel a deep and all-pervading interest. The promise of the Spirit is the special peculiarity of the Christian dispensation; and, in the ministry of our Lord, His mission and office, occupied a distinct and prominent place. Nothing can be more important than sound and scriptural views on the nature and design of his agency in the world and in the church. From the teaching, both of Christ and his apostles, no less than from all the intimations of the prophetic portions of God's word, we cannot but feel that far less is thought and said about his work, even among orthodox Christians, than ought to be. And we are not without a measure of apprehension, that certain moderns are refining the doctrine of Divine influence away into the mere operation of truth on the human mind, under the great system of a general Providence. This we deprecate exceedingly; as we believe that it does "despite unto the Spirit of grace," and tends to foster a Christianity greatly lacking in all the grand elements of the spiritual life. The Holy Spirit is a person, and whenever he acts he acts as a personal agent, not only imparting truth in an exterior revelation, but conveying it in all its power and energy to the hearts of individual sinners.

We regard the work before us as deserv

ing of a wide circulation. It is written on sound scriptural principles; and if it does not pretend to a great deal of metaphysical distinction, it is well fitted to edify sincere and simple-hearted believers. The subjects treated in it, are the Personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit; and His great work in relation to Christian experience, as the Author of life, and with reference to the extension of Christ's kingdom in our world.

We can very conscientiously commend the volume to the cordial reception of the Christian world, as a sound scriptural exhibition of the grand principles involved in the doctrine of Divine influence.

LETTERS to CHILDREN. A Narrative of the Life and Death of Eliza Scott Ross, who died at Huntly, Aberdeenshire, August 19th, 1846, aged eight years and two montas. By THOMAS MANN, Pastor of the Congregational Church, West Cowes, Isle of Wight. 32mo. pp. 112.

Ward and Co.

We had the happiness of knowing the dear child whose touching story is recorded in these Letters. She was one of those bright spirits who flit across this shadowy and sorrowful region, to remind us, that out of the mouths of babes and sucklings God can perfect praise. From the first moment we saw her, our impression was, that she was not for earth but heaven. And yet never was a child more full of life and spirits, or more true to nature in all her infantile developments. But there was a glassy brilliancy about the eye, and a maturity of thoughtfulness in the mind, which, with a certain dash of physical delicacy in the frame, told us plainly that she would never find her maturity in this vale of tears. But she was early trained for a better world, and no one who knew her can doubt that she has gone to be with Christ, which is far better. The narrative of her short life, embodied in the form of letters, by our friend, Mr. Mann, will be read with extraordinary interest. It is, we can vouch for it, a truthful statement, in no way exaggerated. Much more, indeed, might have been said; but it is far better, in such cases, to come short of the truth than to go beyond it. Eliza Scott Ross owed much to her beloved aunt, who did all she could to supply her mother's place, and whose gentle manners and Christian graces left distinctly their own impress upon her whole character. The little volume is quite a treasure for the young, and should be given away extensively as a reward-book in all our Sunday schools, as well as in more private circles.

PREACHING: A Sermon preached in Saint Philip's Church, Birmingham, on Tuesday, June 29th, 1847, at the Visitation of the Venerable the Archdeacon of Coventry. By the Rev. JOHN C. MILLER, M.A., of Lincoin College, Oxford, Rector of St. Martin's, Birmingham, late Minister of Park Chapel, Chelsea. Published by request. 8vo. pp. 40.

Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

No one can read this Discourse without feeling that the preacher is largely imbued We with the doctrine and spirit of Christ. congratulate our respected and beloved friend on his steady adherence to those great and essential truths with which, we are happy to say, he commenced his minisWe contry when but a very young man.

sider Birmingham as highly favoured in having such a minister in its principal parish church,-one who does not "shun to declare the whole counsel of God," and who will, we are persuaded, promote, to the full extent of his power, the spirit of brotherly love towards his Dissenting neighbours. In this he will find his reward, as we know he finds his happiness.

If all

visitation sermons were so exclusively devoted to the great verities of gospel truth, they would be more useful than a great many of them are. Surely ministers of the Establishment best consult their own peace and the welfare of their fellow-men, when they "determine to know nothing among them save Jesus Christ and him crucified;" and if the Nonconformists were always to adhere to this rule, it would impart a savour to their ministry which nothing else can secure. "Grace be with all them that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."

FUNERAL SERMON. Discourse delivered in Zion Chapel, King's Inns street, Dublin. By the Rev. EDWARD NOLAN, D.D., of Manchester, to improve the Death of the late Rev. William Hawis Cooper, for Twenty-seven years Minister of the Church and Congregation of Zion Chapel, King's Inns-street, Dublin. 8vo. pp. 48. 6d. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

Mr. Cooper was one of the most useful men of his times. Possessed of good mental powers, which were well cultivated, he had a heart singularly devoted to the glory of God and the good of man. As a preacher, he had considerable power; and in his spirit, temper, and private walk, he adorned the doctrines of genuine evangelical religion which he taught. Cut short in the midst of his career of usefulness, he yet lived a comparatively long life, when its intense But bis devotedness is taken into account. family and flock must deeply feel the sad

THIRTY YEARS' HISTORY of the CHURCH and CONGREGATION in PRINCE'S STREET CHAPEL, NORWICH. By JOHN ALEXANDER, Pastor. Royal 18mo. pp. 48.

Jackson and Walford.

Would that every pastor of Mr. Alexander's standing had such a memorial of usefulness to present to the public, at the close of thirty years' service in the cause of his Divine Master! The narrative here supplied is full of instructive lessons. It is, indeed, a modest record, as it must be from the pen of the author; but it tells a simple tale of the true method of building up a church in Congregational principles, Mr. Alexlikely to stand the test of time.

ander is a public-spirited man; but he has known how to sustain this character uniformly, without running foul of all his neighbours, or making Dissent the signal for fierce sectarianism or bitter attack upon fellow-Christians. The result is, that he has credit equally for consistency and charity; and that his name will go down to his family and flock with all the honour and renown which pertain to it. We recommend the perusal of this interesting little volume to all our readers.

and the undesirable consequences of med. dling with them. But, after all, the bitterness in question appears to exist in the spirits of some infallible bigots, who are so inconsistent as to denounce one pope, for his unwarrantable pretensions, while they set up others, either in their own persons, or in the leaders of the denomination to which they belong. But why cannot those who profess to follow the meek, the lowly, and loving Redeemer, express their views of contraverted subjects in perfect good temper, allowing that liberty to others which they claim for themselves? This the writer of the Manual before us has been enabled to do; so that while he contends for that which he considers as truth, he furnishes an admirable example of Christian charily and while he endeavours to "speak the truth in love," he is evidently not less concerned to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." His tract, consisting of about seventy pages, may there fore be safely recommended as "a manual for churches," whether Pædobaptist, or Anti-Pædobaptist; for if the latter wish to know what the views of Paedobaptists really are, and what would be the reasons which induced one who was formerly of their persuasion to change his opinions, their curiosity may be satisfied without the least injury to their feelings.

The author of this Manual has "endea. voured to condense all the principal arguments," and has rendered them as concise as possible, "for the accommodation of those who have not time for reading more extensive treatises." He has sought, especially, to "impress the minds of youth with the holy and practical tendency of the ordinance" of baptism, in which they were solemnly devoted to God. He therefore trusts, and, as we think, reasonably, that this work will be found a suitable manual, and adapted for general circulation among those who were baptized in their infancy, by which they will be able to answer all the objections of those who contend against them." And that such is indeed the adaptation of this masterly tract, and that it is thus calculated to benefit the youthful members of Pædobaptist families, we verily believe; and we therefore unite with the anthor in saying, "Let them read it carefully, candidly, and prayerfully, and we will not fear the result of their convictions."

In this able treatise, the author shows why he gave up his former views of immersion, so as to prefer the administration of baptism by pouring, or sprinkling; why he considers infants as having a scriptural right to this ordinance, as well as their believing parents; and what advantages may be derived from it by both, if duly improved. Of the manner in which these subjects are

treated, and of the luminous and convincing statements to be found in this valuable tract, we give the following specimens, from which our readers will be enabled to judge for themselves:

"I now believe that the quantity of the element is not essential to the due administration of the ordinance. If it be essential, why do our Baptist brethren make a difference in receiving the elements of the Lord's supper? In this ordinance they administer only small portions of bread and wine, to represent the overwhelming sufferings and death of their blessed Lord. Is it consistent to make the quantity in one ordinance essential, and not in the other? Our Baptist brethren contend that a small quantity of water is not sufficient to represent the overwhelming sufferings, the death, the burial, and resurrection of Christ, in the ordinance of baptism; and yet the smallest quantity of the elements in the ordinance of the Lord's supper may suffice to represent these things. Surely, then, if our brethren are right in the one ordinance, they are wrong in the other. The metaphorical application of the blood and Spirit of Christ, as signified in baptism, proves that the quantity is not necessary. To be sprinkled with these, without being immersed in them, would cleanse a thousand worlds. Here, then, we see, that a little water will suffice, [in a symbolical sense,] to cleanse from every sin. Why then contend for quantity in the shadow, when the quantity of the substance is not essential? Besides, it is evident that total immersion, after all, is not practised by our Baptist brethren-neither is it practicable, but in the case of infants; for they never immerse more than half the body. The candidates to be immersed first go down into the water, and partially immerse themselves. This is their own act and deed, and not the act of the baptizer; then, the remaining part, which stands above the water, is immersed by the minister, or baptizer. He cannot say, then, in truth, that he immersed the whole body, but only a part of it; so that total immersion, or the quantity of element, cannot be essential; for our Baptist friends do not practice it, neither is it practicable."-pp. 7, 8.

44 4

64

Lydia was baptized, and her household;' [rather, house, or family;-for so the late editor of Calmet's Dictionary' has proved the word ourog to signify when figuratively used for persons.] Infants were positively baptized in the early Christian churches which succeeded the apostles. Passing by Irenæus, the disciple of Polycarp, who appears to have alluded to infant baptism, we begin with Origen, who was born in the year 185. In his comment upon the epistle to the Romans, speaking of original sin, he says, On account of this,

the church has received tradition [instruction] from the apostles to apply baptism to little children.' Tertullian, who was contemporary with Origen, says, that sixty-six ministers were convened in council at Carthage, having the question referred to them, whether infants might be baptized before they were eight days old; that being the day on which circumcision was administered? Their unanimous opinion was, that no delay was necessary. The second canon of the council of Carthage, consisting of 214 bishops, in answer to the same question, decided, that there was no occasion to defer baptism until that time.' Ambrose, who died in the year 397, at the age of 57, expressly declares, that the baptism of infants was the practice of the apostles themselves, and of the church, until that time.' Austin,-that great light of the Christian church--wrote against Pelagius, about original sin, in the year 410. Pelagius endeavoured to prove that infants are born free from original sin; in reply to which Austin asks, Why are infants baptized for the remission of sins, if they have none?' This question puzzled Pelagius, as he did not deny infant baptism; for be acknowledged it was what the church always held. He says, We confess that infants ought to be baptized for the remission of sins, according to the rule of the universal church, and according to the doctrine of the apostles.' Dr. Wall, who took much pains to find out whether infant baptism ever ceased to be the practice of the church, tells us, that, from the year 410 to the year 1150, a space of 740 years, no man ever pretended to deny it. Thus the prevailing practice of Christian churches cannot fail to satisfy the candid reader, that infant bap tism must have been the practice of the apostles. But if any are disposed to question the value and validity of this species of evidence, let them be reminded that it is precisely of the same character with that by which the authenticity and genuineness of the books of the New Testament have been proved, with so much strength of convincing argument, by Dr. Lardner, Dr. Paley, Dr. Chalmers, and other able and successful advocates of the same class."pp. 52, 53.

London: Nisbet.

when works of this kind were more necessary, as everything holding any connection with Rome is not only tolerated, but religiously regarded. It is gratifying to find those who have sipped at the poisoned fountain of error drinking in crystal waters at the spring of truth; and the more so, when those individuals labour to induce others to slake their thirst at the " river of life." The author of the work before us deals faithfully with the important subject he handles; and well has he acquitted himself of the task. Herein is presented truth without exaggeration, zeal without bigotry, and polemics without enmity. The truth is spoken in love. Hence, a more powerful influence is exerted over the understanding and the heart. The author displays some research, and much intimate acquaintance with the practical workings of the monastic system, so rife, and teeming with evils of no ordinary dye. We venture to assert, that this production will be read with profit and no small degree of interest. The style is chaste, pithy, and lucid; and reflects credit upon our youthful author. We heartily recommend its perusal.

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW PUBLI. CATIONS.

The Way to do Good; or, The Christian Character Mature. The Sequel to the Young Christian and the Corner Stone. By JACOB Аввотт. With a Preface, by THOMAS MORELL, Principal of Coward College. Small 8vo. pp. 320. B. L. Green.-This is a new, neat, and cheap edition of one of Mr. Abbott's best books, which we sincerely hope will realize an extensive circulation.

An Exposition of the Shorter Catechism; or, A Scripture Catechism in the Method of the Assembly's. By MATTHEW HENRY, Minister of the Gospel at Chester. Issued by authority of the Publication Committee of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland. Small 8vo. pp. 176. John Low, Edinburgh.-We congratulate the Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland on the act of their Publication Committee, in giving this admirable manual to the world, in its present beautiful form. A more valuable help in the solid Christian instruction of the young cannot be found in the English language.

The English Child's Introduction to Geography. By a Mother. 18mo. pp. 88. B. J. Green.-This is an excellent schoolbook, well calculated to awaken intellect, and to stimulate effort.

of St. Paul's, Vauxhall, Lambeth. Delivered at the request of the South London Auxiliary of the British Society for Promoting the Religious Principles of the Reformation. 12mo. pp. 24. James Nisbet.-An excellent exposure of the fallacy of Roman Catholic reasoning on the primacy of Peter.

A Pure River of Water of Life. A Sermon preached on Sunday, May 30, 1847; to which are added, Memorials of the late Mrs. Mary C. Howitt, of Nottingham. By the Rev. SAMUEL DUNN. 18mo. pp. 52. 6d. John Snow. - This is a superior sermon, as a sermon; and the memoir it contains, is worthy of general perusal, as furnishing a pleasing illustration of the power of vital godliness.

Confirmation: the True and the False. A Sermon. By W. LEASK. Published by request. Small 870. pp. 24. 2d. John

Snow. Those who practise the rite of Confirmation, as it obtains in this country, would do well to peruse with all seriousness this plain and faithful caveat.

The British and North British Reviews. Nos. XI. and XIV.

All the pledges given to the public for the efficient conduct of these two reviews are more than redeemed. There has not been one inferior number of either publication. In the present British, there are five articles of extraordinary merit; the first, on the public Libraries of London and Paris; the second, on the Characteristics of Dissent; the third, on Hobbes; the fourth, on Augustine; and the fifth, on Education.

In the North British, we have been delighted with the articles on Simeon and his predecessors; David Hume; and Dr. Chal

mers.

SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE LATE MR. JONATHAN LEES, One of the Deacons of Grosvenor-street Chapel, Manchester; being an extract from the Funeral Sermon delivered on the occasion of his death, by the Rev. R. Fletcher.

All who knew the late Mr. Jonathan Lees will agree, without hesitation, that he was an eminent servant of God, and that the death of such a man demands special notice. It is right, on scriptural authority, to give honour to whom honour is due ; but my object will rather be to magnity the grace of God in him, and to give the glory to God, from whom his abilities and opportunities of service were derived. His intimate connection, too, with the history of religion in this place and in this neighbourhood, will furnish occasion to advert to matters, which may not be unprofitable to the rising generation, who know but little of these things, nor unwelcome to our more aged friends, as a means of calling to their remembrance events and scenes, the actors in which are now fast passing away.

Mr. Lees was born in March, 1773, at Livenshulme, near this town. His father was a bleacher and farmer, and he received a good plain education, such as was usually given at that time by careful parents to their children. Upon this, however, Mr. Lees improved, as he grew up, by self-culture,-one of his first purchases, when he had a little money of his own, being a grammar and other works, for the purpose of

enlarging his acquaintance with his native tongue. The habit of hard study and diligent improvement of his leisure hours thus early formed he preserved through life, even in its busiest days, and to this is doubtless to be much attributed his great capacity for usefulness.

His early family connections were both helps and hindrances in the way of his religion. His father was originally a Unitarian, being an attendant at Platt chapel, in the neighbourhood of Manchester. He was, however, a steady and worthy man; he taught his family to keep the sabbath, attended chapel with them twice on the Sunday, and in the evening assembled them at home, for the purpose of reading the New Testament, verse by verse, in turn. In his later days he gave evidence of evangelical piety, and left a pleasing testimony behind him at his death.

When Mr. Lees was about sixteen years of age, a religious movement commenced in his family. His own mind received its first impression, by hearing read, in the chapel, Isaiah ix. 6: Unto us a child is bora, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." The discordancy between this text and the opinions in which he had been brought up struck him forcibly, and his confidence in them appears from that time to have been shaken. About this time the chapel at Platt was rebuilt, and during its erection