feelings no less agreeable in themselves than they are accordant with the spirit of the gospel.

And how equally well could you improve the moral character of the labouring classes? To set aside the direct influence of the enlightened visitor-to say nothing of the effect of his conversation, his admonitions, the advice he gives, the books he lends, the children he instructs or finds instruction for surely the mere visit would be of incalculable good. It is made by the rich to the poor-by the esteemed to the despised in the world's opinion-by the well-informed to the ignorant— by the virtuous to the vicious. Such a visit could not fail to raise the labourer in his own esteem, and thus to raise his character.

How often, too, might the most timely aid be rendered to those who are young in sin? Many perish, because at the most critical period of their lives, when the first offence has been committed, and society has assumed the frown of its irreversible ban-because then they have no friendly hand to aid. Willingly would they return to duty, but they find not the way. They have already had enough of transgression-conscience has been busy-the frame of the body tells of sins against its laws, and they eagerly, yet vainly look about for a way of return into that society, where only, as they now find, happiness exists. Such persons, the visitor of the poor would meet and succour. Contrition he would foster into repentance, and repentance he would make the basis of reformation; and aided by those of whom he would be the representative and fellow-worker, he would restore many a lost sheep to the fold of Christ, and convert an injurious into a useful member of society.

But the day would fail me, were I to attempt to detail, even in the most cursory manner, the many advantages that promise to ensue from such an effort as I have now ventured to recommend. The less need, however, is there for lengthened discourse, since the plan is one which is approved of as soon as propounded since it has already been sanctioned by success, not only in our own country, but also among our own communion in the United States of America. Every thing, indeed, depends on the spirit with which the work is undertaken, and the individuals on whom it is devolved. But would every Christian endeavour to occupy his talent-to visit his immediate

neighbourhood-to look after those who are now perishing from neglect; and would churches and communities seek out judicious and benevolent persons to employ as their agents and representatives, doing work which private Christians themselves could not do, and giving system and consistency to the labour of love, would whole towns and the whole kingdom unite to carry into effect a general visit to the poor, the ignorant, the abandoned of this country, and thus to pour upon the land a flood of mercy, goodness, and peace,-more, far more would be done for the reformation of the criminal-the diminution of penury-the mitigation of distress-for the extension of Christianity, and therein the regeneration of man, than can be expected from the combined efforts of any acts of the legislature-the annual exaction of millions of money, the laudable efforts to diffuse useful knowledge, and the devotedness of existing missionaries.

The day in which we live is full of bright omens; but one that would surpass the united splendour of them all in brightness, would there arise, could we but behold the same energy devoted to moralize, as we see employed in enlightening the many; could we but behold the better portion of society bent, as well as it may be-for in the depravity of the people its own character and happiness are perilled-bent upon making a crusade, not with carnal weapons, but the force of mercy, love, and good works-bent in making a righteous and most benevolent crusade against the powers of darkness, that hold in bondage so many of our fellow countrymen and fellow heirs of immortality. Here is a great and good work, demanding the energy of the great and good, and offering as a reward, the temporal and eternal happiness of myriads. G. C. S.

REVIEW.

The Second Volume of Sermons, accompanied by suitable Prayers, designed to be used in Families.-Edited by the Rev. J. R. Beard, p. 503. Hunter, London.

WE had, some months since, seen a list of the contributors to this Second Volume of Family Sermons; and as many of them have well earned, and deservedly bear, the character of preachers of the first order, we had

become somewhat impatient for the appearance of these fruits of their talents. Our expectations were high, nor has the volume, now it is come into our hands, disappointed those expectations. We promised ourselves a treat, and our anticipations are realized. Here we have thirty Sermons from twenty-seven Preachers, three of whom are of America, three of Geneva, four of Ireland, one of Scotland, thirteen of England, and three excellent young ministers lately deceased.

A better assemblage we could hardly desire. We thus find ourselves addressed for our encouragement and comfort, from the east and the west, from the north and the south, by eloquent tongues, and glowing, pious hearts. From across the Atlantic, the benevolent Dr. Tuckerman talks to us in his own kind way, in Sermon I. and proves that "The Gospel is a blessing to the Poor." And from the same quarter of the globe, we are reasoned with in the persuasive language of Professor Ware, Sermon VII. on "The Religion of Principle, and the Religion of the Affections." We turn to Sermon XIII. and get a salutary lecture from Professor Duby of Geneva, which he properly designates, "Shame of the Gospel Reproved;" and after this, we are pleased to hear him again in Sermon XXVIII. on "The good of Affliction." Professor Cellérier of Geneva, in Sermon XXIII. on "The Worldling subject to two masters," and in Sermon XXVI. on Thoughtfulness in the House of God," is warm, lively, earnest, and interesting. And Professor Munier, of the same city, in Sermon XXV. on "Watchfulness," and Sermon XXIX. on "Charity a two-fold blessing," is energetic and affecting. There are in those sermons, passages not a few, which our feelings would prompt us, did our limits permit us, to quote, to illustrate the originality and strength of thought, and the taste, and elevation of style which they display. But we deem it better that heads of families should read the discourses themselves. The whole will amply repay the attentive reader.

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Of the productions of Drs. Carpenter and Drummond, and the Reverends W. J. Fox, J. G. Robberds, H. Montgomery, J. R. Beard, J. J. Tayler, Russell Scott, and others, we need say nothing. The names are a sufficient recommendation. We agree with the editor, that "the intellect must be roused, exercised, tasked; the heart must be moved, smitten, elevated; truth

should be exhibited in its application to actual life and modes of thought, illustrated by the new lights and views which an age of extraordinary mental activity and developement offers, and impregnated with the living fire of a mind which sees the Gospel in its application to the world, and the world in the light and prospects afforded by the Gospel." And we think the volume before us, admirably fitted to perform an important part in the accomplishment of these momentous objects. The discourses, taken as a whole, aim at arousing the mind, bettering the heart, and urging onward to benevolence, holiness, and endless happiness. The arguments employed, are drawn from the nature, interests, and destiny of man-the character, offices, and example of Christand the attributes, providence, and love of God. And generally, the authors have handled those arguments, in a manner which claim for them a rank considerably above that of common-place. The volume is no trifling accession to our stock of valuable sermons. It is well worth possessing by individuals who are desirous of reading for self-improvement, and advancement in excellence; by heads of families, who wish to read for the moral and religious edification of their domestic circles; and by smail societies of Christians who have no stated minister, and read printed sermons for mutual instruction and encouragement. To all such persons, we cordially recommend this volume of sermons, resting confidently persuaded, that it will answer their expectations, and meet their wants.

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The New Era of Christianity, or its Influence on the Moral Regeneration of Society.-By William Burns; p. 30. Hunter, London.

Candour, or an Importial Examination of the Row Heresy; with Hints to the General Assembly on the Treatment of Controversies; p. 40. Hunter, London.

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THESE pamphlets, by the same author, treat of ferent subjects, but the tendency of both is to promote charity in opinion, and benevolence of feeling. "Candour" relates to a "heresy," which springing up in the Church of Scotland, has excited much controversy in this part of

the kingdom, and which, though condemned by those who have the " power of the keys," and its leading advocate cast out by the General Assembly, is still spreading. Could bigotry have been cured of its ruthless denunciations, the arguments and persuasions of this pamphlet would have applied an effectual remedy, but "she has no head and cannot think, she has no heart and cannot feel." Those who desire an accurate analysis of the sentiments of the Rev. J. M. Campbell, late minister of the Row, will find it in these pages.

"The New Era of Christianity," relates to a subject, the importance of which to human improvement, virtue, and happiness, it is impossible to estimate too highly In the preliminary observations,, Mr. Burns remarks, "The train of thought developed in this little piece, was originally awakened and nearly completed by the personal observations and reflections of the author; yet he gladly acknowledges, that his opinions have been fortified and enlarged in several instances by the communications of his friends, and by the study of other authors. LESSING, in particular, has given a set of aphorisms, several of which have been nearly copied among the following; but that author does not follow out his doctrine to the same practical results, nor does he, in many instances, embrace the same topics. Some thoughts have been also transferred from ST. SIMON and B. CONSTANT."

In the author's view, Christianity was destined to have two Eras, the one for the establishment of its doctrines, its evidences, its authority-the other, for the practice of its morality by individual and social man. The first era

The

is past, the second is arrived. This view is sanctioned, he conceives, by the history of the human race. education of the great family of man, proceeds gradually, and all the dispensations of God have been proportioned and adapted to that moral and intellectual progression. In a series of 135 aphorisms, those dispensations and that history are traced. We gladly refer to this pamphlet, as containing most important points for the consideration and practical application of the Christian philanthropist, whilst in the papers "On the Moral Constitution and History of Man," commenced in the present number of our Magazine, there will be a farther developement of principles which, if acted on, cannot fail to raise the intellectual and moral character of human society.