determined, if possible, to effect his removal thither; but the opposition of the Moderates to the man whom they represented as "mad" was so great, as to render it one of the severest battles of the kind ever fought on the theatre of Church and State. However, Chalmers was successful, receiving 15 votes, while for his next competitor there were 10, and 4 for the third. The event gave great joy, not simply to pious Churchmen, but to all classes of Dissenters. It was wisely considered that this was the very sphere for such a man. After receiving the call, he was not a little perplexed how to act. His relations strongly opposed his removal; and, of course, his parishioners clung around him; but he was guided to the proper decision, and on the 9th of July, 1815, he preached his farewell sermon, on an occasion which presented such a scene as was never exhibited in Fifeshire. The people flocked in multitudes from every quarter, which contributed, in a measure, to swamp the genuine congregation, and to destroy the sympathy reciprocally cherished and displayed by the pastor and the people. This day, however, was not simply memorable in the locality; but to a number of families, who had but too much reason to keep it in permanent recollection. Among the company that proceeded from Dundee across the Taya breadth of two miles-two boats were so crowded as to be upset; and, if our memory misleads us not, the whole of both companies found a watery grave! Can it be necessary to add another word in commendation of a volume which can furnish such extracts as those we have cited? We pause for a reply, and shall expect to find it in the public announcement, that long before Vol. II. be issued, a second edition, if not a third, will be called for. Institutes of Theology. By the late Thos. CHALMERS, D.D., LL.D. Two Vols. Hamilton. ACCORDING to the Editor, Dr. Hanna, the great Author of these volumes expressed himself to the effect, that he would "stake his reputation upon them." The simple fact of his doing so will not, of course, be taken as a proof positive of their claims to such distinction by those remembering Cicero, Milton, and other mighty men among the lettered dead. But neither does it follow, that Dr. Chalmers has, in this respect, been equally misled by an infatuated fondness for a last production. On the contrary, we concur in the propriety of his own conclusion; this work will give posterity a more complete view of his intellectual, moral, theological, and literary characteristics than any other single publication that bears his name. It will also gain for him much by comparison with all other works of the same class which have appeared in the course of the present century. We may, for example, take the last-the "Institutes" of the late Rev. Richard Watson-also in his line, and in his own community, a very great mana work which was long looked for, and great things were expected from it; and his own community believed that great things were actually performed,-a conclusion in which competent judges never concurred. Time has only tended to strengthen their dissent. Abundant time was taken by Mr. Watson to "read up " for the undertaking,-to think the subject out, and to weave the fabric of the composition; but the result by no means realized the anticipations formed from the note of preparation which was sounded, and from the undoubted intellectual power and merited celebrity of the author. The first volume, as touching on the Evidences, is the best; but, as a whole, the book is loose and spongy,—distinguished neither by logic, by eloquence, nor by profound and accurate views of Theology. The next in order, backward, is Dr. Dick, whose Lectures possess special merit, but of a kind altogether different from those of Dr. Chalmers. Then come the Lectures on Divinity of the celebrated Dr. Hill, Principal of the University of St. Andrew's,-a work which, with much that is good, is marked by great defects. His views of the Gospel were far from savoury. Eminent as a man of talents and learning, as the leader of the Moderates of the Scotch Establishment, he was a cold, high-dry, Professor of Christian theology. The renown he obtained as a Principal and Church leader was far from being evangelical in its character, and contributed much to obstruct the happy revival of Gospel doctrine which subsequently distinguished the Scottish Church. We knew his character as a principal, professor, and preacher well in life; we were not far from him in death; and, just thirty-one years ago, we followed his remains to the grave. We are the more explicit in referring to the lectures of Dr. Hill, because his work, which originally appeared in three volumes, at a price which limited its circulation, is, we observe, just issued in one volume; and it is proper that our readers should be apprised alike of its merits and of its defects. While the defects are great,_so must have been the merits, since Dr. Chalmers made it his text-book in the University of Edinburgh, supplementing, we doubt not, its defects, and pouring life-blood into its cold though luminous pages. Since writing the above, we have turned to Dr. Chalmers' notes, referred to immediately below, and have been not a little gratified to see how entire the concurrence is between ourselves and Dr. Chalmers, who says, in reference to Hill as a text-book, "He whose office it is to expound the text-book is not restricted to the views or opinions of its Author. He may extend, he may modify, he may even refute at pleasure." Again, he says, "There is a pervading defect-a certain frigidity about it, which the doctrines whereof it treats ought to have quickened into warmth and animation-the want of a sal evangelicum, even though it be an evangelical system of truth which is ably, and, on the whole, correctly expounded. Even this, however, has not repelled me from the choice of my text-book. The substance of Christianity is there, although not impregnated with the full force and vitality of Christian sentiment. And I would certainly say of the Christianity in these volumes, that taking in all which it implies in the term, it offers not a full or a fair transcript of the Christianity of the New Testament." No But to return to the Institutes. wrong is done to the Author when we say, that with all his genius, all his science, all his eloquence, he was not by any means an accomplished literary architect. We submit that the volumes in the complete series of his Works on Natural Theology and the Evidences should have been comprised in the Institutes, which would quite supersede a large part of the Volumes before us, which, in spite of its beauty, as the thing now stands, is so meagre as to be quite unsatisfactory. There are also other and larger portions of the collected Works which properly belong to the Institutes. The whole combined and digested would have presented incomparably the most copious, various, profound, and magnificent body of Christian Institutes the world has seen. It labours under an imperfection of a sort which we never remember to have attached to any other work of its class. Had he written nothing but itself, even as it now stands, it would have had an air of completeness which it now does not possess. It is to a very considerable extent, a copious syllabus of large portions of the complete edition of his Works. Book II., for example, comprises three short but brilliant chapters on Natural Theology, full of reference to his Works, which comprise three elaborate volumes on the subject. Then we have ten chapters on the subject of the Evidences, comprising 200 pages. But his Works exhibit three elaborate volumes on that question. To these, of course, there is a frequent reference, which will provoke rather than satisfy those who do not possess the Complete Edition to which the reference is made. The second part of the Work, entitled the "Subject Matter of Christianity," is necessarily, to a vast extent, a reproduction of his views, as set forth in other works, in a more recondite, ofttimes polemic and philosophical character. As it is, the production, notwithstanding its imperfections on these grounds, is, of course, one of transcendent value, and will carry down its Author's name to a very remote posterity. But let us be candid. Even that which we have been regretting will not be without its advantages. By the reduction of bulk, and the consequent reduction of price, the book stands a vastly-increased chance of being widely diffused and extensively read; while it will, doubtless, stimulate multitudes who can afford it, to purchase the complete series, for the sake of his more extended views upon the subjects we have referred to. A work of the description we have suggested, as a perfect body of Institutes, would have comprised eight or ten moderate volumes, and must, therefore, have been necessarily limited in its circulation; whereas, the work as it is will give, at least, a taste of the general value of the whole, and they who desire more, and have the means, know where to find it. In this way, therefore, a great object has been realized; and, since the volumes on Natural Theology and the Evidences may be had separately, the defects may the more easily be supplied. Had Dr. Chalmers never written anything else but these volumes, they would have served to render him famous. The first book contains three very elaborate treatises, entitled, "Preliminary Ethics,' ""Mental Metaphysics," and "Initial Considerations." Prelections on Butler's Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, and Hill's Lectures on Divinity. With Introductory Lectures, and Four Addresses, delivered in the New College, Edinburgh. THIS, which forms Vol. IX. of Dr. Chalmers' Works, stands a fair chance of being the most popular and useful of the entire series. With ourselves it is, and will be, a lasting favourite. It is full of variety, instruction, and interest. It is, in a very high degree, characteristic of the celebrated Author; and pours more light on his special views, on his peculiar habits of thought, on his opinions of men and of books, and of many things besides, than all the rest of his Works united. It, moreover, lays open and reveals the mysteries of his very far-famed Professorship. Dr. Chalmers, after the manner of Dr. Dwight, used Text-Books in his Classes; and, in explanation and defence of this plan, the volume before us opens with an admirable Lecture. It is, indeed, the best thing with which we have ever met, on the use of Text-Books in Theological Education. To this he adds another Lecture, entitled "Advice to Students on the Conduct and Prosecution of their Studies," also much the best of its class we have seen. For these Lectures we could wish the widest possible diffusion, as they are calculated to be of eminent service to the ingenuous, ardent inquirer after truth, and the best methods of prosecuting the study of it. The principal portion of the Lecture, "Advice to Students," will be found in our Number for Dec., 1849. This golden volume consists in illustrative and supplementary Notes, Disquisitions, and Lectures on the Text-Books. Thus, for example, we have no fewer than 78 pages devoted to successive chapters of Butler's Analogy. He has also travelled over the whole surface of Paley's Evidences of Christianity. To these succeed notes on Hill's Lectures on Divinity, covering the six books which make up the three volumes. It were difficult to say which of these several classes of Notes and Prelections is the most important. They are all full of interest; but, perhaps, their chief value consists in this,-that they are all but matchless specimens of thoughtful reading. They are lessons in the art of learning to think. In this view, we attach to them the utmost moment. It is recorded of Edmund Burke, that it was his constant habit to "read pen in hand;" with him, perusal was study. Such, too, was the well-known habit of Charles Fox; and such ought to be the practice of every man who desires to convert life into a study, and reading into acquisition. We exceedingly prize the volume; and have no terms sufficiently strong to commend it. We should like, however, were there an edition of Butler's Analogy published with the Notes and Prelections of Chalmers appended; and also an edition of Paley's Evidences with a similar apparatus; we could also wish for an edition of Hill's Lectures in one volume, and in a cheap form, with this body of profound, correct, logical, and eloquent Annotations, interspersed or appended. Annual Addresses of Dr. Chalmers, in the New College, will furnish a rich treat to philosophical readers, fraught as they are with the finest thinking, presenting polished specimens of the highest eloquence, and pervaded by a spirit of celestial fire. The Bunhill Memorials. Edited by J. A. JONES. 12mo, pp. 382. Paul. We have in this very interesting volume information, more or less extended, concerning three hundred ministers and other persons of note, buried in Bunhillfields, of every denomination, with the inscriptions on their tombs and gravestones, and other historical information concerning them, from authentic sources. To state this fact is sufficient, we should think, to recommend the publication. The theme is one which will commend itself to the understandings and the hearts of multitudes, both near and far, who have enjoyed the mournful privilege of seeing and traversing this celebrated resting-place of the sainted dead; and to those who have only read of it in connection with the dust of a Bunyan, a Watts, and a Doddridge, it will be welcome. While the place is very dear to Nonconformists, it ought to be a subject. of interest and reverence to all who love the common salvation. It is, therefore, with much propriety that Mr. Jones dedicates his book to "ministers of every denomination who 'hold the Head." But while this is good, the matter ought not to be thus limited. The labours of Mr. Jones are entitled to the consideration of laymen of all sects and communions. The volume professes to be, not a history of any of the parties, but, what it really is, a book of "pith and marrow -a large magazine of important facts. The venerable Editor has come to his work, moreover, at a time of life, and in a frame of mind, which rendered the undertaking peculiarly acceptable to himself; and we are sure that he will command extended sympathy among large numbers of aged readers. Mr. Jones avows that he found it a work fraught with much that was salutary, awakening, and adapted to edify. In addition to ministerial labours, he says, "I have been enabled to devote the seventieth year of my natural life to the completion of these Memorials, and to fold them up on that day on which I am spared to arrive at the age of man. I bowed my knee at the commencement, and asked for this favour; and the Master has been pleased to grant me my request." We are sure his readers will consider that his time has been well employed, and heartily wish him a dozen more years of good health and the continued use of all his faculties, that he may testify for the Master he loves, and promote his glory in the world; and when he shall have been gathered to his fathers, his volume will constitute the best memorial that can be raised to himself. Be this as it may, we are confident that his book will be read with interest and edification for generations to come. Many of the notices are necessarily very short; but others are copious, giving a main outline of the life and labours of a number of those that were blessings in their day and generations, and whose memories are still had in pleasing remembrance. Amongst these we would specify Bradbury, Chandler, Clarke, Nye, T. Cole, Doolittle, A. Gifford, Goodwin, Neal, Owen, Orme, and Nasmith. CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES. Liberality consistent with Truth and Honesty. A Letter of Friendly Remonstrance addressed to the Rev. George Dawson, M.A. By the Rev. BREWIN GRANT, B.A. THE one of these gentlemen is already famous, and the other is on the way to a solid and honourable reputation. The title of the pamphlet sufficiently indicates its object; and whatever be its effect on Mr. Dawson's own mind, it can hardly be doubted that it will be beneficial on the mind of the public, especially those portions of it who may be said to be disciples and admirers of Mr. Dawson. We need hardly say, that we entertain friendly feelings towards that gentleman, prizing his talents, while deeply lamenting their misapplication. We are afraid that time is not improving him; but Mr. Grant has at all events discharged the duty of true friendship, in the clear, pointed, spirited, faith ful, and yet fraternal, remonstrance which is here presented. Wine and Milk; or, Spiritual Refreshment for the Children of God and Sojourners upon Earth. Square 18mo, pp. 95. London: Foster. "WINE and milk" are very good things in their own place, but something more is required, even strong meat. It is difficult to say what can have prompted this publication, which consists entirely of Scripture passages, published in large English type. It is a mere collection of precious texts, with which every reader of the Scriptures must be familiar; and now that the Word is cheap, beyond all cheapness, there is no further need for such excerpts as this, which is but small, and of which we have already, in Gastrell and others, numerous and excellent selections. Puseyism and its Tendencies. By RICHARD KEYNES. London: Whittaker and Co. IT is somewhat refreshing now to meet with a pamphlet against Puseyism, since for the last year or two there seems to have been a truce. The Puseyites have changed, in many respects, the mode of their attacks. They print less, but they labour more. Still, indeed, they print and publish, but not in a polemic form; their object being to possess the juvenile mind, and to seize upon the untaught multitude. Mr. Keynes has deserved well for this solid and manly manifesto; the closing portions of which, especially, on the duty of Churches, as Churches, to spread the gospel, deserve particular attention; for, notwithstanding they have been often repeated, they have not yet been properly attended to. In his last chapter, on Lay-agency, he seems not to have been aware how much has been written upon that subject. Youthful Piety. Second Series. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D. London: Houlston and Stone man. THIS is a valuable production, prettily illustrated by cuts, finely printed, and elegantly got up-a very gem of its class, and one of the finest presents to a young person that can be given. We find no fault, except with the plate of the Crucifixion. We confess to a strong repugnance to these things, and would leave them where they are, in the dark empire of Antichrist. Let us have as much as may be of the doctrines of the Cross, but we desire no visual representations of it. After a series of doctrinal chapters, we have illustrative anecdotes and facts concerning children and prayer; children and mothers; children and the Sabbath-schools; children exhibiting kindness and forgiveness; children and usefulness; children and temperance; and then a half-dozen happy deaths. It has our very cordial commendation. The Child's Guide to Duty and Devotion. By a LADY. Hall. A PRETTY little book of its kind-a sort of short-handed method of putting old heads upon young shoulders-devout and well-intentioned and also calculated to instruct. It will be a very suitable book for precocious children; and, in the hands of a parent, may be turned to good account. Every Man his own Doctor. The Cold and Tepid Water-cure. By Captain CLARIDGE. London: James Madden. THIS is not a bad title, clearly framed upon Francis Clayter's "Every Man his own Farrier." From the number of editions through which the book of Francis went, there is reason to believe it was useful to farriers, and sure we are that the book of Captain Claridge, whose name is already very favourably known, is adapted to be very useful to every man of common sense. Brandy and salt has been represented as working wonders, and a power all but miraculous has been ascribed to mustard-seed. A good deal of folly and quackery has been mixed up with these and such matters, but still there can be no doubt that they both possess virtues, and, under certain circumstances, may prove useful in mitigating pain, or effecting cure; but, as Captain Claridge says, it will not do to place hydropathy in the same category. It is beyond all controversy that hydropathy is a system of prodigious power as an instrument, and, if used as Dr. Johnson, for example, used it, it may be applied with the greatest benefit to mankind. We were somewhat prepared for giving a candid reception to works upon the subject, when they appeared some seven years ago, by the perusal of the work of Sir John Hoyer, which happened to come into our hands, and which comprises a multitude of cases, facts, and experiments on the subject of water applied to the human frame. A new edition of that work, pruned of some of its moral impurities, might be useful. Christian Loyalty. A Sermon preached on the Occasion of Her Majesty's Visit to Glasgow. By J. G. LORIMER, D.D., Free St. David's Church, Glasgow. Glasgow: W. R. M'Phun. DR. LORIMER seems resolved to speak of Royalty in a royal manner, and hence he has published a very excellent Sermon in a quarto form, regardless of the fact that it can neither be carried in the pocket, nor bound up, nor very conveniently shelved. Like a monarch, he determines that it shall lie, and last while it lives, alone. It is to be regretted that there is so much caprice creeping into modern literature in regard to form and size; but apart from this, the Sermon is excellent; and after the tumults attendant upon the disruption of the Scottish Church, it seems not simply discreet and grace ful, but well-timed in an eminent Free Churchman, to embrace the occasion of testifying to the loyalty which that community breathes towards their Sovereign. That loyalty has been impeached, but most unjustly; for we believe there is not in Great Britain a body who better understand, and more cheerfully, from conscience, perform the duties of Christian citizenship. Youthful Devotedness; or, the Youth of the Church instructed in the Duties of Practical Religion. By T. HOUSTON, D.D. With a Recommendatory Preface, by Professor SYMINGTON. Royal 18mo. London: Houlston and Stone man. THE name of this Author is not much known to the British public, but that of Dr. Symington will go far, favourably to introduce, as well as strongly to guarantee, its worth and excellence. The book discusses gospel doctrine, personal conversion, church-fellowship, Christian character, social relations, and other subjects connected with Christian piety. It is a solid, manly, interesting exhibition of truth, by a hard-headed and intelligent Scottish Pastor. Its thorough perusal cannot fail to help on conversion, while it will contribute much to edify and establish those already converted. The Mechanics' Organ. London: B. L. Green. THIS publication somewhat resembles the celebrated Lowell Offering of the United States. It is an attempt of Mechanics to instruct and to edify one another; a most laudable effort, respectably sustained, but, we regret to learn, not properly upheld. If parties will bind themselves together, much might thus be done; but it is impossible such matters can go on, unless the sale remunerate. Printers' bills soon accumulate to unmanageable sums, involving loss, perhaps ruin, to those who stand in the front of the battle; and it becomes, therefore, such men to be discreet as well as zealous, and not to involve themselves for the benefit of those who do not thank them. The Sabbath-Scholar's Hymn-Book. Edited by SPENCER MURCH. London: Houlston and Stoneman. A VERY excellent book of its class. There is no need of a better; and were it necessary, it would be difficult to procure it. Poetry. ON RE-VISITING THE SCENES OF EARLY LIFE. BY FAWCET. HAIL, loveliest scene these eyes have e'er survey'd Where my gay childhood innocently grew; Where oft my feet with truant pastime play'd, And my warm youth life's freshest pleasures knew! Roll back, ye hasty suns, and bring again Ere my warm spirits care had learn'd to chill! Return that health which bloom'd without my care, Came uninvoked, and, tho' neglected, stay'd; Which ask'd nor lenient herb, nor fount, nor air Contemned all danger, and despis'd all aid! |