THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE ILLUSTRATED. By the Rev. ROBERT VAUGHAN. 8vo. pp. 409.

Holdsworth and Ball.

By those who have entered on the Christian warfare, the subject of this volume cannot fail to be regarded with interest. Their own experience teaches them that the life of faith is a constant struggle, from its earliest manifestation to the moment of its full maturity in the regions of unclouded bliss.

Our old divines were famous for the attention which they paid, both in their preaching and writings, to the several branches of the Christian warfare; and hence the knowledge which they acquired of human nature, and of the several departments of experimental godliness. Hence, too, the unction which distinguished their ponderous volumes, and which gives them such a hold, to the present day, of the best affections of sanctified human nature. While the religion of the heart continues to be known and cultivated, the writings of Baxter, and Leighton, and Gurnall, and Bunyan, and Bishop Hall, and Brooks, will be reckoned among the choicest uninspired treasures of the church.

Though there is a considerable accuracy of definition, and simplicity of style, pervading the practical theology of the present age, it may be fairly questioned whether it is distinguished by that depth of religious feeling, that minute acquaintance with the workings of divine grace in the heart, that vigorous scrutiny of the devices of Satan, which characterised the productions of our persecuted Nonconformists. We are not by any means disposed to undervalue the attainments of our age; but we are quite settled in our conviction, that the popular theology of the day is wanting in that heart-searching quality which, in the perusal of the old divines, makes us forget their circumlocutions, their quaintnesses, their defective analyses, their tediousness, and their frequent violations of good taste. Their writings are baptized in the spirit of devotion, and their phraseology,

however quaint and redundant, has such an obvious hold on the living oracles, that we insensibly feel ourselves treading on holy ground, and can as little indulge a spirit of levity in perusing their pages, as in consulting the contents of that holy volume, from which they have alike drawn their sentiments and their style. Would that we could see a revival of their solidity and their unction! There is a sad tendency in the present age to the sentimental method of writing, which robs our theological productions of more than half their grandeur and pathos; and which, if persisted in, will drive all powerful preaching, and all powerful writing, out of fashion. We would affectionately urge our theological students to familiarize themselves with the writings of Baxter, and Charnock, and Howe, and Boston, and Rutherford. Let them aspire after their scriptural phraseology, their close appeal to the conscience, their graphic knowledge of human character, their minute classifications of sin and duty, their deep and holy awe; let them study as they studied, pray as they prayed, and labour as they laboured, and speedily may we expect to see a revival of pure and undefiled religion in all its drooping energies.

We like the theme of Mr. Vaughan's work, and we approve, in most respects, of the manner in which he has treated it. It is a work of piety, and of much close and accurate thinking, To Christians who are inexperienced in the divine life it will supply many a useful lesson, and many a salutary caution; and to those who are farther advanced in their heavenly course, it will very pleasantly refresh them with the remembrance of scenes and circumstances through which they have passed. We sincerely thank Mr. V. for a book so full of sobriety, of evangelical statement, and of practical piety.

To some, his numerous quotations from Wordsworth will be rather alarming; and we do confess that they have all too little of spirituality and of direct theological tendency to meet our approbation in a work of the

pro

fessed design of Mr. Vaughan's. This may be our bad taste, and we shall be sorry if we have blundered. We think also that the subject of Satanic temptation required to have been gone into a little more minutely. The doctrine, indeed, is discussed; but its experimental and agitating bearings are rather overlooked. In another edition, we doubt not Mr. Vaughan will rectify this defect.

COUNSELS TO THE YOUNG. By JOHN MORISON, D. D. Author of "Counsels to a Newly-wedded Pair," &c. &c.

Westley and Davis.

THIS is the sixth of a series of elegant little volumes, which the esteemed author has given to the public on topics of high and acknowledged interest. Their acceptance with the public, as evinced by their rapid sale, renders it unnecessary to dwell on their particular merits. Suffice it to say, that they are all replete with important instruction, conveyed in easy and graceful diction. We trust that the Counsels to the Young" will be an equal favourite with its predecessors, as we are strongly impressed with the conviction of its adaptation to benefit the rising generation. It warns them kindly and faithfully of their danger from the passions, from the connexions they may form, from books, from amusements, and from the character of the age. Our author, moreover, has not neglected to counsel the young Christian, on the subjects of humility, watchfulness, habits of devotion, religious activity, and Christian connexions. On habits of devotion the author writes as follows:

"It is not enough that the young Christian should be humble and watchful; he must also learn to hold intimate converse with heaven, if he would attain to any considerable measure of establishment in the divine life. Slender habits of devotion will be connected with slender manifestations of the power of godliness. It is of immense importance that the religion of the closet should obtain an entire ascendancy over the character; and, in order to this, it is indispensable that a fixed and somewhat laborious method of devotion should be determined upon at an early stage of the Christian profession. If a light and trifling mode of serving God in private should be once adopted, there is great danger of its obtaining through life. The young Christian must cultivate the habit of retired and oftrepeated communion with Heaven, if he would look for much of the divine presence, or if he would expect to attain to much usefulness in the church of Christ. Stated periods of devotion may be agreed on, and even adhered to, where there is but little of fervent intercourse with God, and where there is but a partial attendance to the various duties of the closet,

"If the exercises of devotion are to become interesting, they must be associated with the habitual effort of mind; for we are so consti. tuted, as rational beings, that objects which continue deeply to interest us must engage our faculties. Let me recommend to the young Christian, then, the plan of combining with the stated prayers of the closet, such exercises of reading and meditation as may tend to exercise the judgment, to excite the affections, and to store the memory. A regular course of scripture reading must, of course, be adopted; and it should, if possible, be such as to conduct the mind, by gradual steps, to an accurate acquaintance with the entire outline of revealed truth. In pursuing this process, such assistance as may be found necessary must be called in; and, in the excellent Commentaries which abound in this country, there will be found no lack of suitable aid. But do not forget that the meditative qualities of the mind must be added to the investigating, and that the spirit of ardent devotion must sanctify the entire exercise.

"I cannot here omit to observe, that the plan of keeping something in the form of a diary will be found to be of the utmost service in enlivening and rendering profitable the meditations and prayers of the closet. But, in recommending the keeping of such a record, I would by no means advise the young Christian to confine it, as is too common, to the mere expression of his religious feelings for the time being, but to extend it to a full and honest estimate of his general character and habits, and to make it the depository of his thoughts, opinions, and feelings, upon all subjects connected with the momentous concerns of religion and eternity. Such a diary as this would be rescued from the charge of common-place, and would be purged from that display of rash and thoughtless expression which often pervades documents of the kind referred to, to the discouragement of timid and self-diffident Christians, and to the awakening of many painful suspicions in the minds of persons not thoroughly acquainted with the legitimate influence of divine truth. An honest record of one human heart is yet a desideratum; and, though the publication of such a document might not tend to edification, it is a matter of undoubted certainty, that its existence would contribute to the benefit of the individual who had decision of character enough to supply, from day to day, such a faithful mirror for the reflection of his J. H. own actions." pp. 97-102.

enchanted by his versification. But we never thought him a fit object of contempt, much less of vulgar abuse. On the contrary, we always regarded him as possessed of a measure of poetic talent, and always thought that he might have written better had he written less. The poem before us has redeemed his credit with some even who regarded him as past remedy, and with us it has produced an impression of powers of an order which we never attributed to him. We are pleased with the knowledge of scripture which the author displays, and with the spirit of piety which pervades almost every page and line of his work. Nor do we consider the poetic merits of the composition to be inferior to those of many other productions which have shared largely in the public approbation. We congratulate Mr. M. on his success, especially in the treatment of a theme so sublime; and venture to hope that that Saviour, whose glories he has attempted to depict, is to him an object of endearment and devout confidence.

A MEMOIR OF MISS MARY JANE GRAHAM, late of Stoke Fleming, Devon. By the Rev. CHARLES BRIDGES, M.A., Vicar of Old Newton, Suffolk. 12mo. pp. 317.

L. B. Seeley and Sons.

THE highly-respected author of this volume need be under no apprehension of being charged with the sin of adding another uninteresting biographical sketch to the many beneath which our shelves already groan. Such a memorial as that of Miss Graham ought not to be allowed to pass into oblivion. She was, beyond doubt, a lady of extraordinary intellect, possessing at the same time a highly-cultivated mind, and who had been taught by divine grace, after many a hard struggle with scepticism and doubt, to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus her Lord. There is a strength and vigour about Miss G.'s observations, which make them always interestingsometimes in a high degree impressive.

Mr. Bridges' account of her is not so valuable on account of the variety of incidents which it supplies that being rather deficient as it is for the powerful extracts which it supplies from the unpublished papers of the deceased, which relate to almost every topic of Christian doctrine and practice. The author, too, has richly studded the volume with gems from his own fertile and judicious mind. As the subject of the memoir wrought her way out of the labyrinths of infidelity and Unitarianism, it will be truly interesting to many readers to be furnished with her own account of the causes and cure of her unbelief. We particularly invite attention to what Mr. Bridges has said, in two or three parts of the volume, on the proper method of prosecuting inquiries connected with the study of pro

VOL. X.

As far as we recollect, there has no work of this precise nature hitherto made its appearance. That such a work was needed will not be denied; and we cannot help congratulating the worthy author upon the able and successful manner in which he has accomplished the task he has undertaken. He has entered most minutely and tenderly into the feelings and circumstances of the parties for whom he has written, and has supplied a volume rich in instruction, in consolation, and in warning. The volume is divided into FIVE CHAPTERS, each of moderate length, and at the close of each stands an appropriate hymn, or piece of poetry. The author has occupied a wide range of thought; indeed, he has scarcely avoided any topic that might be either useful or interesting to a female during the period of her confinement. In an appendix, of more than thirty pages, there will be found some admirable hints on the proper treatment of children, both in a physical and moral sense. We venture to conclude that this volume will have a very wide and lasting sale.

THE HUMANITY OF THE RIGHTEOUS. A Sermon delivered at Finsbury Chapel in aid of The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the Animal Creation." By the Rev. J. E. Goon, of Salisbury.

OUR apology for not noticing the first edition of this discourse must be founded in the host of pamphlets and discourses which constantly crowd our table. To notice it, however, is a duty which we owe, not only to the author and to our readers, but to "the animal creation." From Proverbs xii. 10. Mr. G. powerfully pleads their cause, and we cordially "wish him good success in the name of the Lord." Some may object to its being a moral discourse; but it is morality founded on Christian principles, and recommended by Christ's example. Need we say more to recommend it to every man who calls himself a Christian?

2 S

Two LETTERS. By " FIAT JUSTITIA," Author of a Letter to the Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. Noel; in reply, the first, to a Churchman, who condemns him for going too far; the second, to a Dissenter, who expostulates with him for not going far enough. With an Appendix, containing a Letter from the Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. Noel, with Observations upon it; Remarks on the Unity of the Church, Church-communion; Ecclesiastical Endowments; Theory and Practice of Independency, &c. &c. Concluding with Hints on Church Reform, as applicable to Congregationalists. 8vo. pp. 121.

Holdsworth and Ball.

;

THERE is more wit, and talent, and argument, in this pamphlet, than we have seen in any other publication which has arisen out of the Bible Society controversy. It will amply repay the perusal of Churchman and Dissenter, though it takes great liberties with both. Here will be found charity the most comprehensive, with integrity the most unbending;-an ample exposure of the faults both of Church and Dissent, with a full recognition of the great principles of the Catholic Church. We do hope that pious churchmen will see the force of "Fiat Justitia's" remarks on "the sectarian and schismatical character of the establishment, evinced by its high pretensions and exclusive communion." "Were I," says he, "to enter it, I must do so at the expense of all visible fellowship with every other church; must practically profess to unminister all those faithful and holy men with whom I have delighted to associate, and whom God has conspicuously honoured and blessed." This is not what may be called picking at the Church; it is taking the high stand of principle; it is laying down a challenge which cannot be met; it is a loud call to the Church of England to change her line of conduct, which must be highly provoking to God, and greatly injurious to the interests of true piety and charity among her ministers. We say to all our friends-Read "Fiat Justitia's" Two Letters.

I

A COMPARATIVE VIEW OF THE ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH DISSENTERS. By the Rev. ADAM THOMPSON, A. M., Coldstream. 12mo. pp. 296.

Hamilton, Adams, and Co.; and J. Nisbet.

THIS is an appeal, and a very powerful one, on the side of charity. The excellent author evidently wishes to lower the walls of separation, with a view ultimately to their being levelled to the ground. We bid him heartily all success in his undertaking. We will lend him our entire aid in his "work of faith and labour of love," till there shall not be one Christian church in the land not in Christian and ministerial fellowship with

every other one. We wish that all his Presbyterian brethren were as far advanced as himself; but they are in the fair way of coming into the light, upon the subject of Christian communion, and such a treatise as the present is calculated to do much in hastening forward the important crisis. We should rejoice, beyond what we can express, to see the Associate Synod and the English and Scottish Independents united in some great bond of visible fellowship. Their interests are one, and their principles and practices present far more of a nominal than real dif ference. Should it even be impossible, in the present state of public opinion, to unite them in one church; they might, nevertheless, recognize each other, by certain unequivocal acts of ministerial intercourse. Let it, for instance, be the annual custom for the Associate Synod to send an epistle to the Congregational Unions of Scotland and England; and let this Christian act be reciprocated on the part of the Independents. Such a step would lead to others, and Satan would soon have cause to tremble at the union of two bodies of Christians so numerous and influential.

Mr. Thompson's Comparative View ought to be written in letters of gold. Its design is most catholic, and its execution is alike creditable to his head and heart.

THE KNIGHTS OF THE HERMITAGE; or, the Faithful Combat of Sir Dominic Ritual and Sir Paul Text-Book, on the Rule of Faith: occasioned by a Letter to the Author from a Minister of the Papal Communion. By ALIQUIS. 12mo. pp. 167.

Bagster.

UNDER this very facetious title, the author, who, we understand, is a faithful and devoted missionary, has supplied an admirable textbook against popery, in a style most animated, and in a form peculiarly adapted to the uneducated classes of the community. It is an excellent work for Ireland and Lancashire, and, indeed, all catholic countries and districts. Every argument for popery is demo lished in a very dexterous manner, and much useful information is supplied on all those topics which relate to the papal controversy.

THE SPIRITUAL GLEANER ; or, Select Passages for every Day in the Year. 32mo. pp. 248.

L. B. Seeley and Sons.

WE happen to be acquainted with the lady who has made this very judicious selection, chiefly from the writings of the puritan divines; and, irrespective of the high authori ties she has quoted, can speak with confidence of her fitness for the task of preparing a manual of devout reflections for the closet. We beg very earnestly to recommend this beautiful compilation to the attention of all those who use such helps to devotion.

RESEARCHES IN GREECE AND THE LEVANT. By the Rev. JOHN HARTLEY, M.A., late Missionary in the Mediterranean. 12mo. pp. 388.

Hatchard and Son.

THIS Volume deserved an earlier notice, but unhappily escaped our attention. The author is evidently an intelligent man, and an acute observer; and his connexion with the cause of Christian missions enables him to communicate information peculiarly valuable to all who are anxious to know the present state of religion in the Levant, and throughout the interesting provinces of Greece. We have been much struck and pleased with the enlarged view of things taken by Mr. Hartley, and cannot but regard such a missionary as a great blessing to the cause of Christianity. His journals are by no means common-place, but exhibit decided marks of a superior mind, deeply consecrated to the honour of God and the good of souls. It is not saying too much of these valuable researches, when we assure our readers that they contain an admirable sketch of the history of Greece-of the circumstances and events which have led to its present degradation of the religion and religious customs which obtain in it-and of the progress which has been made towards its ultimate evangelization by the Gospel of Christ. The work is altogether deserving the attention of the friends of missions.

CHURCH HISTORY THROUGH ALL AGES, FROM THE FIRST PROMISE OF A SAVIOUR TO THE YEAR 1830; with Biographical Notices of the principal Martyrs and Promoters of Christianity; and Records of the most successful Missionary Societies, for advancing Religion at home and abroad; designed especially for Young Persons, Families, and Schools: Dedicated to the Directors of the Missionary Societies, and to the Sunday School Teachers, in Great Britain and America. By THOMAS TIMPSON, Author of a " Companion to the Bible," and "A Father's Reasons for Christianity." 12mo. pp. 527. Book Society.

WORKS of this description, when compiled with sufficient accuracy, are highly serviceable to the interests of true religion. They add greatly to the general mass of Christian intelligence, by furnishing bold and comprehensive outlines of a subject peculiarly interesting to all who are anxious to become acquainted with the procedure of the Divine government, in reference to the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is greatly to be lamented, when any true Christian is found indifferent to the subject of ecclesiastical history. Contracted, indeed, must be that man's sphere of observation, who has not marked the divine operation in he various and successive dispensations of God to his church. We long to see a taste

for ecclesiastical research obtaining among the members of all our churches. It is the only study which will dissipate bigotry, on the one hand, and latitudinarian laxness on the other. We think it would be well if ministers would form classes in their respective congregations, for the purpose of instructing the more intelligent portion of their young people in the outlines of church history. Some ministers have adopted this plan with much interest and success. We regard Mr. Timpson's outline of church history as distinguished by a commendable degree of accuracy; it evinces signs of considerable diligence and research, and descends to the notice of events and circumstances which could scarcely have been expected to find a place in a work so brief. There is also a spirit of fervent piety running throughout the volume, highly creditable to the devo tional feelings of the author. We regard this compendium as a valuable addition to our Christian classics for the use and improvement of the rising generation.

EARLY DISCIPLIne Illustrated; or the In fant System Progressing and Successful. By SAMUEL WILDERSPIN. 12mo. pp. 266.

Westley and Davis.

A NEW era in the history of our country may be said to have commenced with the introduction of the Infant School system. It is an experiment which, upon all the ordinary calculations of human nature, cannot possibly fail. Even now we begin to reap its benefits. Our day-schools and Sunday-schools are receiving accessions from a class of poor children, before unknown in the annals of our country; and we cannot doubt, that every month will supply fresh evidence of the vast benefit arising from the earliest possible cultivation of the human faculties. The public are greatly indebted to Mr. Wilderspin for his indefatigable labours in the Infant School system, and especially for the useful intelli. gence which he has circulated in reference to it. We regard the volume before us an invaluable agency for the yet further extension of a plan in which Mr. W. takes the liveliest interest. Those who wish to see the entire history of the Infant School system, must read this admirable sketch. Here they may travel from town to town, and from county to county, tracing, as they go, the progress of a scheme, which is entitled to rank with the finest projects of Christian beneficence.

EXAMPLE; or, Family Scenes. 12mo. 5s. Smith and Elder.

THIS Volume we believe, from internal evi dence, to be the production of a well-known and popular pen. It is written with extraordinary spirit, and exhibits most accurate views of all subjects connected with evangelis