appears but a few removes from the unshackled license of Chinese.

Mr. Prosser's work, nevertheless, may be useful to those-and they are many-who have travelled by the royal unpointed road to their knowledge of the language. Those who want to know without trouble the meaning of Hebrew words will find it advantageous, not those who wish to know the Hebrew language.

The CLAIMS of EPISCOPACY REFUTED, in a Review of the Essays of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, and other Advocates of Diocesan Episcopacy, by the late Rev. JOHN M. MASON, D.D., of New York. With an Introduction and Appendix, by the Rev. JOHN BLACKBURN, Minister of Claremont Chapel, Pentonville. 12mo. Pp. 224.

Jackson and Walford.

We rejoice in this seasonable re-publication of the earnest and able arguments of Dr. Mason, in opposition to the exclusive claims of the advocates of Episcopacy. The English public are much indebted to the esteemed editor, for making them acquainted with so popular and energetic a treatise on a subject, at the present time, of absorbing interest. Our professions of Catholic forbearance and impartiality on modes of discipline and worship, are not feigned. We can affectionately fraternize, and hold fellowship with all who "hold the Head." We can look with complacency on the minor differences of opinion by which good men are distinguished, when we regard them as occasions for the exercise of forbearance, for the trial of love. To contend with earnestness for the great points of Gospel truth; to promote charity in respect to lesser differences, are our great objects. It is for this very reason we take pleasure in witnessing this republication of Dr. Mason's work, and in recommending it warmly to our readers. Because at this period, the exclusive claims of an apostolic succession through diocesan ordination, are put forward in support of views, and are themselves supported by arguments, that are equally calculated to overthrow our Protestant faith, and to impugn some of the most vital and cherished truths of the glorious Gospel. While at the same time these exclusive pretensions quench love, and prevent occasional fellowship among Christian brethren of one heart, and of one mind on the great doctrines of our evangelical faith. It is as the advocates of truth and charity that we must be the opponents of whatever cannot be supported without the aid of other authorities besides the sacred Scriptures; nor be held without unchurch

ing many flourishing communities of the faithful, and denying the validity of the ministerial character and services of many of the most devoted and honoured of the servants of Christ. We wish, indeed, there was a greater infusion of love into the energetic thoughts and language of the author. Truth is most powerful, most persuasive, when spoken "in love."

The PRACTICAL WORKS of RICHARD BAXTER with a Preface containing some account of the Author, and of this edition of his Practical Works; an Essay on his Genius, Works, and Times; and a Portrait. In 4 vols. imperial 8vo.

G. Virtue, Ivy-lane.

A greater benefit could scarcely perhaps accrue to society, than a revived attachment to the writings of such a man as Baxter. He is incomparably the most searching of all our English divines; and he has written so largely that few subjects included within the range of practical godliness have been overlooked by him. Some of his works, such as his "Saint's Rest," his "Dying Thoughts," and his "Call to the Unconverted," have happily become familiar to the public mind, and have been attended with an eminent blessing in the experience of thousands; but others of them equally deserving of notice, have either slumbered in obscurity, or been locked up in the studies of the learned. The former octavo edition of Baxter's practical works, being now, as we understand, almost completely exhausted, must have done somewhat towards extend

ing the knowledge of the labours of this great and good man; but Baxter must be still better generally known before he is fully appreciated; and when he is known to the full extent, the practical piety of the age will undergo a serious change for the better. Well might Dr. Bates say of Baxter, that "his works, for the number and variety of matter they contain, make a library;" and Bishop Wilkins, that he "cultivated every subject that he handled ;" and Dr. Manton, that "he came nearer the apostolical inspired writers, than any man in the age." We are much indebted to Wilberforce, and Chalmers, and Hall, and others, for the part they severally took in creating an appetite for the writings of Baxter; that they could relish the pungent divinity of Baxter's school was a proof of the healthy and active state of their piety.

That Baxter had some peculiar views upon the subject of Divine decrees, and that he was bitterly opposed to the highwrought Calvinism of his age, cannot be denied. A calm review, however, of his writings, and a candid allowance for the

spirit of his times, will place many of his peculiarities of sentiment, as well as temper, in a more favourable light than has generally been assigned to them by controversialists and polemics of any particular school. What Mr. Orme said of him is strictly true; "That he was more a Calvinist than an Arminian. His declared approbation of the Assembly's Confession,' and of the Synod of Dort's decisions, with trifling exceptions, is decisive on this point; while the general train of his writing, when he loses sight of controversy, is much more allied to the Genevese reformer, than to the Dutch remonstrants." What can be clearer than the following paragraph from his work entitled, "The End to Controversies." "Election," he observes, "and reprobation go not pari passu, or are not equally ascribed to God. For in election God is the cause of the means of salvation by his grace, and of all that truly tendeth to procure it. But on the other side, God is no cause of any sin which is the means and merit of damnation; nor the cause of damnation, but on the supposition of man's sin. So that sin is foreseen in the person decreed to damnation; but not caused; seeing the decree must be denominated from the effect and object. But in election, God decreeth to give us his grace, and be the chief cause of all our holiness; and doth not elect us to salvation on foresight that we will do his will, or be sanctified by ourselves without him."

The times in which Baxter lived were truly remarkable for a succession of great and agitating events. Such a spirit as Baxter's could not be expected to remain unaffected by those mighty upheavings of the public mind which convulsed society, deposed monarchs, and threw the various elements of the religious world into a state of turmoil and strife. It is, indeed, to be lamented, that Baxter evinced his share of human infirmity in the numerous controversies in which he engaged; but it must be conceded that his provocations were many and strong, and that the trials and afflictions of his life were such as to oppress and wound an over sensitive and irascible nature. It is truly refreshing, however, to mark how his perturbed spirit sought and found continual repose in communion with Heaven, and converse with the inspired oracles. Some of the most pathetic efforts of his pen were composed at times when either he was immured in prison, or his name cast out as evil by the enemies of vital godliness.

But we must not prolong this article, as our main object is to introduce this elegant and cheap edition of Baxter's practical works to the notice of our readers. It is a triumph of the modern press to embrace in four compact volumes such a huge mass of

Christian literature. Each volume contains about a thousand pages, and the matter is so judiciously disposed as to be perfectly readable. Both the paper and print are good. Prefixed to the first volume, we have an original "Essay on the Genius, Works, and Times of Richard Baxter," which, from internal evidence, we judge to be the production of the Rev. Robert Philip. It is a vivid, and, upon the whole, a just sketch, and abounds in passages of remarkable force and brilliancy. In doing justice to the seraphic piety of Baxter, we cannot help thinking that it marks with too little severity his polemic bitterness, his political tergiversation, and his defective notions of the real principles of religious liberty. But the Essay will abundantly repay a careful perusal, as it forms an excellent key to the writings of the immortal Baxter. We wish Mr. Philip would lay aside his taste for quaint writing, as we can assure him that he writes best when he gives up his search for perpetual antithesis.

After Mr. Philip's Essay follows an "account of the author, and of this edition of his practical works." This account is plain, practical, and elucidatory; and will be very serviceable to those who wish to judge for themselves as to the order they will follow in perusing the works of this great author.

In these four volumes, we have no fewer than thirty-three separate treatises, some of them, as, for instance, "The Christian Directory," "The Reasons of the Christian Religion,' "The Saint's Rest," lengthened and elaborate productions.

The portrait, which stands as a frontispiece to the first volume, is a well executed engraving, from one of Baxter's most approved likenesses; and the accuracy of the edition, so far as we have been able to test it, is such as to do credit to the editor and the printer. This acceptable offering to the Christian world is another of the triumphs of the Bungay press. We hope the time

will soon come when the cessation of monopoly, and competition in the printing of Bibles, will make the word of God as cheap in proportion as other books, in this highly favoured land.

The WOMEN of ENGLAND, their social duties, and domestic habits. By MRS. ELLIS, author of "The Poetry of Life," "Pictures of Private Life," &c. &c. 8vo, pp. 342.

Fisher, Son, and Co.

We are happy to be able to assure our readers that Mrs. Ellis, though she has ceased to be Miss Stickney, has lost nothing of her native sprightliness or genius; while she

nas evidently extended the range of her mental vision, strengthened her powers of intellect, and increased the stores of her information. The subject she has undertaken is confessedly a difficult one. Had she addressed herself to a consideration of the duties and domestic habits of women in general, her task would have been comparatively simple and easy of accomplishment; but to write with effect to the women of a particular country, such as England, requires a discrimination and a delicacy to which but few even of our best authors are equal. It is but bare justice to Mrs. Ellis to say, that she has treated her subject with remarkable tact and sagacity; and that she has made many pointed and faithful appeals to the women of her own country, without evincing any of that bitterness of spirit which might have neutralised the force of her counsels, or turned away the edge of her rebukes.

We are aware that some persons in look ing into these pages, will be ready to say, "Why are the great truths of Christianity, in their bearing upon the character of woman, so sparingly introduced into these pages?" The fair author's defence of herself for this feature of her work possesses considerable weight. "It is solely," she observes, "to the cultivation of habits that I have confined my attention-to the minor morals of domestic life. And I have done this, because there are so many abler pens than mine employed in teaching and enforcing the essential truths of religion; because there is an evident tendency in society, as it exists in the present day, to overlook these minor points; and because it is impossible for them to be neglected without serious injury to the Christian character." Our readers, however, must not allow themselves to suppose, that Christian principles and Christian motives are overlooked by Mrs. Ellis; by no means. They are always supposed, and often brought forth fully to view, with clearness and energy. But the work is divested of a theological garb, and for this reason, we believe it will be more useful in accomplishing the object which the author has in view, viz. the fixing an intense gaze on the little rices and the little virtues of domestic life, which go so far to embitter or sweeten the cup of human life.

The volume consists of thirteen chapters, viz.:-The Characteristics of Women in England-Influence of the Women of England-Modern Education-Dress and Manners-Conversation of the Women of England Conversation Domestic Habits, Consideration and Kindness-Social Intercourse-Caprice-Affection-Love of Admiration-Public Opinion-Pecuniary Resources-Integrity-Habits and Character

-Intellectual Attainments - Employment of Time-Moral Courage-Right Balance of Mind.

We have read this effort of Mrs. Ellis's pen with pleasure, and, we hope, profit; and regard it as eminently fitted to correct many existing abuses in female society, and more particularly in families professing godliness, in which all the soft charities which adorn and sweeten life ought to shine forth with marked and attractive brilliancy.

CORNELIUS the CENTURION. By F. A. KRUMMACHER, D.D. Translated from the German. With Notes and a Biographical Notice of the Author. By the Rev. JOHN W. FERGUSON, A.M., Minister of St. Peter's Episcopal Chapel, Edinburgh. Vol. XXII. of the Biblical Cabinet, royal 18mo.

T. Clark, Edinburgh; and J. G. and F. Rivington, London.

We are glad to find that the Biblical Cabinet still continues to find favour with the public, though its success is by no means equal to its real value as a Treasury of Biblical knowledge. It is much to be lamented that works of light reading and secular literature find more favour often in even professing circles, than laborious treatises intended to aid in the elucidation of the sacred text. If we could make our voice to be heard and regarded, we would say to the heads of every Christian family in Great Britain, able to make the slender pecuniary sacrifice," Do not fail to procure, for the benefit of your children, the Biblical Cabinet,' which contains a mass of well-digested information on almost all topics connected with the language, literature, and interpretation of the living oracles." In giving this advice earnestly, which we do most sincerely, we do not shut our minds to the fact, that all the volumes in this treasure of Biblical knowledge are not of equal value; nor do we conceal from our readers that some of the articles, as, for instance, Mr. Umbreit's introduction to his new version of the book of Job, are of dubious theology; but with these frank admissions, and all that can fairly be included under them, we do say, that in such a country as Great Britain, and in such an age as this, a compendium of Scriptural Philology, like the Biblical Cabinet, ought to command a sale of many thousands, and ought to prove alike remunerative to the publishers and the translators. If this hint of ours should prove serviceable to the proprietors of the Biblical Cabinet, and should be the means, by an increased sale of the work, of inducing them to proceed in their laudable undertaking, we shall indeed greatly rejoice,

The theology extracted by Mr. Dunn is not miscellaneous but systematic, forming a body of doctrinal and practical instruction. Mr. Fletcher's biography, which precedes the theology of the book, is more full and complete than we could have expected. It is, indeed, not a mere miniature, but a whole-length portrait of one of the brightest ornaments of the Wesleyan communion. For though he was Vicar of Madely, he belonged more to the Methodists than to the Establishment. He was a native of Switzerland, and while living in Mr. Hill's family, as tutor to his sons, joined a Methodist class; when he had taken Episcopal orders, (though bred a Presbyterian,) he was such a parish priest as would not now be suffered. He was too apostolical for those who at present love to talk of apostolical succession. Lady Huntingdon having formed at Trevecca, a college for young ministers, of which Mr. Benson was tutor, Mr. Fletcher became President. But when the controversy between the Calvinistic and Arminian Methodists arose, Mr. F. took part in the latter, and became celebrated as their most acute and eloquent advocate. But, if mistaken, he was conscientious, and kind, and had less of the odium theologicum than most of those who engaged in that controversy. He married a woman of kindred spirit, who survived him some years as a preacher; for females were, in the earlier days of Methodism, not silent in the cause. He died August 14, 1785, in his 56th year, worn out with la

bours and austerities, always well intended, but often carried to cruel excess, especially before he saw the way of salvation by grace.

As a divine, he laboured to oppose Checks to Calvinism, which he did not understand, and which many of its zealous advocates helped him to mistake; for the whole methodist body, Calvinistic and Arminian, was distinguished by zeal without knowledge. None of them were blessed with a theological education; but came groping their way out of total night, and almost as soon as they had any experimental knowledge of the power of religion, they came into a field of busy action and continued controversy; so that they never became divines.

Mr. Fletcher's zeal for Arminians will however be forgiven by many a Calvinist, for the sake of his zeal in behalf of justification by faith, and of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, of which the following is a specimen.

Regeneration is that mighty change whereby a natural man is made a spiritual, or a new man, and he that was a child of the devil, becomes by grace a child of God. For as by one natural birth we are made in the likeness of fallen Adam, called 'the old man,' the first man; so by this spiritual birth we become 'new creatures,' spiritual men, and sons of God in Jesus Christ, the second Adam.

"The work of grace whereby we are thus born again, is so great that St. Paul calls it a " new creation;' and it deserves that name; for thereby the soul of man is renewed throughout, with all the powers and faculties thereof; his carnal, sensual, earthly disposition is turned into a heavenly and spiritual one; his blind understanding is enlightened with the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ; his stubborn and perverse will becomes obedient and conformable to the will of God; his conscience, before seared and benumbed, is now quickened and awakened; his hard heart softened; his unruly affections crucified; and his body, whose members were before ministers of unrighteousness, is now ready to put into execution the good intentions of the mind."

is designed by texts for every day in the year, to show how admirably adapted is the word of God for all times and all cases. A large part of the volume consists of quotations from sacred poetry, many of them so appropriate, instructive, and beautiful, that we should like to know their authors; but, not having selected with a view to publication, the compiler was not able to give to every one his due. As the female taste is seen in the predominance of the poetry, this volume would make a very acceptable and useful present to a young lady. There are prayers interspersed which may assist those sisters of Hannah, who, like her, pour out their hearts to God.

We love these closet companions, because we love closet religion; and are most anxious that it should be cherished by every disciple of Christ; for he that honours God in secret shall be honoured by him openly. The spirit and conduct of some make us fear that the walls of their closet cry out against them. Pour out, Lord, the spirit of prayer upon us!

FUNERAL SERVICES occasioned by the lamented death of the Rev. ROBERT S. M'ALL, LL.D., of Manchester: The Sermon, delivered in Mosley-street Chapel, Sabbath morning, August 5th, 1838, by the Rev. THOMAS RAFFLES, D.D., LL.D., of Liverpool; the Address, delivered in the Chapel, on the morning of the interment, by the Rev. JOHN ELY, of Leeds; and the Oration at the grave by the Rev. JOHN ANGEL JAMES, of Birmingham. 8vo.

Hamilton, Adams, & Co.

This volume will be truly acceptable to a large circle of Christian people, both in town and country. It is pervaded throughout by the best feeling, and contains much well-authenticated information respecting its lamented subject. All the Brethren whose addresses appear in the volume seem to have been under an unction from the Holy One. The occasion was solemn and responsible, beyond what is common, and they appear to have been struck and awed by the position in which Divine Providence had placed them. Their hearts were moved, and hence they moved the hearts of those who heard them.

Our friend Dr. Raffles will pardon us for the use we have made of his Discourse in the Memoir department of the Magazine.

TRAVELS IN TOWN. By the Author of

"Random Recollections of the Lords and Commons," "The Great Metropolis," &c. &e. In 2 vols. 12mo.

Saunders and Otley.

These volumes are by no means devoid of

interest to the religious world. The author appears to be well acquainted not only with all the secular movements of this great Metropolis, but also with whatever pertains to Church and Dissent. He has laid before his readers many striking facts, and administered many useful counsels. Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Independents, Baptists, Unitarians, &c. &c. are all described, and we must say with considerable accuracy. The periodical press is also dissected, and we cannot but thank the author for the honourable mention which he has made of our humble labours. From the spirit of the work, we should be led to conclude that the writer is a Christian and Nonconformist.

MOTHERS' STORIES; or, Traditions and Recollections. By ESTHER COPLEY. 12mo, pp. 250.

Houlston and Co.

This volume consists of six deeply-interesting narratives, written in the fair author's best style, viz. The Orphans; the Maiden Ladies; the First Servant; Vicissitudes; the Emigrant; the Vanity of Human Wishes, or the Separated Child. Some of the facts recorded are most touching to the heart, and all are narrated in a manner truly engaging to young minds.

THE CALL to HEAR the CHURCH EXAMINED. By the Rev. JOHN ELY, Minister of Salem Chapel, Leeds. 12mo. Fifth thousand.

Jackson and Walford.

This Tract is peculiarly seasonable at the present moment, when the Popish pretensions of many writers of the Oxford Tract class are going far towards the demolition of the grand bulwarks of Protestantism. Mr. Ely is a writer of great vigour, sound information, and eminently Christian spirit. We are happy to find that the Tract is very largely demanded.

LITTLE WILLY. A Widowed Mother's Memorial of a beloved child. Second Edition. With an Introduction by the Rev. WILLIAM JAY. 32mo.

Nisbet and Co.

We really do not know when we met with so striking an account as this of infant piety. What a comfort to the mother who had to lose such a child must have been its breathings after Christ and heaven! We congratulate our venerable friend Mr. Jay upon the fact of being the grand-sire of such a sweet lamb of Christ's fold.