CRITICAL NOTICES OF WORKS. WARD'S LIBRARY OF STANDARD DIVINITY. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY, translated from the work of Professors STORR AND FLATT, with additions by S. S. SCHMUCKER, D. D. Reprinted from the second American Edition. 8vo, pp. 256. Price Six Shillings. London:--T. Ward and Co., Paternoster Row. Without meaning to depreciate other systems of theology which have more recently and largely obtained among us, and been the productions of men of our own country, we have no hesitation in affirming that the work before us, when once known, will take the precedence. It is a book of singular merit, and will be found invaluable to the student and the divine. It exhibits great strength and independence of thought, marked at the same time by soundness of judgment, and intenseness of holy feeling. The volume is divided into five books, which treat:-I. Of the divine authority of the holy Scriptures. II. Of God. III. Of created rational beings. IV. Of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of men. And, V. Of the reformation of men, and its relation to their salvation. Nor can we, in perusing the work, but feel impressed with the belief, that these great subjects are treated by men whose own hearts have been thoroughly penetrated with the truth, and who are most intimately acquainted with their theme. As a system of theology, it deserves to hold the very first place in our sacred literature. Nor can we too highly commend the spirit and enterprise of the publisher, in his present effort to supply the study with works of such standard character. We trust that he will be fully encouraged in his generous undertaking. In addition to those already published, there are treatises announced as in the press of invaluable worth. A SHORT EXPLANATION OF THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE HEBREWS. By D. DICKSON, A. M., Preacher of the Gospel and Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow.-Price One Shilling and Eight-pence. London:-T. Ward and Co., Paternoster-row. This work is not like that of Stuart's, a critical and elaborate exposition, nor like that of Owen, a profound investigation of every thought of the inspired writer,-but rather a cursory view of the apostle's M m spirit and general meaning; and, to common readers, will be found to serve all the purposes of a more critical and deeply-wrought treatise. If it is not marked by deep thought, it is yet replete with elevated piety. EXTRACTS FROM HOLY WRIT, AND VARIOUS AUTHORS: intended as Helps to Meditation and Prayer, principally for Soldiers and Seamen. By Capt. SIR NESBIT J. WILLOUGHBY, R. N., C. B., K. C. H. Royal 12mo, pp. 198. It is truly delightful to see this gallant officer, formerly so distinguished in the service of his country, devoting the evening of a life so replete with the most remarkable incidents, and covered with naval glory. to the compilation of a work such as the present, and so well adapted to the end he has in view. It is alike creditable to his head and his heart, and in future time will reflect more honour on his name and character, than any action he ever obtained. Of the extracts from scripture we say nothing: it is enough that they bear the impress of divinity. Still the selections are judicious, and well made. Nor has he introduced a single sentiment from any human author, which is not in accordance with the high decisions of revelation. He has read some of our best and most experimental writers, (and not all modern,) and taken at pleasure, but not without obvious judgment and discrimination, from their writings. It will indeed be found a help both to meditation and prayer; and since the gallant captain has published it for gratuitous distribution, we do sincerely hope that no pains will be spared to give it the widest circulation, both among our soldiers and seamen. We will only add, that the introductory address is worthy of repeated serious perusal. It is enlightened, powerful, solemn. POCKET DIARY, with Life and Annuity Tables of the National Endowment and Assurance Society, Arthur Street West, London Bridge. These tables will be found of great use to parties who wish to understand the principles of insurance societies, and the basis on which they rest, with the advantages which they offer to the insured. Monthly Chronicle. THE BENEVOLENCE OF CHRISTIANITY. Not only is the gospel a system of the purest benevolence in reference to the catholic largeness of its own spirit and genius, and the provision it makes for man in every possible state and condition in which he can be found,-but it expands the soul of its possessor, and breathes into him a charity which never faileth. For a christian not to be benevolent, is a contradiction in terms. As there is nothing little or contracted in the religion which he professes, so his spirit refuses to be limited, and his energies to be bound. Having drank into the spirit of Him, "who, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich," he disdains the narrow confines of any party, and seeks to live, and move, and have his being, amid the universal charity of the gospel. Like that God, who is love, he loves all; and for the good of all, he lives and acts. And when this noble spirit shall possess the whole church of the redeemed, then may we hope that we are not far from the great consummation of the earth being filled with the glory of the Lord. Universal benevolence in the church will fill the world with universal good. AGENTS' MEETING:---HELD ON FRIDAY EVENING, 15th NOVEMBER. To record the triumphs of divine grace, is not more delightful than encouraging. Every month is furnishing additional evidence of the divinity of the work in which we are engaged. We make no assertion, but leave the facts and details to produce their own effect. AGENTS' REPORTS. Junior Thames Missionary.- MR. WELCH.-My labours of late have been greatly varied, which has afforded an increasing pleasure to my own mind, and I hope to others also; this has especially been the case the last two months. Not unfrequently has it occurred that on one evening I have been huddled up in a ship's cabin, with thirty or forty of my brethren of the ocean around me, attentively listening, while I have told them the story of the cross; --and perhaps the next evening at the same hour, have been surrounded with a vast congregation, remote from the sea, telling them of the works of the Lord, and his wonders on the mighty deep; and what is of more interest still to the christian church, his wonders of grace and love amongst the inhabitants of the ships. The missionary work on the river Thames has any thing but sameness in it. To an attentive observer new scenes are opening every day. How common to see the ship weigh anchor, and put to sea in the morning,that was our chapel last night;-when the sorrowful crew, pointing to the Bethel flag, sigh farewell to the means of grace, perhaps for a long season, if not for ever! How affecting the last wave, think on us!think on us! Oft have I thought (as my eye has followed her down the stream,) before the hour of worship this evening, or soon after, she will be tossed upon the dangerous deep. Not less interesting is the arrival of fresh shipping from their different voyages. Now it is that the newly-converted sailor casts his watery eye, big with expression, upon the Bethel boat, and, to use his own phraseology, enquires,— 'Father!-shall we have the Bethel meeting on board here to-night.' The scenes presented to us can be but faintly described; nothing but personal experience can convey the thrill of holy joy that is felt, when the divine Being (though not with the tongue of the learned, yet with the heart of the contrite ones) is praised for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. Happy day, when these scenes will be universal ! In my visitation of the shipping, and in conversation with captains and crews on spiritual subjects, my mind has been variously exercised. In many cases the prince of darkness yet holds an unmolested reign through the whole ship. On presenting the Bethel flag one day to an old captain, he told me that he had lived many years in the world without religion, he should not trouble himself about it now. Being reminded that he would find it hard to die in that state, he fled to his cabin. How true -The wicked fleeth when no man pursueth;' however, it gave me an opportunity to address a word to his crew that stood near; and they thankfully received instruction, and a tract each and even apologised for the conduct of their captain, of which they seemed ashamed. Notwithstanding a few exceptions like this, I have been enabled to obtain, on the different stations, 47 ships for the agents of the Society. Recently on board another ship, the B-, Captain K—, on asking the crew why their looks were downcast, they answered, 'Oh sir! one of our number was drowned the other night in the river.' While I was yet speaking and delivering tracts, the body having been found, a messenger arrived, bringing with him a lock of his hair ;-I thought this a poor consolation for the widow and the fatherless. I observed to them the body of your shipmate is found, but where is gone the soul? They entreated that a meeting might be held that evening. It was in vain to tell them the agents were all fixed for the night, and to promise them a meeting on the following evening. The answer was, 'We cannot all come on shore to the chapel, and before to-morrow night some more of us may be drowned.' So before they would allow me to leave the ship, I had to promise I would send a flag on board, and seek some one to take my place at the chapel, and come and tell them of a Saviour before I slept. This was done, and the solemn event was improved to cabin and steerage full of sailors. The effects of this meeting will, I hope, be seen after many days. The captain, whose heart seemed melted with the broken petitions of his crew, could do nothing but weep. At this meeting were present about twenty sailors and six captains, several of whom engaged in prayer. Thus, under the most affecting circumstances, was this ship dedicated to the Bethel cause,-it being the first service held on board. Another meeting has been held since in the same ship, during which the captain realized the hope of the gospel,signed the Bethel covenant,—and in a few days sailed, with himself and most of his crew under solemn obligations to God. I have since heard most satisfactory accounts of a good work of grace among them. She has now sailed on her second voyage. May the great Shepherd of the sheep go with themand may they still prove an honour to the christian profession! On the 29th Oct. I had a second melancholy occurrence of this kind to improve on board the Tagus, a new ship. The case was that of a young man, who slipped his foot, and sunk like lead in the river. He was a youth far from home, whose pious mother lives far in Scotland, and will see his face no more. About forty attended this solemn service, but not one could assist me in prayer. O for more of the spirit of grace to be poured out on sailors! On the 30th, dedicated another ship to the Bethel service,-the L— T—, assisted by two Bethel captains. There were present at this delightful meeting twenty sailors, three captains, the owner, and his excellent wife, who insists on braving the danger of the ocean in company with her husband,—and who once, in a case of shipwreck, would not submit to be taken off the wreck when she might, (with the crew) to leave her husband behind. She nobly cried"No! we will sink or swim together;' and let the boat go, saying, 'If he is drowned, my life is of no value to me.' Through mercy, however, they both out-lived the storm; and this night, by mutual request, had their new ship consecrated to the God of their merciesgiving a donation toward the new chapel, wishing also their ship might be a spiritual birth place to many a sailor. During the past two months, I have held twenty-two services afloat, which have been attended by 435 sailors, have visited from ten to fifteen ships per day -including the docks, canals, and river -have distributed from 50 to 100 tracts per day-have visited the boardinghouses on the sabbath as usual;-have dedicated seven ships to the Bethel cause-and held 12 services on shore. I feel grateful to the Author of all mercies for the success I have met with amongst the friends in the country in the behalf of this all-important cause, and pray that their number may be greatly increased, and a larger portion of the Spirit poured upon them, and upon the objects of their solicitude,— until the abundance of the sea be converted to the Redeemer.' Fourth and Fifth Stations.-MR. EDWARDS.-By the goodness of divine providence, your agent has been preserved during other three months amid the dangers attendant on his employment on the river, for which he desires to record his gratitude to the bountiful Bestower of all good. During the above period your agent has held meetings on board ships in the fourth, fifth, and sixth stations. The meetings in the fourth station presented much the same aspect as usual-upon the the whole encouraging -for though the numbers attending the means of grace are not so numerous at times as we could wish, yet the attention paid to the word spoken, and the gratitude expressed, seem to say— Go forward, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not. There have been five vessels consecrated, or set apart for the worship of God in this station; two of which were new from the stocks. In the fifth station have been held five meetings, some of which were well attended, others not. At one meeting there were only six seamen present, although there must have been from 80 to 100 belonging to the ships in the tier; and the appalling intimation of the master of the vessel I was on board of, cast a gloom over my spirit, when he stated it as his firm belief that there was not one person among them, that was seeking the salvation of his soul. This was a painful communication, and should tend to make us more ardent in our addresses at the throne of grace for |