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preaching was evidently adapted to win his best treatises, in such circum

the attention of shopkeepers and peasants, while men of cultivated minds also found in it much to lead them to desire to hear him again. If then there is any one of our ministering readers who is unhappy because he cannot succeed in his efforts to fix the attention and promote the best interests of the common people, the experiment to which we refer as worth a trial is this:-Let him procure the Works of Bunyan, and devote two or three forenoons in the middle of every week to their perusal. We by no means advise him to preach Bunyan's sermons, or even to recite any of the striking passages they contain; but what we mean is that when his mind is freewhen he has not yet fixed on the topics for the next Lord's day- he should subject himself to the influence of Bunyan's earnest, plain, evangelical pages, which will affect his heart, and in consequence affect also the style and spirit of his discourses. Many of us who have been intent on the cultivation of the intellect have too much neglected the preparation of the heart for our public exercises. The deficiencies to which this has given rise have been more obvious to our hearers than to ourselves, and the consequences have been more perceptible than the cause. Now we should not follow Bunyan in all his interpretations of scripture, though some of them are sounder than many which are eagerly received from the pens of eminent scholars, and those of them which are sound have this recommendation that, being founded on the version in general use, they commend themselves more readily to common readers than those which are derived from criticism; nor should we wish to see the writings even of Bunyan made a standard of orthodoxy, though there are few voluminous authors in whose works there is less error than in his. But the serious perusal of

stances, would tend to place the heart in a right state for the work of the coming sabbath; it would suggest also topics for sermons of a character to interest the busy and the illiterate. This is of no small importance. The thoughts which are most interesting to a literary man are often thoughts with which his hearers can have no sort of sympathy. The difficulties from which he gladly finds relief in some profound dissertation, are difficulties which it is of no use to attempt to solve in their presence, for they have never known them, and cannot be made to feel them; while there are a thousand difficulties occurring to them, which their pastor is not likely to advert to, because they are too small in his estimation to require notice. Bunyan was a man of their own class, he takes up the matter under discussion in a way that at once comes home to their understanding, and his mode of treating it suits their feelings. Ilis language too is that which obtains the readiest access to their hearts; it is not to them the language of a quasi-foreigner, but the language in which they think, and which most promptly and perfectly awakens their emotions. Familiarity with it will therefore exert an influence on the style of a scholar which will be acceptable to the uneducated. There is no danger of his being led to adopt the obsolete words or the vulgar colloquialisms which he will find in Bunyan's pages; but the plain fresh Saxon of which they generally consist will do him no harm; and the illustrations employed will be frequently new to a man conversant only with the works of the learned, adapted to the comprehension of the many, and at the same time not offensive to men of taste.

It would be tedious to give one-fourth part of the titles of the pieces contained in these volumes; but if a few of them

are mentioned it will be seen that they relate to subjects which all men, if they have any serious thought of religion, will perceive at once to be not mere speculations but subjects important to them personally. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved-The Work of Jesus Christ as an

have been published, but this is more complete, more correct, and more judiciously edited than any of its predecessors.

The publishers have been very fortunate in securing the assistance of Mr. Offor, who being an enthusiastic ad

Advocate-Christ a Complete Saviour-mirer of Bunyan, sympathizing with Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ The Strait Gate-Light for them that Sit in Darkness-A Discourse Touching Prayer The Acceptable Sacrifice-The Saint's Knowledge of Christ's Love-all indicate that the subjects treated of are elementary; but on this account they are the more suitable for such auditors as those to which we have been referring; the more likely to be overlooked, by preachers, but the more likely to be acceptable and useful to those who can only be induced to hearken to religious instruction at all, by a perception of its importance and necessity. Many editions of Bunyan's Work livery.

him in almost every opinion that he entertained, has delighted for many years in those investigations which were the best preparation for his present task. Mr. Offor's accompaniments will give to this edition of Bunyan's works a peculiar value which must be permanent. To each piece he has prefixed a few observations, illustrative of its history and of the circumstances in which it was written, and he has appended to the text, wherever necessary, illustrative and corroborative notes. The concluding volume, we understand, is almost ready for de

BRIEF NOTICES.

Encyclopædia Metropolitana: or, System of
Universal Knowledge; on a Methodical plan
projected by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Third
Division, History and Biography. Sacred
History and Biography: from the Antedilu-
vian Period to the Time of the Prophet
Malachi. Edited and partly written by Rev.
F. A Cox, D.D., LL.D., Hackney. Second
Edition, Revised. London: Griffin and Co.
Crown 8vo. Pp. 407.

This volume our readers will recognize as a companion volume to one from the pen of the same editor, on the subject of Biblical Antiquities, which we commended to our readers a month or two since. Like that, it is an interesting book. Its object is to furnish a biographico-historical compendium of the sacred narrative of the Old Testament, interspersed with such exegetical and at times practical remarks, as shall relieve the tedium of bare analysis. Chapters on the use of sacred history, on the ancient chronology, and on the Mosaic law, avowedly furnished by the editor himself, contain much important matter; and an additional chapter on the female characters of scriptare supplied in this edition will be read with interest. We recommend this along

with the able volumes of the same series to the attention of our readers.

Female Education: its Importance, Design, and Nature considered. By a Labourer's Daughter. London: Partridge and Oakey. Pp. ix. 95. Cloth, gilt edges.

The "Labourer's Daughter" who attracted so much attention two or three years ago by the publication of her "Pearl of Days," and who has since become Mrs. B. H. Farquhar, gratefully acknowledges the gratifying tokens of approbation she has received from many who are far above her in social station, with whom she has been permitted freely to mingle, Having long felt the deepest interest in the subject of education, and being anxious that female education should be conducted on improved principles, she now places her thoughts before all classes of the community, evidently with a view to those of the higher ranks as well as to those in the inferior departments of society. The subjects of her successive chapters are Female Influence-Importance of Female EducationIts Design and Nature-Knowledge of Medical Science-the Philosophy of Mind and General Information Education of Females in the

Humble Walks of Life-Influence of Ignorance | on the Performance of Ordinary Domestic Daty. Good Sense pervades the whole book, and many passages in it are very beautiful and impressive. The opening paragraphs we have transferred to our own pages in an earlier part of this number.

The Inquisition Revealed; in its Origin, Policy Cruelties, and History. With Memoirs of its Victims in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, England, and other Countries. Dedi cated to Cardinal Wiseman. By the Rev. THOMAS TIMPSON, Author of Companion to the Bible, &c., §e. London: Aylott and Jones. 12mo., pp. 384.

If any would know what popery is, let them judge of it by such a work as this; which shows us its deeds when unrestrained by the force of enlightened public opinion, or the influence of scriptural and protestant sentiment. The history given in this volume, almost too horrible to bear reading, yet not too horrible to be true, supplies us with records so sanguinary and diabolical, that they "look like a diary kept in hell"-records, which stamp the system of which they are the exponents as of infernal origin; and indicate its only end to be the vengeance of eternal fire.

Wayside Gatherings. By RowLAND ELLIOTT. London: B. L. Green. 16mo., pp. 187.

The pieces composing this volume comprise various incidents and sketches of character, which are improved by the writer to enforce the great duty of seeking diligently and without delay the salvation of the soul; and to commend godliness as the greatest of gains, both for this life and that which is to come.

Originally published in a separate form, they have been already made instrumental in doing good, and in leading some to seek the things

which make for their peace.

Oracles Interpreted; or Scripture Difficulties Explained. By the Rev. J. G. HEWLETT, Ph.D., Author of Thoughts upon Thought, Thoughts on the Holy Spirit and his Work, &c., &c. London Partridge and Oakey. 12mo., pp. xii., 179.

This little work is well calculated to convey instruction to the young student of the bible; at the same time that it will help him to reconcile apparent discrepancies, and induce the acknowledgment that the truth of God is and must be harmonious in all its parts. Each portion concludes with practical remarks, commending the lessons taught by the subject to the heart and conscience of the reader.

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contemplate the life of Gregory of Nazianzum, with the aid of Dr. Ullmann, of Heidelberg. He is then introduced to the Rephaim, and their connexion with Egyptian history, and shown the fulfilment of Balak's prophecy respecting the destruction of Amelek. Alford's Greek Testament is examined in the next article; a favourable opinion of which is given, subject to important deductions. The Nature of a Miracle is then discussed, with especial reference to what is called electro-biology. After this we have a review of Beldam's, Neale's, and Churton's recent tours in Palestine. A translation of Justin's Epistle to Diognetus follows, with some critical remarks; and biblical intelligence derived from a variety of sources concludes the whole.

Women of Christianity Exemplary for Acts of Piety and Charity. By JULIA KAVANAGH. Author of Women of France," "Nathalie," "Modeline," &c. With Portraits. London: Smith, Elder, and Co. 8vo. Pp. 474.

An admirable gift book to a lady, and being elegantly bound, well worthy of a place on a The subjects are well drawing-room table. selected, and graphically sketched. The tendency is decidedly good, though perhaps there may be a dash more of asceticism than we should have thrown in. The portraits, including one of Elizabeth Fry, are finely executed.

One Hundred Tunes selected from the Psalmist, and Adapted to Hymns in every variety of Metre Used in Public Worship. The Vocal Score. London: J. Haddon. 12mo., pp.

96.

terred a congregation from the introduction of Where the expense of the volume has dethe scientific tune book called the Psalmist,

the objection will be completely removed by this cheap publication. The selection is made judiciously. It includes twenty-one tunes in short metre, twenty-seven in common metre, twenty-three in long metre, and thirty-three cient for use,-better indeed in some respects in peculiar metres: an assortment amply suffithan a larger.

One Hundred Tunes selected from the Psalmist, and Adupted to Hymns in every variety of Metre used in Public Worship. The Treble Part or Air. London: J. Haddon. Square 16mo., pp. 56.

This small book, containing the airs alone of the hundred tunes, is of course cheaper and more portable than the preceding which gives them in four parts.

Hymns Adapted to all the Different Metres, and all the varieties of Accent and Expression of the Tunes in the Psalmist. With an Index of Reference. Third edition. London: J. Haddon. 24mo, pp. 96.

This is a convenient collection for singers; but we wish that it had been so compiled as to allow its being used in practising tunes without the recital of words of a character too sacred to be uttered with propriety when the thoughts are occupied only with the music.

A Lord's Day Manual for the Household of Faith; in Short Spiritual Discourses on a portion of Scripture for every Lord's Day throughout the Year. With Fifty-three choice Hymns, Original and Select. By CORNELIUS SLIM, Minister of Providence Chapel, Maidstone. London: B. L. Green. 16mo., pp. 275.

The Christians by whom this work will be valued most highly are such as are partial to the writings of the late Dr. Hawker of Plymouth, and the late Mr. Stevens of Meard's Court.

A Visit to Jacmel, and the Story of Diane. By T. RADFORD HOPE. Leeds Heaton, London: Houlston and Stoneman. Pp. 40. A brief sojourn with Mr. Webley and his coadjutors furnished the materials for this tract, which will be found interesting by its readers generally, but especially by those of them who have some knowledge of the Baptist mission in Hayti.

Bradshaw's Monthly General Railway and Steam Navigation Guide for Great Britain and Ireland. April, 1852. London: price 6d.

281

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What is Death? A Sermon delivered in Poultry Chapel, London, on the evening of Thursday, November 27th, 1851, on occasion of the recent Death superintendent of the Missions of the London Mis of the Rev. John Philip, D.D., for Thirty years containing additional particulars of Dr. Philip's sionary Society in South Africa. With an Appendix early Life and labours. By RALPH WARDLAW, D.D. London: A. Fullarton and Co. 8vo. pp. 56.

Call to Repentance.
day, November 6th, 1851, in behalf of the Out-of-
the Chapel of the United Presbyterian Church,
A Sermon, preached in
Renfield Street, Glasgow, in the evening of Lord's
Door Preaching Scheme. By the Rev. RALPH
WARDLAW, D.D. Published by request. Glasgow:
George Gullie, 8vo. pp. 28.

The History of Palestine from the Patriarchal Age to the Present Time, with Introductory chapters on the Geography and Natural History of the country, and on the Customs and Institutions of the Hebrews. Bible, &c. &c. By JOHN KITTO, D.D., F.S.A. Editor of the PicWith upwards of 200 Illus. trations. Edinburgh: Adam and Black. 8vo., pp.

At the present scason, when persons not much accustomed to travel are going to various parts of the country to attend public meetings, it may be convenient to them to be informed that the map, which accompanies this number of the well-known Railway Guide, is a great improve-torial ment on former maps, marking in red ink the page of the book at which the proper route may be found.

REC NT PUBLICATIONS

Approved.

[It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works enumerated,-not of course extend ng to every particular, but an approbation of their general character and tendency.]

Philip's Commercial and Industrial Atlas of the World, comprising Seventy-five Maps and Charts on a large Scale, constructed from the most Authentic Sources, accompanied by a Concise View of General and Physical Geography. By WILLIAM RHIND, Author of "A Treatise on Physical Geography." With a Copious Consulting Index of Places carefully compiled from the Maps themselves. By J. H. JOHNSON. Contents of Part II.:-Europe, Palestine; with descriptive Letterpress of Europe and the British Isles. Liverpool. Price 2s. 6d. pp. 10.

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426.

The Journal of Sacred Literature. New Series.
Edited by JOHN KITTO, D.D., F.S.A.
April, 1852. London: R. B. Blackader. 8vo. pp.
No. III.
516.

A School Rate inefficient for insuring National ple. By F. MIALL. A paper read at the Conference Education, as well as politically unsound in Princi of the Voluntary School Association, holden at Manchester, on the 2nd and 3rd of February, 1852. London. Charles Gilpin. pp. 11.

A Few Plain Words on the Two Education Bills now before the Country. HINTON, M.A. By JOHN HOWARD Issued by a Committee of Friends of Voluntary Education, formed in London, for the purpose of opposing the said bills in all their stages. London: 8vo. pp. 16. Price Twopence.

Contents:

The Eclectic Review. April, 1852. I. India and our Supply of Cotton. of Fenimore Cooper. II. The Works III. Wilkinson on the Connexion of the Human Body with Man. vale's Imperial Rome. IV. MeriV. Patent Law Amendment. VI. Longfellow's Golden Legend. VII. Religion and Science. VIII. Roebuck's History of the Whig Ministry, &c. Price 18. 6d. London. 8vo., pp. 126.

The Christian Treasury: containing Contributions
from Ministers and Members of various Evangelical
Denominations. April, 1852.
Pp. 48. Price 5d.
Edinburgh: 8vo.,

The Christian Journal of the United Presbyterian
Church.
April, 1852.
Price 4d.
Glasgow: 8vo., pp. 47,

INTELLIGENCE.

EUROPE.

FRANCE.

The religious aspect of the political change which has recently taken place in France is thus presented to view in the Christian Times, -a paper which has peculiar sources of information in reference to the Protestant Churches of the Continent.

"We need scarcely remind our readers that, since the coup d'etat of the 10th Decenber, Louis Napoleon has given many decided proofs of his anxiety to bribe and conciliate to his cause the implacable enemies of religious liberty. The restoration to Rome of the church of St. Genevieve, so long known as the Pantheon, the interference with the independence of the University of Paris, and the suppression of colportage in many parts of France, have all been accepted by the Jesuits as an instalment of the price which they shall yet demand in full for their unscrupulous adhesion to an irresponsible despotism. And, as stated in the letter of our Paris correspondent last week, two decrees have been issued, by which another step in advance' has been gained, and a fresh proof given of a fixed purpose that, while the existence of protestantism may be recognised and permitted a little longer, yet that all spiritual freedom shall be trampled under foot.

"With regard to the National Reformed Church, its Presbyterian synodic system' is now utterly ignored and entirely overthrown. While the ancient protestant church of Hungary has been coerced by Marshal Haynau, and placed by Austria under martial law, the reformed church of France is deprived of its ancient organisation, and is subjected to the control of a central council, the majority of whose members are enemies of the evangelism embodied in the confession of Rochelle, and which is in itself the mere creature of the state. That central council appoints the pastors as well as changes their locale as it pleases, with the consent of the government;' and under this regime a rationalist may be transferred to an evangelical congregation, and the faithful shepherd may be dragged away from his beloved flock. If this system be carried out, it will tend powerfully to the extirpation of vital godliness in the national church. Aggressive protestantism only exists in connection with the power of living truth, and we have reason to believe that in their hatred of a common foe ration

alism and popery, like Pilate and Herod, have in this new scheme cordially coalesced.

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"But a second decree falls still more heavily on the free churches in France not dependent on or in connection with the state, as the term Independent' in our correspondent's letter signifies. The Presbyterian ministers and people who, under the leadership of Frederick Monod, seceded some time since from the national reformed church, together with a few congregational churches who are closely affiliated with them, are now placed under the power of a law of previous authorisation,' which was only intended, when framed, to apply to political meetings, the liberty of religious worship having been hitherto left untouched. It is quite possible that this law may be armed with a retrospective power, and, if so, the rights of existing ministers and churches being forfeited, all future liberty to meet as separate assemblies may be entirely withdrawn from them. At all events the missionary stations in rural districts-every one of which was a centre of light and influence over a wide district-will now be broken up, and the advanced guard of the army of true protestantism will be forced to retreat, while pressing on to victory.

"It is with deep indignation and profound sorrow that we contemplate this beginning of the end.' The powers of evil have formed a confederacy alike crafty in its workings and cruel in its aims: and we cannot but anticipate greater evils for the modern representatives of Coligni and the Huguenots than any which have yet come upon them."

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The French correspondent of the same paper illustrates the alliance between the President and the Romish clergy by the fol lowing statement :-"The government papers have lately given us a circumstantial account of the ceremony in the Tuileries, of the presentation of the cardinal's hat to the archbishop of Bordeaux. The pope's envoy made a speech in Latin, of which the following is the essential paragraph: But what, above all, rejoices the heart of His Holiness are your noble efforts for the defence of order and public peace, and the protection with which you glory to surround our most holy religion and its ministers. Your lofty wisdom enabling you to appreciate how efficaciously the catholic religion and its salutary doctrine may contribute to found, with public tranquillity, the true and durable happiness of peoples, the sovereign pontiff has the certainty that your zeal, becoming more and more ani

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