In fine, this unpretending volume will be welcomed by Dr Duncan's congregation, friends, pupils, and the church to which he belonged. It embodies striking specimens of its author's talents and acquirements, and does honour to the taste and judgment of those, under whose editorial superintendence it has been given to the world. of scripture, the motto should have been, discussed with a point and fulness worthy "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find of such noble themes. These discourses out the knowledge of witty inventions." have no rhetorical embellishment, no His students sent him an affectionate brilliancy of colouring, no lustre of imaletter of condolence after his demission gination; but they are the products of a of office, a pleasing mode of testifying high order of mind, that captivates by respect for their venerated teacher. The the power of its varied conceptions. published writings of Dr Duncan were principally confined to the religious periodicals of his own denomination, in some of which for many years he bore a principal share of editorial contribution. An able essay on the being and attributes of God is a well known result of his authorship. That holy agitation which led to the union of the two branches of the Secession began at Mid-Calder, and Dr Duncan rejoiced in its progress and consummation. He also drew up the doctrinal portion of the United Testimony,- -a clear and comprehensive document. Many of our readers also will remember some papers from him in this Miscellany. With all his attainments Dr Duncan was always humble and modest. He had no ostentation. His piety was deep and unobtrusive. Had we space we might select a few extracts of his private experience from this biography. He was à devout man, and his soul was ever imbued with feelings of holy and awful veneration. He constantly realised the presence of Divinity. His disease deprived him indeed of bearing such testimony to the grace and faithfulness of Christ, as otherwise his experience and faith would have led him. His overwrought mind, sunk into decay with the paralysed frame in which it dwelt, yet in its weakness it still turned to the only source of comfort. The life of the spirit survived the death of intellect, and gave signs of its peace and hope when reason was quenched, and the senses had all but failed. We observe that in the recently issued copies of Dr Duncan's Memoirs, a note is appended, in reference to the Rev. Dr Hardy, which in justice to his memory we copy into our pages. "The writer of the Memoir of Dr Duncan requests the Editor of the United Secession Magazine to furnish to him an opportunity, through that periodical, of expressing his regret for the admission into the Memoir (p. 9) of a statement respecting the late Dr Hardy, Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the University of Edinburgh, representing him as having been an Arian in sentiment, which information, received subsequently to the publication of the work, proves to be incorrect, and which is therefore hereby withdrawn." THE BOOK OF London: Hamilton, Adams & Co. THE place which, by universal consent, Dr Henderson has earned for himself in the biblical literature of our country, We have left ourselves little room to must render it about as difficult for him speak of the volume, which has been to maintain his reputation, as it is for issued under the care of Dr Duncan's sons. others to acquire theirs. Happily, Dr The Memoir is the composition of the Henderson's qualities are of the sterling Rev. A. Duncan, Howgate. It is followed and durable kind. Clearness of appreby seven sermons, three lectures, and two hension, sobriety of judgment, patience, brief dissertations. The life is written caution, assiduity, combined with the with care and judgment. The sermons discipline of accurate scholarship and are admirable compositions. The first stores of sacred erudition, are the chaof them on the Divine Beneficence is racteristics on which the celebrity of the certainly worthy of its author's fame and author rests as a critic and an expositor; station; it is distinguished by vigorous and which, we acknowledge, led us to and sustained thought, easy and lucid open his new work with a host of anticistyle. All the sermons are very excel-pations, that we should be both inlent examples of pulpit composition. structed and pleased. The priesthood and sacrifice of Christ, On renewing our acquaintance with the cardinal doctrines of the gospel, are Dr Henderson, we are happy to say that this is very much the kind of book | scriptures abound. Without correct we expected and wished. The author exegesis, the figure would be misundershows at once his mastery of the subject, stood; without a nice appreciation of and his just discrimination in the selec- the metaphorical in style, the propriety tion of points to be explained; he per- of the image would be sacrificed to extrafectly understands what the reader needs vagance; and without a vigorous grasp to guide him; and to the supply of this of the sentiment, soberness would bedesideratum he confines himself. Hence come another name for lifelessness and his volume is in fact what it professes to insipidity. Tried by this standard, Dr be-a work of exegesis, designed to as- Henderson is a workman "who needeth certain and unfold the true import of the not to be ashamed." prophetic word. It is totally free of Dr Henderson was already well known digressions and excursions ;of every from his work on “Inspiration," and his thing in the shape of disquisition on "Commentary on Isaiah," to be an opparticular subjects on which the author ponent of the theory of a "double sense." might be disposed to enlighten his In the preface to this work, he intimates readers with his views at length. We that his present views on this question know few men whose lucubrations would are equally, if not more decided. Withbe more welcome on almost any ques-out discussing the point, we may, in justion that might come in his way within the wide range of critical and hermeneutical inquiry. But Dr Henderson keeps to his text-fixes at once on the term or periphrasis, or parallelism, or historical allusion, or grammatical connexion, or turn of thought, at which the student of the original pauses for explanation, in a sentence or two it is given him, and the author is again on his way, thus combining in an enviable degree the business of the expositor with the brevity of the scholiast. tice to Dr Henderson, observe, that in his hands the effect of interpretating on the principle of the single sense, is not, as some might apprehend, a curtailment of Messianic testimonies in the prophetical writings, but greater directness and decidedness in applying such passages to New Testament times, and to the character and work of Christ. For example, on Zech. xiii. 7. “Awake, O sword, against my Shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." "Various opinions have been formed The commentary is introduced with a general preface, in which Dr Henderson notes leading points in the critical history of the minor prophets-the respec-respecting the person here referred to. tive dates, order of arrangement, cha- Calvin thought he was Zechariah himracter of the style, period embraced, &c., self, as representative of all the prophets, together with the principles of interpre- and that the prophecy referred only intation on which his work is conducted. directly to Christ. Grotius, Eichhorn, To each book separately, there is a pre- Bauer, and Jahn, apply it to Judas fatory notice, taking up a few things Maccabeus; Maurer to Jehoiakim; connected with its criticism and history, Ewald to Peka; Hitzig to the pretended necessary to be known, and to be kept prophets spoken of in the preceding in view in proceeding with the subse-verses. The only satisfactory solution quent analysis. of the question is that which regards Among the difficulties which attend the words as directly and exclusively the interpretation of the Minor Prophets, prophetic of the person and sufferings may be mentioned the figures of speech of the Messiah. This solution so characteristic of their style, which, duced not only by our Saviour's express being often derived from sources some-appropriation of them to himself, Matt. what foreign to our modes of thinking, xxvi. 31, but also by the manifest idenand wrapt up in language remarkable tity of the subject treated of with that for its abruptness and conciseness, re- exhibited, chap. xi. 4, 7, 10-14. The quire of the expositor discrimination same subject there handled, is resumed and acuteness, combined with a just idea and treated just as it is there, in conof the character and state of the times. nexion with the downfall of the Jewish Philological information, critical skill, state. The prophecy contained in this a vivid conception, a chastened taste, all and the following verses, has no cohefind scope-are alike placed in requisition rence with what immediately precedes, -in the handling of sacred metaphors; and was evidently delivered upon a difand especially the bold and striking ferent occasion. A new section may, imagery with which the prophetical therefore, be considered as commencing in here, though it only extends to chap. | incurable, he was able to comfort others xiv. 5. The language employed is alto- by the comfort wherewith he himself was gether peculiar. Not only is the Mes comforted of God. With holy skill, and siah designated the Shepherd of Jehovah, with admirable tenderness and delicacy, to indicate the relation in which he stood he binds up the broken heart, and pours to the Father in the economy of re- into its wounds the healing balm of demption, but he is described as spiritual consolation. To all classes, and ny, the man of his union; i. e., especially to the bereaved, we strongly conjoined, or closely united to him. recommend these interesting letters. * * * * But of whom can While overflowing with love and piety, this association be predicated, except of many of them are distinguished for freshHim whose human nature was assumed ness and originality of thought; and the into the most intimate and perfect union homeliness of expression which not unwith the Divine-Immanuel, who was frequently occurs in them, renders them one with the Father; and who could all the more touching and effective. say, 'He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father!"" Pp. 334, 335. * In every view of it, this new volume of Dr Henderson's is altogether worthy of its author's distinguished name; and this, as our readers are aware, is about the highest praise we can bestow on it as a production eminently useful to the biblical student, and creditable to the author, and to the body to which he belongs. LETTERS, chiefly to Christians under Bereavement; and TRUE FAME, A Sermon. By the late Rev. JOHN JAMESON, Methven. With a MEMOIR of the Author, by the Rev. DAVID YOUNG, D.D., Perth. Second Edition. With additional LETTERS and POETRY. Edinburgh: Grant & Taylor. FROM our earliest years we were familiarly acquainted with Mr Jameson, and for a long period we enjoyed his intimate friendship. This little volume, therefore, we are aware, has charms for us which it cannot have for the general reader. To us, it is the memorial of a friend whom we highly admired and dearly loved, and under whose hospitable roof many of our happiest days and nights were spent. But apart from the circumstances which endear it to us, the volume possesses intrinsic merits of a high order, by which it is well fitted to impart pleasure and instruction to the general reader. Most of the letters were addressed to christian friends under bereavement; and Mr Jameson, by his tenderness of heart, his delicacy of feeling, and his warm piety, was qualified, in no ordinary degree, to speak a word in season to mourners in Zion. Moreover, having been a frequent mourner himself, and having found in his Saviour's love a sovereign balm for wounds otherwise The sermon, which concludes the volume, is very ingenious, full of original thinking, sometimes highly eloquent, and characterised throughout by a fine play of fancy. The memoir, by Dr Young, is worthy of his able pen; and this is saying a great deal. This second edition, besides being very neatly got up, is enriched with a considerable quantity of new matter, consisting of letters and poetry. It does much credit to the spirited publishers. MEMORIAL SKETCHES. By MARIA Edinburgh: W. P. Kennedy. : The DOCTRINES and PRACTICES of the new. It would be a not ungrateful Edinburgh: J. Johnstone. have no objection to meet with them in a modern form, tastefully done up, and shorn of their venerable dimensions, provided they are safe from the murderous mutilation of abridgements, and the emendations of officious editorship-alSTILLINGFLEET'S Work has long been lowing us still to recognise the real preappreciated by competent judges for its sence of the men of iron, the giants both learning and logical vigour. The book of tongue and pen, who fought the battles to which it is a reply is one of the most in this respect are for the most part of the truth in other days. Our wishes popular palliations of the Romanist creed, and one of the most barefaced specimens pleased with the specimen before us, of agreeably fulfilled. We are particularly of special pleading which its apologists the Nelson series of Puritan divines. It have ever put forth. A reply to it, either by the republication of Stillingfleet, or by choice could not have been made, to incommences with Bunyan. A better a new refutation, was called for by the state of the times, and especially by the the notice of the public. The thanks of troduce the undertaking favourably to general circulation of Gother's sophistries the churches are due to the enterprising in a small size for the delusion of the credulous and half informed. In this form publisher for bringing such writings still of the evil the present publication, how-more within the reach of readers geneever able as an exposure, is scarcely an rally. Every intelligent admirer of the appropriate antidote. Indeed, the editor Pilgrim's Progress will find much to grastates that this was not so much the tify him in the other works of Bunyan. object of the publication as the more ductions of the English pulpit, a richer There is not, we believe, among the progeneral one of giving a view of the true character of popery. It is not adapted specimen of free-grace preaching than in to tract readers. To do it justice, time Bunyan's sermons on the Jerusalem Sinand application, and a certain amount of ner Saved. This part alone is worth ten previous information, are requisite. To times the price of the two volumes. The first is introduced with a Memoir of those, however, who are in these respects qualified for its perusal, it will commend Bunyan, by the Rev. J. Hamilton of itself as a work of sterling merit. Dr London, which does honour to a pen Cunningham's editorship has greatly already known for some first ripe fruits added to the seasonableness of this of delightful promise. Prefixed to the edition. We are glad to meet the Doctor second volume is a critique on Bunyan's in any field, and especially in one in writings, by the Rev. Robert Philip, who which his course of reading and well has already done acceptable service to known controversial acumen and power Bunyan and his readers, as his biographer and commentator. The critique now given is founded on the discovery of the dates of various of Bunyan's works, from which Mr P. thinks may be traced so peculiarly fit him to do eminent and effectual service. His notes are excellent, and his hints for guiding the inquiries of the reader who would investigate the sources of the popish controversy for himself, greatly enhance the value of the production as a book for the times. WORKS of the ENGLISH PURITAN London: T. Nelson. the unwearied labours in the pulpit and the progress of the author's mind, in his press. It is pervaded by a fervent relish for the charms of the untaught, unpruned, half-inspired genius of the great original. The TRIAL and TRIUMPH of FAITH, by THIS series proceeds favourably. The K ther heavy, but incredibly cheap. It is one of the many spirited undertakings in which the Free Church has been a benefactor to the community. We wish the plan all manner of success. gion of Christ. We know no work better fitted than this to serve as an antidote to the infidelity which is diffusing its destructive poison among the masses of our population at the present day. The young man who has perused it with an ordinary degree of attention and intel A JOURNEY over the REGION of FUL-ligence, will be supplied, by its lucid FILLED PROPHECY. By the Rev. J. statements and reasonings, with a means A. WYLIE. Edinburgh: J. Johnstone. We have accompanied Mr Wylie in the course of his journeyings, and, at parting, are happy to say that we have found him an agreeable fellow-traveller-that we have never tired of his company, nor quarrelled with him by the way. He hurries us over the ground, when at times we might be disposed to linger, and inquire for a name or a date; but, on the whole, he is agreeably communicative in his narrations and descriptions; and sketches scenes with a fluency of style, with a readiness of historical recollection, and, above all, with a constant reference to the illustration and fulfilment of prophetical Scripture, which make his assistance as a guide both pleasing and instructive. As it is chiefly the young whom he invites to accompany him in his pilgrimages, we take the present opportunity to introduce Mr W. and our juvenile readers to each other, in the full expectation that they will be mutually pleased. ESSAY on the DIVINE AUTHORITY of the of defence from the insidious attacks of infidel neighbours, which, under the blessing of God, may save him from the from the distinctive principles of Christihand of the spoiler. The evidence arising anity; from the intrinsic excellence and in the New Testament; from the testiblessed tendency of the truths contained mony of the apostles; from manifold considerations which serve to confirm the witness which they bore; from miracles; from prophecy; and from the success of the gospel,-is unfolded in a manner sufficient to carry conviction to every candid and thoughtful mind. Nor are those chapters in which objections to the divine authority of the New Testament are considered, and the sentiments of Deists are examined, the least valuable portion of the work. information of the ministers of the SecesWe are delighted to announce, for the sion Church, that an association which has been formed in Edinburgh for opposing prevalent errors, has obtained a large supply.of this invaluable treatise from the London Religious Tract Society, on terms so low as to enable them to give sixpence per copy. Those desiring to it in quantities to ministers for about avail themselves of this admirable means of opposing the spread of infidel princiReligious Tract Society. ples, are requested to correspond with THIS treatise was drawn up by Dr Bogue, the Rev. Andrew Thomson, at Mr Alexat the request of the London Missionary ander Padon's, bookseller, Dundas Street, Society, for the purpose of its being Edinburgh. Let every minister throughtranslated into French, and circulated out the length and breadth of the Secesamong the people of France along with sion Church have from this time forward a large edition of the New Testament, his class of young men for the study of which that noble institution resolved, in the Evidences of Christianity, with the commencement of the present cen- Bogue's Essay as the text-book; let it tury, to print for the use of the infidel be circulated in thousands among the population of that country. There is rising hopes of our church; let its pringood reason for believing that the work ciples be instilled into their minds, and has not been unproductive of benefit its lessons engraven upon their conamong those for whom it was specially sciences; and then may we hope that designed. It is said that it fell into the" our sons shall be as plants grown up hands of Napoleon when in St Helena, in their youth," and that “we shall be and that the perusal of it overmastered his stubborn scepticism, and extorted from him an acknowledgment of the divine origin and authority of the reli delivered from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood." |