the discharge of the Church from the salutary restraints and time-tempered wisdom of the State's Supreme Court of Law." That's right, Mr. Gifford ! You understand your position, and talk like a man of sense. Keep you to this, and send a copy of your sermon to Lord John Russell. Mr. Gifford professes to be unmoved by the Gorham controversy, or the judgment of the Privy Council, which he raises into a position far beyond the pretensions of the Council itself, who did not profess to give an opinion upon the Theological merits of the question. Mr. Gifford, however, tells them that he "

accepts and appropriates it no less as an impression of the truth as it is in Christ, than as an evidence of the toleration of the Church under the administration of the law in Church and State. A man of Mr. Gifford's notions is likely to spend his days very peacefully, in spite of the strifes which are raging around him.

The Amoytt's Home; or, Life in Childhood. By the Author of "Life's Lessons." Groombridge. THE subject of this volume is excellent, being to inspire in children a respect for their own age, and to inculcate into the very youngest a sense of the only bond between life and duty; showing that the small efforts and victories of the child on the side of virtue are precisely of the nature of those which make the heroes and philanthropists of grown-up life. There is much philosophy in this notion; and even moderately to execute it, would be to confer upon society no inconsiderable boon. The fair authoress, however, has been very respectably successful. There is here much taught, and taught well.

and present one of the finest Domestic Bibles in existence. The thing is gone about in the Society's best manner; while the Old and New Testaments are arranged in paragraphs and parallelisms according to the authorised version, explanatory notes, to a considerable extent, are interspersed, with prefaces to the several books, and an entirely new selection of references to parallel and illustrative passages.

The High Priest's Dress; or, Christ arrayed in Aaron's Robes. By D. F. JARMAN. Nisbet. THE object of this volume is one deeply interesting. There can be no doubt that the High Priest, as the unquestioned type of the Lord Jesus Christ, supplies materials for much Evangelical meditation. While rich, however, it is fraught with danger, lest fancy should run riot, bringing out of the type what the Spirit of God never placed in it. We do not say that such is the case in the volume before us, which contains a large amount of really excellent matter, although of necessity it is of a character which may admit of endless dissertation. The book is calculated both to instruct and to edify.

The Child's Book of Poetry. Tract Society. THE Tract Society aspires to universal empire. There is no line of publication in which it does not seem disposed to try its hand; and certainly, so far as it has gone, its success has been equal to its ambition. Among the multitude of its elegant and valuable little books, it has published few more precious than this. The volume consists of four parts: the first, simple verses for little children; the second, moral, entertaining, and descriptive pieces; the third, sacred poetry; and the fourth, Christian Missions. The arrangement is excellent, and the selection every way unexceptionable. The illustrations are numerous, and we like much the idea of the fourth part, or Christian Missions. Children cannot too soon be familiarized with the spreading of the Gospel of Christ.

Rambles among Mountains.

By W. T. LANGRIDGE. Second Edition. Boot. THIS book is professedly for the young, and dedicated to superintendents, teachers, and scholars, of certain specified sabbath-schools. We like it much. It descants on Mounts Ararat, Moriah, Pisgah, Gilboa, Tabor, Carmel, and Olivet, each of which forms the subject of a distinct lecture. We know of no better lectures than these for children and the young, since the days of Mr. May. It cannot fail to take a very respectable place in the sabbathschool library.

The Elementary Catechisms-Sanitation the Means of Health. Groombridge, THIS is a very valuable catechism, which might profitably be introduced into every school in the land, and certainly should have a place in every family. Air, ventilation, lighting, cleanliness, sleep, food, drinks, cooking, exercises, habits injurious to health, &c.-all have a place here. We really know not, of its class, so good a fourpence worth.

The Olive Branch and the Cross; or, the Quarrels of Christians settled, and Trespasses forgiven, according to the Law of Christ. By J. A. JAMES, Birmingham. Third Thousand. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

Or the many good things Mr. James has done, there are few better than this. While the space occupied is small, the merit is very great. We are glad to find it already in a third thousand; but one of the best wishes that could be cherished for the good of the Churches, would be to see it in the three hundredth thousand. It is such as only a man of great spiritual wisdom, and much experience in the multiform workings of human nature, as it is seen even in the The Church of God, could have produced. Theology of the question is simple, and may soon be discussed; but the humanity of it is a different thing, calling for that knowledge which experience alone, in a large sphere of We could wish pastoral action, could confer.

there were one or more worthy men in every Church of Christ, and every section of that Church, who would just make up his mind, as a great contribution to the peace and the charity of the Church, and its consequent best interests, to present a copy of it to every member of the fellowship to which he belonged.

The Domestic Worshipper. Edited by SAMUEL GREEN, Author of the "Biographical and Theological Dictionary." Green.

THIS handsome volume consists of a selection of prayers, portions of Scripture, and hymns for morning and evening, with prayers for special occasions. Mr. Green's name is sufficient guarantee for all that it is desirable to find in such a work. It comprises a range of two months, both morning and evening, and will be found very helpful for those who require, at the outset of their Christian career, such assistance. While all is good, we particularly prize the portion designated "Special Occasions and Seasons," which are varied, comprehensive of all the chief events of life, and form excellent devotional reading, as preparatory to more public exercises even for those that are independent of a form. We conceive this to be one, and not the least, of the uses of such works. The volumes of the Revs. William Jay, George Smith, Dr. Morison, Dr. Fletcher, and such like, may thus be very beneficially used.

Lights and Shades of Ireland. By ASENATH

NICHOLSON, of New York. Gilpin. THIS volume comprises three parts: the first discussing the early history of Ireland; the second, the saints, kings, and poets of her earlier ages; the third, the famine of 1847-1849. The fair authoress came to Ireland for the express purpose of examining the country; and, with this view, sojourned in it several years, spending almost the whole of her time in the darkest districts, and amongst the poorest people, resting where they rested-amongst their pigs, and frequently living as they lived, upon roots and rotten potatoes, and such other viands as came in her way. The narrative is written in a philanthropic and Christian spirit, pervaded by excellent sense, and supplying a multitude of interesting facts illustrative of the social condition of the Irish people. There is novelty and originality in the act. It is the first time, we believe, that ever a foreign female repaired

to Hibernia for such a purpose. It was no wonder, therefore, if the sons of St. Patrick hailed her with a shout everywhere, showed her a romantic kindness, and felt deeply sensible of her good intentions.

Discourses on Holy Scripture.

With Notes and Illustrations by JOHN KELLY. Snow. MR. KELLY has wisely judged that the present was a suitable time for such a publication as this. Discourses I. and II. discuss the Canon of the New and the Old Testament respectively. Discourses III. and IV. deal with the subject of Inspiration in its primary and secondary evidences. Discourse V. discusses the right reception of the Word of God. Discourse VI. the spirit in which the Scripture should be studied. Discourse VII. the influence of the Gospel on individual character: closing with a disquisition on the influence of the Bible on society. While the subject is highly momentous, and the appearance of the volume most opportune, it has been discussed in a manner suited to its importance. We know not, in the same space, where to find any publication on these points so adapted to popular use, and that has such claims on the general Church; for the points set forth here touch on the common salvation; and there is nothing in them from which, by mere perusal, it could be ascertained to what section of the Christian world the Writer belongs. In addition to the discourses, there is a large and valuable appendix, discoursing, argumentatively and controversially, some of the chief points which are here set forth, in which Moses Stuart, Coleridge, and Mr. Morell, are dealt with at great length, and with necessary freedom. In fact, the appendix would supply excellent materials for a couple of popular tracts, with a little adjustment of the paragraphs. We very earnestly commend the book to our readers generally, to Sunday-school teachers in particular, and to all young men.

Suggestions for an Efficient Plan of Religious and Secular Education. By R. BITHELL. milton.

Ha

MR. BITHELL is zealous; and we would not say that he is not wise; for in this volume there is a large amount of wisdom as well as zeal. The pamphlet possesses very considerable statistical merit. It is stained, however, by occasional inaccuracies, and something worse-by insinuations affecting the character of honourable men. Referring to the Congregational Board of Education, for example, the writer says: “Vague assertions have been made by the Congregational Board of Education, respecting the sums that have actually been raised; and Dr. Massie lately made a declaration, that double the proposed sum had been raised, but he very artfully refrained from saying whether that amount had been raised during the last two, or during the last twenty years." The man who can thus speak, is hardly to be reasoned with.

Devotional Musings; or, Thoughts in Verse. By WILLIAM HOPKINS.

THE theme of Mr. Hopkins is, Creation, Providence, Redemption-themes which he has sung devotedly and well, although by no means with the amount of copiousness which characterises the admirable poem of Swaine on Redemption.

Ince's Outlines of English History. Gilbert. THIS book is for the use of schools; and it were difficult for them to procure a better. Condensation, in combination with generalization, is carried to the utmost. As through a keyhole the boy may obtain a glimpse of an extended landscape, so through this book may be obtained, better than through any publication of the same size, a view of the great subject of the History of England. The mass of matter here condensed is hardly credible. It were to be wished that Mr. Ince would multiply his books to the extent of Pinnock, since he labours so successfully in that walk.

Ince's Outlines of General Knowledge. Gilbert. ANOTHER illustration of the power of Mr. Ince at condensation. In this little shillingsworth we have actually the quintessence of the Encyclopædia a beautiful key with which to open the mighty cabinet of human knowledge.

Companion to the Congregational Hymn-Book. Ward.

This is a curious and interesting affair. It contains the names of three or four suitable tunes to every hymn in that collection, with an index and reference to the tune-books in which

they may be found. The idea is an excellent one; and it is even worth while for the Congregational Union to treat with the Author for permission to publish it along with the volume of which it is the companion. The Author has done an excellent service.

An Inquiry into the History and Character of Rahab. By J. H. CAUNTER, B.D. Longman. CONSIDERING the fact that, concerning Rahab, we have only a few words in the Sacred Scriptures, it will at first sight appear somewhat remarkable that Mr. Caunter should have succeeded to fabricate a goodly octavo of nearly four hundred pages. But it is of the nature of Divine truth, to admit of endless expansion; and when blended with the historical, the ritual, the topical, and the typical: when reduced to doctrines, and extended to precepts, it may soon be run out into a surprising amplitude. We have not for a long time met with a more striking example than that before us. It is an exhibition of wire-drawing which might compare with Guicciardini himself. The volume is nevertheless a mass of good reading, calculated to interest, instruct, and edify; exhibiting and discussing many great principles involving the highest questions of morals, and serving very strikingly to show the importance of thoroughly digesting the word, and the mass of hidden meanings which meditation may everywhere call forth. The work throughout displays vigorous thinking, clothed in adequate expression.

Missionary Encouragements in India. By WILLIAM CLARKSON. Snow.

MR. CLARKSON is already well known as a very able platform advocate of Missions, and author of the valuable work, "India and the Gospel." Missionaries in India, Mr. Clarkson states, often subjoin to the tracts they publish an invitation to the readers to come and visit them; invita

tions which have often proved successful. Mr. Clarkson hopes that his part of the business will not be without benefit to the great cause of Missions. The work is light, sketchy, full of interest, and consisting of what he calls two campaigns on the banks of the Mahi; and it gives a vivid glimpse at the state of society, abounding with facts and incidents illustrative of the Hindoo character; and closes with an account of the final settlement on the banks of the Mahi, and the foundation of a Christian village, the purchase of land, and the building of a Mission-house. The book cannot fail to be read with interest. The manner of Mr. Clarkson is much adapted to this species of composition.

Questions adapted to Hall's Elementary Atlas. Compiled by T. BOWMAN, A.B. Longman. MR. BOWMAN was lately Head-Master of the New Proprietary School, Cheltenham-a fact which goes some way to warrant expectation of a respectable performance; and such it is. The Atlas we do not possess, but from the back we see that it comprises Palestine, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, as well as Australia and the other islands of the Pacific; while special prominence is properly given to the British Isles. Teachers who use the Maps will find the book very serviceable.

The Sailors' Hymn-Book. Third Edition. Ward and Co.

THIS is a very respectable compilation, much suited to the interesting class of men for whom it is prepared. The hymns of the English language amount to upwards of five thousand; the mass of which are quite general. Speciality and appropriateness to classes is a matter which has not much occupied the thoughts of our more gifted versifiers. There is much need for a genius, enlightened and sanctified, to skirt the subject, and set in order that which is wanting. Mr. Finch has realised all that could be expected under the circumstances, and done his best to supply that which was special— Hymns for Bethel Meetings, of which the stock is very considerable.

Morisonianism examined and set aside, and the United Presbyterian View of the Doctrine of the Atonement stated and defended.

WE thought there had been an end to the "New Light" Controversy in the North, but it is otherwise. There seems, moreover, division in the camp. Mr. Rutherford has retraced his steps. He "ceased to be a Calvinist, became a Morisonian," and now he has "ceased to be a Morisonian." As we have no desire to import the controversy into England, we must suffer the matter to drop. These are not times for theological warfare, but for the muster of the universal host of God's elect to dissipate darkness, and convert men.

A Hundred Original Hymns for the Use of Schools and Families. By J. B. ESSEX. Religious Tract Society.

SOUNDNESS of sentiment, gentleness of love, and easy versification, are the characteristics of this volume, which is, therefore, an addition of considerable value to the books of its class. It

is alike suited for reading, committing to memory, and singing, and well adapted to replace the pestilent rubbish with which the Press especially in London, is polluted.

A Memoir of the Life and Ministry of the late Thomas Reed. By JOHN POYNDER. Paul. A VERY unpretending performance, pervaded by a gentle, loving spirit, and interspersed with many savoury thoughts. The sentiment is evangelical. In fact, it is what is known by spicy; and by the lovers of high doctrine it will be prized as a precious relic of a humble and worthy

man.

Scripture Emblems-Gleanings in the Field of Sacred Imagery. By JAMES MEEK. John

stone.

THIS is a piece of excellent household divinity; the Articles first appeared in a periodical, whose value they very considerably enhanced. The spirit of poetry is the spirit of the book, because its materials are formed from poetic portions of the Sacred Scriptures. It is just such a volume as, on these terms, the late Dr. Belfrage would have written. The force of this fact will be felt by the readers of the Evangelical Magazine, and prepare them for a flowing, easy style, simplicity and beauty of thought, elegance and tenderness of expression; all invested with a spirit of an ardent piety.

The Vale of Cedars; or, the Martyr. A Story of Spain in the Fifteenth Century. By GRACE AGUILAR. Groombridge and Sons.

THE Authoress is already known by her work on "Home Influence," "Woman's Friendship," and other publications, all of which have been, in their way, highly respectable, and have secured for Miss Aguilar an honourable position among the female writers of her country. The present publication will do more than sustain her former character. It abounds in incident, various, touching and interesting. It is a book over which the youthful mind will pore with eager absorption, and, once read, it will leave a powerful impression on the memory and imagination of the reader. It is, nevertheless, as we have often stated, a species of publication which we do not love, and cannot desire to see increased; for while it may excite and amuse, it can contribute but little, if anything, to instruct or to edify, and life is too precious to be whiled away amid such intoxications, while they leave the soul barren, and with nothing to fit for the right discharge of the duties of this rough world.

"It is Written;" from the French of PROFESSOR GAUSSEN. Bagster.

THE object of this work is to prove that every word and expression contained in the Scriptures is from God. We noticed it previously, and have now simply to announce that it is already in the third edition, a fact which speaks well for the interest which the public take in such works; and if, in some matters, the author may be supposed to have gone a little too far, yet his errors, if errors they be, are upon the right side. They who are anxious to see a clear statement of the specific views which are held upon the subject, will do well to consult "It is written."

Daily Steps towards Heaven; or, Practical Thoughts on the Gospel Heaven, especially in the Life and Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Every Day in the Year, according to the Christian Seasons. Second Edition. Parker. THERE is here much good matter, and a remarkable condensation in the mode of exhibiting it. Notwithstanding the unmistakeable aspect which it bears of high-churchmanship, the merit of the volume is great. It is an excellent pocket companion, which will materially serve to promote Christian meditation. There is another light in which it may be viewed, which does not appear to have entered the mind of the writer. It supplies a vast multitude of sketches or outlines of addresses or sermons. In Church circles, more especially, the book cannot fail to be popular.

An Introduction to the Study of Gothic Architecture. Parker.

THIS little work was originally written as part of a series of elementary lectures, recommended by the Committee of the Oxford Architectural Society, to be delivered to the junior members in the spring of 1849. They were considered useful and interesting to those who heard them, and it was thought they might be equally so to others, who had not the same opportunity. The President, in the name of the Society, therefore, pressed the author to publish them. The chapter on French Gothic is chiefly the result of observations made upon a tour in the central part of France, in the summer of 1849, assisted by the remembrance of several previous visits to Normandy. It is probable that the sketch which the author has given of French Gothic, and the comparison of it with English, will lead to a more careful investigation of the subject. To those whose taste runs in that direction, the volume will be particularly welcome. It is thickly interspersed with very interesting drawings, which are exquisitely made. It is, of its kind, and for its size, the most beautiful thing of the sort that we have seen. It does the highest credit to all concerned, and must contribute to improve the taste of the country.

Tales and Sketches of Christian Life, and in Dif ferent Lands and Ages. Nisbet.

SOME of these sketches are historical as to persons and incidents; in the "Italian Reformers," only the circumstances are imaginary in the first and second parts; in the sketches of the Moravians only the first conversation. The other tales are nearly all founded on the facts of general history. It will, therefore, be perceived, that fancy has contributed to the narrative more than fact, bringing it under the ban which we shall never cease to pronounce against all such literature, which, however it may amuse and move, cannot instruct, replenishing the mind with the substantial facts of history.

Religion the Weal of the Church and the Need of the Times. By GEORGE STEWARD. Partridge and Oakey.

MR. STEWARD is a minister of the Wesleyan body; but the work before us, notwithstanding one chapter of it bears solely on the interests of that community, comprises much valuable, instructive, and edifying matter. The

titles are, The Word of God, Evangelism, Characteristics of the Age, Unbelief, Church Requisites, Church Provisions, Methodism, Church Sanctity, Church Visitations, the Divine Government, Prayer and its Presages; these headings indicate the character of the volume, and show how pre-eminently it is a book for the times. As a composition, it is marked by elaboration and beauty, with a dash of the romantic about it which gives it an airy, elegant, and animated appearance. It bids fair to obtain public favour.

Scripture Lessons; or, The History of the Acts of the Apostles, in Question and Answer, designed for the Use of Bible-Classes. By Mrs. HENDER

SON.

WHO is Mrs. Henderson ?-None other than the respected wife of the Rev. Dr. Henderson, of Highbury College, and authoress of several volumes, some of which attained to no inconsiderable celebrity nearly twenty years ago, but from which the modest Writer, we believe, to this day, has withheld her name, while she has

given it to this unpretending performance. We prized the book as it came forth in parts, and now that it is completed, and brought forth in this handsome pocket form, we have much pleasure in giving it our most cordial recommendation. It comprises one continued stream of interrogatory; and the young person who can answer the bulk of these questions, will have given the Acts of the Apostles-that inimitable "Report" of the First Missionary Society -a very thorough investigation. The book, apart from the narrative, constitutes admirable and very instructive reading; since, while the questions everywhere stimulate attention, in the briefest manner the reply is subjoined.

Hubert Lee; or, How a Boy may do Good. Green. THIS Volume comprises two publications, Hubert Lee, and William Herbert. Hubert Lee is a fine boy,—indeed, a model lad; and a million of such lads would form the seed of a new society, provided the child were "father to the man." "William Herbert; or, Religion at School," draws a portrait of which there are few examples. The little volume is excellent reading.

ENGLAND.-In England, the great religious phenomenon is that of Methodism. The Conference having finished its work, the ministry have returned to their several spheres, but not to rest. The Reformers repulsed are only invigorated, and are making their arrangements for the next twelve months campaign upon a scale which is calculated to produce anything but pleasant emotions on the part of the despotism. It is now clear beyond dispute, that this is by far the most serious convulsion that ever broke forth in the Wesleyan body. All that took place in former times has been but as infancy to manhood. The light of previous combatants is mightily increased, as well as their numbers, their organization, their moral weight, and their social position. Now, for the first time, the great number of influential men are enrolled in the ranks of Reform, and nothing is more certain than that the movement is destined to effect great changes in the policy and the polity of Methodism. The talk of Poll-deeds and ancient trusts must give place to considerations of right, justice, and Scripture.

POPERY.-As to the Church, her troubles advance. Secessions to Rome, of an interesting and important character, are still going on. If we mistake not, some eighty ministers, within a period comparatively limited, have seceded; but not the least significant part of this matter is that of the female sex. Mrs. Henry Wilberforce, wife of the Vicar of Farleigh, has been received into the Romish Church. This lady is the second of the Bishop of Oxford's sisters-inlaw that have gone over. Miss Peel, sister of the Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court at Calcutta, and first-cousin to the late Sir Robert, has gone in the same direction. These are serious facts; and, considered cumulatively, in the long run may be found to possess an influence meanwhile not contemplated. England has always been, to some extent, a fit sphere for papal labours; but it was thought Scotland

was impregnable. Would that it were! Fortysix "churches" have been erected, and fifty clergymen added to the Roman Catholic MisEion in Scotland during the last ten years. We commend this fact to the Dissenters of Scotland, since it so deeply concerns them and their country.

It is not difficult to account for the secession of a number of the perverts; but that such men as Mr. Bowyer, a lawyer of eminence, and a Lecturer on Civil Law in the Temple, should bow down, and offer his learning, and talents, and station, to Antichrist, is certainly remarkable. To these facts we are to add the constantly-increasing phenomena of the dissatisfaction, both lay and clerical, with the present Constitution of England. A man who thoroughly understands the bearings of the subject, the Rev. Mr. Hooper, of Albany, has thus expressed himself:

It is a remarkable circumstance that many clergymen of the Church of England are now becoming convinced of something unjustifiable in the mutual relation of the Church and State, and such conviction is an omen of great good, if it be wisely followed out. Indeed, the events of the last few years are calculated to impress upon thoughtful minds that there may be some grave reason for dissatisfaction with the state of the Church, seeing that so many of the clergy and laity, and those not the least intelligent, and learned, and devout, have fled from the communion in which they have been educated, seeking deliverance from real or fancied evils in other Churches.

The question, therefore, is, whereunto these things will grow? That great and permanent changes are pressing on, seems clear beyond a doubt. The best of the Church Journals, the Record, which is thoroughly conversant with the subject, seems deeply alive to what is passing around it. "However much our readers may lament," it says, "we presume few of them are surprised by the perversions to Rome which are now almost of daily occurrence, and embrace nearly all classes of society."