not be read by the millions, it will be read by the choicer spirits of the earthread much, read long, and always with advantage. In such a matter as this, a man is in part known by his company. The place assigned to Dr. Chalmers, in the Preface, will suffice at once to inspire confidence in the breasts of those who knew and prized the genius and powers of that greatest of Scotchmen of a bygone age. We very cordially commend the work.

General History of the Christian Religion and Church. From the German of Dr. NEANDER. Translated from the Second and improved Edition, by Dr. STEBBING. Vol. V. T. and T. Clark. We have now the pleasure of announcing Vol. V. of this great Work, with sketches, from the year 590 to 814--an eventful period of Ecclesiastical history.

The first section sets forth the connection of the Christian Church with the world, dwelling very fully on the British Church. The second section deals with the history of the constitution of the Church, and goes at length into all the important questions of Church and State. This section, at the present time, will be particularly prized, as presenting the views of an erudite and candid observer. The friends of the Slave may here supply themselves with some valuable materials, and Christians have also no small grounds of triumph from the influence which Christianity at that period produced on the emancipation of the bondsmen. The third section dwells on Christian life, and Christian worship, and sadly illustrates the extent to which corruption had then obtained; and is succeeded by a copious disquisition on the support and development of Christianity in a doctrinal point of view, both in the Latin and in the Greek Church. There is here a flood of learned discussion, which will, perhaps, be somewhat dry to the general reader, but specially suited to those for whom the volume is more particularly intended.

Biblical Commentary on the Gospels, adapted especially for Students and Preachers. By HERMANN OLSHAUSEN, D.D., Professor of Theology in the University of Erlangen. Translated from the German, with additional Notes, by the Revs. THOMAS BROWN and JOHN GILL. Vol. III., pp. 500. T. and T. Clark.

THIS great work is steadily advancing,

each volume materially adding to the critical treasures of our language. The present volume is quite equal to its predecessors, perhaps rather improved; for the writer seems to gather strength and to grow in earnestness as he advances. The translation is partly by the Rev. Thomas Brown, Keinneff, and the Rev. John Gill, Witham. Full two-thirds of the volume is by the latter. These gentlemen have brought to the subject the varied scholarship required, and have presented a very satisfactory exhibition of the views of the eminent man who has

supplied the matter. A work so high in repute, and now so well known, renders criticism superfluous. It will be enough simply to announce that the volume has appeared, since they who possess a first and second volume will long for the third. But we cannot dismiss it without

again tendering our very sincere and cordial thanks to Mr. Clark, for the admirable service he is rendering the public by bringing before it such a mass of critical literature, on Biblical subjects, as was never previously offered by any publisher. The very moderate terms, too, on which he supplies subscribers with their costly and well got-up works, forms an additional claim to public approval and gratitude.

CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES. Six Lectures on the Philosophy of Mesmerism. By the Rev. J. BOVEE DODS, of Boston, U.S. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.

FOR Some time past there has been a lull on the subject of Mesmerism, which, nevertheless, promises to experience a revival. The public have recently been apprised of a discovery of money made through this instrumentality; and if once it can be turned to account in the way of discovering goods lost or stolen, it will soon get on. The Lectures before us profess to deal with the philosophy of the subject. We suspect the author is, American like, going too fast a-head. It is not common to commence with the

philosophy of things till their existence has first been determined. Now, the great bulk of the British people have no faith whatever in the thing. It will, therefore, be necessary for those who desire to open a pathway for works on philosophy to deal with the previous question. We do not profess to sympathise with the unbelievers. We have reason to think a great deal can be said in behalf of the subject; and we have ourselves witnessed some very curious exhibitions, with which it was utterly impossible for any deception to have been mixed up, while a display of knowledge was given, utterly transcending the ordinary power of the human mind in its natural state. But on this subject we cannot at present enlarge. The lecturer, Mr. Dods, states some curious facts in the course of his orations; one of which refers to a case of

catalepsy, which merits notice. Again, on the subject of sleep-walking, he gives us one of the most interesting facts on that subject we ever remember to have read. We know not what our revival preachers will say to the case cited at page 48; but it is certainly curious, and merits consideration.

The Sabbath-school and Bible Teaching. By JAS. INGLIS. Royal 18mo, pp. 319. Gall and

Inglis.

THIS publication has special claims on the several hundreds of thousands now engaged in communicating instruction both on Sabbath and week-days to young people. It opens with a disquisition on systems of teaching, strongly condemnatory of certain evils that have obtained, which it exposes and illustrates, while it points to "a more excellent way." The "essay" on catechising, is decidedly the best we have yet seen. It brings out the use, the power, and the beauty of the interrogative system, in a manner the most striking and satisfactory. The subjects of Bible History, Parables, Catechisms, Readings, Infant Classes, and so forth, are all discussed at length; but perhaps the last part of the book, entitled "The School," is the best. Here, the functions of the superintendents, the qualifications necessary to guide their choice, the teachers, their qualifications, moral and intellectual, are admirably exhibited; to which is added a copious practical dissertation on the management of schools. The Scotch Sabbathschool, the Congregational Sabbath-school, the English and Irish Sabbath-schools, are all brought forward in a manner to interest and inform. There is a feature of the volume that deserves particular notice, entitled "The Home Missionary School," the mode of conducting such schools, together with a great many practical points as affecting teachers, school-rooms, size of classes, school-books, week evening classes, and so forth, are amply detailed.

The Soul; its Nature and Destinies. By the Rev. PATRICK THOMSON, A. M. Snow.

THE subject of this work is the most momentous the world can supply. Its loss, next to its redemption, is the greatest event that has occurred either before or since time began. It is, with respect to man, the centre of creation; and, of all themes, to him the paramount theme of consideration. Its value, none but its Creator and Redeemer can tell, and the whole apparatus of moral means, instituted by the covenant of mercy, and now being administered by the Spirit of God, is, simply, for the salvation of this wonderful thing-the soul.

There was abundant room for the work before us, which comprises seven lectures on the Soul's nature, immortality, value, salvation, perils, separate state, and final destinies. There is somewhat of genius and originality in the mere mapping out of the subject, which is exceedingly well executed, since the volume presents a very superior specimen of clear, instructive, pungent, and practical, popular instruction. Quotation from such a volume is out of the question. Let it suffice to say, that it is an excellent volume, much adapted to promote edification, and stands a fair chance of commanding a wide circulation.

The Christian's Daily Treasury. By Rev. E. TEMPLE. Third Edition. Snow.

IT was our privilege to know Mr. Temple, and to spend with him a most pleasant evening, shortly prior to his lamented death. We remember few men among our acquaintance that possessed more of the gentle, the loving, the captivating. As a friend, a minister, a man, he was, in many respects, a model. His death created a blank amidst a useful class of unpretending pastors-men professing little, performing much. His loss was a heavy blow to the flock to which he ministered, and paved the way for calamities of the most afflictive description. Mr. Temple's course was speedy, quickly run,— run amidst sunshine, prosperity, and popular feeling. During that brief space he performed a large amount of service to his Master, and had he done nothing but leave behind him this production, he would have done something worth living for. On its first appearance we greatly prized it, and are glad to find it now issued, in the second edition, by Mr. Snow. It is a book remarkably calculated for domestic usefulness, and can hardly fail to attain a very extended circulation.

Poems. By A. E. SHOOLBRED. Nisbet and Co. We know not how it is, but the vein of poetry which seems almost, for the present, worked out in the sunny plains of the south, is still flowing in Scotland; not that anything very remarkable or meritorious is being performed, but there is a considerable number of performers; the most pleasant feature of the collective operation is its excellent spirit and tendency. It is all of a sacred character. The present volume comprehends a great variety, and almost all grounded on Scriptural subjects. The volume deserved publication, and supplies many passages which, did space permit, we should be happy to quote. The first piece, entitled "The Pursuit of Truth," is decidedly a superior production; while that of "Adversity," though deeply-tinged with melancholy, is also a piece of power, and will be read by many of a kindred temperament with the poet with pleasure. The "Reverie" is also good. We commend the volume.

Composition Literary and Rhetorical. By Rev. D. WILLIAMS, M.A. W. and J. Piper. THIS is a species of book in which our Literature is still but poor. It is not easy to account for the fact, that while the Press is ever groaning with publications, of various merit, on all sorts of subjects, it has brought forth so little on matters pertaining to Rhetorical criticism. The Campbells, the Beatties, the Kameses, the Blairs, the Burghs, the Sheridans, the Walkers, of an earlier day, can hardly be said to have had any succession; for we cannot deem Ewing Wright, Smart, and such men, entitled to rank as their successors in the strict line. They are pilgrims who have flitted across the path, and pattered a league more or less on its margin; but they have done nothing to extend the sphere, to improve, to systematise, or to popularise it. The only noble exception is the present Archbishop of Dublin, who has made a splendid contribution to the Rhetorical literature of his country by his well-known work on Rhetoric. The present publication we, there

fore, receive with pleasure. Its pretensions are not great, but its performance is very considerable. The volume, though small, embodies a large amount of doctrine, generally correct. The Canons also, which are here presented, are good and calculated to be useful. It will form a valuable introduction to the large works of which we have spoken. The book has one peculiarity; it shows that the Author has read very extensively on the subject, and is intimately conversant with all the great writers who have preceded him. If it has added nothing, he has done, perhaps, what is better, supplied a masterly digest of the chief works on oratory. We unhesitatingly commend it to our young men. It is a neat companion to Jamieson's Grammar of Rhetoric.

Description of the Barossa Range and its Neighbourhood, in South Australia. By" AGRICOLA." Illustrated with Maps and coloured Plates, from original Drawings made on the spot, by GEORGE FRENCH ANGAS. Smith, Elder, and Co.

THIS is a singularly splendid production, enabling those who desire it to form some idea of the Colonial aspects of Australia, without the perils or privations of a sea-voyage; and it is not improbable, that the charm will be such as to excite not a few to encounter even these. The descriptions are precise and clear, while the plates are highly picturesque. There are few new countries which admit of comparison. The artist is entitled to great praise; and the publisher has done the cause of emigration very considerable service. The Maps and coloured Plates are exquisitely done; and, as made from drawings taken upon the spot, their truth may be relied on. Angas is a name that will be classical in the future history of Australia; and such performances as these, in coming times, will be surveyed with reverential admiration. The Plates may be used to excellent purpose by Lecturers on Emigration.

The Scripture Doctrine of Christian Perfection. By ASA MAHAN. With an Introductory Preface, by JOHN STEVENSON, M.A. Partridge and Co.

MR. MAHAN is President of the Oberlin Institute, Ohio, United States; a place already famous in Great Britain as the residence of Mr. Finney, who, by the way, is now in England. We observe that this is a reprint of the tenth American edition; a circumstance which shows that the book has been in considerable repute across the Atlantic. Our more intelligent readers are aware that Mr. Finney has veered considerably in his Theological views, and that he has set forth very strong statements on the subject of Christian perfection,-a term loosely used, and a thing forming the materials of controversy long before Mr. Finney was born. has not heard of William Law's famous book bearing this title ? Who has not heard of the controversy which was waged by Mr. Wesley and his contemporaries; and especially of the letters of the admirable Fletcher, of Madeley, in support of the Wesleyan tenet? When one comes to investigate Mr. Wesley's writings on the subject of perfection, they find there is, upon the whole, a great deal of needless contest. As

Who

taught by him, the thing possessed a considerable spice of reason, and some support from Scripture. As preached and professed by many of his successors, violence was often done alike to Scripture, to reason, to common sense, to experience, and to observation. Those who desire to know the real views of the American Perfectionists, will find them set forth clearly and temperately in the present small publication, which comprises eight discourses on this subject, and will reward perusal, even from those who demur to the Author's conclusions.

The Cottager's Comprehensive Guide. By W. FERGUSON. Ward.

THIS is a most useful little work for the class it addresses. The style in which it is written is exceedingly plain; but, for that very reason, it will recommend itself to the Cottager who may be desirous of following out directions so ably given, for the proper management of his domestic affairs. Rules of the most economical kind are laid down for the management of the Cottager's table, basket, and store; and some most necessary information is afforded on the subject of the New Poor Law and Parochial Relief. There is a chapter devoted to the use of the Emigrant to South Australia. From the chapter on "Letters and General Remarks" we make the following quotation: "To all who are sober, honest, healthy, industrious, and able and willing to go to South Australia, I say Go!-Go at once to that land of promise." We strongly recommend this unassuming little volume to the perusal of the industrious cotter.

The First Book of Geography. By Dr. REID. Simpkin and Marshall.

DR. REID'S name guarantees everything that it is desirable to find in such a work as this is, which will be found an excellent introduction to Geography; and bearing date as it does, May, 1849, everything is brought up to the latest period. Dr. Reid is already well known for his matchless Dictionary, and his other School-books; his Introductory Atlas of Modern Geography, his Atlas of Modern Geography, his Outline of Sacred Geography, his English Grammar, and his Rudiments of Composition; and we could not cherish a better wish for the living generation than that he might write much and write long, since he is one of the few eminently gifted for leading the youthful mind in the path of profitable instruction. There is yet much room for the labours of such a man, and we trust he will not neglect the gift that is in him.

Cottage Cookery. By ESTHER COPLEY. Groombridge and Sons.

THIS pretty book is a reprint from the Family Economist, and is really an exceedingly valuable publication. Here the whole doctrine and mystery of the choice of provisions, modes of cookery, stews, soups, broths, puddings, pies, pastry, vegetables, ordinary modes of dressing meat, bread, cakes, buns, salting and curing meat, frugality, cheap cookery, charitable cookery, cookery for the sick and young children, are brought forth. The thing is a very Encyclopædia of these Kitchen matters; and is really adapted to be

exceedingly useful. A copy of it might very profitably be placed in every kitchen, from the palace to the humblest hut of the British peasant.

Old Humphrey's Half-Hours. Religious Tract Society.

OLD HUMPHREY is the best companion of his day-one of those mortals who alone would supply company sufficient for a peregrination from Lisbon to St. Petersburgh, and from there to Canton. This is one of his best books, and will doubtless attain to great popularity. We need not describe it. Our brave ancient friend is still sprightly as any boy at Harrow or Westminster. He promises to be "cheerful and grave, descriptive and monitory." He also means to play the part of a kindly bowman, so that the readers may take him for a target, while he means to return the shot, and "occasionally lodge a friendly arrow in his neighbour's heart." He says, "Half an hour's exercise at a time is all that I require; and if, in that limited period, thou shouldest become weary of being shot at, I will gladly become thy target, and thou shalt try thy hand at shooting at me." That is good, Old Humphrey; and we prophesy that before all is done, thou thyself wilt be assailed as hot and heartily as ever was Captain Gulliver himself. But thou hast nothing to fear, for assuredly the victory will be thine.

The Missionary Repository, and Sunday-School Missionary Magazine. John Snow.

MR. SNOW has stuck to this pretty publication with characteristic tenacity, in spite of the powerful and clustering competition with which he has had to contend. When it began nine

years ago, he had the field much to himself; but notwithstanding the narrowing of his course, he still holds on his way. The volume will form a pretty present.

The Sunday school Teacher's Class Register and Diary for 1850. Sunday-school Union. THIS beautiful book, so necessary to the Sabbathschool Teacher, and so admirably adapted to his purposes, is not a matter for criticism. It is enough simply to publish the fact of its appearance again, since, for the teacher to see, must be to procure it; and it will be for the Superintendents of Schools to take care that all their younger Teachers, from time to time entering the work, shall know that there is such a help at hand, and to provide it for them.

Notes on the Scripture Lessons for 1848-1849. By the Committee of the Sunday-school Union. Pp. 144. Sunday-school Union. IN harmony with the systematic method adopted by the Sunday-school Union for effecting the objects which that noble Institution has in view, has this instructive volume made its appearance. Such a work, to those who require it, and who will use without abusing it, will be found invaluable.

The Bible Class Magazine for 1849. Vol. II. Sunday-school Union.

THIS is Vol. II. of a very meritorious publication, which is well-conducted, and cannot be too abundantly supported. It is excellently adapted to its subject-simple, varied, interesting, and, in point of sentiment, always accurate, while it is here and there interspersed with beautiful cuts, illustrative of great subjects.

"THE LITERARY PROJECT." SIR,-I do not know whether you will reckon me among the "competent parties" from whom you solicit a response respecting the "literary project" mooted in the February WITNESS; but I wish to say, that the idea of a popular Congregational literature, somewhat in harmony with the general outline of your able correspondent, has my sympathy, and, if fairly launched, shall have such support as I may be enabled to render. Our Congregationalism deserves better treatment at our hands than it has ever yet received. Were it not for the life that is in it, it could not have survived the cold treatment of

many of its professed admirers. As auxiliary to your own labours-which were never more needed than at the present moment-I should wish to see Congregational principles systematically exhibited to the people of this nation, the multitude, the myriads. They would thus be taught, that, religious convictions apart, these principles are the champions and safeguards of personal and national liberty. We have a noble history, notwithstanding D'Aubigné's ludicrous allegation to the contrary. Ours is an "historical Church," far more venerable than any one of those ecclesiastical systems that from the

ON Wednesday, the 6th ult., a meeting of the Council of the Association was held at Radley's Hotel, Blackfriars, to deliberate on the time and place for holding the approaching Triennial Conference, as well as on the constitution of that body, and the business to be brought before it.

At eleven o'clock, EDWARD SWAINE, Esq., was called to the chair, and the business was commenced by the reading of a Report from the Executive Committee, containing a detailed plan respecting the Conference. This having been received, and a number of letters, containing various suggestions from absent members, having been read, the several passages of the Report were discussed seriatim, and the whole, with some slight alterations, was afterwards put and adopted.

It was arranged that the Conference should

be held in the week occurring between the Baptist and London Missionary Societies' Anniversaries, to begin on Tuesday, April 30, and to sit on that and the following two days, from ten o'clock a.m. till four o'clock p.m. It was stated that the Reform Association had originally fixed to hold their Conference on the 7th of April; but, on its being suggested to the Committee that it was desirable that the two Conferences should immediately follow each other, they altered the date to the 23rd of April. The theatre of the City of London Institution, Aldersgate-street, will be engaged for the occasion. The Committee had applied for Crosby Hall; but the use of it was refused, on the ground that a Committee of Churchmen, who had engaged it for lectures to young men, had stipulated that it should not be let for political purposes.

The Conference is to consist of (1) delegates appointed by public meetings, or meetings of congregations publicly convened; and (2) of delegates appointed in writing by persons residing in any town, borough, or parish, or in more than one united; the signatures of not fewer than fifty persons being required for one delegate, and not fewer than one hundred for two delegates. At the last Conference, members of the Association were admitted; but, in order to preserve the representative character of the Assembly, it will on this occasion be confined to delegates.

Inquiry was made whether they could be admitted as spectators, to which it was replied, that in all probability the theatre would not afford room for others than delegates. As a set-off against this alteration, the signature of fifty persons only is required to elect a delegate, instead of one hundred as formerly. It is, however, expected that, in the majority of instances, the elections will be by public meetings convened for the purpose; and it was urged, that when meetings of congregations are held, not only should delegates be appointed, but advantage taken of the occurrence to disseminate Anti-State - Church principles. The 13th of April is the day named for sending in nominations.

The travelling and other expenses of the delegates are to be defrayed by the delegates or their constituents; and, as heretofore, each delegate is expected to be furnished with the means of defraying a fair proportion of the expenses of the Conference. All these expenses are to be met by special contributions, and not by the application of any portion of the local subscriptions, which will be required for carrying on the ordinary operations of the Society.

The Committee stated their intention to arrange, if possible, for the entertainment of some of the delegates; a hope being expressed that the friends of the association in London would give practical proof of their approbation of such a proposal. It is also proposed to hold a social tea-party during the sittings of the Conference, to afford an opportunity for the free expression of opinion, and for the communication of information on the part of the county delegates. A great public meeting is to be held as usual, but the place is not yet decided upon.

Several subjects were mentioned as proper to be brought before the Conference, the most important of them being,--the Regium Donum; the Irish Church; recent events in the State Church; the Anti-State-Church press; and the increase of

political power on the part of those who hold the Society's principles, by obtaining possession of the franchise.

With respect to the election of the officers, the Executive Committee, and the Council, which forms part of the business of the Triennial Conference, a change in the mode of election is proposed. Hitherto they have been chosen by the whole Conference; but as it is found impossible by that method to obtain a legislative and executive body, composed of parties known to be willing to act, and fairly representing the supporters of the Society throughout the country, it is intended to submit to the Conference, that it shall appoint a Committee of twelve (three being members of the old Executive Committee), to prepare lists of officers, Executive Committee, and Council; such lists being afterwards separately submitted to the Conference for its approval. The members of the Conference are to be requested to send in the names of suitable parties to the Committee.

At the close of the business relating to the Conference, the Executive Committee presented a special Report on the subject of Mr. Roebuck's intended motion on the Irish Church. They were prepared to commence a vigorous agitation in support of it, and wished for the opinion of the Council, whether an attempt should be made to carry on the movement in London, by means of a Committee composed of persons favourable to this specific object. The result of the conversation was a resolution, to the effect, that the Committee should employ the resources of the Association, and avail themselves of the advantages which their organization gave them.