him was John viii. 51: "Verily, verily I say unto you, If a man keep iny saying, he shall never see death.' The sermon was afterwards published.

Upon the numerous and very important writings of Mr. Watson we shall offer some observations in our next number.

The Lives of Early Methodist Preachers. Chiefly written by themselves. Edited by Thomas Jackson. In three Volumes, 12mo. Vol. III., pp. 471. 58. Mason. This volume, which completes the series, contains the Lives of the following excellent and honoured men :Messrs. Thomas Rankin, George Story, William Black, George Shadford, William Ashman, Jasper Robinson, Richard Whatcoat, Thomas Hanson, Thomas Taylor, Robert Wilkinson, Benjamin Rhodes, Thomas Tennant, John Allen, and John Pritchard. These simple and unpretending narratives, like those which are comprised in the preceding volumes, present an instructive view of the work of the Holy Spirit in the human heart, and of that cheerful and entire devoted ness to God, to which the love of Christ constrains those who are brought under its power. Some of the Lives are replete with curious incident; especially those of Messrs. Rankin, Black, and Taylor; but the chief value of them all arises from the examples of Christian piety and holy zeal which they exhibit. They bring before us men of one business; men who had forsaken all to follow Christ, and to serve him in his Gospel; and men whom he greatly honoured by making them the instruments of salvation to others, and by rendering them calm and triumphant in death. Messrs. Rankin and Black were employed as Missionaries in America. The former was driven from his field of labour by the war of independence; the latter spent his life in British America, where his name will be long revered. The Life of Mr. Taylor contains many valuable notices of the progress of Methodism in England, and of the difficulties with which the Preachers had to contend for several years after Mr. Wesley's death. We earnestly re

commend these three volumes to the attentive perusal of the Wesleyan body, especially of young Ministers, as well calculated to stir up their pure minds by way of remembrance, and to fix their attention upon the supreme importance of spiritual religion; the kingdom of God in the human heart; consisting not in meat and drink, but in "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." To spread this is unquestionably the great calling of Methodism; and the most disastrous results may be expected, should it be applied to any inferior object. "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." (Jer. vi. 16.)

A Library of Christian Biography. Edited by Thomas Jackson. Volume III. 18mo. pp. 316. 2s. 6d. Mason.The design of this publication is, to lay before the general reader a cheap and condensed account of the most remarkable examples of Christian piety and usefulness, in different departments of life, and in the various sections of the church. The volume before us contains the Lives of Judge Hale, Joseph Alleine, and Nathanael Heywood, who all flourished during the same period. Hale was a man of sincere piety, of superior mental powers, of extensive learning; and was one of the most upright Judges that ever presided in a civil court. The times in which he lived were characterized by violence and distraction; but he commanded the respect of all parties by the Christian gentleness of his spirit, and the unbending integrity of his conduct, both in public and private life. Joseph Alleine, the well-known author of the "Alarm to Unconverted Sinners," was one of the holiest of men, and a most

exemplary Minister of Christ. He endured a harsh and cruel imprisonment for Nonconformity; and was long a subject of severe personal affliction; yet under all circumstances he was an example of meekness, resignation, and godly love. Nathanael Heywood was also one of the Ejected Ministers. He was a man of great zeal and energy; and his Life throws considerable light upon the religious history of his times, especially in the south of Lancashire. The Lives of these distinguished men, written by their contemporaries, are here, without any material curtailment, compressed into one small and readable volume. The utility of such publications is obvious. They save the reader's time and money; and they convey the most valuable information to the minds of young people, and of such persons as have little leisure to devote to books. The entire series would form an adirirable article in every domestic library.

The Christian Warfare illustrated. By Robert Vaughan, D.D. 8vo. pp. 317. Religious Tract Society.

Select Meditations for every Day in the Year; being consecutive Portions from Sermons by Edward Reynolds, D.D., Bishop of Norwich. With suitable Texts of Scripture prefixed. Arranged and edited by the Rev. Cornwall Smalley, M. A., Vicar of Brailes, Warwickshire, and Minister of Bayswater Chapel. 18mo. pp. 295.-Bishop Reynolds was a spiritual man and a powerful writer; and these selections from his sermons, intended for popular and devotional use, will be read with edification by many, to whom the valuable writings of that excellent Prelate would otherwise have remained unknown. They form a useful book for the closet.

Illustrations of the History and Practices of the Thugs. And Notices of some of the Proceedings of the Government of India for the Suppression of the Crime of Thuggee. 8vo. pp. 475. 15s. Allen.

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Select Sermons. By the Right Reverend William Beveridge, D. D., Bishop of St. Asaph. 18mo. pp. 404. gious Tract Society.-Beveridge was a man of great learning, and of unquestionable piety; though not remarkable for the solidity of his judgment. had also a considerable leaning towards the peculiarities of Calvinian theology. The small and neat volume before us contains sixteen sermons on some of the leading truths of Christianity. They are orthodox, evangelical, and practical, and will be thankfully received by many per sons who can have no access to them in

their original form, connected with the author's voluminous works.

An Universal History from the Creation to A. D. 1828. Divided into Twentyone Periods, at the most remarkable Epochs of the World. By Edward Quin, M. A., of Magdalen Hall, Oxford; and Barrister-at-Law of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn. 12mo. pp. 372. Seeley and Burnside. This very useful compendium of universal history was originally drawn up for the purpose of elucidating the author's valuable "Historical Atlas," and as a companion to that work. He has been induced to publish it in a separate form, for the use of schools, and of students in general, for which he is justly entitled to the public thanks. We are glad to find that a second edition of the "Atlas" is in the course of preparation.

Η ΚΑΙΝΗ ΔΙΑΘΗΚΗ. Griesbach's Text, with the various Readings of Mill and Scholz. 12mo. pp. 522. Taylor and Walton. To the critical student of the New Testament this volume will be of considerable utility. It is neatly printed, and contains a copious selection of marginal references. The various readings collected by the eminent men whose names are here mentioned are laid before the student, who is left to form his own opinion of their comparative value.

The Rural Life of England. By William Howitt, Author of "The Book of the Seasons," &c. In Two Volumes. 12mo. pp. 396, 386. Longman.-A beautiful work, written by a poet, and a genuine lover of nature; full of sentiment and anecdote. We are not prepared in every instance to subscribe to Mr. Howitt's philosophy, nor to all his views concerning religion; but we have read his book with lively interest. It is indeed, beyond comparison, the most comprehensive description of every department of rural life in England that we ever met with; and the author's humanity, patriotism, and benevolence are worthy of the highest praise. The spirit of the work is thoroughly English. The author says, "I have literally travelled, and a great deal of it on foot, from the Land's End to the Tweed, penetrating into the retirements, and witnessing the domestic life of the country in primitive seclusions and under rustic roofs;" and the scenes which he thus witnessed he has described with admirable effect.

The English Martyrology, abridged from Fox, by Charlotte Elizabeth. In Two Volumes. Vol. II. 12mo. pp. 430. Seeley and Burnside. The attempts

which are now made to bring the British people more generally acquainted with the fearful and stirring details of Fox are particularly seasonable, and worthy of every encouragement. Yet there is a numerous class of readers to whom the great work of that Martyrologist is inaccessible on account of its size. To them the two volumes of Charlotte Elizabeth will be acceptable and useful. This pious and intelligent lady has executed her task with great judgment; and we trust it will also prove, with admirable effect to the cause of Protestant Christianity.

An Explication of the Hundred and Tenth Psalm: wherein the several Heads of Christian Religion therein contained, touching the Exaltation of Christ, the Sceptre of his Kingdom, the Character of his Subjects; his Priesthood, Victories, Sufferings, and Resurrection, are largely explained and applied. By Edward Reynolds, D.D., afterwards Bishop of Norwich. 12mo. Pp. 392.

Religious Tract Society. There is much sound divinity and devout sentiment in this volume. The "Explication" is slightly abridged, and the obsolete words are exchanged for others of the same meaning. If the book were intended for professed theologians, we should object to these alterations; but they render it more suitable for popular use; and are, therefore, in this respect, a real improvement,

Lectures on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. By Thomas Chalmers, D. D. and LL.D., Professor of Theology in the University of Edinburgh, and Corresponding Member of the Royal Institute of France. Vol. I. 8vo. pp. 450. Hamilton. These Lectures, it appears, were several years ago delivered from the pulpit, in the regular course of ministerial duty; and their publication has often been solicited by the persons to whom they were addressed. The estimable author long declined to comply with this request, because he wished to revise the Lectures, and present them to the world in a more complete and finished form. He finds, however, at length, that his engagements are so onerous as to prevent the fulfilment of his wishes; and he has no hope of future leisure. He therefore sends them forth just as they were delivered. Even in this state they will be read with great interest and profit, because of the sound divinity which they contain, and their awakening appeals to the conscience. They are written, like the author's sermons in general, in a strain of powerful and fervid eloquence; but possess less of a critical

and expository character than their title led us to expect. The Lectures extend to the end of the fifth chapter of the Epistle. As a specimen of the work, we refer to an article on infant baptism, inserted in the Miscellaneous department of this Magazine.

General Introduction to a Course of Lectures on English Grammar and Composition. By Henry Rogers, Professor of the English Language and Literature, University College, London. 24mo.

pp. 131. 28. W. Ball.-This small manual is worthy of the especial attention of young people who aspire to a correct acquaintance with their own language, and who desire thoroughly to ap preciate the beauties of polite literature. It consists of two lectures, the second of which contains some original and very sensible remarks on the essential qualities of poetry.

The Old Protestant Doctrine of Justification by Faith asserted, in opposition to the Doctrine of Justification by Works; the Sentiments of the Rev. John Wesley and R. Watson on this Subject further vindicated: a Reply to the Rev. Abraham Scott's Pamphlet, entitled, "The Gospel Method of Acceptance with God estab lished," &c. By George Turner. 8vo. pp. 56. Mason.

12mo.

Sermons addressed chiefly to Young Persons. With a Sermon and Appendix, on the Benefit of Scriptural Instruction. By Matthew Morris Preston, M. A., Vicar of Cheshunt, late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. pp. 312. W. Crofts. A short extract from the preface to this volume will not only show the author's principal object in its publication, but the soundness of his views on a very important question: "There are days in the course of the year, when the state of the weather, or other unavoidable hinderances, preclude the attendance of families at the stated services of the Church. On these occasions it is desirable that helps should be at hand, for the accommodation of those heads of establishments who are desirous of providing the best substitute within their reach for the ministrations of the sanctuary. To such persons-with whose anxious care for the precious charge committed to them he knows, from former experience, how to sympathize-the author respectfully offers the following, in addition to the volumes with which they are already furnished. At the same time, he takes the liberty of earnestly deprecating, except in cases of necessity, the substitution of domestic instruction of young people or of ser

vants for attendance at the services of the Church. On the great importance of domestic and catechetical instruction, especially in the holy Scriptures, no one can think more highly than he does; but he believes that the public preach ing of the word is the ordinance most of all honoured by God to the conversion of souls to himself, and to their establishment in faith and growth in holiness. Besides that the salutary sympathies excited by joining in the prayers and praises of the congregation cannot be expected to be produced, in an equal degree, in a small domestic circle. He feels it right thus to caution his readers against the possible, and he fears, not unfrequent abuse of volumes of printed sermons." We have thought that the citation of these valuable sentiments would be the best commendation of the volume in which they are found. We may add that the sermons are admirable for their simplicity and unaffected fervour. They are devout, practical, and truly evangelical. We have been particularly affected by the last of the series, on "The Benefit of Scriptural Instruction."

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Mr. Preston gives in it some account of the dying moments of one of his own children, a promising youth of seventeen. The following extract, we think, will be as affecting to the reader as it was to ourselves:-" When I had left his side for a short time, he called to me,Papa, come to your place again: put your arm all its length under me. want to pass from your bosom to my rest in heaven.' My dear boy,' said I, 'the everlasting arms are underneath you; the eternal God is with you.' Mention was made of the crown which awaited the redeemed in heaven. What,' I asked, will you do with your crown when you receive it?' He instantly joined his hands; and then, throwing them forward with energy, replied,' Cast it before the throne, and sing his boundless praise.""

The Parables of our Lord explained in familiar Conversations between a Mother and her Children. By the Wife of an Irish Clergyman. 18mo. pp. 207. Seeley and Burnside.-An excellent little volume, especially for Christian mothers, to assist them in properly impressing the feelings and directing the thoughts of the young "olive branches" that are growing up around them.

Answer to Mr. Robert Haldane's Strictures on the Translation of Dr. Tholuck's Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans. By the Rev. Robert Menzies, the Translitor. 8vo. pp. 60. Ha

milton, Adams, and Co.-Mr. Haldane, it seems, thought he found in Dr. Tholuck's translation some proofs of the influence of the Neology which surrounds him, and this is one ground of his attack: but the principal is Dr. Tholuck's "unsoundness of doctrine;" that is, his disbelief of that "decretum horribile,” which Mr. Haldane swallows entire, and finds no difficulty in digesting. Against the former the translator defends his author by quotations from men of high character, sound in the faith, to Mr. Haldane's heart's content, and who have expressed themselves in the language of Scripture as Dr. Tholuck has. Mr. Menzies's justification is thus far complete; but we confess that, in reading Dr. Tholuck's (on the whole) admirable work, we did wish that he had sometimes expressed himself with a little more care. Against the latter charge Mr. Menzies replies, that he admits the fact; and that having guarded his reader against it, he had done all that was required of a translator who was bringing out a work which was right in the main, though on one point, as he conceived, erroneous. Mr. Menzies very candidly speaks of those who differ from the Church of Scotland on this subject of thorny controversy. "Nay, in the modern history of the church, do we not know that by power sent down from on high, and manifested in the conversion of multitudes, God has frequently born testimony to the preaching of Ministers who, far from holding, rejected and denounced, the doctrine of the absolute decrees? We may just add, that the temper of the pamphlet is as good as the argumen

tation is sound.

The Secret Disciple encouraged to avow his Master. By the Rev. J. Watson, late of Union Chapel, Islington. 18mo. pp. 93. T. Ward and Co.-A pious and useful little volume.

Notes and Observations on America and the Americans, including Considerations for Emigrants. By Michael Proctor, some time resident beyond the Atlantic. 18mo. pp. 116. Longman and Co.— The author, we believe, is a mechanic, and a Wesleyan, from Newark, or its neighbourhood, who thought he might be able to "better his condition" by emigration. Like a plain Englishman, he determined to look before he leaped, and therefore went to America by himself. He tells the tale of what he saw and felt with a good deal of honest simplicity, and gives a useful testimony to the state of things beyond the Atlantic. By some things he was pleased, while others evidently roused his English love of li