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consequence, and that it is mainly to its prominence and application that the volume before us owes its originality, usefulness, and power.

But it is time that we justify this encomium by a short analysis of the book. In attempting to convey an idea of its nature and extent, we shall abstain altogether from quotations (although these discourses are rich in suitable materials), and confine ourselves to an abstract of the argument, and a few remarks upon its merits.

feated the grand design of Providence, which all preceding dispensations were employed to accomplish. The example of Jesus Christ, defective and pernicious, if he were only a frail human being. The religious character and habits of Unitarians, a conclusive evidence against the scriptural origin of their theory of belief. The degenerating tendency of Unitarianism.

These titles represent in some manner the tenor of the ratiocination employed, but they convey only a very imperfect idea of the power with which it is prosecuted until it reaches its aim, and leaves its impression. The question as to the person of the Saviour is shown to be one which may be settled by moral evidence; and moral evidence, when it is appealed to for the purpose, is shown with irrefragable certainty to proclaim that person to be Divine. Apart from the determination of the meaning of particular passages of scripture, and the fluctuating tendencies of a minute verbal criticism, man's unbiassed reason is thus led to own that Jesus is the Son of God.

These discourses are twelve in number. They might with greater propriety, perhaps, be termed dissertations. They partake of the character of regular arguments on the successive topics on which they touch, and they come to a point only as they draw to a close. The first three of them are properly introductory, containing successively a statement of the doctrine to be defended in regard to the person of Christ, an inquiry into its importance, and an examination of the most plausible popular objections to the opinion just propounded. Of this part of the book suffice it to say, that it is candid, comprehensive, and acute. In This mode of defending our Lord's the next four discourses, the author en- Divinity is no invention of modern tirely considers the testimony borne as times: and in this sense of the word we to the person of Jesus Christ, and the cannot claim for Mr East's discourses primary design of his mission by the the merit of originality. But in the only prophets, by John the Baptist, and the sense in which originality can either be evangelists, by Jesus Christ himself, expected or desired on such a subject, and by his apostles. This department it must be awarded to them. They set of the work displays less of Mr East's the argument under the strongest light. peculiar ability, we think, than may be They assign to it its just relative importtraced elsewhere, if we except the singu- ance. They guard it against misapplilarly able discussion in the sixth chapter, cation. They give it, so far as we know, of Christ's own testimony to his proper its first complete shape. Even an oppoDeity. We do not mean that this part nent, we think, cannot fail to admire the of the book is defective, but that in other mingled ingenuity, carefulness, and imtreatises, such as those of Pye Smith and partiality, with which the laws of moral Wardlaw, the directly scriptural argu- evidence are sifted by the author for the ment for our Lord's Divinity is so purpose of testing the validity of the arcompletely exhausted as to leave no- gument, which they are at the same time thing more to be desired. At the same demonstrated to furnish in behalf of the time, even here we can notice the speci- supreme Divinity of Jesus Christ. Hence cially discriminative turn of our author's it is that this work is likely to be a most mind in the relative prominence assigned useful one. We can conceive, indeed, to the passages he selects, as well as in nothing more adapted to do good in rehis homely, but effective, method of stat-moving the doubts which may be awaking their lessons.

The chapters which follow, however, appear to us to constitute the chief claim which this volume possesses on our admiring attention. These take up in succession the following points :-The bearing of the fact, that the witnesses who testified of Christ raised the question of his Divinity. The mission of Jesus Christ, if he were a mere man, has de

ened in some minds on this momentous subject, by specious Unitarian objections to particular passages of the Bible, or the cunning suggestion of special difficulties, than the perusal of these discourses, proving, as they do so plainly, that the general strain of scripture, and the general design of Christianity, alike require a divine Saviour, unless those laws of moral evidence are set at defi

ance, in the exercise of which alone the | eye of the mind, as well as that of taste, one is owned to be of God, and the other has been duly considered in the producto have come from heaven. Experience, tion. we know for a fact, has already set its seal, in more instances than one, upon the truth of these remarks.

BIBLE EMANCIPATION.

By ADAM
THOMSON, D.D.
Edinburgh: John Johnstone.

The faults of the book are few, and we have little heart to notice them. The A TRIUMPHANT statement of the results style throughout is lively and compact, of free trade in cheapening and exbut the continuously argumentative tending Bible circulation. To Dr Thomstrain of the work is at times unhappily son it must be peculiarly gratifying to broken in upon by a burst of invective, record successes which his energies were or a rhetorical flourish, more appropriate so zealously directed to secure. The in the public assembly than on the writ- body of the pamphlet consists of extracts ten page. Other occasional inaccuracies from, and remarks upon, the last report are obviously to be traced to the press. of the Bible Board. Dr Thomson preAs a whole, we regard this volume as fers exhibiting the facts in their language, a most valuable addition to the theolo- and in this we shall partly follow his exgical literature of our country, and we ample:take farewell of it with unfeigned gratitude to the author, and under a firm conviction that this defence of his Master's honour will not, even as regards human approbation, lose its reward.

The TRUE SECRET of SUCCESS in CHRIS-
TIAN CHURCHES. A Sermon preached
at the opening of the United Secession
Synod. By the Rev. JOHN LAMB,
Errol.

Glasgow: David Robertson.
To all who heard this sermon, it will
be no common gratification to posesss
it in print. It is not every day one

meets with so much of valuable matter exhibited in a style so quiet and unpretending. The sentiments are beautiful and appropriate, always natural, often striking; the composition in keeping throughout with the mind of the discourse, contains examples of fine writing, in the best sense of the word, and every where bears the impress of the sound judgment, correct taste, and scriptural knowledge of the preacher. We give the discourse our warmest commendation.

The GALLERY of SCRIPTURE ENGRAV-
INGS, 1847.
FISHER'S DRAWING-ROOM SCRAP-BOOK,

1847.

The JUVENILE SCRAP-BOOK, 1847. Fisher, Son & Co. SUSTAINING the uniformity of excellence which Fisher's annuals have hitherto exhibited, the above call for little else but a repetition of the opinion we expressed on other parts of the series. The first mentioned of the present set, has a value of its own, beyond that of the exquisite plates with which it is beautified, in that the letter-press is from the pen of Dr Kitto a sufficient guarantee that the

Since the date of our last Report, May 1842, there have been published, under the authority of the Board, sixty editions of the Bible. From January 1844 to January 1845, sixteen editions of the Bible were published; consisting, in round numbers, of 200,000 copies. From January 1845 to January 1846, twenty-one editions were published, the number of copies amounting to 312,000. From January 1846 to May 1846, five editions, consisting of upwards of 47,000 copies, have been published; and there are several editions now under the judgment of the Board.'

66

Although," says Dr T., "the present number of our machines and presses, till long after January 1845, was not completed by about one-half, yet the copies printed at Coldstream from that period till January 1846, exceeded by 44,400 the number of the copies printed by all other parties throughout Scotland; and of the 47,000 copies published from Jan. 1846 to May 1846, 30,450, or only 16,550 fewer than the whole, were printed here.

"The great increase which has resulted from the abolition of the monopoly,' the Report goes on to state, 'is placed in a still more imposing point of view, when we advert to the fact, that the number of Bibles printed under the superintendence of the Scotch Board during the year ending January 1846, exceeds the total number printed by authority in Great Britain during either of the years 1832, 1833.' What, however, will, perhaps, be thought still more wonderful-and is certainly a more striking proof of the increase of Bible circulation, as resulting from the reduction in price, since the abolition of the monopolythe number of Bibles printed at Coldstream alone in the year 1845, exceeds

by 23,780 the whole number printed during the year 1832 in all England by the Queen's Printers, and both the privileged Universities! "But what must be the increase of Bibles printed in England now, when besides all that were sold by booksellers to individuals, to families, to schools, and to congregations, there were disposed of by the British and Foreign Bible Society alone, during last year, the enormous number of 1,441,651, viz.: from the Depository at home, 1,104,787, from Depots abroad, 336,864, being 525,840 copies more than in the preceding year!!! --and I may add, being probably above a million more than in any one year prior to the abolition of the Bible monopoly in Scotland!"

obtained at the expense of economy. Covers pasted on, and dropping off like a shell, after the wear of a few weeks, make dear Bibles in the end. To his other services, we trust Dr T. will add that of setting a sturdy face against such dear-bought cheapness.

Dr Thomson has had some correspondence with the British and Foreign Bible Society, from which it appears that a cheap tender made by him of sacred scriptures, for colonial circulation, has been rejected. As the case stands, Dr T. has certainly the best of it, the committee having no right, as we judge, to reject the proposal without reasons assigned. The influence, however, of a Free Bible press in Scotland, has been most beneficially felt by the Society, as appears from last year's issues above noted.

COMFORTABLE WORDS for CHRISTIAN
PARENTS BEREAVED of LITTLE CHIL-
DREN. By JOHN BROWN, D.D.

"But the increase in the number of Bibles printed,' adds the report, is not more remarkable nor more gratifying than the greatly reduced price at which copies of the inspired volume are now sold. It is undeniably to the reduction of price which free competition has effected, that the increased Edinburgh: W. Oliphant and Sons. circulation is to be attributed. On THIS little volume was occasioned by the comparing a catalogue of Bibles, New early death of a little daughter-an unTestaments, Psalm and Prayer Books, commonly amiable and interesting child. &c., published by your Majesty's late It is full of "good words fitly spoken." Printers in 1838-about a year before The bereaved parent comforts others the expiry of their patent-with an- with the same comforts wherewith he other published by the same parties himself had been comforted of God. in 1845, a great reduction of price will The conclusion at which Dr Brown arbe found to have been made on every rives, is one at which we are happy in edition of the Bible sold by them. For thinking along with him. It is a concluexample, the Quarto Bible with Blay- sion, however, at which we have seen ney's Marginal References, Pica letter, some authors arrive by paths, in which Royal paper, including Psalms and Para- we could not and durst not follow them. phrases, has been reduced from L.1, 1s. This is not the case with the present 3d. to 11s.; the Octavo Bible, Small work. There is no bold speculation, or Pica letter, Royal paper, with Psalms reckless assertion. A scriptural concluand Paraphrases, from Ss. 3d. to 4s. 4d.; sion is reached by a scriptural pathway, the 12mo Bible, Nonpareil, Crown paper, and in harmony with the strongest asserwith Psalms and Paraphrases, from 2s. 1d. tions of the truth taught by an apostle, to ls.; and the 24mo Bible, Pearl letter, that "in Adam all die." Instructive to with Psalms and Paraphrases, from 2s. all, this book will often be found on the 3d. to 9 d. The editions in which the table of those who have been tried by greatest reduction in price had been one of the darkest of divine dispensamade, are the 12mo Nonpareil, and the tions. It is most perspicuous in state24mo Pearl-the cost of the former hav-ment, and skilful in binding up the ing been reduced 52, and of the latter bleeding heart, and is the evident pronearly 65 per cent. The editions now duction of at once a masculine intellect, noticed are those in most frequent use." ."" and matured piety.

Dr T. is of opinion that, "in consequence of the extraordinary competition called forth, a still greater reduction has taken place in the binding than on the sheets." Binding, to be cheap, must be sufficient. If we may judge from some specimens nearer our own door than Coldstream, we would say that there is a danger of cheapness in binding being

LECTURES on the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. By the Rev. GEORGE Cheever, D.D., of New York.

William Collins.

For neatness and cheapness, nothing behind any of the editions that have as yet appeared of these singularly popular lectures.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-FOREIGN.

TURKEY.

terror, where you have nothing whereTHE progress of evangelical truth among with to produce conviction. They hose the Armenian population of the Turkish minds and hearts are under the influence empire, to which we have repeatedly had of truth, regard with pity and compassion, occasion to make pleasing reference, con- those who may have turned aside from it, tinues stedfast, notwithstanding that oc- and refer to them "even with weeping;" currences have recently taken place in those whose minds and hearts are imopposition to it, sufficiently trying to bued with the spirit of falsehood, regard flesh and blood. The American Board those who forsake them, with the mortiremark, that this reformation among the fication of wounded pride, and the hatred Armenians," is moving forward with still of a deadly resentment. "By their fruits more evidence of being a genuine work ye shall know them." A new patriarch of divine grace." Greater progress has recently installed over the Armenian been made within the year than during Church, at Constantinople, has set himany period of equal length, since the self strenuously to oppose the spread commencement of the mission. The of scriptural truth, and has taken his doctrine of justification by faith, without measures with singular skill and sagathe deeds of the law, is one of the earliest city. "But the foolishness of God is seized on by the converts, and, in general, wiser than men." The patriarch does is clearly apprehended by them. Their not seem to be opposed to the impiety has more of primitive simplicity, provement and elevation of his people and more of a prayerful spirit, than is by general education. It is even supcommon in our country. The number posed that he would change or abolish in any one place is indeed small; but certain practices of his church, were he the light is beginning to shine over the to consult merely his individual preferempire. Among these, at Trebisond, and ences. But he is watched with a jealous in one or two places where no mission- eye by the bankers, who compose the ary has ever resided, the progress of the wealthier lay members of that commureformation has been greatest. The nity, and the first step to a thorough missionaries have efficient native helpers; reform would bring on him that odious several priests are obedient to the faith, and much dreaded ephithet, “protestant.” and take a lively interest in its progress; The power of the Armenian hierarchy, and there are others, whose labours are over their own members, has been not a little blest. The seminary at Bebek hitherto such, that in various hidden has twenty-six members; and soon, it is ways they could severely oppress them, believed, will have few pupils who are without becoming obnoxious to the not candidates for the ministry of the penalty of law. Their influence is Word. It is the resort of numerous visi- great over those who command the retants, and has become an important sources of labour, trade, and worldly preaching station. The same result is prosperity. When any member of the expected from the female seminary, which Armenian Church gets his eyes opened is to be established in Pera or Galata. to its superstitions, the anathema of The Armenian ecclesiastics have, as usual, excommunication can be issued against taken alarm at this breaking up of con- him; which has the effect of making fidence in their creed, and superstitious him almost an outlaw from society, and rites of worship; and have resorted to shutting against him nearly every possithe common weapon of self-defence, em- ble avenue of subsistence. Since the ployed by all false or corrupted systems patriarch of Constantinople uttered his of religion; the persecution of those who, excommunication against a great numfrom a conviction of the truth, withdraw ber whom he designates "gospel readers," from them. This is the most natural parents, having gospel reading children, and easiest, though not always the most have turned them out of doors, lest the effectual way, for the adherents of error curse should spread through the whole maintaining, and giving enlargement to family. Many have been dismissed their own systems. The easiest way of from employment. None of their own spreading them is by the sword; the people will buy from them, or sell to easiest way of putting a stop to secession them. Even the water carriers of the from them, is by anathema, imprison- street refuse to take water to any house ment, and death. You can soon awaken where any of the accursed reside. Many

of them, both individuals and families the government at Constantinople, which have found refuge and subsistence in immediately brought out a vizerial letter, the houses of British and American as it is termed,-a letter of instruction Christians. The persecution has broke from the head of the government, to the out with similar violence at the other pasha of that city, ordering him to put a missionary stations further east. A stop to the persecution; and embodying missionary writes from Erzeroom, the in it a recognition for the first time by principal city of ancient, Armenia; the government of protestantism. This among the Armenians of this city document bears, that, "as is well known there is less religious liberty than among the protestant faith has of late spread the Mussulmans. About eight weeks among the Armenians, and those emsince, two individuals who had embraced bracing it had been anathematized, and Mahomedanism, wishing to return to the business brought to a stand, in consechristian faith, were allowed to do so, quence; that the sultan had therefore without suffering any injury; the English ordered the patriarch to be forbidden to commissioner now resident here, having interfere with them, and that all the interposed in their behalf with great authorities concerned should concur in energy and decision. But the tyrant protecting such persons; your excellency who presides over this christian commu- will follow the same rule: the Armenian nity, inflicts the severest punishment on priests and community shall not be perany of its members for simply reading mitted in any way to persecute or interthe scriptures, speaking with one an- fere with them, provided their life is decent other regarding them, or meeting for and orderly; this official letter has been instruction from this sacred book." written that your excellency may protect Several individuals there, some of high and defend them; and on receipt of it, you influence, have been bastinadoed and will be pleased to act accordingly." It otherwise maltreated by the bishop. is noticed by the same correspondent, Happily, however, this persecution has that the council of public instruction at not only wrought its own cure; but in Constantinople, has, since the return of the orderings of a holy providence, has the sultan from the provinces, actively led to an advance in religious liberty, not resumed its labours; it is resolved that a previously known in the Turkish Empire. normal school be established; and it is From the correspondence of the London also proposed immediately to put into newspapers it will be learned, that activity about 20,000 primary schools for an appeal and complaint was carried moslems in the Turkish provinces. The by one of the oppressed at Erzeroom, to anxiety for European education is great.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-DOMESTIC.

UNITED SECESSION CHURCH.

PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES.

Edinburgh, November 3.-The presbytery met this day. They sustained three calls: one addressed to Mr John Young, probationer, by the congregation of West Linton; a second addressed to Rev. Dr Eadie of Glasgow, by the congregation of Rose Street, Edinburgh; a third addressed to Mr John Scott jun., probationer, by the congregation of Back Street, Dalkeith. Notices of the calls to the probationers were ordered to be sent to them; and a commissioner appointed to lay Dr Eadie's call, with relative documents, on the table of the Presbytery of Glasgow at its first meeting. An address, as ordered, was circulated on the subject of Sabbath Schools; and

a committee was appointed to devise a scheme for meeting with Sabbath scholars, and the young of our church generally within the bounds, to be held on the first day of the ensuing year, the Rev. Andrew Thomson, convener. Certificates were had from the professors, attesting the attendance and diligence of the students during the last session of the Divinity Hall. Messrs Inglis, Dickson, Thomson, Scott, Cooper, Pringle, and Grant, having completed their course of study, were examined in theology, and entered on trials for license. A scheme of exercises for the students of the other years was sanctioned; and the presbytery resolved to carry out the superintendence of their studies, ac

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