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tions, and its value is, therefore, sufficiently known to the biblical student. As will be seen from the title page, it is enriched by copious and important extracts from the Hermeneutica of Morus, and from Keil and Henderson on the qualifications of an interpreter. It presents in a brief space, and in the form of distinct rules, the principles by which the expounder of the Scriptures is to be governed, and is well adapted as a text-book on the subject, to those who are willing to devote time and patience to such acquisitions.

4.-Manual of Sacred Interpretation, for the special benefit of Junior Theological Students; but intended also for private Christians in general. By Alexandar McClelland, Professor of Biblical Literature in the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick. New York: Robert Carter, 1842. pp. 168.

This book is something new under the sun! It was written by one who holds the pen of a master, as every one who reads it will testify. We here have exhibited all the essential principles of interpretation, in four maxims and nine rules; and these are presented in so attractive a style, and with so happy illustrations, that one enjoys the reading, however dry we might naturally presume the subject to be. Every one may read and understand the lessons it teaches, and we are glad that the subject has been unfolded by one so admirably quali fied, in a manner which, we trust, will secure the attention of ordinary readers of the Bible, and lead to a more general study of the just rules of exposition. The "Address to Stu dents of Theology," at the close of the volume, is one that ought to be read by every young man having the ministry in view, or having recently entered it. He could not rise from the perusal without feeling himself inspired with a new zeal for prayerful, persevering, ardent study of the word of God. 5.-The Millennium of the Apocalypse. By George Bush, Pro

fessor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature, New York City University. Second Edition. Salem John P. Jewett. Boston Tappan and Dennet, Crocker and Brewster. New York: Dayton and Newman, 1842. pp. 206.

The times are marked by attention to the prophecies, and therefore, eminently propitious for a second edition of Professor Bush's work. It will probably be read with even more inter. est now, than when it first appeared. The peculiarity of the

views consists principally in regarding the Apocalyptic Millenium as past, and interpreting the Dragon of the twentieth chapter of Revelation, as a symbol of despotic, idolatrous Paganism. The author, however, by no means rejects the idea of a future period of peace and bliss, when holiness shall prevail on the earth, but thinks this is not to be confounded with the thousand years of the binding of Satan or the Dragon. The book merits attention and study.

6.-The Bible and the Closet: or How we may read the Scriptures with the most Spiritual Profit. By Rev. Thomas Watson; And Secret Prayer Successfully Managed. By Rev. Samuel Lee; Ministers Ejected in 1662. Edited by John Overton Choules. With a Recommendatory Letter from Rev. E. N. Kirk. Boston Gould, Kendall and Lincoln, 1842. pp. 140, 24 mo.

This little book, beautifully executed, is one of a series in course of preparation by Mr. Choules, derived from the writings of the Puritans and Nonconformists of England in the seventeenth century, for which he possesses a library of rare materials. The two Essays before us are a good beginning. That on secret prayer is not surpassed by any thing we have ever read on the subject.

7.-Discourses on Human Life. By Orville Dewey, Pastor of the Church of the Messiah, in New York. New York: David Felt & Co., 1841. pp. 299.

The author of these Discourses, it is well known, embraces the Unitarian views of Christianity, and his style of composition and manner have acquired for him some popularity. These sermons, or rather discourses, as they are more appropriately denominated, are certainly written in an attractive style, and there is an air of mystery about some of them, that would be exceedingly grateful to certain minds; but, when contemplated as part of the regular ministrations from the pulpit to a waiting assembly of immortal, sinful men, under probation for a few days in this fleeting life and then to pass to the judgment seat, and receive an award for eternity, dependent on their relations to Jesus Christ in this world, they seem to us to be exceedingly wanting in the essential principles of the Gospel. The precious blood of Christ is not there; the cross is cut down; and true religion is made identical with goodness. This might answer for a purer world than ours; but it is far

from being adapted to the wants of a guilty rebel against Jehovah's throne. The discourses undoubtedly inculcate a beautiful morality, derived from the philosophico-preceptive portions of the word of God, except that they leave the sinful soul of man, without that powerful incentive to holiness and goodness, which is found in the love of a crucified Redeemer, bleeding for the guilt of man and in order to his redemption. The heart-broken, agonized sinner, would look in vain to this volume, for that healing balm which should soothe his troubled spirit.

8.-Comfort in Affliction: A Series of Meditations. By James Buchanan, D. D. High Church, Edinburgh.-First American from the ninth Edinburgh edition. New York and Brooklyn Robert Carter. 1842. pp. 254.

This Dr. Buchanan, minister of the High Church, Edinburgh, is not of the high church, in the sense in which it is commonly used in our own country, as designating that portion of the church which has little sympathy with the spirit of revivals, and makes the beauty of holiness to consist, rather in external rites than internal judgments and affections: he is of the Presbyterian denomination, pastor of a particular church, distinguished as the High Church of Edinburgh.

The volume before us is well worthy the reputation the Doctor has acquired. It is written in an uncommonly pure, chaste style, easy and flowing, and might well serve as a model of good composition-and to the afflicted, and consequently to all in this vale of tears, it is a rich treasure. The thoughts are embodied in twelve meditations, founded on as many appropriate passages of the word of God, and he who reads the whole with a right spirit, will bless God that he put it into the heart of his servant to write this book for the heavy laden. The first two meditations, built on the texts, "the Lord reigneth," and "he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men," are lucid and striking exhibitions of the government of God over his people, and must satisfy the tried pilgrim on these waste deserts, that he doeth all things well.

9.-A Mother's Tribute to a beloved Daughter; or Memoir of Malvina Forman Smith. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1842. pp. 198.

The subject of this memoir is a grand daughter of the Rev. Dr. Griffin. In early life she enjoyed the benefit of his

counsels, and in his last days she watched over his sickness and death, in her father's house, which he had made his home for several months. The volume is, in a great measure, composed of the letters of friends addressed to Malvina, in the different stages of her life and education, and evinces, what it is primarily intended to show, we presume, the importance of making the conversion of their children, the paramount aim of parents. Whilst there is nothing remarkable in the experience or piety of the youthful subject of the Memoir, it may, on that account, be the more useful, because the more imitatable, and the more likely to be the aim of others.

10.-History of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, compiled chiefly from the published and unpublished documents of the Board. By Joseph Tracy. Second edition, carefully revised and enlarged. New York: M.

W. Dodd. 1842. pp. 452.

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The subsequent recommendation of this work by the Secretaries of the Board, will probably be more effectual than any thing we could say "The History of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, by the Rev. J. Tracy,' is far from being a mere abstract of the Annual Reports of the Board. The civil year, to which he has reduced his facts, does not correspond to the financial year, embraced in those Reports. This made it necessary for the author to consult the original documents, which he did with laborious and accurate research. The plan of his history, if not so well adapted as some others to continuous reading and popular effect, is admirably fitted for reference, and for aiding those on whom it may devolve to give instruction concerning missions at the Monthly Concert and elsewhere. What we say is of course not designed to imply, that the Board is in any way responsible for the correctness of the facts or opinions embodied in this work; but we may express our own conviction, that it will not soon be superseded by a history more comprehensive more concise, more clear and accurate, or more worthy of occupying a place in the libraries of ministers of the gospel, and intelligent laymen." We only add, that those interested in the history of Missions, will find some details in this volume, not published in the Missionary Herald; and we cherish the hope, that Christian families generally will give it a place not only in their libraries, but in their reading. This second edition is confined to the history of the Missions of the American Board.

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11.-Thirty-four Letters to a Son in the Ministry, by Rev. Heman Humphrey, President of Amherst College. Amherst J. S. & C. Adams. New York: Dayton & Newman. Boston Crocker & Brewster. 1842. pp. 352.

The name of the author of this volume is a sufficient recommendation of its contents. Dr. Humphrey always writes well for the public, and his thoughts are seldom common place. We know of no better "Pastor's Manual" than this. The young minister will here find the reflections of a matured and observant mind, on almost all subjects connected with his relations to the church and the world. We cannot but hope that every licentiate will possess a copy of a book so especially adapted to his wants, and so admirably filling a place hitherto comparatively a void. Here are the results of the Doctor's own experience, in valuable suggestions on,-Preaching as a Candidate-Settlement - First Sermons after SettlementDoctrinal and Practical Preaching-Objects of PreachingStudy and Writing of Sermons-Different Kinds of SermonsDelivery of Sermons-Public Prayer-Exchanges-Travelling on Sabbath to Exchange-Pastoral Visiting-FuneralsCatechising, Sabbath Schools, Bible Classes-Attending Ecclesiastical Bodies-Revivals of Religion--Ministerial Example-Miscellaneous Reading, Health, etc. etc. On all these topics, the remarks are eminently practical, and we think judicious. The letters on Revivals are particularly worthy of careful perusal by all who exercise the office of the ministry. We cannot but think, that the views expressed on the impropriety of encouraging a class of Revival-Evangelists, if we may use the term, and on the better way of calling in the aid of neighboring pastors, when there is such special attention. to the interests of the soul, as to demand extra preaching and labor, are those of a sound, christian discretion. The proper conduct of revivals of religion is intimately connected with the best permanent interests of the church, and ought to secure the close attention of all who are likely to be interested in measures to promote them.

12.--The Works of the Right Rev. Father in God, Joseph Butler, D. C. L., late Lord Bishop of Durham. To which is prefixed an Account of the Character and Writings of the Author. By Samuel Halifax, D. D., late Lord Bishop of Gloucester. New York: Robert Carter. 1842. pp. 303. The publisher has here offered to the religious and philosophical community, the complete works of Bishop Butler, so

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