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mass of details indispensable to the illustration of the several periods of our history, and invaluable for reference; and Mr. E. Wilson has conferred a great public benefit on the community by ushering it into the world in so pleasing a form. We hope he may sell as many copies in a month as there are pages in the work.

Friendship with God illustrated in the Life of Abraham: a Series of Discourses preached in St. George's Church, Everton. By the Rev. R. P. BUDDICOM, M.A. F.A.S., Minister of that Church, and late Fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge. London: Seeleys. 2 vols. Pp. xxiv. 481. xii. 512.

"THE precepts and promises of Scripture, glowing throughout its pages with brightness derived from the Sun of Righteousness, who is the Author and End of both, receive additional lustre from the examples of Holy Writ." Feeling this scriptural truth, for such we may call it, can it be a matter of

surprise that ministers of the gospel

should refer to those patriarchs, whose lives were written for our example, when they wish to enforce any particular doctrine with double effect? Such evidently was the idea of the amiable and talented author of these two beautiful volumes. He knew and felt the "power of faith unto salvation to every one that believes ;" and he also knew that faith, purifying the heart, working by love, and overcoming the world, was beautifully exemplified in the history of Abraham. To this we are indebted for the illustration now under consideration, an illustration deeply instructive, as bringing under review the devoted confidence, and obedience even unto death, of the "friend of God." Abraham, indeed, stands almost at the head of that great cloud of witnesses, by whom the . Christian is compassed about: and whose presence is noted, as one of the reasons why he should " lay aside every weight, and run with patience the race that is set before him, looking

unto Jesus." Could then, we ask, could Mr. Buddicom have conferred a greater or more valuable favour on the christian community than he has done by publishing these volumes?

Progressive Education; or, Considerations on the Course of Life. Translated from the French of Madame NECKER DE SAUSSURE. London: Longman & Co. 2 vols. Pp. xxxii. 254. viii. 360.

THE name of Madame Necker de Saussure is a sufficient passport for any work, having for its object the improvement of her fellow-creatures, and, consequently, we commenced a perusal of "Progressive Education" with a certainty of receiving gratification and instruction: nor have we been disappointed. The principles on which it is based are sound, though sometimes over-strained, and now and then we are rather startled at the unnecessary introduction of metaphysical disquisitions. The able translator appears to have noticed this peccatilla, and consequently has, by the omission of some portions and the abridgement of others, rendered the English version preferable to the original, and done good service to the cause of early education.

The Good Shepherd. A Sermon preached in the Parish Church of Hackney, on Sunday, June 23, 1839, being the Sunday next following the Funeral of the Ven. JonHN JAMES WATSON, D.D., Archdeacon of St. Albans, and Rector of Hackney. By HENRY HANDLEY NORRIS, M.A., Prebendary of St. Paul's, and Rector of South Hackney. Published by Request of the Parishioners. Second Edition. London: Rivingtons. Pp.40.

OUR readers will no doubt remember the slight tribute of respect we paid to the memory of "The Good Shepherd " in our July number. The meritorious labours of that excellent man are here

more fully developed; and every one, who reads Mr. Norris's faithful and eloquent description of the manner in which the Venerable Archdeacon discharged his parochial and pastoral duties, will, we are satisfied, agree in the justice of the name by which he is designated. The able and judicious appeal which Mr. Norris makes to the congregation, from the contemplation of so much worth, most appropriately winds up the discourse, and will be read with interest by every one capable of appreciating living talent and departed worth.

"But I have one other suit to urge more importunately upon you, that having yourselves borne testimony, by such unequivocal proofs, to his having been the good shepherd, you fulfil what our Lord sets forth as your reciprocal obligation, and hear his voice.' That voice can indeed no longer give itself utterance in accents to be heard by mortal man; but it yet speaketh to you, though he has gone to his reward. It speaks to you in your consciences, reminding you 'how gentle he was among you' in all his conversation, how 'affectionately desirous of you; how holily, and justly, and unblameably he behaved himself among you;' how 'he sought not yours, but you;' 'how he exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye should walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.' Hear this voice, I beseech you; ponder it in your hearts, and give all diligence to be obedient to it, and to set it forth in the practice of your lives. For keep this most momentous truth always before you, that it must be heard again by every one of you at the tribunal of Christ, delivering itself either with grief or joy, according to the account it has to give. Call often before your minds that solemn re-assembling, and figure to yourselves the good shepherd's grief, and your own dismay, if, in deliverance of his own soul, he shall be called upon to bear his reluctant testimony against you, that you set at nought his counsels, and would none of his reproofs, or that the 'cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choked the word,' which he strove so faithfully and earnestly to inculcate, and it became unfruitful.' But reverse the anticipation, and on the other hand warm your hearts with the happy foretaste, faint as it must be and frequently interrupted, of that joy unspeakable and full of glory, with

which you will rejoice together, if on being re-awakened from the dust of the earth, you find yourselves folded as it were with all those who will then appear as the sheep of the Lord's pasture, and presented together with those of whom His approved pastors will be enabled to give their account with confidence: 'Behold me, Lord, and those whom thou hast given me. I have kept them through Thy word: I have fed them with heavenly food convenient for them. They have been obedient to Thy sayings, and Thy grace has carried them from strength to strength. Receive us in one body to Thyself, and appoint us the places Thou hast prepared for us; and attune our voices to that song, which shall be sung without ceasing through eternal ages-Worthy is the Lamb to receive power, and wisdom, and strength, and glory, and blessing; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. Blessing, therefore, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto thee for ever and ever." "

The First Principles of Religion, and the Existence of a Deity, explained, in a Series of Dialogues adapted to the Capacity of the Infant Mind. A new Edition, revised. London: Van Voorst. Pp. vi. 162.

THE object of the author is to teach the infant mind the duties which it owes to its Creator, and to form an in troduction to other works more fully developing the principles of the christian religion. The intention is excellent, and the manner in which the task has been executed demands our approbation.

Essays on Romanism. By the Author of "Essays on the Church." London: Seeley & Burnside. Pp. xii. 487.

THIS is a volume of the "Christian's Family Library," edited by the Rev. E. Bickersteth; and we regret to say, that it does not, in our opinion, sustain the high character of that excellent publication. The compiler evidently

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Prayers for Private and Family Worship: founded upon the Primitive Liturgies. By the Rev. HENRY ALLEN, B.A., Vicar of St. Mary le Wigford, Lincoln, and Chaplain to the Sussex County Gaol. London: Rivingtons. Pp. xxx. 130.

THE author of this little volume, appreciating the spirit which influenced the compilers of our unrivalled Liturgy, has been led to examine, and has deduced from the same source this very excellent manual, which will be found to coincide in all respects with the doctrines of the Established Church, and may, therefore, be safely recommended as a sound practical volume of devotion.

Sabbath Musings and Every Day Scenes. By the Author of "Souvenirs of a Summer in Germany," "The Lost Farm," &c. London: Seeleys. Pp. xii. 306.

PUBLICATIONS of this character form a peculiar feature in the literature of the present day; and, as in this instance, when well executed, they are at once amusing and instructive. We accordingly recommend the work to the notice of our readers, satisfied that their opinions will coincide with ours as to its intrinsic merits, which are of a high order.

A General Outline of the Animal Kingdom, and Manual of Comparative Anatomy. By THOMAS RYMER JONES, F.Z.S., Professor of Comparative Anatomy in King's College, London. Illustrated by numerous Engravings on Wood. Part VII. London: Van Voorst. Pp. 64. It is impossible for us to add any thing to the favourable notices we have given of the preceding numbers of this work; we can only say, therefore, that, in every point of view, it

maintains its high character, and will, when completed, be the most practical book upon the subject in the English language.

By

A History of British Birds. WILLIAM YARRELL, F.L.S. V.P.Z.S. Illustrated with a Wood-Cut of each Species, and numerous Vignettes. Part XIV. London: Van Voorst. HERE we have the Jackdaw, the Magpie, the Jay, the Nutcracker, the great black, the green, and the great spotted Woodpecker, with appropriate vignettes, so admirably executed that we seem to have the living birds under review; whilst the biography of these interesting classes, from its accuracy, makes us as familiar with their habits and habitations as if we had studied them with the learned author, or lived in familiar intercourse with them.

The Divine Communion, and Perpetuity of the Christian Priesthood; as considered in a Charge to the Clergy of the Archdeaconry of St. Alban's, at his primary Visitation, A.D. 1816. By the late Ven. JOHN JAMES WatSON, D.D., Archdeacon of St. Albans. London: Rivingtons. Pp. vi. 24. ALL who remember the late venerable and excellent Archdeacon Watson will be pleased to possess this admirable monument of his clerical worth. As a composition it is of the highest order, whilst in sound practical views upon professional subjects and pastoral duties we have seldom perused a more sterling charge. The "seasonable declaration of his sentiments on certain schemes of national education, now unhappily revived," renders it moreover peculiarly valuable, and we are quite sure that, as "a public offering for the service of the Church," it will be duly appreciated by every friend of the Establishment.

The Church's Voice of Instruction. Translated from the German of F. W. KRUMMACHER, D.D. Author of "Elijah the Tishbite." London: Seeleys. Pp. xii. 257.

AN admirable translation of an admirable work.

A Summary of the Writings of Lactantius. By the Rev. J. H. BROOKE MOUNTANI, B.D. London: Rivingtons. Pp. xx. 154.

THE writings of Lactantius, although abounding in theological errors, or rather ignorances, derive a peculiar and important interest from having been composed at one of the most eventful epochs of ecclesiastical history, when the church, after suffering the utmost severity of despotic persecution and popular hatred, was, by a sudden revolution, received under the protection and patronage of the state; and began, not merely to enjoy tranquillity, but to exercise no inconsiderable portion of political influence. Under these circumstances, we are happy to see the present summary published, especially as Mr. Mountani has proved himself so admirably qualified for the task he has undertaken, and placed before us all the better and sounder portions of the writings of Lactantius in the most favourable point of view.

The Pictorial History of Palestine. By the Editor of "The Pictorial Bible." London: Knight & Co. Pp. 64.

THE present number has nine beautiful illustrations, and fully maintains the high character which has universally been bestowed upon the previous numbers. The physical history of Palestine is very valuable; and the account of Abraham and his immediate descendants, chiefly derived from the Bible, is at once interesting and important.

Tracts on the Church and PrayerBook. By the Rev. FREDERICK W. FABER, B.A. Fellow of University College, Oxford. London: Rivingtons. Pp. 186.

THIS collection of Mr. Faber's admirable Tracts cannot fail to be well received by all who have had the pleasure of reading them separately. They abound with the soundest and most scriptural views of our truly apostolic church. The first treats of the "One Catholic and Apostolic Church.' The second, of "The Ancient Things of the Catholic Church

in England." The third, on "The Reformation, and the Duty of Keeping its Principles." The fourth, on "The Prayer-Book, a Safeguard against Religious Excitement.' The fifth, on "The Church Catechism, a Model of Church Education." The sixth, on "Confirmation, a Witness for Obedience and Unity." The seventh, on "The Burial Service, its Doctrine and Consolations."

This enumeration will suffice to show the vast importance of the subjects treated upon. And when we say, that we never met with more powerful arguments, combined with language at once simple and forcible, we feel we are only doing justice to Mr. Faber, and conferring a favour upon our readers by introducing the volume to their notice.

Authenticated Report of the Discussion between the Rev. T. D. GREGG and the Rev. THOMAS MAGUIRE. The Church Edition. Dublin: Carson;

and J. Robertson. Pp. lxvi. 516. POPERY has received at the hands of Mr. Gregg, who appears a very malleus hæreticorum, such a blow as she will not easily recover. An abstract of the arguments in a cheap form would be valuable.

Plain Sermons, preached in a Country Parish during the past Year (1838). By CHARLES B. PEARSON, M.A. Rector of Knebworth, and Prebendary of Sarum. London: Hatchard, Pp. 310.

THIS volume may afford some idea of the vast number of valuable sermons which are written week by week, and preached Sunday after Sunday, in hundreds of the parishes of our Church, and having fulfilled their sacred office in the instruction of those for whose benefit they were composed, are never more heard of. It is probable that the sermons now before us would never have been known beyond the limits of the parish of Chiddingfold, had not circumstances required their author to make an exchange of that living for another. Most of the discourses were selected at the request of

some of his former parishioners, who, at the time of their delivery, expressed a wish to possess them; and this led to the completion of the volume. We beg to offer our thanks to Mr. Pearson for the publication; for we consider the volume as an admirable specimen of what "Sermons preached in a Country Parish" ought, for the most part, to be. In the first place, they are-what sermons entitled " plain" not unfrequently are not, namely, simple in their ideas and intelligible in their language, and this without descending to familiarity or homeliness. Another recommendation is, that they seem to evince "an affectionate interest in the temporal and spiritual welfare" of those amongst whom they were delivered. We think we may add, that in every discourse, important practical duties are enforced by the judicious application of the leading doctrines of Divine Revelation; and we must confess the work has the greater favour in our eyes, because we discover in its pages a constant recognition of sound Church principles.

It may, perhaps, be satisfactory to our readers, if we subjoin a Table of Contents, which, however, we must make, in part, for ourselves, the author not having adopted the convenient practice of placing a title to each Sermon.

1. Deut. vi. 6, 7.-Right Treatment of God's Works.

2. Mal. iii. 16.-Preached to a Friendly Society or Club.

3. James i. 26.-On the Government of the Tongue.

4. Mark xvi. 19, 20.-For AscensionDay.

5. 1 Pet. v. 5.-Addressed to the Children of the Parochial Schools on the Queen's Coronation-Day.

6. Ps. xxvii. 4.-Waiting on the Lord. 7. John xiv. 22, 23.-Spiritual Promises dependent on Obedience.

8. Ps. i. 1-3.-The Happiness of the Godly.

9. P's. i. 4-6.-The Unhappiness of the Ungodly.

10. Jer. viii. 20.-The End of Harvest. 11. 2 Cor. iv. 3.-The Gospel hid to the

Lost.

12. 2 Cor. xiii. 7-9.-Farewel Sermon.

A Sermon, preached at Lambeth Palace, on Sunday, August 4, 1839, at the Consecration of the Lord Bishop of Newfoundland and the Lord Bishop of Toronto, and published by the command of His Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. By the Rev. EDWARD SCOBELL, A.M. Incumbent Minister of St. Peter's, Vere Street, and Lecturer of St. Mary-lebone. London: Hatchard.

THOUGH the text which Mr. Scobell has selected (Isa. vi. 1—3,) for this occasion has thrown a somewhat fanciful air over his discourse, still its contents are, on the whole, of a practical nature. He has decidedly maintained the divine origin of our Church constitution, and has added some remarks on what, in these utilitarian days, may perhaps be useful-the expediency, and fitness, and benefit arising from a regular subordination in Church Government. The following observations are good :

We see with joy the increasing exertions which the Church is now making, both in its ministry and its laity (for the Church is of the two), to the glory of God. The Root of Jesse seems more manifest as an ensign among the people. The sound is going out more into all lands; and going out more loudly, more clearly, more efficiently. The Church seems moving again in her native strength. She sends out her boughs to the sea, and her branches to the river. And this appears in no way more gratifying than in the appointment of Bishops to the churches of our colonies in foreign lands. Without a bishop, a church's arm, if church it can be called, is cramped and shortened. Without a bishop, a church has no power, present and at hand, of ordination-in most, if not in all cases, a vital requisite: it has no controlling power, no adjusting, concentrating, recruiting energy. It is virtually divided and individualized-a body without its guiding eye-a pillar truly, but a pillar of cloud, and not of fire! not a burning and shining light, as it should be.-Pp. 16, 17.

Doubtless the sermon left a cheering impression on the minds of the two Right Reverend Fathers for whose sake, more especially, it was delivered

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