joined by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. By BAPTIST WRIOTHESLEY NOEL, M.A. London: Nisbet and Co. 16mo., pp. xvi., 133.

Ir was not without anxiety that we entered on the perusal of this volume. Able as Mr. Noel had proved himself to be in the discussion of other topics, especially in his recent works, it seemed by no means certain that he would be able to dispose satisfactorily of the innumerable sophisms which we have often been doomed to see in the controversial pages of those who advocate the substitution of other acts for Christian immersion. His previously acquired eminence would make a failure in this case the more lamentable. If in any part of the work he exposed himself to refutation, no allowance would be made for the disadvantageous circumstances under which he appeared in the field, but all baptists would be regarded as involved in his defeat. If he had happened to strike out some novel opinion in which we could not coincide, it would have been supposed to stultify either him or us, and disprove that union of sentiment between him and us, which some of our pædobaptist brethren found it so difficult to reckon among the things that were possible. Our solicitude was not lessened when we saw the long list of pædobaptist authors of all classes and denominations whose pages he had consulted, and read the declaration in his preface, "I think it right to state, in conclusion, as I did respecting the 'Essay on Christian Baptism' lately published, that in writing the following

the examination of the evidence afforded by scripture, and to the arguments of those who defend infant sprinkling, having never, that I know of, read a single page of any controversial work in favour of immersion. That pleasure is yet to come."

All our fears however have now vanished. The most serious error that we have discovered is a misprint on the seventh page. The omission of the word not in the third line reverses the meaning of a quotation, and deprives the argument of validity, unless, looking at the Greek at the bottom of the page, the reader perceives that the word not should have been in the translation above. Respecting Jewish proselyte baptism, we take a different view from Mr. Noel, who, following pædobaptist authorities, admits that it was practised before the Christian era; but he makes such excellent use of the admission as to lead us almost to regret that Dr. Gill has proved conclusively that the evidence of its existence at so carly a period is not to be relied on. But the author's view of the meaning of the word baptize is precisely that for which we have always contended; and his arguments generally are such as Abraham Booth would have listened to with complacency.

The want of acquaintance with baptist controversial books, which Mr. Noel acknowledges, has given a freshness to his arguments which they would not have possessed had he read much on our side of the question. While the spirit in which he treats topic after topic is essentially baptist, the quotations which he makes are less frequently

rejoice in another fellow-sinner saved. The young see one, of their own age perhaps, setting out in a course of holy obedience to Christ; the careless see one who in early life counts salvation the one thing needful; and the worldly see one who was, like themselves, devoted to frivolous gaieties or earthly gains, now joining the people of God, and seeking as the first and greatest good a place in his kingdom. How many are likely to ask for grace to follow so good an example, and to give themselves up to the Lord! A contemptuous fancy may easily contrive absurdities which never happen, and malevolent zeal may multiply rare accidents into habitual improprieties. Persons who cannot overthrow any material part of the evidence which proves that our Lord has commanded immersion, and who are even destitute of sufficient learning to appreciate that evidence, may yet, by a caricature bordering on profaneness, frighten from their duty those who

have little moral courage, and arm with flippant sophisms those who wish to justify their disbelief; but so long as the plain meaning of words

proves that our Lord has commanded immersion, and the experience of hundreds of thousands of sober and pious persons attests the practice to be safe and salutary, so long dutiful disciples of the Redeemer will continue to obey this command, although to the world's contempt is added a measure of ridicule from their own beloved and respected brethren." ―pp. 130-133.

Very judiciously, Mr. Noel has prefixed to this Essay on the External Act, a brief sketch of the argument on "the most important part of the baptismal controversy, the exclusive right of believers to baptism." This sketch is also published as a separate tract, and any tract better adapted for circulation among pious pædobaptists we Incalculable good may be never saw. done by its distribution.

The Life and Epistles of St. Paul: comprising a Complete Biography of the Apostle, and a Translation of his Letters inserted in Chronological order. By the Rev. W. J. CONYBEARE, M.A., late Fellow of Trinity College, Cumbridge; and the Rev. J. S. Howson, M.A., Principal of the Collegiate Institution, Liverpool. With very Numerous Illustra tions on Steel and Wood of the Principal Places visited by the Apostle. Engraved expressly for this Work, from Original Drawings made on the Spot by W. H. Bartlett, and by Maps, Charts, Coins, &c. London: Longman. 4to. pp. 34. Part IV. To be continued monthly, and completed in Two Volumes.

The plan of this work, as developed in its first number, we explained in February. It has not yet proceeded far enough to furnish any specimens of the translations which are promised, but the introductory narrative is progressing in a very able and satisfactory style.

The Olive Branch and the Cross, or the Quarrels of Christians settled, and Trespasses forgiven, according to the Law of Christ. A Word of Affectionate Advice to Professing Christians. "By J. A. JAMES. Third Thousand. London. 24mo., pp. 110. Instead of three thousand, it would be well if three hundred thousand copies of this

little work were in circulation. A church that should resolve that one be presented to every new member at the time of his admission would never repent the determination. This would do more to give it permanence than the most ample annuity, and more to render it attractive than the most magnificent edifice. It is on the law of Christ that Mr. James insists-a law but little regarded practicallyyet, as truly a law as that which enjoins baptism or the Lord's supper.

A Charge Delivered to the Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. Noel, M.A., at the Recognition Services held at John Street Chapel, on Tuesday, March 19th, 1850. By the Rev. JAMES SHERMAN of Surrey Chapel. London. 8vo., pp. 31. Price 1s.

In a preface, Mr. Sherman says, "When a letter arrived containing a request from my honoured friend that I would address to him some pastoral counsel and fraternal advice on the important occasion, I could scarcely believe the document to be genuine. It would be affectation to imply that I was not more than gratified with the love and confidence of so honoured a servant of our divine Master, but it is not affectation to affirm that I felt my place was rather to sit at his feet and listen to his counsel. The request was more than once repeated, and the form which he wished the address to assume also described. It would

have been more in accordance with my sense of what was due to bim who had held for so long a period such a distinguished place in the church, and discharged the duties of his high calling with such an acceptance to the members of his own flock, and to the universal church of Christ, had it been a discourse on the pastoral office in the form of an essay, rather than of a direct personal charge. But my friend saw that point and power were gained in the latter mode which would have been lost in the former, and his deep humility allowed him to solicit an appeal as he thought best calculated to stimulate and encourage his own heart." We give this extract because, without a knowledge of these circumstances, some who heard the discourse thought there was incongruity in the style of address with the standing of the individual to whom it was delivered. It is an excellent sermon on Col. i.

an

28, 29, especially adapted for the perusal of ministers entering on pastoral duties.

A Selection of Spiritual Poetry. By the Rev. JAMES SMITH, Author of the "Believer's Daily Remembrancer," &c., &c. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 32mo., pp. 384. Cloth, gilt.

An admirable likeness of the author is prefixed to this volume, which contains nearly three hundred evangelical hymns and short poems. It is the third of a series issued quarterly by an enterprising bookseller at Cheltenham, the general character of whose publications leads us to expect that his "Christian Miniature Family Library" will comprise none but works of good tendency. presses an intention "to offer to the public a library of volumes of unquestionable excellence, at such low charge as to enable every family in the kingdom to purchase them."

He ex

Light for the Sick Room: a Book for the Afflicted. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D., Author of the "Pulpit Cyclopædia," &c., &c., &c. London. 12mo., pp. 224. Cloth, gilt. Price 3s. 6d.

In addition to didactic Counsels and Consolations suited to the Afflicted, this handsome volume contains the dying experience of thirty eminent persons, and short dying testimonies from the lips or pens of many others. It is an excellent book for an invalid's chamber.

The Close of Ministerial Labour Contemplated; occasioned by Reflections on Completing the Fiftieth Year of Ministerial Service. A Sermon Preached at Union Chapel, Brixton Hill, November 25, 1849. an Appendix. By JOHN HUNT, its First Settled Minister. London: Ward and Co. 12mo., pp. 32.

With

In December, 1832, the church meeting in the chapel referred to was formed. It consisted of twenty-four members. "Of these," says the respected preacher, "ten are deceased, five have removed from the neighbourhood, and nine remain in communion. I received on that occasion a call to the pastoral office, and dea cons were also chosen. Since that period one hundred and seventy-six members have

[It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works enumerated, not of course extending to every particular, but

an approbation of their general character and tendency.]

Selections from the Papers of the late Dr. WILLIAM BEILBY, F.R.C.P., Edinburgh. Edited by WILLIAM INNES, Elder Street Chapel. With a Memorial Sketch by J. A. James, Birmingham. Edinburgh: William Innes, 13, Hanover Street. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 16mo., pp. 153.

Real Religion; or, the Practical Application of Holy Scripture to the Daily Walk of Life. By the Authoress of "The Pearl of Days." London: Partridge and Oakey. 12mo., pp. 110.

The Man of God; or, a Manual for Young Men Contemplating the Christian Ministry. By JoHN TYNDALE. London: Ward and Co. 16mio., pp.

342.

The Heavenly Home. By THOMAS WALLACE,

Author of "The Guide to the Christian Ministry." don: Ramsay. 24mo., pp. 101. "The Happy Family," &c. Second Edition. Lon

Portraits of Mothers. By the Author of "The 24mo., pp. 115. Happy Family," &c., &c. London: Ramsay.

The Young Wife; or, Hints to Married Daughters. By a Mother. London: R.T.S. 24mo., pp. 234. Price 18. 6d.

The Seventy Weeks of the Prophet Daniel Explained, so far as they relate to the Appearance of the Messiah at the End of the Sixty-ninth Week, and his Confirming the Covenant during the Seventieth Week. By the Rev. W. BLACKLEY, B.A, Domestic Chaplain to the Right Hon. Lord Hill, &c., &c., &c. London. 8vo., pp. 42. Price 18.