readers, for not having given an earlier notice of this excellent work. The truth is, we have been waiting to review it with the Prize Essay on the same subject, by Professor Hoppus, which was announced some months ago, but which has not yet appeared. It is needless now to recommend Mr. Harris's elegant and Christian volume: we only mention it to explain the reason of our past silence.

The Christian Church considered in relation to Unity and Schism. By the Author of "Hours of Thought." 12mo. pp. 310.

Hamilton, Adams, and Co. The reader who procures and peruses this volume, will thank us for having recommended it to his notice. We rejoice that the subject is at last attracting the attention it deserves. The circulation of books like this, and Mr. Harris's "Union," cannot but produce the most important results.

Letters from Ireland, 1837. By Charlotte Elizabeth. 12mo. pp. 436. Seeley and Burnside.-The writer, well known as the author of some truly elegant and truly pious volumes, principally designed for youth, professes to be desirous of giving, in the present volume, a sketch "recently taken from the life." We completely coincide with her in the opinion that, "when Englishmen learn to view Ireland as she is, the first great step will be achieved towards making Ireland what she ought to be." Wherever, indeed, religious truth is subordinated to political prejudice, and the maintenance of party avowed as the object to which all else is to be referred, the perusal of these letters would not only be useless, but injurious, as serving to irritate the temper, and render these unhappy prejudices inexcusable. But to readers who wish to think for themselves, and to hold no opinions that may not be legitimately inferred from established facts, these letters will supply invaluable information. We know no volume that contains so much, in so little room. The writer seems to have one grand principle; namely, that Popery is essential false hood, deceit, tyranny, and corruption, and that under its influence no people can prosper. If the Bible be true, she is right. We shall be glad if our present notice promotes the circulation of a book which shows us Ireland as it is. At the same time, there is one omission we are bound to notice. The writer of these "Letters" never seems to have come in the way of any of the Wesleyan attempts to promote Biblical education and evangelical knowledge, attempts that are

neither few nor small. We should have more hope for Ireland, if we saw that opposition from man were weakening the spirit of a narrow, childish, but most mischievous bigotry. We fear, however, that all will be spoiled by the old cry, "The temple of the Lord are these!" There is a party in Ireland to which we would say that something less of superciliousness, and something more of kindness and unity, would be most suited both to the past and present circumstances of the Irish Church.

A Philosophical and Statistical History of the Inventions and Customs of Ancient and Modern Nations in the Manufacture and Use of Inebriating Liquors; with the present Practice of Distillation in all its Varieties, &c. By Samuel Morewood, Esq., Collector of Excise. 8vo. pp. 745, Longman.-We need give no other ac count of this volume than to say that through nearly eight hundred pages it amply fulfils the promise of the title-page, The subject is as melancholy as it is ex tensive. It is for the most part the history of the methods by which men, in all ages and countries, have sought to make themselves happy without God. Much curious and valuable information is contained in the volume.

Friendly Counsels; addressed to carious Characters. In twenty familiar Letters. 24mo. pp. 232. Religious Tract Society.-Useful; but in some places very decidedly Calvinistic.

Recollections of a Minister; or, Sketches drawn from Life and Character. By the Rev. J. T. Barr. 12mo. pp. xii., 132. John Snow. The narratives contained in this volume are certainly very interesting and instructive, and the principles of the narrator thos roughly evangelical. Some of the facts described are rather extraordi nary; but life has its extraordinary as well as its ordinary events, and, therefore, they may still be facts. Such "Recol lections," we confess, are no favourites with us; but we are bound in all fairness to say that Mr. Barr distinctly gives them as facts, and that they are among the best that we have seen.

A complete Refutation of Astrology. By T. H. Moody, Professor of Mathe matics. 18mo. pp. 279. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.Somebody at Cheltenham, it seems, has thought proper to defend the old doctrines of astrology; and Mr. Moody has come forward with an extended refutation.

We should have liked it better, had the word "Teacher" occurred in the title, instead of the pompous " Professor." If any one thinks it worth while to study

what can be said against astrology, we recommend Mr. Moody's book to him; wishing him, however, better occupation for his time.

A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines: containing a clear Exposition of their Principles and Practice. By Andrew Ure, M.D., F. R. S., &c. To be completed in Ten Monthly Parts, with upwards of Ten Thousand Engravings on Wood. Parts I. and II. 8vo. pp. 120, 120. Longman.-Judging from these two Parts, this will be one of the most useful publications of the language. It differs from an Encyclopedia in being confined to subjects immediately connected with practical science; but these are treated in the most satisfactory manner. The monthly issue, too, is very convenient; as many will thus be able to procure the work, to whom the purchase of the whole volume might have been difficult.

The Principle of Total Abstinence from all Intoxicating Drinks calmly considered. A Sermon, preached in the Parish Churches of Bassingham and Thurlby, in the County of Lincoln. By the Rev. D. S. Wayland, M. A. pp. 24. Rivington.

8vo.

The Churches of London: a History and Description of the Ecclesiastical Edifices of the Metropolis. By George Good

win, Jun., F. S. A. Assisted by John Britton, Esq., F.S. A. No. 20. 8vo. pp. 16. C. Tilt. The present Number contains views of St. Margaret Pattens, Allhallows the Great, and St. Mary Abchurch. Christian Principles taught and explained in a Familiar Dialogue. 24mo. pp. 90. T. Ward and Co.

The Two Gardeners; an Allegory: with a Letter addressed to Sunday-School Teachers. By Richard Penny. 24mo. pp. 30. T. Ward and Co.

The Imagery of Foreign Travel; or, descriptive Extracts from Scenes and Impressions in Egypt, India, &c. Selected and republished by the Author. 12mo. pp. 376. Longman.-To Egypt and India, Malta, Sicily, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Germany are to be added. The author is Captain Sherer, who, having published several volumes of sketches of his travels, has now collected the principal scenes of the whole into one volume. For that sort of relaxation which the scenery of foreign travel affords the student, this is one of the most interesting volumes that we know. It may be opened any where, and in two or three pages there will be a complete piece of description of some object or place in the countries enumerated; and then, the book may be either laid aside, or another scene selected.

We were unable to give in our last Number, for the reason there assigned, the usual extracts from the "Monthly Missionary Notices." The contents of the "October Notice" were, however, so important, that we think some account of them should have a place in our own pages. We had at first thought to make room for them in the space usually allotted to Missionary information; but the intelligence contained in the "November Notice" is such as to admit of scarcely the least abbreviation. We take the liberty of directing particular attention to it. The "Fejee Mission" is affording the most fearfully interesting information respecting man, as existing in a state of nature, "having no hope, and without God in the world." Under these circumstances, it is now evident to a demonstration, that among savage men there is not a single principle of improvement, personal, civil, or religious; and it is not less evident that to the condition

of these wretched and perishing outcasts, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus is most exactly suited. A day of peace and mercy has dawned on Fejee, which will, we trust, extend to the whole group, ever brightening, till the inhabitants be no longer "darkness, but light in the Lord.'

The Missionary Notice for the last month contained the most recent intelligence from the West Indies; and described very particularly the manner in which the First of August had been spent. The substance of the information will be found in the following extract:

"The general tenor of the intelligence thus communicated will be found to be exceedingly interesting and satisfactory. There seems to be good reason for believing, that the great measure of national justice and benevolence, now happily consummated, as far as mere enactment is concerned, will be carried into

3 I

practical operation peaceably, without convulsion or material disturbance, and with quite as little of difficulty and inconvenience as any sober-minded man could reasonably expect to attend a change so important and extensive. To this pleasing result, it is now generally felt and acknowledged that the labours of Christian Missionaries (and most of all, those of the Wesleyan and Moravian societies) have, under the blessing of God, very essentially contributed; both by long and toilsome years of preparatory religious instruction and discipline, afforded to large bodies of the once-enslaved Negroes by their honoured instrumentality, and also by the exertion of their pacific and salutary influence on the minds and conduct of their numerous flocks and congregations, during the crisis of actual transition from the state of servitude to that of unqualified freedom. What a rich reward, in addition to still higher spiritual and eternal benefits conferred upon thousands of converted and saved Negroes, has thus crowned the patient and self-denying efforts of the immortal Dr. Coke, and of his companions and successors in the work of Negro-evangelization, and the persevering zeal of those friends of the same cause in our own country, who have supported it by their pecuniary liberality! It is not in vain that our society has, for more than half a century, persisted, through evil report, and good report,' in sowing the precious seed of the Gospel, and in watering that seed with tears and prayers. A glorious harvest has been already gathered in; and, if the work be duly followed up and completed, by an unremitting and adequate administration of the blessed truths and ordinances of Christianity, through the agency of our own and other Societies and Churches, one yet more general and abundant shall eventually be secured. We shall surely 'reap,' in a degree and to an extent that shall still more amply satisfy our holiest wishes, if we faint

not.'

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The following extracts from the communications made by the Missionaries will illustrate the foregoing statements :

Mr. Bleby, writing from Kingston, Jamaica, says, " In this Circuit, the 1st of August was celebrated as a day of thanksgiving, with suitable services, and will be long remembered by many. On the evening of the 31st of July we had a watch-night service in the Parade and Wesley chapels; and a very large congregation assembled at each place, to

hail and welcome, in the house of God, the dawn of the glorious day of liberty. The deep and hallowed feeling of joy which pervaded the congregations during these interesting services, was not expressed in noisy and tumultuous acela mations, but in suppressed and fervent aspirations of praise to Almighty God, by whose unerring wisdom, and powerful arm, the great event had been brought to pass. The congregations on the next day were very large, and the services fraught with an interest not to be de scribed. We endeavoured to lead the people to a right understanding and im provement of the blessing of civil li berty, which was that day conferred upon them; that it might be seen and acknowledged by all, that they were worthy of being raised from the degra dation to which they had been subjected by slavery, and to take their station and rank as men. It was truly gratifying to behold the manner in which the day was observed. There was nothing approach. ing to riot or licentiousness; but through out it was kept as a day of thanksgiving, and with all the quiet and decorum which is due to the Sabbath. Amidst all the festivities and rejoicings on the occasion, I did not observe a single individual who was intoxicated; and I very much question whether in any town of religious Britain, equal in extent of population to this city, an occasion sa momentous would have passed off with so much decorum and propriety. This will be as pleasing to the real friends of the Negro in Great Britain, as it is to ourselves.

"In this neighbourhood the people, as far as I have been able to ascertain, are doing well, and have quietly returned to their work, in the new character of free labourers. I regret, however, to say that this is not universally the case, owing to improper and unjustifiable interference. A combination seems to exist, to prevent the people going to work, except for a certain rate of wages. Thus thousands of deluded people are prevailed on to lounge about in idleness, to the serious detriment of their families and the estates."

Mr. Atkins writes thus from Mo rant-bay, St. Thomas in the East, Ja maica:

"I have under my immediate care nearly two thousand Negroes, who are members of our society; and I am sure it will afford you great pleasure to learn that they all intend to continue on the same properties, and work for their old masters. This shows that they have for

gotten the past, and that at present a good feeling exists amongst them.

"I was present on the 29th of June last on Bowden estate, when Daniel Hart, Esq., gave the whole of his apprentices their freedom; and as they were nearly all members of our society, was invited to address them on the occasion, which I did with great pleasure.

"In my address to the people, I told them that some of their enemies had said, that the only idea they had of freedom, was to sit down in idleness.' Here the big tear started from every eye, and the burdened sigh was heard from every part of the house, while I waited a moment to recover strength. But,' said I, as a Minister, my duties have called me into company with many of the proprietors and planters, who have never failed to ask me how I thought you would turn out after free comes,' and I have invariably given the most flattering statements in your favour; and will any of you, by laziness, and skulking about the properties, make me ashamed of you?' To this I had one general, simultaneous burst of, 'No, Massa; no, no, Massa; God forbid we make Massa ashamed!' Nor have I any fear about the matter. Upwards of one hundred of our people on Bowden estate have stood a month's trial, and during the whole of that time, have worked quite to the satisfaction of their master, and to the astonishment of many who expected the reverse to be the case. And they have been working, too, at a period when there were more temptations in their way; when evil-designing men endeavoured to entice them from the estate, and they were with out any knowledge of the amount of remuneration they were to obtain, because, at that time, no scale of wages had been fixed on by the parish; but they depended on the honour of their master to give them what was fair between man and man, nor have they been disappointed.

The Committee and our dear friends In England need entertain no fears in reference to their societies in Jamaica. The Methodists of Jamaica have endured persecution, and suffered affliction, in almost every form. Sometimes they were cast down and dejected; they hanged their harps upon the willows, and said, How can we sing the songs of Zion in a strange land?' But they now see the finger of God in all their sufferings, working out a way for their relief, and are constrained to sing, 'The Lord hath done great things for us, and we are glad.' They have been taught to regard God as the Author and Giver of

the great boon that has been conferred upon them, and will prove themselves worthy of it, not only by being diligent in business,' but also by being 'fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.””

Mr. Biggs writes from Bridgetown, Barbadoes:

"You will be glad to hear, that the glorious 1st of August was observed as a special day of thanksgiving to God, and religious rejoicing, on account of the entire abolition of the apprenticeship in this colony. At Bridgetown, halfpast 5 A. M., we had a prayer-meeting, when six or seven hundred persons were present; at which meeting ardent praise was ascribed to God from hundreds of grateful hearts, for his wise and overruling providence in bringing to pass such a joyful event.

"Our country chapels at Providence, Speight's-town, Belmont, Garrison, and other preaching places, were well attended by unusually large congregations, who were remarkably attentive and devout, in religiously observing this ever-memora ble day, the long-looked for West Indian jubilee. The observance of this day in such a peaceable and religious manner, throughout the colony, has far exceeded the expectations of the friends of entire emancipation, and surprisingly disappointed the fears of others.

"Since the 1st of August until now, with very few exceptions, all the labouring population are going on as heretofore in their various vocations, and in some instances with more satisfaction to all parties. If I may judge for myself, from what I have seen and heard, I cannot hesitate to say, that, upon the whole, the change is, in my view, as the aspect of cheerful spring, succeeding the winter's gloom.”

One melancholy piece of intelligence, casts a shadow on what otherwise would have been altogether a most joyous Notice. We allude to the information of the death of the Rev. Thomas H. Bewley, Superintendent of the Mission-schools in Jamaica. Mr. Bewley left Kingston on Thursday, the 5th of July, for the purpose of visiting the Mission-schools on the north side of the island; and preached at Stewart's-town, Trelawney, on Sunday morning, the 8th instant. On Tuesday, the 10th, he was attacked with fever, but unattended, it was thought, with any dangerous symptoms. On Thursday, however, appearances became alarming, and on Saturday forenoon, August 14th, he expired. During the whole sickness he was graciously supported. At one time, reference being

made to the "dark valley," he exclaimed, "O, it is not dark! it is not dark! it is all light!" A couple of hours before he died, he was asked if Jesus were precious to him, when he immediately replied, with a heavenly smile beaming from his countenance, "O yes! O yes!" A few hours after his interment, his bereaved widow arrived. She had been

sent for on the first appearance of danger, but was too late to see him alive.

friends and supporters of the great cause These are occurrences in which the support on the momentous truth con of Christian Missions must fall back for veyed by the quaintly-expressed but inworkmen, and carries on his work," valuable observation, "God buries his