and the swellings of tempest; and the youthful mind became isolated from all that existed, and swallowed up in the troubled scenes it pourtrayed. In the present volume, Falconer appropriates to himself nearly the half; and he occupies it well. His minor pieces, though few, are superior, and every way worthy of the great work which precedes them.

We cannot close without again recognizing the great service Mr. Nichol has done, by this Volume, to the cause of the purest poetry, the highest morality, and even to religion itself.

The Poetical Works of John Dryden, with Life, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes. By the Rev. GEORGE GILFILLAN. Nichol, Edinburgh; Nisbet and Co., London. THE first volume of Dryden presented an outline of his troubled life and very chequered career. With these facts the reading world was previously acquainted; but the volume before us presents that which will be alike new, instructive, and delightful to themMr. Gilfillan's critical estimate of the genius and Poetical Works of John Dryden. Seldom has our great Northern Critic had a more distinguished subject; and for that subject he has begirded himself with all his might, and given us one of his very best dissertations, a dissertation, indeed, very extended, but presenting language, and thought, too, of a very superior character. So admirably has our author conducted the inquiry, so far as he has gone, that we wish, and, if we mistake not, the reader will also wish, that he had somewhat extended it. As it is, however, it suffices, as a great light placed at the porch of the antique edifice, the whole of which it suffices to illumine. It will constitute a sound and satisfactory guide to ordinary readers, in the studious perusal of the numerous poetical productions here presented-productions of a singularly various character. They are classified as follows:-Epistles, Eulogies, Epitaphs, Songs, Odes, and a Masque; Prologues and Epilogues, Tales from Chaucer. Such are the materials of which this very varied volume is composed. It is, therefore, a volume which serves to display the versatility of Dryden's genius, rather than the depth of his powers. Many of

these productions are not remarkable for either force or beauty; and yet there are few of them that do not, more or less, indicate the hand of a master. There is not one of which the author of "St. Cecilia's Day," on the ground of talent, has occasion to be ashamed. The vigour of Dryden, when he was aroused, was prodigious; his command of language boundless. Of all the poets of his time, no man possessed a more thorough mastery of the English tongue. The following, struck off at a blow, is one of those lofty flights, to which there are few parallels, and which are strongly indicative of the man. The lines were written under a picture of Milton, before his "Paradise Lost," in the folio edition:

"Three poets, in three distant ages born, Greece, Italy, and England did adorn: The first in loftiness of thought surpass'd; The next in majesty; in both the last. The force of Nature could no further go; To make a third, she join'd the former two." What height and depth of concep tion! What vigour of expression! How sound and critical the judgment! We must again thank Mr. Nichol for this peerless edition, which must necessarily take rank above every other.

Vol. II.

Sermons by T. Chalmers, D.D Edinburgh: Constable and Co. London: Hamilton and Co.

THIS is Volume IV. of the Select Works now in the course of publication, which will command for itself from generations to come the homage which is due to the purest Christian philosophy, and the most powerful Christian eloquence. The volume is designated-and it stands so among his Collected Works-Congregational Sermons ; and the number is no fewer than fifty-four. Here, then, we have what may be considered the cream of the pulpit ministration of the most potent preacher in Scotland of the nineteenth century. Published after the old very respectable fashion, these Sermons would have occupied at least three, if not four, volumes, whereas here they are brought toge ther into one of 744 pages; and sold at a price so trifling, that even people with straitened means have them within their reach. Considering the matchless value of the work, we cannot but intensely rejoice at the course adopted

by the present enterprising publishers to secure for it the largest possible circulation. We presume that the public are, in some measure, prepared for the boon; and that thousands, and tens of thousands will be found to avail themselves of it. The conduct of Messrs. Constable in regard to the Life and Works of Dr. Chalmers is above all praise; and as we have repeatedly intimated, we deem them extraordinary benefactors to every_section of the Church of Christ. They present an example which, it is to be hoped, many, in after times, will follow, but which none will surpass.

Notes of a Tour in the Valleys of Piedmont, in the Summer of 1854. By B. W. NOEL, M.A. Nisbet and Co.

Ir is always a pleasure to meet with the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, and an advantage to hear him speak on things appertaining to philanthropy or religion. Next to his tongue is his pen: he never writes but to illustrate truth-to defend or to recommend it. His last work on Popery is one of the best things, next to his work on Church and State, that he ever did. We are afraid, however, that amidst the troubles of the nations, and the ten thousand distractions which have reached the minds of the British people during the last year or two, that work has not yet commanded the attention which is so justly due to it. This conviction has prompted the present notice, We cannot wish for the public anything better than an extensive currency to the sound and wholesome views in support of truth and in opposition to the deadliest error, contained in the said Letters on Popery.

The present publication is precisely what it professes to be-a body of Notes made in the course of a tour. These Notes, however, have for their subject highly interesting events in relation to an interesting people. Many of the facts stated are of a striking and instructive character, both as it respects Popery and Protestantism; for notwithstanding its simple and unpretending air, there is much here which bears with superior force on both the systems. Mr. Noel had not gone far till he met with illustrations of the spirit of the Popedom. The following is an example:

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English zeal, identified with Mazzinianism, extends itself in Piedmont with diabolic skill and constancy. There it is not content with preaching revolt as an imprescriptible right, and assassination as a sacred duty. Protestantism, in our day, is no longer a doctrine; it is an immense revolt. It is like its worthy associate, Democracy, a machine of war against religious and civil authority. Does John Bull wish to make us Methodists? He has too much sense to push his pretensions so far. A corpse cannot conquer; it can only kill by the pestilential exhalations which it diffuses. Such is exactly the present state of Protest

antism, and such the only effects which it can produce."

Such is an expression of the sentiments with which Mr. Noel found the country to abound. But, on the other hand, there were many of a very different opinion, who prized before all things the Word of God, read it themselves, and laboured to the utmost to spread it amongst others. Mr. Noel had the advantage of the company of his friend, M. Roussel, so distinguished for his inimitable Tracts-Tracts which at one time, and we presume still, were forbid to be circulated in France-an interdict which was the best possible testimony to their truth and power. Mr. Noel cites the opinion of the Pope himself on the subject of the state of society in Rome and in Italy-a state produced by the Pope himself, his prelates, and his priests. The portraiture is absolutely frightful! It strikingly shows the necessity for the assistance of the bayonets of France, to enable the "Man of Sin" to keep his seat. From that seat, however, he shall be hurled, and none shall help him!

Beatrice; or, the Unknown Relatives. By

CATHERINE SINCLAIR. Simpkin and Co. MISS SINCLAIR is one of those writers with whom it is always a pleasure to meet, since we may count, with confidence, on sense, sobriety, high principle, and a powerful practical tendency. Of her many works, it may be doubted if there is one that will be read generally with more pleasure than the volume now before us. The object of the work is, to depict the happiness of a Protestant family circle, and to delineate the advantages derived by such a family, from the free and full enjoyment of the Bible, and the means of Protestant instruction and worship. To the work is prefixed an introduction by way of preface, which will enable the reader to enter with such a measure of preparation on the perusal of the work, as to increase the probabilities of advantage. That preface, indeed, is itself no inconsiderable composition, either as to matter or magnitude. With a little adaptation, it would form a valuable tract. It not only states facts, but records experience the experience of the Authoress respecting the progress of Popery in these lands, and the prostration of mind which she had been wont to deem superior to all influence in the direction of Rome. Miss Sinclair frankly confesses, that at one time it seemed to her as if a miracle could scarcely prostrate the minds of Englishmen and Englishwomen to a belief in Papal infallibility, and to all the degrading consequences, moral and intellectual, which that belief involves. But, to her deep sorrow, she has lived to see many mournful instances of her mistake; she has lived to see that, perhaps, her aged friends had interpreted prophecy aright; and she has lived to fear, that the "warnings of far nobler pens than her own will be given in vain." In these touching sentiments we wholly concur. The state of things here stated is much more serious than multitudes imagine. Day by day the cancer is advancing over the broad

breast of England, and, to the intelligent and penetrating observer, threatening, in due season, and, perhaps, at a day not far distant, to cover the entire body ecclesiastical. We hail the volume as a benefaction of much more than ordinary value; and consider Miss Sinclair and her publishers as having achieved a great work on behalf of the highest of all causes-our common Protestantismas that upon which the hopes of the nation depend.

We cannot close without remarking on the marvellous cheapness of the work. We have here nearly 500 pages of letter-press for the trifle of 2s.; if therefore, the book shall not attain to a universal circulation, the adventurous publishers must inevitably be serious losers. Nor is this all; the public will, at the same time, deny themselves the substantial benefit which the work is eminently calculated to impart.

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The By-ways of the Bible. By the Rev. RICHARD BROWN. Hamilton and Co. THIS is a singular title of a somewhat singular book. We are accustomed to think of the Bible as a highway-a highway to the Home of the Faithful. But there never was on earth a highway that had not by-ways; and such is the fact relative to this highway to heaven. The book presents us with some twelve or thirteen chapters of really good stuff. Mr. Brown is a thoughtful man, and his thinking appears to be always put forth on the best of subjects. "The Number of the Righteous" forms the theme of a very affecting chapter, which may well make the reader serious. To this succeeds another on "The Salvation of Infants"-a topic ever forasmuch as the cradle and the tomb are bound together by a relationship that no time can break up. Seeing that the mass of our race are summoned away in infancy, this is a permanent source of sorrow; and hence the importance attaching to scriptural consolation. The present Essay is eminently calculated to cheer the hearts of the bereaved, and to reconcile them to the removal of their "only sons" and their "first-born," in the morning of existence. The subsequent subjects of the volume are equally substantial, comprising, among others, the following:-"Heavenly Recognition"-"The Laver of Regeneration; or, does Baptism save?"-"The Intermediate State"-" The Sin against the Holy Ghost"-"The Millennial Glory of Christ"— Degrees in Glory;" all of which are discussed with studious care, and in a spirit which becomes themes so arduous, lofty, and awful.

Sought and Saved: a Prize Essay on Ragged Schools and Kindred Institutions. By GEORGE JAMES HALL, M.A. Partridge and Oakey.

WE desire for this book the most extensive circulation, on the ground that it is eminently calculated to further one of the noblest species of philanthropy known to modern times. Those but little conversant with the subject, or who revolt from the tattered theme of "Ragged Schools," will be in danger of turning away from a publi

as

cation, the object of which is to expound their principles, and to guide their operations; but they who do so will most seriously err. One of the most important portions of the Works of Dr. Chalmers, is that known "The Christian and Civic Economy of Great Towns"-a work as full of philanthropy as it is of eloquence. The volume before us, unpretending as is its form, and still more its price for it is sold for the trifle of a shilling-deals with the same questions, and deals with them in a manner which would do no discredit to the ablest man amongst us. The discussions in this volume go far beyond the Ragged Schools, extending to that which produces rags, as well as to that by which rags may be displaced for good broad cloth. The volume is no inconsiderable addition to our social ethics; the highest of all philosophy is that which has to do with the elevation of manthe raising of the prostrate-the recovery of the lost-the removal of ignorance, and the preparation of souls immortal for usefulness and happiness, both in this world and that which is to come.

The Christian's Pocket Companion. With a Recommendatory Preface by JOHN BROWN, D. D. Third Edition. Johnstone and Hunter.

WE hail the appearance of this little book with sincere and great satisfaction. It possesses, in our estimation, a value far beyond that of multitudes of modern publications, large, and splendid, and much renowned, and whole libraries of romance. It consists of five parts: first, we have the Proverbs of Solomon, arranged under appropriate heads, which constitutes a peerless storehouse of wisdom; secondly, we have the best philosophical, moral, and religious proverbs of all nations, arranged in alphabetical order; thirdly, we have choice sayings of wise and good men, on various important subjects; fourthly, Scripture materials for prayer, in a systematic form; fifthly, the power of faith exemplified in the death-bed experience of eminent Christians; to which are added, illustrations of the death-bed experience of eminent Deists. Such is the book; and it is not simply multum in parvo, but it is incomparably the best vade mecum, or pocket companion, with which we are acquainted.

Tonga, and the Friendly Islands; with a Sketch of their Mission History. Written for Young People. By SARAH FARMER Hamilton and Co.

HAVING ourselves travelled the round of Polynesian literature, we have been the better able to sympathise with our fair authoress in her manifold discussions, and also to form an estimate of her multifarious performances. We have, therefore, at once to say, that the book is one of great worth, as well as of great beauty. Although avowedly prepared for young people, it is, in fact, a book for all. Starting with the discovery of the South Seas, it brings the subject down to the present time. The Coral-workers and their doings; the Friendly Islands; Captain Cook's Voyage; the First Christian Mission;

the Religions, Social State, Government, and Language of Tonga, are points all largely dwelt upon. The Methodist Mission, however, is the principal feature; and rich are the fruits, after severe trials, which the excellent men there carrying on that work, have been honoured to reap. The first fruits are peculiarly precious; while the chequered events which succeeded the multiplication of the churches are touchingly recorded, concluding with a beautiful dissertation on peace and progress. The Work is a valuable addition to the literature of Missions.

The Disciple whom Jesus loved; being Chapters from the History of John the Evangelist. With a Preliminary Sketch. By JAMES MACFARLANE, D.D. Paton and Ritchie, Edinburgh: Hamilton and Adams, London.

THE Preliminary Sketch has much profound and original thinking, on a theme of the highest importance, and forms a valuable introduction to the masterly chapters which are to follow. The substance of these chapters is thus indicated:-The Calling of John -John in Jairus' House-John at the Transfiguration-John's Errors-John at the Paschal Supper-John at the Cross-John's Legacy at the Cross-John at the TombJohn and Tradition-John before the Sanhedrim-John at Patmos-John's Farewell. This bespeaks at once the hand of a master; and examination will show that most powerfully have these exalted themes been wrought out. We might select a whole sheet of specimen passages; but we trust we have said enough to commend this very valuable publication to the attention of our readers.

The London Quarterly Review. No. VII. Walton and Maberly, London. THE present Number is one of great excellence, but somewhat too general and literary; at least it is wanting in Articles of passing interest with the exception of that on the War with Russia. That, however, is so very copious and elaborate as partly to compensate for any supposed deficiency in matters pertinent to the passing hour. Of all the disquisitions of a periodical character that have hitherto appeared, there is not one better informed, more comprehensive, or more enlightened. It is in fact, a treatise on the subject, setting forth the importance of the Command of the Euxine-What is Necessary to the Balance of Power - The Claims of the Caucasians-The Russian Encroachments in Turkey - The Natural Defences of Russia-"The Material Guarantees"-The Religious Aspect of the War -Freedom of Christian Churches in Turkey - The Holy Places, and the Military Achievements of Omer Pacha. Having discussed these points, the Review then deals very plainly, but kindly, with the subject of delays from mismanagement, and the battles which ensued in the Crimea, with the position of Omer Pacha at Eupatoria.

To Love, and to be Loved. By the Author of "I've been Thinking." Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.

THIS is another of those vivid portraitures

of life which have been, of late years, issued from the press of Messrs. Burton and Co, The publication is marked by the usual excellence, and by the usual defects of its class. It provides for the cultivation of the fancy and the affections, much more than the understanding. Its proper place, therefore, is a second, not a primary one. To a mind jaded with severe study, or overborne by the claims and cares of business, it may supply an hour's innocent amusement; the only fear is, lest this and such publications should indispose for arduous work, and lead to the turning of life into a pastime rather than an effort-effort often rising into agony. Few things are more difficult than to use this sort of literature without abusing it; and hence our frequent warnings against it, and the advice we have not seldom given, that the path of total abstinence is the path of safety.

Memoir of the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, Fiftyfour Years a Wesleyan Minister. By his Son. Second Edition. John Mason.

Of all Methodistical Biographies with which we are conversant, we remember none in which we find more real spiritual pleasure than in the present. Mr. Entwisle was a lovely specimen of a Christian manhood; and his Memoir is one of the most touching and captivating illustrations of earlier Methodism upon record. Systems are never seen to such advantage as when viewed through the medium of life. In this view, a special value attaches to the volume before us, which presents a genuine portraiture of the Methodist Preacher of the olden time. Whether as to its excellencies or its deficiencies, nothing is left to be desired. It is all here, and here told in a manner the most unvarnished; with a sweetness that wins, and a piety that edifies.

The Ethics of the Sabbath. By D. PIRRET. Constable and Co., Edinburgh; Hamilton and Co., London.

ON a former occasion we spoke in very high terms of this volume, as bringing up the great argument touching the Sabbath to the present time, encountering and overthrowing the enemies of the sacred day, and demonstrating, that whether man be viewed individually, or as incorporated under the domestic constitution, or in political Society, the greatest blessing he can enjoy is that of the Christian Sabbath; and the heaviest calamity that could possibly overtake him, would be its secularization. We have, therefore, now simply to reiterate our commendation of the Work as one of great worth, and eminently calculated to be useful.

A Manual of Private Devotion. Longman and Co.

A pretty volume, consisting of prayers compiled from the Liturgy and writings of Bishop Taylor, and the Manual of the Bishop of London. The book is avowedly intended as an auxiliary and incentive to private prayer, and may be preceded or followed by the Lord's Prayer, and by the usual extemporaneous supplications of the

individuals who use them. The book forms an elegant and useful pocket companion. My Brother's Keeper. By AMY LOTHROP. Nisbet and Co.

THIS is another of those light and airy American publications, with which the world is being deluged. It is throughout, in air, spirit, and expression, matter and manner, thoroughly American. Those who are accustomed to such matter will read the book

with delight, since it is eminently pure in spirit, full of vivacity, variety, and incident; and, with all, it is pervaded by a strain, not merely of purity, but of piety.

A Friendly Farewell. By the Rev. JOHN Cox. Nisbet and Co.

MR. Cox has favoured the public repeatedly with practical pieces of theology, all thoroughly evangelical, and much calculated to be useful. The present is of the same class.

WE sit down, with deep solicitude, to make our monthly report of the aspect of things throughout this great, wicked, and distracted world. Affairs, on all sides, present an aspect calculated to excite solicitude. Whether viewed religiously, politically, or commercially, there is much to make reflecting men serious, and to excite the faithful to prayer. One of the great things to be noted is the fact that many of the latter class are betaking themselves to their watch-tower. The subject of concerted supplication begins to exercise the thoughts of very many, both in England and in Scotland. A pamphlet of proposals to this effect has recently appeared; and we have reason to believe that it is commanding very general concurrence. That pamphlet specifies the objects more particularly to be carried before a throne of grace; and also the times at which the several objects shall be there presented, extending the period of the concert to twelve months from the month of May now ended.

Religiously considered, the great event of the month is the MAY MEETINGS, which, this year, have been attended with circumstances not wholly devoid of encouragement. A tone of great sobriety has marked them. The Reports, if not highly encouraging, are yet not altogether depressing; and the speaking has been generally judicious, although somewhat lacking in enthusiasm. The effect of the woeful War, the depression of trade, and other circumstances is obvious: and there is reason to fear that such effects will, more or less, cripple the exertions of the various Institutions. The doubling of the Income Tax, we have no doubt, will prove generally disastrous. That item alone is larger than the bulk of families in these realms were in the habit of appropriating, or able to appropriate, to charitable and religious objects. Now, one thing is certainthe demands of the tax-gatherer must be met; but, after satisfying him, how are these

families to deal with many of those important societies they have hitherto been in the habit of supporting? There can be but one answer to the question. To do, even as they have been accustomed to do, required, generally, system, care, frequently much thrift, and not seldom a large amount of self-denial. It is not, therefore, easy to see what more, in that direction, they can do than they have done. There is but one method, then, of meeting the exigency, and preventing a state of things on every ground to be deplored; that is, for men, of every sect and denomination of Christians throughout the land, whom, in various degrees, the God of Providence has prospered and made the stewards of his bounty, to come forth to supply the lack of their less-favoured neighbours. If they will double, triple, or quadruple their subscriptions, according to circumstances, that would go a great way to prevent the depression which otherwise must

ensue.

In the Senate there has been, comparatively, little done: the hand of the legislative machine appears to be paralysed. There is no disposition to move in the path of reform or progress. The ambition of Ministers seems to be to get over each successive week as they best can; while the independent members, although not wholly inactive, appear to be smitten with the general lethargy. Amid the difficulties of the times the nations appear rather to have been looking to earth than to heaven-to man rather than to Him "by whom kings reign and princes decree justice." The cry was recently loud and vehement for a change of Government; and the present Prime Minister was forthwith to "weather the storm," and to conduct the Vessel of State into the harbour of safety. There was more of passion, however, than of reason in the demand, and, consequently, a good deal that was romantic in the expectation: for more was looked for than it was