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REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

The WORKS of THOMAS CHALMERS, D.D., and LL.D., Professor of Theology in the University of Edinburgh, and Corresponding Member of the Royal Institute of France. 12mo. Vol. I. to XIII.

Collins, Glasgow; and Hamilton, Adams, and Co., London.

THERE can be no doubt that Dr. Chalmers is entitled to be regarded, on various accounts, as a real benefactor to his age and nation. His conversion has been as marked in its results, as it was striking and peculiar in its occurrence. When he became a Christian, he threw off all that kind of restraint which a worldly prudence would have dictated, and consecrated his genius and his brilliant powers to the advancement of genuine and heart-felt godliness. Already is it a matter of history, that his eloquent assertion of evangelical doctrine, from the pulpit and the press, has contributed, in a surprising degree, to the reformation of the Scottish National pulpit; and that, by his accession to the Calvinistic section of the clergy of the kirk, he has done much, by the blessing of God, to render intolerable the ethical harangues of the moderates, so long the prevailing party in the northern Establishment. We can even endure with patience the Chalmerian imitations of the rising clergy of Scotland, while we think of the mighty impulse which the modern reformer of the kirk has given to the taste for evangelical ministrations in the land of Knox, and Boston, and Rutherford, and Erskine, and Brown.

Much of this blessed fruit has sprung from the access which Dr. Chalmers has gained to the minds of the rising ministry of his country, by his official connexion with the Universities of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh. No professor of a college could have employed his influence, as a public lecturer, to better purpose, than has Dr. Chalmers. His ascendency over the minds of his students, has been acquired far more by the force and energy of great principles, than even by the brilliancy of his conceptions, and the originality of his diction. The consequence has been, that candidates for the ministry, who entered college without any settled love of truth, and without any solid acquaintance with the evangelical scheme, have been so arrested by the earnestness and eloquence of the lecturer's appeals, that, from being mere aspirants to a lofty and honourable calling, they have longed to become good ministers of Jesus Christ. We do not venture these remarks at random; we have seen and conversed

with some of the men, who have felt the happy contagion of Dr. Chalmers' mode of lecturing, both at St. Andrew's and in the Scottish metropolis.

His writings, too, have been of incalculable service to the interests of vital Christianity. The peculiarity, and, with all its defects, the astounding grandeur of his style, first drew towards them the attention of the public; and their energetic assertion of the elementary doctrines of sovereign grace familiarised the minds of thousands with the great realities of the gospel scheme, who, but for the influence of the author's genius, might never have been accosted by the voice of truth. This has been permanently the case, in the higher circles, both in Scotland and England.

As a preacher, too, Dr. Chalmers has realised a degree of popularity rarely equalled, perhaps never surpassed; and few, indeed, have listened to him, in his happiest moments, without feeling something of "the powers of the world to come." His very defect, as a writer, has tended to render impressive, in an unusual degree, his pulpit ministrations. The limited range of his ideas, connected with the vivid and original manner in which he is wont to enforce them upon the human heart and conscience, must be pronounced to be peculiarly favourable to stirring and powerful emotion, on the part of those who listen to him.

The admirable manner, likewise, in which he carried out the duties of the pastoral office, while minister of the Tron church and St. John's, Glasgow, threw him into contact with thousands of observant and intelligent minds,- (many of whom were beneficially acted upon by the force and brilliancy of his character,)-secured for him one of the amplest fields of pastoral devotedness ever intrusted to a human being in our world. We are, indeed, thoroughly convinced, that of Dr. Chalmers posterity will say, that "the world has been the better and the happier, that he appeared upon its public stage, and lived and laboured his appointed time."

His writings, some of which we have noticed before, are most of them the result of his labours as a preacher or a professor. No man has known better than Dr. Chalmers, how to work up to advantage all the fruits of his studious hours. He has even committed the offence, if such it may be called, of using, more than once, and in different ways, the same materials; so that, when he overtakes a new vein of precious ore, as he digs into the mine of truth, his

best friends rejoice in seeing him diverted from old tracks of favourite pursuit. The repetition, however, of trains of thought, formerly advanced, is the more pardonable in his case, from the new and rich colourings with which he invests them. Still we are of opinion, that if Dr. Chalmers had laboured more to extend the range of his mental vision, and far less in the dexterous process of passing off old trains of thought as if they were new creations, the powers of his mind would have been greatly strengthened, and a proportionate benefit would have resulted from the efforts of his prolific pen.

We share, in common with all honest and virtuous minds, the pleasure derived from seeing a new and neat edition of Dr. Chalmers's works, published in a portable manner, and at a cheap rate. We shall not attempt an elaborate review of a series of productions, upon the merits of most of which, the leading periodicals of the day have already pronounced; but shall content ourselves by a hasty glance at the author's several productions, as they are arranged in the present beautiful edition.

Vols. I. and II. are devoted to Natural Theology; and contain the substance of Dr. Chalmers's Bridgewater Treatise, with such additions as the subsequent reading and reflection of the author have induced him to supply. Those who wish to know the real province of Natural Theology, and to see it purged from the mistakes which pervade the works of many who have written ably upon some of its branches, will derive much edification from the perusal of these two volumes. The uses and defects of natural theology are well illustrated by Dr. Chalmers; and we are of opinion that this work will more fix his reputation as an author of celebrity, than any of his other productions. We wish earnestly that he had re-written it, and cleared it of the passages from his other works, which divest it of originality, without adding materially to its real strength.

Vols. III. and IV. include the author's views on the Miraculous and Internal Evidences of the Christian Revelation, and the Authority of its Records. This portion of the doctor's works appeared originally in the Edinburgh Encyclopædia; and we are glad to find, that by an addition of about three-fourths of new matter, he has enhanced the value of the treatise, and rescued it from some of those objections, too querulously urged by Dr. Mearns of Aberdeen, when first it appeared. By exhibiting the true character and importance of the internal evidence of the gospel, he has increased, rather than diminished the force of what he had advanced, with such convincing power, on the subject of external

evidence. In its present form, the work is an admirable and unanswerable defence of the truth of Christianity.

Vol. V., which has never been published before, contains the substance of Dr. Chalmers's lectures, while at St. Andrew's, on the subject of moral and mental philosophy; and is chiefly distinguished by the high ground which it takes in asserting the only true basis of morality, viz., the law of God. It must have been a great treat to hear him deliver, in his own way, the beautiful trains of thought contained in this volume. All students should peruse its contents with great care.

Vol. VI. is a republication of the doctor's discourses on the application of Christianity to the commercial and ordinary affairs of life, with eight additional discourses on kindred themes, preached on public occasions.

Vol. VII. presents to the reader the author's discourses on the Christian revelation, viewed in connexion with modern astronomy. These discourses, too, are accompanied by seven others illustrative of the same lofty theme. As a reply to sceptics of a very rare and refined class, these discourses are pre-eminently suitable; and, viewed as compositions, they are among the most striking and original of the doctor's works.

Vols. VIII., IX., and X. are denominated Congregational Sermons; and more than two-thirds of them have never before been printed.

Vol. XI. consists of sermons preached by the author on public occasions, and are all of them well known as great travellers in the circuit of benevolence. They richly deserve a careful perusal, and contain passages of unrivalled pathos and sublimity.

Vol. XII. contains tracts and essays on religious and economical subjects; in which the doctor's views on civic economy, prayer for missions, parish schools, &c. &c. are fully developed.

Vol. XIII. includes those introductory essays which Dr. Chalmers has written, at different times, for Collins's "Select Christian Authors," and which are well deserving of a place in any complete edition of his works.

We take leave of Dr. Chalmers for the present, hoping again to return to him in our notice of the remaining volumes of his works. That he is a really devoted man will be readily conceded by all who know any thing of his private or public worth. His pretensions as an author are unique and peculiar; there is no man who resembles him, who is not altogether an imitator; and there is certainly no living writer who has given an equal impulse to the age in which he has lived.

CHRISTIAN DUTIES in the VARIOUS RELATIONS of LIFE. By T. LEWIS, Islington. 12mo. pp. 362.

Ward and Co.

This unpretending but excellent volume is dedicated by the author to his beloved flock, after a ministry among them extending to nearly forty years. "It is now," he observes, "nearly forty years since the great Head of the church directed my steps to Islington, where he assigned me a charge, in whose service he has graciously permitted me to labour, unto this day. In the year 1801, I commenced my services with a body of Christians, Episcopalian and Congregational, who united together for the enjoyment of an evangelical ministry, then scarce in our parish. About three years after, in 1804, our church was duly organised in Highbury-grove, the place we formerly occupied. Now, indeed, few, very few, perhaps not six individuals, of the dear Christian people to whom I was first called to minister the word of life, remain among us. But, on reviewing the way in which we have been led, and the great and good things our Lord has done for us, we may well exclaim, 'What hath God wrought!'"

It is a truly edifying spectacle thus to behold a minister and his people living together in unbroken harmony, for the space of forty years,-to see them not only preserving "the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace," but "contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," and exhibiting a pattern of holiness and zeal worthy of the imitation of all surrounding churches. A volume on Christian duties coming from the pen of a "man of God" who has lived and laboured among the same people, for more than two-thirds of the ordinary period of existence allotted to man upon earth, is well deserving of the attention of the churches of Christ; and we doubt not, from the general respect which is felt for the esteemed pastor of Union Chapel, that his work on "Christian Duties" will realise as wide a circulation as his valuable treatise on "Christian Characteristics."

The first lecture in this volume is "on the observance of the times," and is founded on the appropriate words, "The children of Issachar were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do," &c., 1 Chron. xii. 32. The object of the preacher is two-fold, to exhibit a faithful portrait of the signs of the times upon which we have fallen, and to commend the example of the children of Issachar to the imitation of the people of God in the present day. The spirit and tendency of this lecture are excellent.

The second lecture is entitled, "The Duty of Christians at the Present Time,"

in which the lecturer urges believers to pursue the duties of their Christian profession with a settled conviction of its entire truth, with unyielding firmness of principle, and with increasing diligence and perseverance. What is advanced in this lecture on the subject of Christian decision is equally faithful and seasonable, much adapted to check that unsettled state of the Christian profession which distinguishes too many religious men in our day.

The next lecture is addressed to heads of families; and urges them to cultivate personal piety, to administer suitable instruction to their families, to maintain wholesome discipline, to conduct them to public worship, to observe with punctuality the exercises of devotion with them, to set them a becoming example, and to encourage and excite them to general usefulness.

In the fourth lecture the "Duties of Children and Servants" are ably stated and enforced they are affectionately reminded of what they owe to God, to parents and principals, and to each other.

The fifth lecture is devoted to a very lucid, scriptural, and deeply pious view of the "Duties of Members of Churches," to Christ, to their pastors, to each other, and to the world. Though there is nothing novel in the author's arrangement of thought, which is precisely the outline adopted by Dr. Morison in his "Church Manual," we beg to remind our readers that his illustrations are most tender and touching, fitted to produce the very best impressions on serious minds.

The last lecture is addressed to the "Hearers of the Word," and is a very pungent and striking exhibition of what is due to the message of reconciliation from those who are privileged to hear it. It points out the importance of a right state of mind preparatory to hearing the word, describes the dispositions to be cultivated while hearing it, and enforces that practical obedience to which the spiritual hearing of the word must ever conduct.

It is with unfeigned pleasure that we introduce this richly practical and experimental volume to the attention of our readers, praying that the pious counsels of the amiable and excellent author may be blessed to the good of thousands into whose hands these lectures may fall.

REMINISCENCES of PAST EXPERIENCE. By the late MRS. G. SOPER, of Plymouth. 18mo, pp. 204.

Darton and Clark, Holborn-hill.

This neat little volume consists of twentyseven letters, upon subjects connected with Christian experience, addressed by a mo

ther to her children. It is evident that the writer belonged to that class of Christians, who may be regarded as somewhat high in doctrine; but her letters breathe throughout a spirit of eminent piety, and, so far as we have observed, contain no sentiment at variance with the analogy of faith. To Christians, who live below their privileges, and who cultivate a gloomy style of religious experience, they are likely to be remarkably useful. Mrs. Soper was evidently one who lived in habitual communion with God, and in constant dependence upon the fulness of Christ.

An ELEMENTARY COURSE of BIBLICAL THEOLOGY, translated from the Work of Professors Storr and Flatt, with Additions, by S. S. SCHMUCKER, D.D., Professor of Theology in the Theological Seminary of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in the United States, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Reprinted from the Second American Edition, 1836. Royal 8vo, pp. 256. A short EXPLANATION of the EPISTLE of PAUL to the HEBREWS. By DAVID DICKSON, A.M., Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow. Reprinted from the Edition of 1649. Royal 8vo, pp. 82.

Ward & Co.

For both these works, in their present cheap and neat form, the public are much indebted to the proprietors of "Ward's Library of Standard Divinity;" the former was expensive from its size, and the latter from its having been so long out of print. The "Biblical Theology" of Storr and Flatt, is a work which deserves to be held in high repute by all who are devoted to the close and enlightened study of the inspired volume. "These distinguished champions of the truth," observes the translator,

sustained the cause of orthodoxy for upwards of twenty years, and published from time to time the most noble replies to the several systems of infidelity which sprung up in Europe. Having been harassed by metaphysical, and speculative, and infidel systems of pretended Christianity, they were taught the absolute necessity of building their faith exclusively on the word of God; and the present work is purely of this biblical character." In referring to a work so extensive in its design, and so diversified in the subjects of which it treats, we would not by any means be considered as binding ourselves to every sentiment it contains, nor to every separate mode by which even truth itself is maintained; but, speaking generally of the work, we regard it in the light of a great assistance to the

biblical student, and as a very valuable addition to the library of the intelligent private Christian. The plan of the work is pre-eminently simple. The whole subject of Theology being treated, by the authors, under the five following heads :-I. Of the Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures. II. Of God. III. Created rational Beings. IV. Of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of Men. V. Reformation of Men, and its relation to their Salvation. The mass of information contained in this volume evinces, on the part of the authors, a measure of research in the highest degree astonishing. To see such a work put into the hands of students, who are not always very rich, at the trifling sum of six shil lings, is one of the wonders of the modern press.

Mr. Dickson's "Exposition of the Hebrews," has long been familiar to us. It is the production of one who was deeply versed in the mind of the Spirit; and who, in times of persecution, learned to value the rich consolations of the word. In the absence of all critical pretension, it sets forth the obvious and full meaning of the Apostle to the Hebrews. It is the best of all the author's works, except his Exposi tion of the Gospel by Matthew.

The COUNCIL of TRENT: comprising an Account of the Proceedings of that Assembly, and Illustrating the Spirit and Tendency of Popery. 18mo, pp. 190.

Religious Tract Society.

This little volume contains the historical portion of Mr. Cramp's very valuable work, entitled, "A Text-book of Popery," &c. It is a very seasonable publication at the present moment, when Popery is beginning to put forth fresh zeal in the cause of proselytism. The time has come when Protestants must examine into the grounds of their faith, and must stand prepared to give a reason of the hope that is in them. As the consummation of popish error and insolence, it is well for intelligent Christians to know what was done at Trent, that they may be able to tell Papists, in the midst of their subtle evasions, what really are the doctrines they are bound to believe, and what is the spirit which pertains to the system to which they adhere. We earnestly recommend this valuable compendium to the attention of our readers.

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REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

the large octavo copies, and is superior to the best of them both in print and paper. The pageing is carried on throughout the Psalms and Hymns, and one index of subjects is adopted instead of two. We have reason to believe that the utmost pains have been taken, by a well-qualified editor, to secure the utmost accuracy of the work in all respects.

ASSOCIATION; or, the Progress of Feeling. By the Rev. GEORGE GARIOCH, A.M., Minister of Meldrum. 12mo, pp. 156. James Nisbet.

The author of this poem has not presumptuously ventured within the province of the Muses without asking their permission. He has evidently cultivated the spirit of genuine poetry, and, with it, that of philosophy and true religion. The power of association, which regulates the succession of our ideas, is great beyond description; and the author of this interesting volume has fixed on a class of subjects, for the display of his theme, most fitted to be useful, in a solid and religious point of view. My sole design," he observes, "has been to introduce matter of a useful character, in the most extensive sense of that word, embracing especially the subject of revealed truth."

It would be easy to select from these pages many passages which would not suffer in. jury by comparison with the first productions of the age. There is much both of genius and poetic feeling in the work.

WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

1. DR. MORISON's Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society. Part IX. Containing Memoirs of the Rev. John Townsend, the Rev. Dr. Williams, the Rev. Matthew Wilks, &c. Svo, 3s. Fisher, Son, and Co.

2. The Redeemer. A Poem. By W. HOWORTH, author of "The Cry of the Poor." Royal 8vo, pp. 306. Charles Tilt, Fleet-street.

3. Early Christian Lessons continued; or, the Girl's Own Book. Consisting of Addresses to Young Persons, who have recently ceased to attend Sabbath-schools or Bible Classes. 18mo, pp. 198. By MRS. MATHESON, author of "Explanations of the Principal Parables, &c." "Meditations of a Christian Mother," &c. &c. George Gallie, Glasgow. Like the other works of Mrs. Matheson, these early lessons are admirably adapted to interest and to improve the rising generation.

6. A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God. Consisting of a Meditation for the Evening of each Day in the Year upon Select Texts of Scripture. Humbly intended to establish the faith, promote the comfort, and influence the practice of the folowers of the Lamb. By WILLIAM MASON. 12mo,

pp. 428. Religious Tract Society. This is an old favourite in a new and beautiful dress.

5. British Quadrupeds. Religious Tract Society. A book of correct scientific information, and of excellent moral and religious tendency; embellished, moreover, by a number of highly-finished wood cuts. As a present for young people, from eight to fourteen, it will be truly suitable.

6. Memoir of Mrs. Sarah Lanman Smith, late of the Mission in Syria, under the direction of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. By EDWARD W. HOOKER, of Bennington, Vermont. 18mo, pp. 300. Religious Tract Society.This is a most striking memorial of a Christian of very high standing in the divine life.

7. Christian Lyrics. Select Poems on New Testament Subjects. 32mo, pp. 312. Religious Tract Society. Much taste and piety have been displayed in selecting the several pieces which compose this volume. It is an excellent present for young people.

8. The Early Grare. Recollections and Remains of the Short Life of William Wilks Cooper, 32mo, pp. 148. Groombridge, Panyer-alley. Seldom have we read a narrative of early piety more striking, than that which is here recorded by a minister of his son, who was removed in the bloom of youth into the world of spirits.

9. Outlines of French History. With Notices of the Manners, Customs, Dresses, Arts, &c., of the different periods. Designed for the Use of Schools. By HENRY INCE, M.A., author of the "Outlines of English History," "General Knowledge," &c., and editor of the "Wonders of the World." 18mo, pp. 108. E. Grattan, Paternosterrow. We cordially recommend this manual as an excellent assistant in Schools and private families.

10. The British Short-hand. Combining Simplicity, Brevity, and Perspicuity. By which any person may teach himself the useful art of shorthand writing, in an incredibly short space of time, without the aid of a master; and will enable him, with a little practice, to follow a speaker through all the labyrinths of a learned discourse. 12mo. Berger, Holywell-street.-So far as we are able to judge, this is a very simple and efficient system of short-hand.

11. A Course of Sermons on Faith and Practice. Delivered by the Rev. GEORGE CLAYTON, at Yorkstreet Chapel, Walworth, 1838-9. 8vo, pp. 420. T. Ward and Co.-These sermons, which we hope soon to notice, contain a vast body of solid scriptural instruction, upon all the chief points pertaining to faith and practice. The volume is devoted to the Exposition of the Creed and the Ten Commandments.

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

1. Tracts for the People, on the Principal Subjects of Controversy between the Roman Catholics and Protestants. By the Rev. MARK BUTLER. The object of these tracts is to furnish the unlearned with a brief but correct view of the peculiar tenets of the Romish Church, chiefly from the writings of its present advocates, and to show that its distinguishing doctrines are unscriptural, and its assumptions unfounded. The tracts will be ten in number. To be published monthly, in time for transmission to the country with the monthly periodicals. first number to be published on the 1st of January, 1840. Price 4d. each; or 17. 78. per 100. R. Baynes, Paternoster-row.

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