of Germany, and one who, though not professedly an historian of opinions, had devoted parts of more than one of his works to the subject of Doctrinal History. Bretschneider, in his Handbuch der Dogmatik (Vol. II. p. 418, 4th edit.), states that "Priestley and some others regarded the resurrection as taking place directly after death, the soul being clothed immediately with a new perceptive organization," and in support of this statement places the following reference in his note: "Priestley attempts to prove that the resurrection follows immediately after death, in the British Magazine, Vol. IV. Part II." From another allusion by Bretschneider (Vol. II. p. 396 in the note) to this British Magazine, it appears to have been published at Halle in 1773; in German, no doubt, for the title of the article which Bretschneider quotes on p. 418 is given by him in German.

Hagenbach, one of the latest, and who has been reckoned among the most accurate, of doctrinal historians, follows Bretschneider. In his Lehrbuch der Dogmengeschichte, § 305, note 5 (Vol. II. p. 425, 2d edit.), he says: "Priestley, dispensing with the intermediate state, endeavored to harmonize the Biblical doctrine of a resurrection with the philosophical view of immortality, by assuming for the soul a [perceptive] organ, which should develop itself at death." As he refers to the same volume and part of the British Magazine, with a subsequent reference to Bretschneider, it is probable that he based his remarks on Bretschneider's statement.

The first edition of Hagenbach's work was translated into English by C. W. Buck, and published in Clark's Foreign Theological Library, at Edinburgh, under the title, " Compendium of the History of Doctrines." We turned to this translation, and found (Vol. II. p. 464) the same statement, with no note of correction. This was in a library intended as a standard one, and intended, moreover, for circulation in the language and in the native country of Priestley, whilst the recollection of the controversies in which he was engaged had not died out. Any one who, a few centuries hence, should peruse the work, might not unnaturally think that he had little reason to distrust its statement on such a point.

And now is there any one who has access to the above-mentioned British Magazine, and who will favor the public with an examination of the article attributed to Dr. Priestley? Did he ever in youth write such an article? or has it been erroneously attributed to him? As a matter of curiosity, if for no better reason, the subject deserves investigation. Muenscher's Lehrbuch, above referred to, was published in 1811, and republished in 1819. The four editions of Bretschneider's Dogmatik appeared from 1814 to 1838. Hagenbach's Dogmengeschichte was published in 1840, and republished in 1846; and the Edinburgh (from the first German) edition appeared in 1847. One would think that ample time had been allowed to the scholars of Germany, if not of England, for correcting the mistake. Yet its only correction, so far as we have noticed, is the American one already mentioned, from the pen of Dr. Murdock.

Unitarian Publications. -There have appeared three numbers of "The Quarterly Journal of the American Unitarian Association." This new periodical we would welcome with a cordial good-will, both because it supplies a real want, and because it supplies that want

so well. We receive it as one of several recent tokens of a new and invigorating impulse which our Association has received through the energy of the present General Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Miles. That office has indeed been filled from the first by men who through it have served us with an earnest and well-esteemed fidelity. Each successive incumbent of it has brought to it a gift of his own, a skill in the formation of new plans, or a zeal which has thrown animation into old plans, or such a desire to discharge his trust effectively that some peculiar agency in our general object has been made more prominent through his exertions. Dr. Miles has abilities for his work which lead us to entertain high expectations of what he will accomplish. In this Quarterly Journal we have a publication which stands between a tract and a book. The three numbers that have been issued embrace a variety of contents, all bearing directly upon the interests and duties of our denomination as held to a very sacred responsibility in the great Christian work of our age. Statistical information, doctrinal and devotional instruction, matters of business, notices of books, letters, obituaries, historical sketches, accounts of Unitarian conventions and business meetings, and records of passing events in our churches, find a fairly proportioned space in these pages. We look to the wide circulation of the Journal as a means of greatly increased interest in our cause.

On April 1st was issued from the press at Montreal the fourth number of a new monthly periodical, called "The Liberal Christian a Monthly Miscellany, designed to illustrate the Spirit of Liberal Christianity and to promote the Practical Religious Life." We suppose that this journal is one of the many good works which have been instigated by the Rev. Mr. Cordner, who is serving his own flock and our cause by his faithful labors continued unremittingly year after year. We should think the contents of these pamphlets well adapted both to the elementary instruction of inquirers into our views, and to the building up of the work already commenced in the hearts and minds of those who are already in our communion.

New Books.

Mr. Samuel G. Drake has published No. VIII. of his "History and Antiquities of Boston," the plan and excellences of which we have before noticed. As the work advances, we have increasing evidence of the thorough and pains-taking researches which are bestowed upon its contents. The thread of the story is now brought down to the year 1669. Very elaborate notes, embracing all sorts of antiquarian matters, heraldic devices, rich steel engravings, and tasteful wood-cuts, make each page valuable and attractive. The spirit with which the plan has thus far been pursued should prompt a generous support of the undertaking, the nature of which is such as to justify a claim for patronage to be extended to it as it progresses, instead of being deferred till its completion.

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Redfield, of New York, is publishing a handsome edition of the novels of W. Gilmore Simms. "The Partisan," Mellichampe," and "The Yemassee," have already appeared. Mr. Simms holds a high rank

among American novelists. His writings, so far as we are acquainted with them, are devoted to the illustration of the history and manners of our Southern States during the Colonial and Revolutionary period. He constructs a story happily, and is well qualified, by literary culture and historical research, for the department of literature which he has chosen. The same publisher has issued, in two volumes, "The Poetical Works of William H. C. Hosmer." Our readers are more or less familiar with some of the contents of these volumes which have circulated in papers and periodicals, and have assured for their author a distinguished fame. They contain pieces of striking merit, rich with the true poetic beauty. "Classic and Historic Portraits, by James Bruce," is another of Redfield's publications. It contains nearly sixty sketches of the most distinguished men and women in the world's history, -the good and the bad, the lofty and the lowly in station, selected from every age, class, and nation, and from every field of fame. For those who have but few books, this volume will make up for many deficiencies in their literary resources. It is marked by good taste and a right spirit, and is judicious in its selection of subjects, and in its awards to each.

Messrs. Little, Brown, & Co. continue their series of volumes of the British Poets, by three volumes containing the Poetical Works of Churchill, and by two containing those of Hood. We are glad to learn that this generous enterprise, in which the publishers make a very large investment, and offer the gems of literature at a very cheap price, relying upon an extensive sale, is well rewarded by the public. The attractive style in which the works appear shows to advantage more and more, as the volumes multiply. That all within the covers of each volume should be embraced within the general commendation which a competent tribunal has pronounced upon the British Poets, is, of course, not claimed. But the works must answer to their titles. We think the publishers have done wisely in introducing the poems of Hood at this stage of their undertaking, as an earnest that some of our best modern writers shall have their places in the series.

"Suggestive Thoughts for a Holy Life. Being Selections from Modern Authors." (London: E. T. Whitefield. Diamond, pp 96.) This little gem, which sparkles through each sentence that it contains, is one of the multiplying fruits of the press which give us the condensed thoughts of the wise and the good, from a very wide range of authors, and help to foster a spirit of generous and catholic piety.

Messrs. Stringer & Townsend, of New York, have published a most valuable and interesting work, in two volumes, under the following title: "History of the French Protestant Refugees, from the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes to our own Days. By M. Charles Weiss. Translated from the French by Henry William Herbert. With an American Appendix, by a Descendant of the Huguenots." The popularity that has secured a large circulation for the two works of Bungener, which have been translated here, will have excited such an interest in the subject-matter of these two volumes by Weiss, that they will be sure to be gratefully received by many readers. They are of profound interest, and are perfectly reliable in their contents.

Messrs. G. P. Putnam & Co., of New York, have issued the fourth volume of their elegant and complete edition of Addison's Works, under the editorial care of George W. Greene, Esq. The present volume is devoted to the papers from the Spectator. The work leaves us nothing to desire on the score of internal or external qualities. The annotations of all the best critics and illustrative reviewers are given to us generously, and they help much to enrich the volumes. One more volume will complete the work.

The same firm have published a revised edition of J. P. Kennedy's admirable story, called "Rob of the Bowl, a Legend of St. Inigoe's,”one of the very best American productions.

C. S. Francis & Co., of New York, have published, from the seventh foreign edition, "The Dietetics of the Soul, by Ernest von Feuchtersleben, M.D." This is an ingenious treatise upon the mutual relations between the higher and the lower nature in health and in disease; not dealing, however, in any elaborate theory, but offering some very sensible thoughts on the subject.

Messrs. Ticknor, Reed, & Fields have just issued a most attractive volume, from the pen of the eldest daughter of William and Mary Howitt, entitled, "An Art-Student in Munich." Its table of contents gives promise of a most lively series of sketches of something besides paintings, and seems to assure the reader of much rich and entertaining information.

OBITUARY.

REV. ALEXANDER YOUNG, D.D. One of the churches of our denomination has lost a faithful minister, the whole company of his brethren a cherished associate, and the larger community of letters a diligent and sound scholar, by the death of Alexander Young. Nearly a generation has passed since he took his place in public life, the successor of Francis W. P. Greenwood, Samuel Cooper Thacher, and John Thornton Kirkland. We go back no further, because we have no wish to record more than we can affectionately remember. But these were names, to be held in loving respect for generations that are yet to come. Under the Presidency of the oldest of those excellent men, he passed through the privileges, labors, and honors of his student life at our University. The second of them died abroad in early manhood, while our friend was still pursuing there the studies of an undergraduate. With the youngest of the three, though succeeding to his pulpit, he enjoyed professional and brotherly communion for almost a score of years afterwards, when, in 1843, that fine spirit took leave of men. This was the last instance of the burial of a minister of our faith in Boston dying in his pastorate, till on Monday, the 20th of March, the New South Church was hung with the same signs of mourning that had darkened the King's Chapel eleven years before; and its dead pastor was laid before the pulpit, where they both had been successively consecrated to the sacred work which was to task and honor the whole of their afterlives.

The funeral services on this occasion were conducted by Rev. Rufus Ellis of the First Church, Rev. Dr. Lothrop of the Brattle Street Church, and Rev. Dr. Blagden of the Old South. A crowded and sympathizing assembly was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Gannett, in an earnest discourse on the life and character of the deceased. We will not call it a eulogy, for it was not meant to be one, and was something better. It was a just and discriminating survey of his private worth and public services. It exaggerated nothing for the sake of effect. It assigned to the subject of it a distinguished place among our faithful men, which, if higher than they who knew him but little were prepared to hear, they who knew him best acknowledged that he fully deserved. On the following Lord's day, a commemorative sermon was preached to his bereaved congregation by Rev. George E. Ellis, who as a schoolboy had sat under his ministry, and in after-days highly appreciated his fellowship. Both discourses will probably be in the hands of our readers before these lines can be issued. The periodical press, also, secular as well as religious, has already offered in many places its tribute of respect. We cannot withhold, however, in justice either to our own feelings or to the memory of our friend, a still further notice of him, though it may sound like a repetition, and must come late.

Like his two immediate predecessors, Dr. Young was born in the same town of Boston where he exercised his ministry. He acquired his first taste for classical letters at the public Latin School, then just raised into the high repute which it has retained ever since. From thence to Harvard College was an easy step, and at that institution he was graduated in 1820. On Commencement day, he pronounced the Salutatory Oration in Latin; a part honorable to his scholarship, and indicating the favorite bent of his studies. He then entered the Divinity School connected with the University, which at that time was rich with the instructions of the late Mr. Norton, the Dexter Professor of Sacred Literature, whose genius for his work was extraordinary, and whose influence over the minds of his pupils was of a kind never to be forgotten. He imparted a vivid interest to all that he taught; and his teaching was of that direct and positive kind, which never left any doubt on what doctrinal ground he who gave it stood. We are persuaded that this is the only method of theological instruction that can kindle the hearts of learners, the only one that can be either efficient or safe. On the 19th of January, 1825, Dr. Young assumed that pastoral relation which he retained and conscientiously served in till the time of his death.

His style of preaching was grave and solid; not so much calculated to stir the feelings as to guide the judgment of the hearers. His sermons were composed with serious aims and scholarly care, and were delivered with a solemn but not artificial or oppressive dignity. Afflictive events in his parish, or intimately connected with it, often called him to speak in eulogy of distinguished persons; and he was quite remarkable for the elaborate fidelity with which those duties were discharged. He so methodized his sacred studies and labors as to present himself always at the proper time calmly and well prepared. He was not so much a man of imagination and of sentiment as of exact observance; but if he was less ardent than many, he was true and just. He was not versatile; but he could always be relied on in the line that he chose to take. His dispositions were certainly not impulsive, but his acts were steadfast, and the manner of them becoming, and a constant