that a man might deliberate and partially examine and say, "Now, which is strongest? There are things of sight; they have their influence over me so far and so far, but these objects of faith-they have their power over me; which is the stronger? Thanks be to God, I dare look to see which is the stronger. It is not so much stronger as it ought, and as I wish; but it is mightier." And what a delightful consciousness of liberty, power, happiness, victory over the world, sin, and the fear of death! Let it be observed, that it is all along admitted as a matter of plain sense and necessity that a great deal of interest must and will be felt about the things of sight. Nothing can be more ill-judged than the kind of language sometimes unthinkingly used by religious teachers, as if a Christian really had nothing to do with this world, or to care about it, so that the listener is driven at last to say, "At this rate there never was or can be a Christian. A sublime, perhaps, but impossible romance." But, we say again, the object of faith should have the predominating influence-so that a man might in truth aver, "I am on the whole a man for a higher world. The interest which I feel for the things of this world is not such as to frustrate my convictions of the mightier claims of the higher-the future." The letters, without anything remarkable, are yet, as the letters of Foster, deeply interesting. They are mainly written to three or four friends, and. devoted friends too, so that the great man unbosoms himself with an ease, a frankness, and a point, which, we presume may be taken as an approximation to his more elaborate conversation. After all this, it is superfluous to say how much we admire the book, and how cordially we thank those concerned for its publication. The Life of Our Lord upon Earth, in its Historical, Chronological, and Geographical Relations. By the Rev. S. J. ANDREWS. Alexander Strahan and Co. WHILE the theme of this volume is the most exalted that can occupy the human mind, it has fallen into hands which have displayed a high capability for dealing with it. The whole frame of the work is original, or, at least, original to an extent not previously reached by any writer. The introductory essays form an invaluable key to the whole, and then comes a chronological exhibition of the mighty march of the great Redeemer, from its commencement to its close. Here we have it month by month, day by day, set forth in a manner so clear and so orderly, that it will be peculiarly gratifying to the youthful mind to travel by the map which has been so skilfully and beautifully constructed. The author, assuredly, has earned for himself a good degree during his own day; but the book will be read and remembered for many generations. There was both room and need for the publication, which, indeed, has supplied a great desideratum. There is a remarkable completeness about the volume. We have first a very lengthened list of all the authors cited, which indicates the extent and variety of the writer's learning. We have next a general index to all the chief points discussed. To these succeeds a chronological index, in which everything is exhibited in its relative succession; and the volume closes with an index to passages of Scripture referred to in the history. It does not comport with our space and object to enter into the discussion of any of the great things here set forth; our aim is to give a glimpse at the book itself; and, in doing this, we feel confident that we adopt the surest method of recommending it. It is, unquestionably, one of the books of the day; and we have no doubt that it will everyway be duly appreciated, and bring to its author the satisfaction, which he will prefer to every other, of finding that it is eminently promoting the cause of God. A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Classes in this Country, contrasted with Real Christianity. By W. WILBERFORCE, Esq. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. We know not on what ground the present is called " a complete edition." In our own library we have it in octavo, in 18mo. royal, and in folio, and we presumed that in both capacities it was "complete." This, however, is the most compact and beautiful edition that has yet appeared, and, although of diminished bulk, the type is so excellent, that people of the most advanced years may read it with comfort. It is natural, when casting our eye over the publication, to look back to the ' period of its original appearance. In those days, thick darkness brooded over most parts of these Isles, and gross darkness covered the aristocracy. The publication of the book was quite an era in the religious history of the church of England, and, indeed, of England itself. The distinguished philanthropist and great statesman, a man of genius and eloquence, stood forth, developing to the full the conclusions which he had reached by long years of devout contemplation, and he was hailed as an all-powerful auxiliary to support the evangelical ministry of the Established Church, as also to give his high imprimatur to those views known as 66 evangelical," taught by the various bodies of Nonconformists and Dissenters. No book was ever issued by a statesman on a religious subject that produced such a sensation. Few now remain to tell the tale of its appearance, and the unspeakable delight with which it was read by multitudes of the excellent of the earth. But if the work was then important, assuredly it is not less so even now; for, if the Established Church has happily exhibited a large amount of excellent evangelical authorship, and a multitude of its pulpits have resounded with genuine Gospel, there is yet a spirit of rationalism, or something worse, in its Universities and amongst a large portion of its ministry, which had no existence in the days of Wilberforce. The volume, therefore, had it never appeared till now, might have been justly hailed as the advent of a mighty power in defence of truth, and pre-eminently calculated to overthrow error. The publishers have done well in sending forth this compact and beautiful edition. The Apostle of the Alps. By the Author of "Moravian Life in the Black Forest." Arthur Hall & Co. THE present volume, notwithstanding its romantic appearance, yet abounds in facts, incidents, and circumstances, all more or less based on the truth, and calculated to instruct, amuse, and profit. It is essentially a thing of fancy. The sketches are remarkable for vividness and beauty of expression. A vein of poetry, in fact, pervades the whole, which will be found to constitute excellent reading. The Believer's Triumph. By the Rev. JAMES SMITH. T. Nelson & Sons. THE name inscribed on this title-page is one dear to multitudes in these realms. Mr. Smith had rare gifts for a particular species of literature. He was "Old Humphrey," with a shade of modification-more closeness, more terseness, with less fancy, wit, and poetry. Mr. Smith's publications have been one of the most golden features of the religious literature of the day. Many years ago, he occupied a considerable space in the "Christian's Penny Magazine," and no papers were read with more pleasure and profit. The present volume may be viewed as one of the very best that has been issued by him, as well as the largest. It is genuine, scriptural theology, every page of which bears the impress of a clear, vigorous, and sanctified intellect It well deserves a place in every domestic library. Moses Right, and Bishop Colenso Wrong. By the Rev. JOHN CUMMING, D.D. John F. Shaw & Co. THIS is one of Dr. Cumming's most interesting performances. He particularly excels in this species of service, always animated always eloquent, and often brilliant, clear as a sunbeam, and sharp as a rapier! He has fearfully chastised the heretical Bishop. Of all the previous full answers, we do not know one that is more fitted to public usefulness. One peculiarity of the book is, that it is interspersed with fine, clear statements of the Gospel, so that peace and war are beautifully blended. We dismiss the work with a most cordial commendation of it to the bulk of our readers. Those who desire something more erudite, elaborate, and argumentative, may find it in several publications; but, for popular purposes, the first place is due to the present work. Five Hundred Plans of Sermons. By the Rev. G. BROOKS. Hamilton, Adams & Co MR. BROOKS has really deserved well by this publication. These plans are, most of them, excellent. They cover a large portion of the Word of God, very concise, and yet very full. They will probably be extensively used, and the man who has the sense and the industry to use them aright, altering, modifying, extending, or condensing, according to circumstances, may derive from them exceeding great service. We have had a number of such publications, but not one by which we set greater store than the present. The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, D.D. Edited, with Memoir, by the Rev. ALEXANDER B. GROSART. London Nisbet and Co. THIS noble volume comprises "The Christian's Portion; or, the Christian's. Charter" -a piece of exquisite theology of the ancient type. We have next, "The Spiritual Man's Aim"-a brief, but very valuable tractate, discussing a number of points in which Christian people are deeply interested. It is a thoroughly practical piece, and all may consult it with profit. "Judgment's Reason" is an excellent discourse, of a highly doctrinal character. To this is added, "Yea, and Amen; or, Precious Promises." We have next "A Glance of Heaven; or, A Precious Taste of a Glorious Feast "-a very thoroughly evangelical production, much calculated to edify. All this is admirable, but brief. We are next introduced, however, to a dissertation of a hundred pages on "The Excellency of the Gospel above the Law," which is a publication, we feel confident, that would have been read with high approval by an apostle. If the writer be not a heaven-taught man, we shall be at a loss where to look for one. Happy will he be who shall peruse the whole again and again, till he have made it largely his own. Here we have doctrine, experience, practice, everything, and all within the most compact dimensions. This is followed by an "Exposition of the 2nd Corinthians, Chapter IV.," which is a very copious affair, forming nearly a third of the entire volume. But we mistake if any reader shall find fault with it on the score of its prolixity. The chapter is one of the most important in the New Testament, and every verse of it has been searched and sifted to the bottom, and here are the results laid up for the benefit of the church in all coming ages. There is another piece-brief, but most precious-entitled "The Church's Riches," which concludes the volume. The nature of the piece will be easily inferred from the title. It is based, however, on Corinthians ii. 8, 9, “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich He became poor for your sakes, that ye, through His poverty, might be rich." The Christ of Revelation and Reality. By P. HATELY WADDELL. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black. ONE happy effect of the heresies which are abounding, has been to drive "men of God" more than ever to deal with the question, "What is Written ?" Amongst those who have pursued this laudable course, is the author of the present volume, who has made an invaluable contribution to the best order of teaching. He first discourses on the "fulness of the revelation in Christ," descanting on Christ as seen through His disciples, and as personally and historically unfolded. Part Second discusses "the fulness of reality in Christ," which is very admirably illustrated. Here the Atonement is set forth in its scriptural fulness. Christ is considered in His relationships to mankind; the brother-man, the way-farer, are all points of disquisition. After this follows the sublime topic, "Christ as Prophet of the moral universe." Here He is viewed as the Preacher, the Son of God giving understanding, and the direct Revealer of divine truth. The volume closes with a special discourse on "Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost," in which the author endeavours to show how it becomes an unpardonable sin. From all this it will be seen that Mr. Waddell has not given to the church of God that which cost him nothing. He has begirded himself with great zeal for his enterprise, and we shall be much surprised if it be not generally allowed, that he has been highly successful. Infant Feeding, and its Influence on Life. By C. H. F. ROUTH, M.D. London: J. Churchhill and Sons. THIS is a singularly interesting and instructive publication, exhibiting the fertility of a subject which, at first, suggests only the idea of insignificance. The mortality of infants forms the theme of seven chapters, full thrilling interest. The subject of milk occupies eight more chapters, and is a little cyclopædia of information. Few would, beforehand, believe that the theme could possibly be so fruitful. The next part sets forth general deductions in reference to alimentation made from the composition of milk and its substitutes. Part fourth reaches the climax of the subject, presenting four chapters of "defective assimilation." Here, in fact, lies the strength of the work; medically viewed, it is at once very important, and in a high degree practical, setting forth a large amount of instruction, from which mothers and nurses may abun dantly profit. The appendices to the volume are remarkably interesting and useful, giving much information on points which it is of the highest moment for nurses and parents to know. The Life of William Chillingworth. By P. DES MAIZEAUX. Edited, with Notes and Translations, by the late JAMES NICHOLS. London: William Tegg. Most of our readers are aware of the distinguished place which belongs to Chillingworth among the defenders of the truth and the opponents of the Papacy. The testimony of Locke alone suffices to stamp the character of his intellect and of his writings. He said, "If you would have your son be a logician, let him read Chillingworth." The recom mendation, assuredly, was well founded; but, on proceeding to his immortal work, the reader, if we mistake not, will at first be somewhat disappointed. He will first be struck with the absence of the formalities of logic, and everything, both in thought and expression, will present an air of simplicity which will, perhaps, suggest the thought of superficiality; but it is not so. It is the peculiarity of great minds to come down upon a subject; while weak minds, beginning at the base, have to struggle up, and they seldom make much way towards the apex. Thus it was with the late Andrew Fuller, in whose hands the most knotty and complicated ques tions of controversy were at once divested of everything not essential to them, and exhibited with simplicity, which suggested the opinion that there had never been a doubt, and that there could be no well-grounded disputation. So it was with Chillingworth. The present volume, we feel assured, will everywhere meet a cordial welcome. The public know comparatively little of the great man's history; but they will here obtain all the information they could possibly desire. The method pursued is that of Bayle in his "Historical and Critical Dictionary." The volume consists of two parts: first, the text, which includes the most material circumstances of the subject, and might be intelligibly read without interruption; the second comprises the remarks, which contain additional illustrations and proofs to what is said in the text. The marks in the text direct the reader to the notes underneath, after the perusal of which the reader is to return to the text, resuming it where he left off. It is believed that by this means he will obtain a more clear and full information of the whole than if he were to read either the text or the remarks separately. Thus the volume, in its frame, is marked by considerable peculiarity. We know of no other piece of biography at all resembling it. It is remarkably intellectual; truth is crowded and packed with the utmost closeness; so that in these 360 pages an amount of matter is presented rarely found in any volume of twice its magnitude. The Temperance Congress. 1862. London: W. Tweedie. THIS volume has various and powerful claims to attention. Altogether apart from the great principle which it endeavours to establish, defend, and propagate, it is a remarkable embodiment of elaborate thinking on a variety of topics, and exhibits likewise a large amount of valuable statistics. The Christian minister, the man of letters, the journalist, the magistrate, the member of Parliament, the judge, and the Government, all will perceive in the publication a great deal in which they are deeply interested. We know not where to find such a mass of papers and essays on great subjects, all bearing on the character, the condition, and the comfort of the human family. The mere contents of these papers would nearly fill one of our pages. Such being the character of the work, we need hardly say how highly we prize it, and how cordially we commend it on general grounds to our readers; but those who have embraced the grand principle of temperance, or rather total abstinence, will find here such a storehouse of fact and argument, thrilling narra tive and varied statistics, as will aid them in every emergency. The man who shall have completely conned it, so as to have all the points at his finger-ends, will be a very formidable antagonist to the advocate of free living, or even of the moderate use of intoxicating beverages. Worth her Weight in Gold. London: Wertheim, Macintosh, and Hunt. THE volume is an attempt to establish and illustrate one of the most precious maxims in our language. It will be read with the deepest interest by young people generally, but especially by young ladies. The volume is replete with common sense, happy touches, and exquisite delineations. It is life in its most vigorous pulsations, exhibiting a variety of character in a multitude of aspects. Our only fault with it is, that there is neither preface, contents, nor index-simply a series of sixteen chapters. How long will authors play the fool in this matter, which so intimately concerns their success, usefulness, and popularity? This neglect is always more or less fatal. There cannot be a greater error; and, seeing that the penalty is, to a vast extent, uncompensated loss, we cannot understand how people of common sense should persevere in it. The thing is not English, but French; and, however frivolity, whim, and something else without a name, may suit our lively neighbours, it will certainly not suit the people of England. A Tale. By the Author of Bessy's Money. "Mary Powell." and Co. THE skilful writer of this volume has only to appear to command attention. That respected name is already prefixed to a large number of volumes. This is certainly the smallest, but it may not be the least interesting. It is full of life and nature, gentle incident and sweet dialogue-quite a book for young ladies; and young gentlemen, too, will find their account in it. Our Village Girls. By HETTY BOWMAN. London: Book Society. THIS is another of those nice popular volumes adapted to the millions, which the Book Society is exerting itself so successfully to multiply. We like the book very much, and deem it entitled to a place in every household, without distinction of sect or party. It is full of common life, common sense, and sound religion. It is, in fact, "Old Humphrey brought to life again. Hetty Bowman might pass as the widow or the daughter of "Old Humphrey." There is the same apothegm, the same quaint thought, and the same racy observation, exhibited in a style clear, natural, and captivating. "Blind Willie," "The Hard Place," "The Young Wife," "A Conversation," and "Jane Hardy," are all beautiful things. The best chapter in the book is that entitled "Seeking Jesus," which closes up with "The Dream of Golden Hair." We predict for the book very general acceptance. Gleanings among the Sheaves; or, Handfulls let fall on Purpose for the Poor. By the Rev. JOSIAH VINEY. London: Book Society. THE title-page of this little volume will strike less forcibly the minds of the millions born in our great cities and towns than of the other millions that people the villages and rural districts. To them it will communicate a full, strong, and generous idea. The little volume consists of a lengthened series of beautiful, short essays, all upon subjects of interest both to old and young. "The Phases of the Sun," "The Looking Glass," "The Royal Robber," "The Lion and the Ass," "The Swallow's Nest," "Dead Flies," "A Spectacle of Angels," "The Physician who took no Fee," are among the subjects discussed in a beautiful, evangelical spirit, finely conceived and exquisitely written. Mr. Viney writes so well, that it is to be regretted that he does not write more. The little work is sure of extensive and long-enduring popu. larity. VALEDICTORY ADDRESS Intelligence. COLONIAL. From the Members of the Royston Fraternal Association, to the Rev. Thomas Booker, Pastor of the Independent Church at Barrington, in the County of Cambridge, England. In the anticipation of your removal to New Zealand, we feel constrained by our personal knowledge of you to bear our sincere testimony to the worth of your character, the consistency of your conduct, the extent and value of your attainments, the urbanity of your manners, and your zeal and perseverance in every good work. We shall regret the loss of your company and prayers in our bi-monthly meetings; but we are quite prepared to acknowledge the force of the reasons on which you are about to make the change you have in prospect, and can cordially join with you in the hope that, as compared with your present circumstances, a much wider sphere of ministerial usefulness will be held by you at, as we trust, no very distant day. Our Association, consisting as it now does of fourteen members, includes all the Independent ministers of the neighbourhood in which you reside. The thirteen whom you leave behind will follow you with their best wishes and prayers, to the far-off land to which you are going. Their desire is, that every blessing which our Divine Saviour has promised to His disciples, may be conferred on Mrs. Booker, yourself, and your dear children, just as you may severally need them, both as you cross the great and wide sea, and in your subsequent settlement in one of the rising colonies of our common country. And we shall not, we feel assured, be cut off from your best and kindest remembrance, however remote your future may be from the one in which many of us have known you, for the last eight years, as a valued friend and brother in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. JOHN ADAMS, Sandon. JOSEPH STOCKBRIDGE, Guilden Morden. SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES.-The foundation-stone of a new Congregational church at St. Leonard's was laid on April 20th, in the presence of many of the residents of the locality, and a large number of ladies and gentlemen from the city and suburbs. The Rev. J. E. Veitch gave out a hymn, which was sung by the assembly. The Rev. S. C. Kent, of Newtown, handed a mallet and a chastely-wrought silver trowel to Miss Lloyd, who gracefully performed the ceremony of laying the stone. The trowel contained the following inscription :-" Presented to Eleanor Sophia Lloyd, by several attached friends, on the 21st anniversary of her birth, for use in laying the foundation-stone of the Congregational Church, St. Leonard's, North Shore. April 20th, 1863." Mr. G. A. Lloyd, in a few appropriate words, expressed thanks on behalf of his daughter for the handsome present she had felt so much pleasure in accepting. The Rev. W. Slatyer delivered an address suitable to the occasion, and the Rev. T. Johnson engaged in prayer.-The little Congregational church now building at Manly Beach is progressing favourably. The stone-work is com |