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NOTICES.-EDITOR'S TABLE.

NOTICES.

markably adapted to its topic. It is lusus verborum-a game of words all through.

HISTORY OF ITALY.-This is in three volumes of Harpers' Family Library. It surveys Italy and its islands from the beginning to the present time. It is from the pen of Wm. Spaulding, Esq., Professor of Rhetoric at Edinburgh. Of course it is presumptively meritorious. It embraces succinct recitals of all the prominent events, martial and ecclesiastical, of the Italtheir present state. The writer was aided by a residence of some months in Italy. It is a remarkably attractive production, and will be read with great avidity by all who happen to find it out, and have a relish for history and description. Its ecclesiastical history will interest the Christian reader.

THE LIFE OF WILBUR FISK, D. D., First President of the Wesleyan University. By Joseph Holdich. New York: Harper & Brothers. Pages 555.-The subject of this work was well worthy of the extended biographical notices presented to the public in this octavo volume. He was, judging from his "Life," scarcely second to any American divine of the age. In native talent, and in acquired ability, in sincere piety, and in purity of conduct, in diligence and in usefulness, few have ex-ians in their progress through great and varied revolutions to celled him. In the moral, educational, and religious enterprises of the day he was prominently active, and exerted an important influence in their favor. As a Methodist he maintained a dignified consistency, which will recommend him to his brethren, and embalm his memory in their grateful and warm regards.

He operated in a high sphere, and well did he perform his part. The Wesleyan University was the child of his vigorous and persevering efforts. It owed its respectability, if not its being, to his genius and industry. To foster and rear it up to its present state was his great secular work. It stands, we trust, a perpetual monument of the zeal and energy of W. Fisk. If any thing is to be regretted, it is that he had not written more, and left, by that means, a more lasting, if not a deeper impression on society. His small polemic work on the "New Divinity," and his "Travels," are, with the exception of pamphlet publications, his only remains. These are valuable; but it is to be lamented that he did not add ten times more to these fruits of his literary toil. He wrote well, sometimes admirably; and had he written more, he would have been one of the ablest writers of the age.

We rejoice that the light of such a star shines upon us through a clear medium. It were a pity that a track so lucid as that of Fisk's should not be clearly traced and attractively exposed. It is sufficient to say that the biographer has fully answered the expectations of the public. We cannot often say of a picture that it is faultless, but we can say of this production that it is a skillfully wrought portraiture of real life, and assorts with the original. We doubt not that it cost its amiable author much labor, for it bears the marks of pains-taking. But it justifies the opinion which the lamented Fisk had formed of his qualifications for the office to which he was designated by the wishes

of the deceased.

We will conclude this notice by declaring that although we had formed a very high opinion of the mental gifts and moral worth of Dr. Fisk, yet we had not done him justice until our conceptions of his character were corrected and enhanced by this biography. The Church has lost and heaven has gained more than we knew of.

SELECT LETTERS OF REV. JOHN WESLEY.-This is a duodecimo of 240 pages, published at the New York Book Concern. The letters are mostly on experimental religion, and many of them are addressed to females. To read these epistles is next to sitting in company with Mr. Wesley, asking him questions, and listening to his answers. Although this little volume has been several years before the public, it is not so extensively read as it should be. How highly would the reader value the privilege of spending an hour in rehearsing to the founder of Methodism all her fears and difficulties on the subject of religion, and receiving his best instructions and advice. To read these letters is almost an equal privilege. They are replies to letters addressed to him by Lady Maxwell and others, stating their difficulties in seeking and adhering to the Savior. Every reader will find some of her own difficulties alluded to, and suitable advice administered. We cordially recommend this valuable selection to all who desire to grow in and obtain freedom from indwelling sin. Except the Bible, there is no greater help to holiness.

grace

UNCLE SAM'S RECOMMENDATION OF PHRENOLOGY TO HIS

LEWIS AND CLARKE'S EXPEDITION TO OREGON is timely republished, and forms No. 155 of the Family Library. It is not unknown to our readers. At this time certain movements are being made towards the occupancy and settlement of Oregon by some of our pioneer citizens. This will render the re-publication of the "Expedition " popular, and will secure it many readers. It is replete with incidents of a romantic cast, and gives some valuable statements of the appearance of the coun. try, and of its savage inhabitants at that early period, viz., 1803.

GUIDE TO CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.-The numbers for May and June are filled with instructive articles. The third volume is closed. We have often referred our readers to this excellent paper. We shall do it again and again, and not be weary in well doing.

EDITOR'S TABLE.

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY.-Cincinnati is in a fair way to outdo all the cities of America in the proposed enterprise of purchasing the best telescope in the world. A society has been formed for this object, and funds will soon be secured to make the purchase. Professor Mitchell, of Cincinnati College, is entitled to the honor of originating and conducting this scheme. He proposes to purchase an instrument of about one-fifteenth greater power, if we understand him, than that of the Russian Emperor's, which is believed to be the best in existence. Mr. Mitchell's lectures on astronomy have attracted much attention the past winter, and it will be a happy circumstance that when the telescope arrives, which will probably be within twelve months, he will be here to use it. It will be the means of exciting popular attention to the subject of astronomy; and we know not but, in the issue, some future scientific mechanic of this city will, in consequence of this movement, beat the whole world in the construction of telescopes; and some judicious star-gazer may make discoveries which will astonish and delight mankind. We recommend to our young readers the study of astronomy. It will, in addition to its present entertainments, prepare them to converse on a subject which will soon be of the highest interest. It is inevitable that the execution of its plan by the Astronomical Society will render astronomy the all-absorbing theme.

GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.-The cornerstone of a neat chapel, to accommodate the German Methodists of this city, was laid early in June. Addresses were delivered on the occasion by Rev. Adam Miller, German missionary of this city, by Rev. E. W. Sehon, and others. A subscription of $150 was received on the ground. The chapel will be forty by sixty, with a good basement entirely above ground, and a chapel with about 500 sittings. It is now nearly ready for occupancy.

The friends of German missions have reason to thank God

and take courage. It is five years since these missions began to prosper. Now there are 1400 converts, nearly twenty missionaries in the field, and about ten good chapels erected and MILLION OF FRIENDS. New York: Harper & Brothers.—Un-being erected. A religious paper of the highest literary and der a vein of pleasing humor, this little book contains a correct delineation of phrenology; and if any wish to pry into the principles of so mysterious a science (?), let them study Uncle Sam. They can do it without weariness; for its style is re

theological merit circulates to the amount of 1500 numbers among a people who love to read; and the Lord of the harvest is evidently crowning this great enterprise with his special blessing.

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