which, though very ponderous to English readers, will amply repay the diligent student. This book is distinguished from all the rest by making the whole controversy turn upon the grand article of justification by faith. After giving a series of lucid statements preparatory to the right estimation of the Oxford doctrine of justification, he exhibits the doctrine of Oxford divinity in reference to the righteousness of justification, and then compares this doctrine with that of the Council of Trent. These discussions abound with ecclesiastical learning, fair argumentation, and scriptural views of the Gospel. He then proceeds to discuss the merits of Oxford divinity in reference to the nature and office of justifying faith, to the operation of baptism, and to other doctrines of Christianity. This large and learned work proves that the Bishop of Ohio has completely mastered the theological works of our English reformers and our English Puritans. We hope that his example will revive the study of these immortal men amongst the Episcopalians of North America. In our list we have placed the work of Vanburgh Livingston last, and it is verily the least, of the works before us; but as it professes to be an answer to Bishop M'Ilvaine, we may as well notice it now. The title led us to expect something of a philosophical discussion of the merits of Puseyism as an advance in theological science; but the little book from beginning to end is sheer Puseyite twaddle. The work entitled "Conferences of the Reformers and Divines," is a work of immense value to the theological student who would know what our Reformers and Puritan fathers thought of the subjects now agitated by the Puseyites. It consists of large and copious citations from the works of the English Reformers, with admirable appendices and indices to guide the reader to a full acquaintance with the earliest writers in English theology. A little more imagination in the descriptive parts, and a little more chronological accuracy in the arrangement of the conferences, might have been introduced with great advantage to the merits of the book; especially to prevent men who were not contemporaries from speaking at the same meeting, and also to avoid the introduction of men into the debate, like the English martyrs for instance, after they were dead. We have given a short sketch of the history and the changes of the Church of England. What will be its future changes, we suppose that neither his Holiness, nor her Majesty its head, can tell. We recommend to all true-hearted Protestants, and especially to all Protestant dissenters to take their firm standing on the noble doctrines of the Reformation, and to adopt the dignified and devout language of Luther at the Diet of Worms- Hier stehe ich Ich kann nicht anders Gott helfe mir-Amen. Here I stand-I cannot do otherwise-God help me-Amen. CURSORY NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. We are happy to announce the appearance of the first volume of "The Works of William Jay, collected and revised by himself." This new and uniform edition is to be published in quarterly volumes, and will include "the whole series" of the publications of our venerable friend. A great improvement is effected in the work before us; namely, the uniting of the morning and evening exercises under the same date, by which a reference to two volumes on the same day will be avoided. The edition is handsome and economical; and we sincerely hope that its excellent author and editor may be spared to put into the hands of British Christians, what our American brethren have long possessed, a neat and uniform edition of his excellent compositions. (Longman, Brown, & Co.) Mr. Isaac Taylor has resumed his very important labours against the Puseyite heresy by the publication of No. 7 of his "Ancient Christianity," which is occupied in an examination of "The miracles of the Nicene Church in attestation of its Demonolatry." The ample information, sustained by the original text, which Mr. T. has collected from the writings of Ambrose, Augustine, Paulinus, &e., respecting the unknown martyrs of Milan, the bleeding relics of St. Euphemia, the invention of the cross, and the relics of St. Stephen, proto-martyr, cannot fail in interest; and is most successfully employed to warn every reader how he allows his understanding and conscience to be overawed by the authority of great names, however venerable. (Jackson & Walford.) The rage for "Annuals" has much abated, but we hope not so as to discourage such publications as "The Christian Souvenir. Edited by the Rev. Charles Taylor," and with "Scripture Illustrations by the Rev. Thomas Dale." That is indeed a richly embellished and truly beautiful volume. It contains twelve exquisite engravings of pictures on biblical subjects after Rubens, Vandyke, Murillo, and that extraordinary modern painter of whom Germany is so justly proud-Overbech. Mr. Dale's sweet muse has supplied descriptive verses illustrative of all the engravings, and the other contributions in prose and verse are from the gifted pens of well-known writers. We have rarely seen taste and religion more happily combined. (Tilt & Bogue.) "The Recreation. 1842. A gift-book for young readers: embracing such subjects as are particularly fitted to interest and improve the youthful mind, and embellished with engraving," is a work likely to accomplish the object of its compilation, to excite the idle school boy to a love of reading. (Tilt and Bogue.) At a period when the Protestant faith is fiercely assailed, we account it a happy circumstance that Professor D'Aubigné should have published "A History of the Reformation," which is characterized by unusual excellence. It is also a matter for thankfulness that three distinct translations of the work have been made in our own country. One, now issuing in parts from the Glasgow press, has the advantage of being edited by Mr. D. D. Scott, a gentleman well informed in the history of the Protestantism, and who has enriched it with notes translated from the Netherland edition of the Rev. J. J. Le Roy. It is very well printed in the octavo form, and is embellished with fine portraits. So that the work itself, and this edition of it, have our warm recommendation. (Blackie & Son.) "The Independent Magazine for January, 1842," is now before us, and we take the earliest opportunity to give it a warm and hearty welcome. This new periodical proposes to advocate our distinctive principles in a manner that shall be adapted especially to interest the young, and we are happy to say that the first number displays that cast of thought and tone of feeling which lead us to hope that the young "Independent" will be an able coadjutor of the old "Congregational." When we observe in how many ways the friends of ecclesiastical despotism are using the press, we are glad to see another advocate of religious liberty abroad, and adopting a style that is likely to make his work both attractive and useful. (Simpkin & Co.) A few years ago there was seen some strange coquetry between certain leaders of the Church of Scotland and their lordly brethren of the Episcopalian Church of the south, who were delighted with each other as the common advocates of an establishment. The Presbyterians of the north have of late discovered that they are to expect no quarter from the Prelatical party, and hence they begin again to assume their right position as Presbyterian opponents of hierarchical claims. In proof of this we refer to a clever pamphlet entitled "Present State of the Church of England Exposed. By a member of the church of Scotland." The writer, who is no novice, successively reviews the Oxford Catholics, or new high church party-the old high church party --the moderate or low church party-the evangelical or reforming clergy—(oh happy uniformity!) and discusses the opinions and principles of each with great force and fairness. That he understands the parties may be seen by the following passage respecting the evangelicals:—“ Many of those who preach evangelical doctrines faithfully, are men of no knowledge of church history, and not of largeness of mind enough to possess any catholicity of spirit as to enter into any great movement of progress or reform. Hence it is common to see the most narrow church feeling in those esteemed the very choicest of evangelical ministers. A large body of the evangelical clergy must be deducted from the strength of the true reformers, being weak and illiberal, though pious men, and shouting as lustily as their semi-papist brethren, in indiscriminate praise of their church, and abuse of other denominations." THE EDITOR'S TABLE. The Etymology and Syntax of Murray's English Grammar systematically arranged, and containing much additional matter, with copious Exercises and Directions for Parsing. By Charlotte Kennion. 12mo. London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co. Juvenile Melodies: chiefly designed for Youthful Voices, in Families, Seminaries, and Sabbath Schools. Compiled by John Lander. Harmonized for Two Trebles and a Bass, and arranged for the Organ or Piano Forte, by a Professor. London: Ward & Co. Wealth not Happiness: or, Vain Expectations Destructive to Peace. By Miss Mary Everritt. London: Fisher, Son, & Co. The Mental and Moral Dignity of Woman. By Rev. B. Parsons. London: John Snow. History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century. By J. H. Merle D'Aubigné. With Notes. Part I.-V. Glasgow & London: Blackie & Son. Palestine: the Physical Geography and Natural History of the Holy Land. By John Kitto. London: C. Knight & Co. A Memoir of the Life and Ministry of the late Rev. Watts Wilkinson, B.A. By Henry Watts Wilkinson, M.A. London: R, B. Seeley & W. Burnside. History of the Planting and Training of the Christian Church by the Apostles. By Dr. A. Neander. Translated from the third edition of the original German by J. E. Ryland, 2 vols. Edinburgh; Thomas Clark. The Grass. Various Grasses, London: Religious Tract Society. Shells, and their Inmates. London: Religious Tract Society. Confessions of an Apostate. By the Author of "Felix de Lisle," R. B, Seeley & W. Burnside. Medical Guide for Mothers. By J. R. Hancorn. London: Smith, Elder, & Co. Satan or, Intellect without God. A Poem. By Robert Montgomery, M.A. Tenth Edition. London: Francis Baisler. The Works of William Jay. Collected and Revised by Himself. Bath: Bartlett. London: Longman, Brown, & Co. Companion for Leisure Hours. London: Religious Tract Society. Plants. London: Religious Tract Society. The Wife and Mother: or, Hints to Married Daughters. By a Mother. London: Religious Tract Society. Robert and Frederick. London: R. B. Seeley & W. Burnside. Canadian Scenery Illustrated. Department by N. P. Willis, Esq. From Drawings by W. H. Bartlett. The Literary The Scenery and Antiquities of Ireland Illustrated. From Drawings by W. H. Bartlett. The Literary Department by N. P. Willis, Esq. Parts 9 & 10. London: George Virtue. Fox's Book of Martyrs. Edited by the Rev. John Cumming, M.A. Parts 8 & 9. London: George Virtue. The Christian's Daily Companion. By Clergymen of the Church of England. Part I.-IV. Glasgow: Blackie & Son. The English Hexapla: exhibiting the Six important English Translations of the New Testament Scriptures-Wiclif-Tyndal-Cranmer-Genevan-Anglo-Rhemish -and Authorized.—The Original Greek Text after Scholz; with the various readings of the Textus Receptus, and the principal Constantinopolitan and Alexandrine Manuscripts, and a complete collation of Scholz's Text with Griesbach's edition of 1805; preceded by an Historical Account of the English Translations. 4to. London: S. Bagster & Sons. Palestine: the Bible History of the Holy Land. By John Kitto, Editor of "The Pictorial Bible." London: C. Knight & Co. Estimates of Missions in Heaven, Earth, and Hell. By an Old Fashioned Family. London: J. Snow. Essays in reference to Socinianism. In Two Parts. Part I. By Joseph Cottle. London: Longman & Co. The Union of the Religious. A Lecture occasioned by some recent Discourses on the Unity of the Church, published by the Lord Bishop of Llandaff. Delivered at Newport, on Tuesday, 14th Sept. 1841. By Edward White, Cardiff. London: Jackson & Walford. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. A New Edition of Dr. J. Pye Smith's Four Discourses on the Sacrifice, Priesthood, Atonement, and Redemption of Christ, is nearly ready, in 1 vol. fcap. Svo. The Rev. Robert Montgomery, Author of "The Omnipresence of the Deity," &e. has in the press a new Poem, entitled "Luther," designed to embody the Character and Work of the great Reformer. In a few days, in 1 vol. royal 12mo, Congregationalism: or, The Polity of Independent Churches viewed in relation to the State and Tendencies of Modern Society; including an Address, delivered in Nottingham, before the Autumnal Meeting of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. By Robert Vaughan, D.D. Proposals have been issued for publishing by subscription, in 1 vol. 8vo, Daniel and his Times, and Zechariah and his Times. By the late Thomas Wemyss, Author of "Job and his Times," "Biblical Gleanings," &c. &c. To which will be prefixed, A Memoir of the Author. CHRONICLE OF BRITISH MISSIONS. HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE DIFFICULTIES AND ENCOURAGEMENTS OF THE WORK. Our Missionaries have, in entering upon new scenes of exertion, many difficulties to encounter: perhaps the greatest of these is the ignorance that prevails. On some of the stations many of the adults are unable to read, so that consequently their minds are uninformed: they are ignorant of the meaning of words, and the most simple preaching is beyond their comprehension. Connected with this, there is a superstitious confidence in external forms. Unaccustomed to think for themselves on religious matters, they have received the opinions of others; and these opinions not being in accordance with the word of God, the poor people are trusting in refuges of lies. Encouraged to cherish a dependence on outward observances, as saving ordinances, aud taught by some teachers to place the responsibility of their salvation on them, it need excite no surprise that multitudes are quite contented with themselves, and expect to get to heaven when they die. The instructions of the Missionaries are strange sayings to them. They wonder at, then dislike, and finally reject, the humbling truths of the Gospel; or are so indifferent, that they will not give themselves any trouble about the matter. So difficult is it to get these adult persons to understand any thing about religion, that the Missionaries, discouraged in their attempts to benefit them, express a conviction that it is their duty to give special attention to the rising generation. In this department of labour, many of the Missionaries have much encouragement. Although on some Stations unfair means are employed to injure the Sunday Schools; and on others, attempts are made to break up these institutions, yet when the parents are free agents, and no coercive measures are used to prevent the children attending the schools of our Missionaries, the number increases, and great good is done. A few extracts will show some of the difficulties which the Home Missionary has to encounter while pursuing his laborious and important work. From a Missionary in Bucks, "Since I last wrote, we have had to encounter opposition from a quarter we little expected. The church party are building a school here; a hope is expressed by them that it would not hurt the British and Foreign School; but our school-master has been talked with, and given to understand that the salary of the master of the new school would be greater than his present one; but he is a man superior to bribery. Since I have visited the cottages of the poor, they have been visited by persons from the church, promising them, that if they would attend church they should receive articles of clothing, &c., thus endeavouring to get them away from our chapel: they tell them I am an unauthorized teacher; that gentlemen of education only ought to explain the Scriptures, &c." From Dorsetshire. "Our Sabbath schools are, on the whole, promising, although there are not wanting efforts of misguided zeal to draw our children away to less efficient instruction: various articles of clothing are frequently and sometimes successfully bestowed with this view. For the last few weeks, unwearied exertions have been made to induce (I might almost say compel) the young to be confirmed, according to the rites of the Established Church. What with public exhortations, private persuasions, and threatenings, new caps and capes, the prospect of a holiday, and of securing the approbation of -, many thoughtless young ones have ventured to engage in an act of solemn mockery, and no marvel, for I have been credibly informed that they have been told, that they could not be saved without having holy hands laid on them, and this by the very party who are continually exclaiming against popery!" |