3.-Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Epistles of Paul to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. By ALEert Barnes. New-York: Harper & Brothers. 1845. pp. 331, 12mo.

These are brief Epistles; and consequently the Commentary, intended as it primarily is, for Bible Classes and Sunday Schools, is by no means extended. This one small volume embraces the notes on the three Epistles, with a useful introduction to each, elucidating all the points usually included in Introductions to the books of Scrip

ture.

Whilst we do not consider this equal to the Commentary on Job, we put it on a par with his previous Notes on Epistles, and consider it well adapted to the uses intended. All who are familiar with the others will, doubtless, possess this volume, and they will find in it much excellent comment, and many interesting and wholesome practical remarks.

4.-The History of the Popes; their Crimes, Murders, Poisonings, Parricides, Adulteries and Incests, from St. Peter to Gregory XVI.; including the History of Saints, Martyrs, Fathers of the Church, Religious Orders, Cardinals, Inquisitions, Schisms, and the Great Reformers: with the Crimes of Kings, Queens and Emperors. By LOUIS MARIE DE CORMENIN. Translated from the French. Philadelphia: James M. Campbell. New-York: Saxton & Miles. 1845.

The title sufficiently describes the intent of the author in this work. Although, specifically a history of the Popes, it becomes, of necessity and in fact, a general history of the state of the world from the time of Christ to the present period. M. de Cormenin is a Roman Catholic, who has imbibed deeply the spirit of liberty, and who sees and confesses the existence of the most horrible crimes in the bosom of his own Church.

He appears to write without prejudice, and probably details what he believes to be the facts in the case. In respect to his history of the lives of the Popes, he cannot be supposed to be actuated by any desire to blacken the character of the papacy and priesthood in his own communion, and consequently his testimony on this behalf cannot well be called in question.

Whilst he concedes the right to Protestants, in many instances, he is evidently not imbued with an evangelical spirit, and probably regards Christ as nothing higher than a pure teacher of a lofty morality, and the gospel as a valuable book of history and philosophy. The Introduction or Analysis, embracing the first fourteen pages, we think, requires some correction, especially the first part of it, in order to make it truthful history. What is said about the Christians of the THIRD SERIES, VOL. I. NO. III. 37

first century, is a relation evidently either derived from infidel sources, or colored by skepticism in the author's own mind.

The work is to be issued in numbers. Two have appeared, the first containing two beautifully colored lithographs, one of Sabas, Bishop of Jerusalem, the other of Clovis I., King of the Franks.

5.-Travels in the Californias, and Scenes in the Pacific Ocean. By THOMAS J. FARNHAM. New-York: Saxton & Miles. 1845. pp. 416, 8vo.

Mr. Farnham is known as the author of "Travels in the Western Prairies, and Oregon Territory," in respect to which he has diffused some interesting and useful information. He here discloses to us his travels through the Californias, and his views of things in some of the islands of the Pacific. As the former have been but little known among us, those who read this volume will find themselves rewarded with some pleasant and useful intelligence. His account of the proceedings and death of Capt. Cook, derived from an aged woman in authority, enters more into particulars than the ordinary narratives of this event, and shows that the first provocation was on the part of Cook's men, and that his death was in consequence of the death of a chief by the hand of Cook. There seems to be great simplicity and apparent truthfulness in the statements of the old lady, in respect to Vancouver's visit in 1779.

The incidents of the revolution of 1836, under Alvarado, aided by Americans and Britons, of his subsequent adhesion to Mexico and horrid treatment of those same foreigners, are thrilling, and, in some parts, almost blood-congealing. His notices of the American Mission at Hawaii, and its meliorating influence on the native inhabitants, although mingled with some philosophical views, which would not be altogether acceptable to the lover of Bible-truth, are commendatory, and confirm the testimony given by all unprejudiced beholders.

We cheerfully recommend the volume to any of our readers who wish to acquire information about the Californias.

6.-The Romish and Prelatical Rite of Confirmation examined: and proved to be contrary to the Scriptures, and the practice of all the earliest and purest Churches, both Oriental and Western. By THOMAS SMYTH, D. D. With an Appendix, on the Duty of requiring a Public Profession of Religion. New-York: Leavitt, Trow & Co. 1845. pp. 213, 18mo.

"This is another useful little volume from the prolific pen of Dr. Smyth and whilst it most triumphantly proves the rite of confirmation, as practised by prelatical churches, to be unscriptural and of human invention, it also contends, in an appendix, for a public profession of religion, by a form of covenant, entered into in presence of

the church. Here, again, Dr. Smyth departs from the usage in a large portion of the Presbyterian Church, and shows how much we may differ, on minor points, and yet belong to the same ecclesiastical organization, and move on harmoniously in prayer and labors for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. We gladly commend this small volume to the attention of all who desire information on the subjects of confirmation and public profession.

7.-The Name, Nature and Functions of Ruling Elders; wherein it is shown from the Testimony of Scripture, the Fathers and the Reformers, that Ruling Elders are not Presbyters or Bishops: and that, as representatives of the people, their office ought to be temporary. With an Appendix, on the use of the title Bishop. By THOMAS SMYTH, D. D. New-York: Leavitt, Trow & Co. etc. 1845. pp. 186, 18mo.

We like this book much. It is a clear, convenient and convincing statement of facts in respect to the Eldership in the Presbyterian Church, going to show that Elders are not Presbyters, and that their office was originally, and should be now, temporary. Dr. Smyth will, doubtless, find many, in his own portion of the Presbyterian Church, to differ with him, on some points. This he expects, and in his Preface takes pains to prepare the Church for these differences, by contending that we must not seek for uniformity, but only unity. We like the book for this, as much as for other things in it, because it is just what we have always believed, and because we perceive in it sentiments at war with some action of the Assembly of 1837, and tending strongly to union, on proper and liberal principles, among those who do not materially differ in doctrine or discipline.

8.-Elizabeth Thornton; or the Flower and Fruit of Female Piety. With other Sketches. By SAMUEL IRENEUS PRINCE. Second edition. New-York: M. W. Dodd. 1845. pp. 211, 18mo.

Elizabeth Thornton, judging from the narrative, which we doubt not is truthful, was one of those sweet, lovely persons whom God has made to win the affections of all they meet. Her naturally amiable character was sanctified by grace; and thus qualified, she went forth to do the service of her Master, in her own quiet way, and was honored with the privilege of setting some gems in her Redeemer's crown.

Like her, there are many in the private walks of life, whose names are never blazoned in the heraldry of earth, but who, walking in the steps of Jesus, and adorned with the humility of the gospel, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, will reap their reward in the rest of heaven, and find their names recorded, in illuminated letters, in the Lamb's Book of Life. To be such an one, is better far than to be known as a world's hero to "the utmost verge of this green earth :"

better to wear the robe of righteousness than the robe of state-to inherit the crown of glory, which fadeth not away, than the heaviest gemmed-crown of emperor or king.

Let others learn, from the example of Elizabeth Thornton, to go and do likewise. Of the sketches, so well known and so well appreciated by our readers, we need add nothing.

9.-Expository Lectures, or Discourses on Scriptural Subjects, designed for the improvement of Christian Knowledge and Piety. By LEWIS MAYER, late Professor in the Theological Seminary of the German Reformed Church. Harrisburg: Hickok & Cartine. 1845. pp. 268.

These Lectures are from the pen of one whose personal acquaintance we have enjoyed, who has long labored faithfully for the advancement of the German Reformed Church, in knowledge and piety. We trust the present volume, so full of sound doctrine and wholesome practical instruction, and written in so chaste a style and so good a spirit, will be extensively circulated among the ministers and members of his own denomination. Nor do we, by any means, wish its circulation limited to those of his own church, but desire that many more may read its instructive pages.

The Lectures, among others, embrace the following subjects:The Christian Ministry warned against false and unworthy Exhibitions of Christianity-Connection of Faith and Holiness-Causeless Anger-On being Righteous Overmuch-Self Deception in Religion-The Sin of offending Weak Brethren in Christ, etc., etc. The last mentioned, the fourth in the volume, is a clear and satisfactory exhibition of the principles of the Gospel in respect to things indifferent, and of the duty of the strong toward the weaker brethren. We commend it to the attention of those who doubt as to the propriety of certain courses of conduct.

10.-Domestic Slavery Considered as a Scriptural Institution: in a Correspondence between the Rev. Richard Fuller, of Beaufort, S. C., and the Rev. Francis Wayland, of Providence, R. I. Revised and corrected by the Authors. New-York: Lewis Colley. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 1845. pp. 254, 18mo.

We are glad the Discussion of Domestic Slavery fell into hands so well qualified to execute the work. Dr. Wayland is better known to us at the North than Dr. Fuller, yet at the South, the reputation of the latter is quite on a par with that of the "Author of the Moral Science." These letters are a beautiful specimen of controversy, imbued throughout with the spirit of love and of a sound mind. We have never read so clear and strong an argument in favor of the institution of slavery, as that presented by Dr. Fuller in this volume;

and yet we think the statements and reasonings of Dr. Wayland are such as are not and cannot be met by any process of reasoning. It strikes us that the chief difficulty about the argument of Dr. Fuller is, that it looks too exclusively at the mere abstract question of bondage; yet no one can peruse his letters without the conviction that great forbearance and kindness are demanded of those, who advocate abolition. The book ought to be read by every one.

11.-Republication of the Penny Magazine. New-York: J. S. Redfield.

This Magazine is already too well known to require any special notice. Suffice it to say that it contains a vast amount of valuable information, adapted to the wants of a family, and there is scarcely any book which children will consult with more eagerness. Its pictures attract their attention, and its interesting matter pleases their taste. Mr. Redfield is issuing it in large royal octavo numbers, of about 140 pages each, in good style and with an illuminated cover, at the low price of 25 cents each. How much better this than the miserable trash so plentifully huckstered about.

12.-Vital Christianity: Essays and Discourses on the Religions of Man and the Religion of God. By ALEXANDER Vinet, D. D., Professor of Theology in Lausanne, Switzerland. Translated, with an Introduction, by Robert Turnbull, Pastor of the Howard, street Church, Boston. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 1845. pp. 353, 12mo.

With Professor Vinet's writings we had heen already somewhat familiar: and we remember to have said to a friend, after reading his Essay on Religious Convictions and the Union of Church and State, "There is a rare book, such an one as it is profitable to read, and such as you very, very seldom meet with in these days. It is full of thought, exceedingly suggestive, and cannot be perused without awakening thought." We cannot but rejoice, therefore, that the Rev. Mr. Turnbull has made his Essays and Discourses on other, more general subjects, accessible to the English public. Vinet has been called the "Chalmers of Switzerland." Without his reputation as a preacher, he certainly resembles him in many of his characteristics, and differs from him in others. He is more analytical, more acute, more profound in philosophy, whilst he wants the brilliancy and energy, and profusion of imagery which belong to Chalmers.

He is an elegant scholar, a forceful reasoner, a spiritual Christian, and is now exciting a powerful influence on France, and indeed on Europe, by his advocacy of the independence of the Church.

The Essays and Discourses in this volume, so well translated by Mr. Turnbull, are rich in thought and adapted to secure the attention