the characteristics of symbolic prophecy, would be to affirm more than is true; but it is meant to be high praise when we say, that Mr. Fairbairn has done much to render this very difficult portion of God's word intelligible to readers of ordinary capacity. We must confess, to our shame, that we never had such an insight into the meaning of Ezekiel, as since we examined with some degree of care, the able criticisms of Mr. Fairbairn. We think he has acted wisely in not wasting his strength upon mere verbal criticism upon the text of Ezekiel. He has overlooked nothing, in this department, which was necessary in order to ascertain the author's particular use of terms;-but he has exerted his whole power in elucidating the prophet's thoughts, and in showing their express bearing upon particular events.

We could have wished that Mr. Fairbairn had furnished an analysis of his book, as a sort of guide to the student in following the steps of the prophet;-and a general index to such an elaborate volume would have shown, at a glance, the vast range of thought which it embraces.

There has not been a healthier or more vigorous book, on prophetic subjects, in these times, than the one which we now introduce to our readers. If it does not cure the mania for literal fulfilment of prophetic scripture, which has obtained of late years, it will not be the fault of the accomplished author. We may safely promise, to that class of our readers who can enjoy an able and well-sustained disquisition, the greatest pleasure from the perusal of Mr. Fairbairn's volume. It is, indeed, in all respects creditable to the piety and attainments of the author, and will go down to posterity as a monument of his literary industry, and of his deep insight into the meaning of God's word. A book like this makes us take courage for the theology of the age.

THE PSALMS OF DAVID IMITATED IN NEW TESTAMENT LANGUAGE, by the Rev. ISAAC WATTS, D.D. Together with his Three Books of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Rearranged in One Series. The whole carefully Revised by JOSIAH CONDER.

London: John Snow.

THE PSALMS AND HYMNS OF DR. ISAAC
WATTS, Revised and the Hymns arranged
by the Rev. JOHN BURDER, M.A.
London: Ward and Co.

As the Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts are so extensively used, and as they possess such superiority as will prevent their being superseded by any other collection, it is important that they should be presented to the Churches in a form combining that purity of style, and that perfect adaptedness to Christian worship demanded in the present day.

Notwithstanding the unrivalled excellence of Watts as a Hymnologist, it has been felt by all that his collection was disfigured by expressions, stanzas, and even whole hymns, unsuited to the general taste and feelings of a worshipping assembly. Ministers, churches, and congregations, have long desired some fresh arrangement of his Psalms and Hymns, from which whatever is inappropriate, superfluous, or defective, might be removed. But an Editor possessing the necessary qualifications the spirit of the poet and the taste of the scholar-was wanted to perform the task in a manner worthy of Dr. Watts, and adapted to the necessities of the times. At length, without concert, two competent Editors have sprung up at one time. The poetic taste and literary ability of Mr. Conder are universally acknowledged, and the musical skill and devout spirit of Mr. Burder are familiar to all who are acquainted with him. Those who remember the part he took in calling public attention to the invaluable efforts of Mr. Waite, for the improvement of our Psalmody, will consider him a fitting judge.

The plan pursued by the two Editors in the revision of Watts is very similar. By both a considerable number of the Psalms and Hymns are omitted, as inappropriate to public Christian worship; and many expressions are altered, and we think in almost every instance, greatly improved. Both have enriched their Edition with valuable Tables of the first lines of every Psalm and Hymn, and of every verse in each; and with a copious Index of Subjects. Mr. Conder's Index is very ample, and, so far as we have been able to test it, very admirable in its plan. Mr. Burder's, though not so full, is on a good and clear principle.

The type and form of Mr. Conder's edition are greatly superior to that of Mr. Burder's; but Mr. Burder's is of convenient size, and very cheap. Both revisions we regard as a great boon to the churches, and especially to ministers. The facility which the latter will experience in finding suitable Psalms and Hymns must commend one or other of the books to them. From our own experience in testing the books, we would earnestly advise our brethren in the ministry at once to obtain them for themselves, and also to recommend them to the general adoption of their congregations.

THE WORKS OF JOHN ROBINSON, PASTOR OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS. With a Memoir and Annotations, by ROBERT ASHTON, Secretary of the Congregational Board of London. 3 vols. small 8vo.

John Snow.

THE appearance of these elegant volumes, at so trifling a cost, and after so lengthened a

neglect of the illustrious author, is creditable to all parties concerned in their publication. It is unquestionably a commendation of Congregational Nonconformists, that they call no man master on earth: they trace their polity higher than any human authority, however venerable; and they can only regard the Saviour and his inspired apostles as the names to which they defer, in all matters pertaining to doctrine and Christian polity. But it may be that, through an honest jealousy of mere human leaders, they have failed to do sufficient honour to those of their own views, as to the supreme authority of Christ in his church, who have sacrificed all for the maintenance of a good conscience. Though we would not have John Robinson, or any other man, become a household word with Congregationalists, yet we would do honour to the intelligence and Christian virtue of a hero, who had strength of mind enough, in agitating times, to think for himself, and courage enough to promulgate his opinions at the risk of all that men hold most dear. There is no fear of vassalage arising from such a homage to an uninspired authority. And we are right glad to see the works of Robinson, in so inviting a garb, after the lapse of so many years. Certainly, those who candidly peruse them, will not be able to think meanly of the pastor of the Pilgrim Fathers, either as a scholar or a divine. Nor will they be tempted to think, from his showing, that the completeness and independence of individual churches is a figment unworthy of calm investigation. Indeed, we can point with confidence to these volumes, in their collected form, as a real and unquestionable accession to our theological literature; and sincerely trust that the perusal of them will not only extend the cause of Congregational Dissent, but augment the sphere of devout and earnest piety.

We have said that the appearance of these works is creditable to all parties concerned; and we mean what we say. To Dr. Campbell chiefly we express our debt of obligation. His proposal, and the energy with which he has carried it out,-an energy which few but himself could have displayed,-entitle him to our warmest thanks, which we tender to him in the most grateful terms. Mr. Ashton, too, is worthy of all respect and love from his brethren, for the admirable manner in which he has performed his editorial duties. His labour has been immense. He has spared no pains in throwing light on the subject which has engaged his literary labours. His prefaces, notes, and memoir, are executed in the best possible manner; and we are now in a position, through his labours, to know all of John Robinson that, perhaps, can be known.

The Union did well in encouraging the publication; and the public best of all in

nearly exhausting an edition of three thousand.

We cannot help thinking that these works will become popular. One thing is certain, they deserve to be so.

THE YOUNG MAN'S FRIEND AND GUIDE THROUGH LIFE TO IMMORTALITY. By JOHN ANGELL JAMES. Small 8vo., pp. 290.

Hamilton, Adams, and Co. HAVING with much interest perused these twelve Discourses, we are deliberately of opinion that they are eminently adapted for extensive usefulness, among the influential class to whom they are addressed. We give it as our judgment, that even "The Anxious Inquirer" does not surpass them in direct and appropriate appeal. They are written with great vigour, and with a marked acquaintance with human nature, and the state of society in which we live. Every young man in the United Kingdom should instantly procure "The Young Man's Friend." He will find it an invaluable companion; suggestive of the best thoughts; and full of wise and holy counsels in reference to all the dearest interests both of time and eternity.

The subjects will commend themselves: and the eminent ability and devotedness of the author will secure for them a more than ordinary share of attention.

I. Preparation for Life.-II. The Young Man entering Life.-III. The Young Man undecided in Religion.-IV. The Young Man possessing a Defective Amiability.-V. The Young Man Perplexed by Religious Controversy.-VI. The Character of Joseph a Study for Young Men.-VII. The Study of the Book of Proverbs recommended.VIII. The Young Man Succeeding or Failing in Business.-IX. The Young Man Emigrating to a Foreign Land.-X. The Young Man Disappointing or Realizing the Hopes of his Parents.-XI. The Young Man impressed with the Importance of the Age in which he lives.-XII. The Young Man dying early, or living to review life in old age.

While we regard every Discourse in this volume as peculiarly excellent, we have read the VII., VIII., and IX. with extraordinary satisfaction. They are fitted, by God's blessing, to do incalculable good. The volume at large has our most earnest and conscientious recommendation.

REASON AND FAITH. An Essay. By the Author of "The Christian Character." 18mo. pp. 40.

B. L. Green.

This is a very valuable Tract to put into the hands of young men exposed, in these times, to the intercourse of sceptical com

John Joseph Griffin and Co.

THIS is one of the volumes of the Encyclopædia Metropolitana, and belongs to the third division of History and Biography. It bears marks of great literary care, and pays uniform reverence to the data of revealed truth. Having passed under the close inspection of such a scholar and divine as Dr. Eadie, we can recommend it with confidence to the heads of families, and others, who dread the infusion into such works of opinions and conjectures unfavourable to the supreme authority of the word of God. The mass of information introduced into the pages of this closely printed volume is truly remarkable; and the spirit and animation with which the whole is written, will render it a fascinating companion to all persons of cultivated minds, or who may be desirous of obtaining the best information extant, in reference to the principal nations of antiquity, condensed within the narrowest limits compatible with perspicuity and effect. Great pains have been taken in this volume to separate between the fabulous and the authentic in historical detail. This seems to us to be its greatest merit; and, with its numerous and beautiful illustrations, from the most accredited sources, it may be regarded as an invaluable addition to the cheap literature of the age. In a single volume, of ordinary dimensions, we have the substance of all that is most surely known in reference to the kingdoms of antiquity. How better can the heads of our colleges be employed than in purifying and rendering accessible the fountains of knowledge?

We recommend this volume very earnestly to all our youthful readers, as a pure compendium of knowledge on the subjects on which it treats; and as imbued with a spirit of profound deference for the "living oracles."

THE BELIEVER'S ASSURANCE OF SALVATION: IS IT ATTAINABLE? By the Rev. W. DAVIS, Minister of the Croft Chapel, Hastings. 18mo., pp. 66.

John Snow.

THIS volume is written with considerable discrimination, and is calculated to detect several doubtful forms of the Christian profession;-especially those of the enthusiastic and antinomian class. We are increasingly disposed to connect religious happiness and peace with the truth itself, in "the full assurance of understanding," the "full assurance of faith," and "the full assurance of hope;"-and we believe that these states of mind, in reference to the truth, are the only elements out of which practical godliness and holy consistency of life can legitimately spring.

CATECHISM ON THE DOCTRINES AND EVIDENCES OF THE BIBLE: with Notes. By JOIN SCOTT. 12mo. pp. 48.

Ward and Co.

WE look at Catechisms with great care and even jealousy; for if they are not composed on sound principles, and with a more than ordinary share of practical wisdom, they are mischievous things.

We have examined this Catechism with close attention, both as to sentiment and form; and we can truly say that it is a most valuable compendium, which we should like to see in every Family and every Sundayschool. It embodies, in simple, intelligible language, the whole outline of Christian truth and duty; together with an able section upon the Evidences of the Gospel.

THE CONVERT FROM POPERY. By JOHN ADEY, Minister of Union Chapel, Horsleydown, London. Fourth Thousand. 32mo. 3d.

John Snow, and Ward & Co., London. THIS is a very instructive account of the conversion of a young Irish Papist, by the perusal of the Tract, "The Sinner directed to Christ;" and who passed through bitter persecutions from Priests and Romanists, on account of his love to the Bible, and rejection of Popish errors. Mr. Adey has furnished a most striking and useful Tract, calculated to do much good; and as the profits arising from the sale are to be devoted to the support of the widow and orphans of the deceased convert, we cannot but hope that it will have a most extensive circulation.

THE JOURNAL OF SACRED LITERATURE. New Series. Edited by JOHN KITTO, D.D., F.S.A. No. I. October, 1851. 8vo., pp. 250.

Robert B. Blackader. WE welcome cordially the first number of

a New Series of Dr. Kitto's Journal of Sacred Literature. It has rendered valuable service in the cause of Biblical science; and will, we doubt not, under new arrangements, hold on its way with still growing success. The department it occupies is one of great importance to the interests of inspired truth. In this country we have been, perhaps, somewhat negligent of the higher departments of Biblical criticism. Still, notwithstanding, we have had a fair supply of sound critics on sacred subjects; and in entering upon a new course, nothing is more vital to the cause of truth than that we should eschew all the loose and doubtful speculations of the German school. Upon the whole, the Journal of Sacred Literature has pursued a faithful course; though there have been articles which we could have wished to see omitted.

The present number is full of promise as to the future; and we do most heartily wish abundant success to the indefatigable Editor, who is a prodigy of literary diligence, and deserves the most generous patronage of the entire Christian world.

The subjects treated are the following:1. A New Explanation of the Taxing in Luke ii. 1-5. 2. The Jesuits. 3. The Sabbathday. 4. Davidson's Introduction to the New Testament. 5. Wycliffe's Bible. 6. The Septenary Arrangement of Scripture. 7. The Rephaim, and their connexion with Egyptian History. 8. Modern Judaism. 9. Scripture Parallelisms. 10. Queried Texts. 11. On the Evangelization of Judea. 12. Correspondence. 13. Notices of Books. 14. Biblical Intelligence. 15. List of Publications.

The article on the Sabbath is of standard value, and should be read with great care by all who wish to understand the argument for its Divine authority.

IN THE PRESS.

THE TRIPLE CROWN: the Papacy Analysed, Traced, and Doomed. By W. Urwick, D.D.

THE design of the work is to lay before the public, in a simple and compact method, information upon a subject of high moment to them as men and as Christians, and which events are making one of the great questions of the age. A complete outline of the Roman Pontificate is given under seven views; namely

I. Its Prerogative:-Presenting an account of the Papal authority as explained in the Roman Catholic Church.

II. Its Credentials:-Ascertaining how far the Papal office is entitled to be considered a Divine institute.

III. Its Origin:-Describing the beginnings of a Papal government in connexion with Christianity.

IV. Its Establishment:-Detailing the advance of Papal dominion in the Roman episcopate, till it became a sovereignty.

V. Its Ascendency :- Illustrating the strength and supremacy acquired by the Papal throne during the middle ages.

VI. Its Decline:-Describing the gradual decay of the Papal power from the Thirteenth century to the Nineteenth.

VII. Its Fall:-Showing the certainty of its overthrow, as deserved, foretold, and provided for in the Divine arrangements.

A NEW YEAR'S GIFT.- In the Press, to be ready by the 1st of January, “The Dayspring, or Diurnal of Youth:" a series of short, original Meditations upon Passages of Scripture, for every morning in the year; designed for the use of young persons, contributed by Evangelical Ministers of several denominations. Edited by the Rev. O. T. Dobbin, LL.D., Principal of Hull College.

TESTIMONIAL TO THE EDITOR OF THE

EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE.

A VERY interesting meeting of the Trustees of the Evangelical Magazine was held at Baker's Coffee-house, Cornhill, on Tuesday, the 18th November, for the purpose of presenting a Testimonial to the Rev. Dr. Morison, on the completion of the twenty-seventh year of his editorial labours. The following gentlemen were present: the Rev.

Drs. Burder, (Treasurer,) Henderson, Harris, and Tidman; and the Rev. Messrs. Craig, of Bocking, Goulty, of Brighton, Thodey, of Rodborough, James, of Birmingham, Legg, of Reading, Smith, of Poplar, Mannering, of Holywell Mount Chapel, Sherman, of Surrey Chapel, Hunt, of Brixton, Binney, of the Weigh House, Stratten, of Paddington Chapel, and Clayton, of Walworth. Several letters were address

ed to Dr. Burder, Mr. Legg, (who has acted most efficiently as Secretary), and Dr. Morison, apologizing, in the kindest terms, for their absence, and expressing the warmest sympathy in the object which the Trustees had met to accomplish.

Dr. Burder, the Chairman, read a letter from the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, of the most fraternal character, in which the most delicate and kind allusions were made to the labours of Dr. Morison as Editor of the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, and in which he expressed his deep regret that he could not be present on an occasion so perfectly in harmony with cherished wishes.

his most

After the preliminary arrangements had been gone through, Dr. Burder delivered the following address:

"On the present occasion of pleasurable interest to us all, I may congratulate my honoured Brethren, the Trustees of the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, and my beloved friend, the Editor, on the long continuance of the efficient services, which, by the goodness of God, he has rendered to our important periodical. The EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE has now existed and prospered during more than half a century, and for more than a quarter of a century, Dr. Morison has ably and successfully discharged the duties of Editor.

"The first Editor, the Rev. John Eyre, of Homerton, was well qualified, in many respects, for his office, especially by his warmth of Christian love and holy zeal. I well remember the interest which he felt in conducting the work, having been one of the pupils in his school.

"On Mr. Eyre's death, my beloved and revered father was invited to succeed him, both as Editor of the Magazine, and as Secretary of the Missionary Society. These united offices, combined, as they soon were, with the duties of a pastoral charge, were more than sufficient for any man; and

yet he did not, for many years, feel oppressed by their weight. He found in them great delight, and by his calmness, his readiness, his order, and his assiduity, he accomplished much without exhausting fatigue.

Having persevered in his Editorial labours beyond the age of threescore years and ten, he relinquished them, not without reluctance; when, at my suggestion, he recommended the Trustees to direct their views to the Rev. John Morison, whom I had regarded as a student of great promise, valued as a minister of rising reputation, and loved as a friend in whom I could confide. He was invited to the office, and accepted the invitation; and, during the long period of twenty-seven years, he has persevered in his labours with increasing ability, assiduity, and efficiency.

"He has sustained, unimpaired, the evangelical spirit of our periodical, and rendered it uniformly the vehicle of the great principles of the faith once delivered to the saints.' By its essays, its memoirs, its intelligence, and its reviews, it has powerfully promoted the edification of its readers, maintained and defended the truths of the gospel, and exposed the false principles and the fallacious reasonings of the enemies of Divine revelation.

"Our Editor has had one difficulty to overcome, which most men would have found formidable-the difficulty of combining a due regard to the avowed and unsectarian catholicity of the Magazine, with a proper deference to the course of events, which rendered it progressively apparent, that the mass of its readers were to be found among Nonconformists. Your Editor has steered a course both safe and judicious; and has gained, if I mistake not, the general approbation of his readers, by his endeavours to combine a spirit of comprehensive love and candour, with a due regard to the distinctive principles held by himself, by the