While thankful for the gratuitous aid afforded them by the intelligent and and the pious, impressions' of the importance and solemnity of parental vigilance and responsibility remain unimpaired. These weighty matters are not transferable; they attach themselves to parents alone. It was to parents the Apostle Paul said, "Provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." And and when the soul is replenished with rich communications from God, and highly imbued with the spirit of Christian purity and love, the great duty of religiously educating our offspring will not be overlooked, nor our character be degraded by the imputation, that the children of professors are more disorderly and wicked than the children of those who make no profession at all.

What are the advantages resulting from the enjoyment of perfect love as it respects the church of Christ? She is the purchase of his blood, the depositary of the divine communications, the visible scene of spiritual beauty and greatness. Here we expect to find a rich constellation of Christian excellences, increasingly shedding an arousing and reproving radiance on the darkness and rebellion of a revolted world. By her holy deportment she is not only to arrest the attention of transgressors, and flash conviction into their consciences, but, by unfolding the mildness and majesty of the Christian character, to constrain them to glorify our Father, which is in heaven. In her ministers and members, doctrines and ordinances, piety and usefulness, she is the pillar and ground of truth, and intended to exhibit the mind of Christ to sinners with the clearness of an engraved inscription, and sustain the weight of Christian doctrine and discipline as firmly as a pillar sustains the superstructure on which it securely rests. Ample provision is made by her divine Lord for the triumphant accomplishment of these most interesting and sublime designs. The purposes of mercy in reference to the salvation of fallen' man; the energies of the Godhead embarked in the mighty enterprise; the mediatorial fulness of Christ; the efficiency of divine influence; the infinite efficacy of atoning blood; the ministration of angels; the grandeur of the final result, unitedly throw a light and a glory on the church of God, abundantly sufficient to induce her to put on her beautiful garments, and exhibit to the world the attractions of union, prosperity, energy, purity, and love. And what is a Christian church destitute of these things? A mere mass of dead formality. The monotony of her movements oppresses and discourages. Instead of alluring sinners to Christ she repulses them. Stript of her excellence, and devoid of spiritual energy and gracious results, sunk in supineness, and alas! unwilling to employ the appointed means of restoration to health and prosperity, she is hung round with difficulties, and a settled gloom rests on all her prospects. The love which casteth out all fear; the faith which purifies the heart and fills it with assurance and joy; the hope that maketh not ashamed, but is as an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast, entering into that within the veil; an application of the blood which cleanseth from all sin, would cause her wilderness to be like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness would be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. Adorned in the beauty of holiness, strong in the strength of God, all her graces would be fresh and vigorous, and her prospects most reviving and delightful. She would look forth as the morning, be fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and' terrible as an army with banners.

Adwalton.

B. EARNSHAW.

THE DOCTRINE OF ORIGINAL SIN; or, the Native State and Character of Man unfolded. By GEORGE PAYNE, L.LD. London: Jackson and Walford. 8vo. cloth boards.

As Protestant dissenters, and as advocates of evangelical truth, we more than rejoice in the establishment of the congregational lectures. They have developed intellectual powers and literary attainments of the highest order, and will, we are persuaded, render invaluable aid in the defence of the great doctrines of our holy religion. Not that views may always be propounded in these lectures to which we may be able to subscribe; but this is a circumstance which we shall gladly lose sight of in the contemplation of the great service that will be rendered to the cause of vital Christianity, Of the importance and interest belonging to the subject discussed in the volume before us, there can be but one opinion; its difficulties, too, are equal to its importance. So far indeed as the fact of hunnan depravity is concerned, there is no difficulty. That fact is broadly, palpably, and impressively before us. The records of history, the existing state of the world, and the hourly conduct of men towards each other and towards their God, all in bearing testimony to the awful and universal prevalence of moral evilto disloyalty of the heart to the Monarch of the Universe. But the origin of this corruption of our nature has given rise to almost endless questions and controversies. This part of the subject undoubtedly has its difficulties. These difficul-' ties assume a more serious aspect from the bearing they have on the equity of the divine administration. Dr. Payne enters fully into them. He brings to the arduous task a mind well disciplined by vigorous exercise, and well stored with learning and with varied knowledge. Criticism, argument, and philosophy, are all employed for the purpose of removing those sources of perplexity which the active and earnest inquirer is apt to experience. The volume, as may be expected, contains much that is highly valuable and important, and we hesitate not to say, that it is a book which every theological student ought to read. Whilst we say this, we must not be understood as concurring with all the conclusions adopted by Dr. Payne; nor do we altogether approve of the course which he has, in some instances, taken; he has endeavoured to obviate objections where, as we humbly think, he ought to have told his opponents that the difficulties which they urge arise not so much from the doctrine itself as from our ignorance of matters which are placed beyond our reach, and in reference to which the Scriptures are silent. There are many facts which we may not be able to reconcile to the equity and benevolence of the moral government of God; but their equity and their benevolence will be most clearly demonstrated, if we only with patience wait till that period when "we shall know even as we are known."j, ar puta

THOUGHTS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS WORK. By the Author of "Thoughts upon Thought." London: J. Snow. 8vo. cloth boards, pp. 347.

The subject of divine influence is so essentially identified with the purity and enlargement of the church of God, that every well-directed attempt to enforce its importance and to unfold its operations will be welcomed by the true followers of Christ with intense gratitude and joy. Such emotions is the work before us calculated to excite. It is a precious gift to the people of God. On perusal they will find it so; for whilst charmed with the elegance of its style and the beauty of its illustrations, they will be spiritually benefited by its fervid statements of gospel truth, its faithful delineations of Christian experience, and its heart-cheering views of the plenitude of that grace which is the source at once of holiness and peace to the believer. We should have been glad had the respected and highly-gifted author carried some of his "thoughts" further than the limits within which he has confined himself. We refer more especially to the Witness of the Spirit, on which subject he does not reach the standard of Methodistic theology-nevertheless on this point so much is said that is truly encouraging, and so beautifully said, that we cannot quarrel with a book which abounds with indications of superior talent and superior piety.

THE PSALMIST: a Collection of Four Hundred Psalm and Hymn Tunes, suited to all the varieties of metrical Psalmody, consisting principally of Tunes already in general use for Congregational Worship, newly harmonized for Four Voices. Edited by VINCENT NOVELLO, ESQ. Comprising also many original Compositions and Adaptations contributed expressly to this work by himself and other eminent professors: the whole adapted as well for social and domestic devotion as for public worship. The Vocal Score. London: Longman and Co.

THE PSALMIST. Second Part.

SELECT HYMNS, adapted to all the different metres, and all the varieties of accent and expression of the tunes in the Psalmist. Longman & Co.

As we are profoundly ignorant of musical composition, we have submitted the preceding works to the judgment of a musical professor, who assures us that they are most admirably adapted to their purpose, and are obtaining a high and well-merited popularity.

THE SCRIPTURAL ARGUMENT against ApostoLICAL SUCCESSION, in its Fabulous Genealogy, its Claim of Supremacy for Peter, its Graduated Scale of Ministerial Orders, and its Perversion of the right of "laying on of hands." In Four Lectures. By THOMAS STRATTEN. London: J. Snow. 12mo. cloth boards, pp. 244.

Do Puseyite and Popish Priests really believe in their dogma of apostolical succession, so incapable as it is of any rational defence, and so contradictory to the acknowleged records of history? When governed by ambition, selfishness, and the prejudices of education, there is certainly no telling what extremes of error the human mind will adopt, nor what monster of absurdity it will embrace. The error in question, though incapable of a rational defence, is highly capable of a sophistical one; and by such kind of advocacy it has been most strenuously supported. But how weak, flimsy, and futile are the special pleadings of a Ward or of a Newman, compared with the solid and vigorous reasonings of Mr. Stratten. His book is not filled up with ordinary commonplace thoughts on an almost hackneyed subject; but it displays the workings of a powerful and original mind, which, leaving the well-beaten path of historical argument, refers at once to the law and to the testimony, and by a rigid and calm investigation of Scripture facts and Scripture principles, exposes the hollowness of those pretensions which, whether sincerely or hypocritically maintained, have been productive of incalculable mischief and delusion. To those who love to search systems and opinions to their foundation, and who admire close consecutive reasoning exhibited in a garb of singular elegance and beauty-to such we can with the most perfect confidence recommend this very masterly production.

SCENES FROM THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. By the Rev. ANDREW BONAR, one of the Ministers of Canongate, Edinburgh. London and Edinburgh: T. Nelson. Post 8vo. cloth boards, gilt, pp. 338.

The elegant and attractive form in which this book is got up, is almost sufficient to insure its sale; but it has recommendations of a much higher order. It describes scenes from the history of the Christian Church, and they are scenes of thrilling interest, fraught with the most valuable instruction. It is not a book made up of extracts, but it consists of admirably written narratives of some of the most prominent events and agents in Church history. In these days of Popish and Puseyite zeal this work is

particularly seasonable, and calculated to be eminently useful. The zealots of superstition endeavour to give fascination to their errors by adorning them with the romance and sacredness of antiquity. In the scenes before us we have the romance and sacredness of truth-truth which, if read and pondered over, will fill the mind with holy principles and feelings, and form its safeguard against the assaults of the common enemy. Young people should by all means read this book. They will like it; by reading it they will long to know more of Church history; and in the study of it they will see the distinctive influences of true and false religion, and they will be constrained to contemplate with awe the mysteries of a wise and inscrutable Providence.

THE STAR OF CHINA; or, the Imperial Edict, in its Political, Commercial, and Religious Bearings on Protestant and Popish Missions. By Two FRIENDS. London: J. Snow.

A pamphlet deserving the serious attention of all evangelical Protestants.

A DISCOURSE ON THE FUTURE ABODE OF THE RIGHTEOUS, embracing its probable and positive Glory. By ROBERT REED, of Bishopswearmouth Iron Works. North Shields: J. Philipson.

This is one of those productions which places a reviewer in somewhat embarrassing circumstances. We are always glad to encourage native talent; we delight in its manifestations; and of native talent Mr. Reed undoubtedly possesses a very considerable portion. But we have seldom examined a work more open to the severities of criticism. The style is most vicious; its inflated phraseology, and its involved and lengthy sentences, set the rules of composition at defiance. The author's positions too, we think, are more than questionable; at all events less confidence and less familiarity should be evinced on a subject which, at best, can be one of only vague conjecture. The opinion advocated in this discourse is, that our earth, renovated, and we presume, considerably enlarged, will be the future abode of the righteous; the author of "Physical Theory of Another Life," conjectures that the sun will be appropriated to this important purpose; we apprehend that the humble, pious Christian is perfectly indifferent on these points. It is enough for him that he can say

Thy presence makes my paradise,
And where thou art is heaven."

ELISHA. From the German of Dr. F. W. KRUMMACHER, Author of “Elijah the Tishbite." Part II. revised. London: Tract Society. Cloth boards, pp. 272.

This work displays the well-known peculiarities of the author-a rich imagination, a mind full of intense emotions, giving eloquent and fervid utterance to thoughts distinguished for their high-toned piety as well as for their strictly evangelical character.

ON CHRISTIAN UNION: being a Brief Inquiry into the Causes of Disunion among Christians, and the Reasons of Failure inthe Efforts at Union hitherto made. By the Rev. F. A. Cox, D.D., L.L.D. London: J. Snow.

A very seasonable reprint of a very excellent article from the "Eclectic Review" of June, 1845.

THE WAR OF THE SURPLICE: a Poem in three Cantos: with Notes Illustrative and Explanatory. By ANTI-EMPIVICUS, Author of Nescience versus Prescience," &c.

London: James Gilbert.

THE CHRISTIAN'S SPIRITUAL SONG BOOK: containing upwards of Five Hundred Spiritual Songs, adapted to Popular Tunes, designed for Revival Meetings, Open Air Services, Infant and Sabbath-schools, Teetotal Meetings, &c. &c. By the Rev. JOHN STAMP. Third edition, enlarged. London: W. Brittain. Cloth boards, pp. 200.

THE CHILD'S COMMENTATOR ON THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. BY INGRAM COBBIN, M.A. Vol. 1. Second edition, revised, corrected, and enlarged. London: Ward and Co. Cloth boards, pp. 493.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S DAY COMMEMORATED; or, the Principles of Congregational Dissent Explained and Defended. By A. EwING, M.A. London: Jackson and Walford. Stitched, pp. 37.

REMARKS ON A CHARGE OF THE VENERABLE ARCHDEACON HARE, delivered in the Parish Church of St. Clement, Hastings, on the 22nd of July, 1845 By diλayolos. London: John Snow, pp. 24.

ADDRESSES TO CHRISTIAN PROFESSORS. By R. WALLER No. 8. The Way to obtain a Revival of Religion. No. 9. Redeeming Time, No. 10. The Duty and Pleasures of Doing Good.

THE JUVENILE CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCER; being a Complete Mirror, Diary, and Almanack. August, 1845. Second edition. London: Ward and Co, 110

THE JERUSALEM SINNER SAVED: The Pharisee and the Publican; the Trinity and a Christian; the Law and a Christian, &c. By JOHN BUNYAN, To which is appended, An Exhortation to Peace and Unity. With the Life of Bunyan, by the Rev. James Hamilton, Scotch Church, Regent Square, London. London: Thomas Nelson, Cloth boards, pp. 310.

OBITUARY.