and expresses his determination to participate in no union, in which they are not included. To all this we have-we can have no objection. In expressing such views, Mr. James is only so far consistent with himself. But how is it that no mention is made either of the Methodist New Connexion, or of the Primitive Methodists, or of the Wesleyan Association? Each of these Communities has an existence as well as the Wesleyans; it is true they are neither of them so rich, so numerous, nor so powerful, as the Parent body; nevertheless they have an existence-and they exist, too, in the town of Birmingham. The omission of their names, therefore, cannot be from mere oversight, and we would ask Mr James where would be the consistency, where would be the evidences of Christian Union, from which these sections of the church are to be excluded? In doctrine, they are as orthodox as the Wesleyans; in discipline, they approach much nearer to what we should suppose to be Mr. James's views on church government. They are amongst those who are not ashamed to avow themselves Dissenters in principle as well as in practice; nor are they backward to engage in any needful struggle in vindication of the rights of Dissent and of religious freedom. But although the three sections of Methodistic Dissenters are not mentioned by name, they are alluded to by Mr. James, in the following extract:

"But besides the larger body of the Wesleyan Methodists, there are others, by no means inconsiderable either for numbers or usefulness, which it might be desirable to see included in this fellowship. The exercise of a little Christian forbearance, and a disposition to forget the past in the contemplation of the prospects that are opening in the future, will smooth the way, it is hoped, for all that is sought for in reference to these, in our scheme of union, which is merely the recognition of each other as brethren in Christ, without declaring our approval of all that is theoretic or practical in the parties associated.

What is the meaning of this?

Something is meant; and we apprehend that more is meant than meets the eye. First of all, mark the contrast of feeling with which Mr. James contemplates a union with the various bodies of Methodists. Of the Wesleyans he says, "I for one will never advocate any Christian union which shall not be open to the Wesleyan body. The idea of refusing to stand in visible association with such men as the apostolic Wesley, and the seraphic Fletcher, were they now aliveand they live in some of their successors-is so repugnant to my notions of what I owe to the Holy Catholic Church, and the communion of saints, that I cannot for a moment entertain the idea." Here is all the earnestness of an intense desire-all the firmness of a fixed determination-but in reference to ourselves and others, all the ardour of Mr. James's friendly and brotherly feelings is expressed by the very cool admission that "it might be desirable to see us included in this fellowship." He evidently has doubts as to the propriety of such a proceedure, for the language employed is the language of uncertainty; it indicates, too, the total absence of that confidence and respect which we are not conscious of having forfeited. As it regards the "forbearance" spoken of, we know not what is meant by it; for so far as we are concerned we are ready to co-operate with the the Wesleyans or with any other evangelical community in the promotion of Christian union in furtherance of the interests of our common Christianity. And we should hope that a large majority of the Wesleyan ministers are prepared to reciprocate this feeling. There may be some amongst them who might object to any friendly intercourse either with us or the other sections of Methodism; but we would ask whether it be either right or expedient to violate a great principle and, in effect, to sacrifice a great object, merely out of compliment to the feelings of a few?

It is with real pain and reluctance that we have made these remarks, for there is no man whom we regard with feelings of more profound respect than Mr. James; but the extract we have given, contains insinuations which we conceive to be unkind and unjust; and as we are among the parties referred to, we deem it due to ourselves to utter a word in self-defence. Moreover, unless the Christian Union can be general and cordial-unless it can be grounded on mutual esteem and affection, it will be best let alone. But mutual esteem and affection are not likely to exist, so long as secret prejudices and jealousies are cherished, and which have to be concealed by the mere external forms of ordinary courtesy. Whatever may be the hindrances to Christian Union, let them be fairly brought out-let them be thoroughly investigated and explained, so that a proper understanding may be established between the parties, and full scope given for the exercise of reciprocal kindness, and zealous co-operation.

Although we have gone far beyond the limits we had prescribed, we cannot close this article without adverting to a topic, which has been suggested to us by the reference made to the different bodies of Methodistic Dissenters. Christian Union involves two leading ideas. First, the friendly and visible intercourse of evangelical denominations, who from principle and conscience must remain distinct from each other in their organization and discipline; and secondly, the incorporation of those sects whose

principles both of doctrine and government are substantially the same, and who differ only on matters of detail, which ought not, in fact, to be made matters of conscience, but be regarded simply as matters of expediency. There are too many sects in existence; and we come so much into contact, if not into collision, as seriously to hinder each other's usefulness and success. This is a question on which we, as a Connexion, are immediately involved; and delicate as the ground may be, we cannot now avoid venturing upon it. For the reasons just stated, we cannot but deplore the diversities that exist in the Methodist family. A union of all the branches of this great family may not only be improbable, but impossible-but with some of these branches this impossibility ought not to exist. To come plainly out with our meaning, we give it as our private opinion that the Wesleyan Association ought never to have been organized into a separate Community. Speaking individually, we think they ought to have remained quietly in the Parent body, or at once to have joined the New Connexion, without demanding concessions and conditions. We had it in our power to offer them all the liberty, and all the advantages they could reasonably and Scripturally claim; and had they cordially united with us, and taken us as we were for better and for worse, a large amount of labour and of money would have been saved, which might have been appropriated to the establishment of Missions in Africa and India, and liberal Methodism would have assumed a position in the country which would have commanded respect, and which would have invested it with immense moral power.

We cannot now proceed further in discussing the merits of the work before us, further than to say, that whilst we believe that the object it has in view will be accomplished rather by the progress of events, and the dispensations of Providence, quietly but certainly working their own legitimate results, than by any organized plans of operation, we nevertheless regard these "Essays," as calculated to do great good, in leading Christians to think more deeply on the subject, in softening down the asperities of sectarian feeling, and in promoting that ONENESS of spirit in the church, which its Founder designed should be its great and leading characteristic.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

THE MOTHER'S PRACTICAL GUIDE in the Physical, Intellectual, and Moral Training of her Children: with an additional Chapter on the CLAIMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STEPMOTHERS. By MRS. J. BAKEWELL. Third Edition, revised and enlarged. London: John Snow. Foolscap 8vo. cloth boards, pp. 266.

Whilst we feel it incumbent upon us to announce the re-publication of this work, our relationship to the Author precludes us from speaking of it in the language of commendation, however justly it may be merited; we shall, therefore, content ourselves with a simple analysis of the book, and with a specification of the changes it has undergone. It is divided into fourteen chapters, two of which are devoted to introductory and concluding remarks, and the others are respectively headed-Advice to the Expectant Mother-Directions for the Management of Infants-On the Training of Children from Twenty months old-On the Dress, Sleep, and Diet of young Children-On Physical and Intellectual Exercise-Intellectual Training-Accomplishments-On the Moral Feelings and Domestic Habits-Punishments and Rewards-Religious Training— Domestic Affliction-On the Claims and Responsibilities of Step-Mothers. In the discussion of these topics the Author has entered with considerable minuteness into those plans and principles which are essential to the faithful discharge of maternal duties. The present differs from the two former editions in the following particulars:-the Appendix is entirely dispensed with; those portions of it which were original being now incorporated in the body of the work; the extracts of which the Appendix chiefly consisted, are for the most part omitted; those which are retained being principally quoted from medical authorities, for the purpose of giving the requisite sanction to some of the directions which bear on the physical education of children. The work has been subjected to a most careful revision, and every chapter has undergone some alteration, and received some additional portion of original matter. We had intended specifying these additions, but we find that by so doing we should too much exceed our limits. The most extensive of them will be found in the chapters on Accomplishments, on Intellectual Training, on the Moral Feelings, and in the Concluding Remarks. But the leading novelty of the present edition is the chapter on the Claims and Responsibilities

of Step-mothers. We may be permitted to say, that we think this delicate subject is handled in a way that will give no offence to the class for whose benefit it is designed; we believe it will be found that Christian faithfulness is blended with Christian sympathy. But respecting the intrinsic merits of the work we feel that it becomes us to be silent. Of its external appearance we may speak with less hesitation. It is every thing that could be wished; for under the care of the respected Publisher, the work has been got up in a substantial and elegant style; and although it exceeds the second edition in size by upwards of thirty pages, no advance is made in the price. The only fault found with it in "the Row" is, that "it is too cheap." On this point, however, our friends may examine and judge for themselves, copies being forwarded to each Circuit by the present month's parcels.

us.

MEMOIR OF MRS. LOUISA MUNDY, of the London Missionary Society's Mission, at Chinsurah, Bengal. With Extracts from her Diary and Letters. By her Husband. London: John Snow. 12mo. cloth boards, pp. 294.-Who has not felt the charm and realized the advantages of Christian Biography? especially when it unfolds the more hidden feelings of the heart, and develops those operations of the renewed mind which indicate a more than ordinary closeness of communion with God. Probably there is no department of religious literature more calculated to rouse the lukewarm, to encourage the desponding, and to invigorate the already steadfast and joyful believer, than that which records the experience of God's faithful servants, whose course has been marked by eminent usefulness, and whose existence has been chequered by scenes of trial and temptation Of such a class, and of such a tendency is the memoir before The lamented subject of it, possessed the accomplishments of a superior education, in combination with intellectual powers of a very high order; and these were all cheerfully consecrated to the best of causes-to the most arduous and self-denying of duties. She relinquished not merely the comforts, but the refinements and elegancies of social life, in order to devote herself, in conjunction with her beloved partner, to the great objects of Missionary enterprise. And faithfully did she fulfil her solemn engagements. By the formation of schools and classes for the intellectual and religious instruction of the young, and by all the methods which woman's sympathy and woman's zeal could dictate, did she labour for the salvation of souls, and scattered in the dark rank soil of heathenism, an abundance of that precious seed, the fruits of which she has yet to witness, and the reward of which she is now enjoying. We need not say, that not only to the wives of Missionaries and Ministers, but to Christian females generally, it will be a rich treasure, furnishing as it does so invaluable a specimen of fervent devotion, and of untiring zeal for the glory of God; whilst its scenes and incidents assume the most interesting character, conveying lessons of the highest value to all who may be pursuing their pilgrimage to Zion.

THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER IN HIS PERSON AND WORK. By OCTAVIUS WINSLOW. London: John F. Shaw. 12mo. cloth boards, pp. 500.-Not to be able to give unqualified praise to a work, the perusal of which is calculated to afford both pleasure and profit, is one of those trials to which poor unfortunate Editors are sometimes subjected. The bulk of this work is not only unexceptionably but superlatively good. It sets forth the sublimest truths of our holy religion in a style which, though somewhat redundant, is nevertheless full of warmth and vigour. If there be not depth of thought, there is depth of feeling; there is a richness and unction pervading the work which penetrate deeply into the heart of the reader, and awaken the most delightful, the most solemn, and powerful emotions. It is one of those books which a Christian who loves his closet, will read with eager relish. All this is true; and yet it contains words and phrases, yes and sentiments too, which we don't like— which we think had been much better omitted. We do not quarrel with the Author for being a Calvinist, though we should prefer his being an Arminian; but we do think that in writing a work chiefly practical, its usefulness would be more extensively secured, by avoiding those modes of expression which are indicative of the peculiarities of a system. The last chapter is on the second coming of Christ; the author is what is commonly termed a Millenarian; and as we do not consider his views on this point borne out by the Scriptures, we of course withhold our assent and approbation to this portion of the volume. The other chapters treat on The pre-existent glory of the Redeemer-The Redeemer, the revelation of his Father's glory-The typical glory of the Redeemer-The prophetical glory of the Redeemer-The glory of the Redeemer in his Humiliation-Resurrection-Ascension and Exaltation-The glory of the Redeemer in his people-The Holy Spirit glorifying the Redeemer.

G

SERIES OF TRACTS ON CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY. No. II. THE INSPIRATION AND DIVINE AUTHORITY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. BY WILLIAM COOKE. London: J. Bakewell. 12mo. stitched. pp. 48.-A supremely important subject is here handled in a very perspicuous and satisfactory manner. The arguments adduced are most conclusive. A large amount of valuable information, not accessible to the generality of readers, is brought within a very small compass, and at a price which places it within the reach of all. We anticipate very important and beneficial results from the circulation of the series of Tracts which the esteemed Author is now issuing.

TRADES DESCRIBED. A Book for the Young. London: Tract Society. 18mo. cloth boards, pp. 175.-Twenty-one Trades are described in a very pleasing style, and accompanied with very useful reflections of a practically religious tendency. The descriptions are illustrated by numerous wood engravings.

THE DEW-DROP. Tract Society. Square, pp. 32.

JESSIE BARTON; or, "Not at Home." Tract Society. 32mo. Stiff covers, gilt, pp. 120. A very interesting and useful little tale; designed to "show the evil of deceit, and the importance of truth in all cases."

THE HISTORICAL REGISTER. With the sanction and assistance of various govern. ment departments. A stamped newspaper and register of Family Events, National and Private Biograyhy, Life and Health No. III. Folio, pp. 16.-This is something new in the department of newspaper literature. It is what its title imports-an historical Register; it deals only in facts, which are authenticated by the best evidence that can be adduced. Political events are recorded, but party politics entirely excluded. Science, literature, foreign news, and the leading occurrences of the day, all contribute their share towards rendering this publication a most valuable weekly depository of general information. Its statistical tables, and registry of births, &c., are highly

valuable.

THE INFANT SCHOOL SPELLING BOOK AND PICTORIAL DICTIONARY. By F. WILBY. London: Darton and Clark. 8vo. Cloth boards, pp. 114.-There is certainly no royal road to learning, nevertheless the road has been made much smoother and easier, and immensely more interesting than it was even within our remembrance. The "Infant School Spelling Book" is a most successful attempt not to divest learning entirely of its difficulties, but to render those difficulties less formidable and less discouraging. It teaches, to a certain extent, the power of numbers; it also teaches spelling and reading, and conveys a large amount of information on various objects and facts; thus the child gains knowledge whilst acquiring the art both of reading and spelling. The whole is rendered additionally attractive by the numerous and pretty little wood engravings with which the lessons are illustrated.

THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO BABES: principally in words of One and Two Syllables. Third thousand. London: Darton and Clark. Square. Stiff covers pp. 84.-The beautiful style in which this book is got up, and the numerous wood engravings with which it is adorned, might prove a sufficient recommendation to young children; but these are as nothing when compared with its intrinsic excellence. Could we have our wish, every child should read it, who can read it. Of its suitableness we have abundant evidence in the title, and further in the many well authenticated statements that have been communicated, of young children commencing the perusal of it, and not being able to quit the little volume until they had read it through. It is indeed highly calculated to interest the feelings, to impress the hearts, and to enlighten the minds of those to whom it is addressed.

OBITUARY.

MISS MARTHA HILDITCH
WAS the daughter of the late Mr. John
Hilditch, whose death was noticed in our
Magazine for November, 1843. Of her
deportment at school the following state-

ment is given, by Mrs. Allbutt, of Northwood Seminary, near Hanley:

"During the time Miss Hilditch spent at school, she rendered herself dear both to her teachers and companions, by her