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where their strength lieth for the duties and conflicts attendant on their pilgrimage; and also to point out the course which they must pursue to attain the full assurance of hope, and to enjoy peace in their own souls. The latter was designed to promote their personal and relative bliss; and, in pursuance of this purpose, some special directions were given, which, if observed, would, it was hoped, augment their joy as they bowed before God in secret, as they presented their offerings at the family altar, and as they exercised their solemn prerogatives in the church. The volume now on our table is intended for the same persons, who, having passed from hope to confiict, and from pleasures to cares, require other nutriment, counsels of a different kind.

An attentive perusal of the work will amply repay the reader.

Thoughts on Sacramental Occasions, extracted from the Diary of the Rev. Philip Doddridge, D. D. 18mo. pp. 136. Tract Society.

Payne's Universum, or Pictorial World; being a Collection of Engravings, &c., and Specimens of Works of Art, of all Ages, and of every Character. No. I. 4to. Brain and Payne. -If the first Number of this work be considered a fair specimen of those which are intended to follow, it will not fail to secure a large circulation.

The Protestant Reformation in all Countries; including Sketches of the State and Prospects of the Reformed Churches. A Book for critical Times. By the Rev. John Morison, D.D. 8vo. Pp. x, 527. Fisher & Co.-We have read this volume with great pleasure; and although it does not profess to give a minute and elaborate detail of the numerous circumstances connected with that interesting event in the history of the church of our Redeemer, it is, nevertheless, an able and lucid condensation of the varied and important facts, which resulted in the triumph of Scripture principle over the imposing but destructive novelties of Popish error; in a word, the industrious author has "abridged the materials of a large history so as to present its grand outline to the public in a single volume of reasonable size." Such a work as this is not only useful, but timely; it was imperatively called for, and we congratulate the Protestant community that the preparation of it has fallen into the hands of one so eminently qualified to undertake the task. We have not been able to discover any thing throughout its pages that is of a sectarian character: Dr.

Morison has taken a far higher and a more impregnable position: he has written under the scriptural, and consequently just, impression, that Protestantism was not the struggle of a party, but the simultaneous and combined effort of the friends of the pure and unsophisticated word of God; it was to rescue the inspired oracles of truth from that bondage in which they had designedly been placed, and to assert their right to be the only standard of our faith, discipline, and morals. Here it is that our author has taken his stand, where he does not fail in establishing and in carrying out those grand and important principles. The assistance of various authorities has very properly been called in; Mosheim and D'Aubigné have done their part in the general history of the Reformation; Pfizer, on the personal proceedings of Martin Luther; Blunt, on the Progress of the Reformation in England; Cook and M'Crie, in Scotland; and Dr. Murray, the Protestant Dean of Ardagh, on the Effects of the Reformation in Ireland. The chapter entitled, "The State of Europe at the time of the Reformation," will be read with deep and advancing interest. The palpable and undeniable corruption of Romanism is not even disguised by Bellarmine himself; he admits it: "For some years," he observes, "before the Lutheran and Calvinistic heresies were published, there was not (as contemporary authors testify) any severity in ecclesiastical judicatories, any discipline with regard to morals, any knowledge of sacred literature, any reverence for divine things; there was scarcely any religion remaining." The lights which shone amidst this thick moral darkness, served only to reveal it; among which Dr. Morison enumerates the Vaudois and Albigensian witnesses, various churches in Gaul and Spain which lifted a voice against it, and others who attempted to arrest the stream of error as it flowed rapidly over the continental nations. The advance of Protestantism in Germany, and the manner in which it effected an entrance into Switzerland, France, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Hungary, Transylvania, Poland, England, Scotland, and Ireland, form an instructive and valuable part of this volume. We cordially wish that this History of the Reformation may meet with a swift and extensive sale; sincerely believing that it will not fail to aid the cause of truth, "by kindling and keeping alive the love of principles which rescued England and Scotland

from the yoke of Papal bondage, and which, in their ampler developement, will ultimately achieve the spiritual liberties of all the nations of Europe yet enslaved by anti-christian powers."

Hints towards the Formation of Character, with reference chiefly to social Duties. By a plain-spoken Englishwoman. 12mo. pp. 336. Simpkin and Co. In common with our author, we deeply deplore the fact, that in this enlightened age, and this Christian land, when, to use a hackneyed phrase, "the march of intellect" is proceeding with such rapid strides; when all that leads to man's spiritual welfare is made the object of so much solicitude and study; when the fine arts and elegant accomplishments are cultivated with so much assiduity, and at such cost; that so little thought, and care, and time, should be devoted to the education of the heart, and yet it is upon that we must build not only our hope of eternal happiness, but of our temporal well-being as a people; and do not hesitate to express our opinion, that in this volume she has laid down and illustrated those principles which are calculated, when properly applied, to ameliorate the moral condition of society, by making all virtuous and happy.

Woman's Worth; or, Hints to raise the female Character. 12mo. pp. 226. H. G. Clarke.-An interesting volume, comprising thirteen essays, intended to set forth the influence which women are capable of exerting upon society. We have perused the work with considerable pleasure, and judge that it cannot fail to be beneficial.

The Teacher's Manual: a Repository of practical Suggestions and biblical Illustrations. 12mo. Vol. I. pp. 404. Dyer. A collection of information, miscellaneous in its character, but really useful for Sunday-school Teachers and Bible-classes.

A Catechism of Christian Evidences, Truths, and Duties. By the Rev. W. Walford, Prof. Emerit. 18mo. pp. 36. Jackson and Walford.-An admirable manual for Bible-classes; and for the use of individuals who are approaching a state of manhood, and have acquired some notions respecting the matters of which it treats. The movement of the present day is adverse to the principles which were put forth and defended at the Reformation; this movement would subjugate the understanding and consciences of men to systems of exploded superstition, and claims of hierarchical and sacerdotal authority, not to be tolerated by those whose manly and Chris

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tian bosoms exult in the liberty with which Christ has made them free. systems such as these shall obtain an ascendancy, the darkness of past ages will again rivet the fetters of the human soul, and deliver it, bound hand and foot, to the iron despotism which has been but partially vanquished, only by the sufferings, tears, and blood of millions, "of whom the world was not worthy." Before such a catastrophe occur, a fearful and deadly struggle must take place. To avoid such painful necessity, the Catechism before us will not fail to accomplish its part.

Short and simple Prayers, with Hymns, for the Use of Children. By the Author of "Mamma's Bible Stories." Square, pp. x, 94. Grant and Co.-Comprehensive, and written in language that is pleasingly interesting ; and worthy of the serious attention of all who are intrusted with the early educa tion of our infant race.

Scripture Truths, in Verse, for the Use of the Young: being an Attempt to exhibit, in easy, descriptive Poetry, some of the all-important Lessons contained in the Old-Testament Scriptures. 12mo. pp. x, 274. Bagster and Sons.The author of this beautiful and interesting publication having been for several years engaged in the instruction of the rising generation, had numerous opportunities of observing the effect of various modes of imparting divine knowledge to them, and was struck with the adaptation of poetry to fix the truth on the youthful mind: with this conviction she regretted that there was no volume of hymns to be procured (as far as her knowledge extended) written simply on Scripture. The dread of putting expe rimental truth in the lips of those who never felt its power, had often deterred her from the use of the many Hymnbooks within her reach. To supply this deficiency, she was induced to attempt the task herself; a portion of which, containing hymns on the historical events recorded in Scripture, arranged chronologically, form the volume now under consideration. The poems are written in a familiar and easy style; the subjects are selected with unexceptionable propriety; and the poetry, taken as a whole, is highly respectable.

Errors of the Times. The only Sacrifice for Sin. 12mo. pp. 24. Tract Society. A very seasonable Tract on the Popish doctrine of transubstantiation, which is exhibited with great fairness, and is most successfully confuted.

A Sketch of the Philosophy of Pusey

ism. In seven Essays. By John Gwyther Hughes, Esq., of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law. 8vo. pp. 46. Ward.— A calm and dispassionate investigation of the principles of the heresy which is at present raising the spirit of discord and division in the Church of England: richly deserving a careful perusal.

Milton. A Lecture. By Edward Jones Donoughue. 8vo. Pp. 23. Simpkin and Co.-This Lecture is one of a course upon the British poets, delivered by members of a literary society, and reflects considerable credit upon the individual by whom it was written. Mr. Donoughue has brought to the task a mind evidently well furnished, the result of extensive reading, honest investigation, and careful thought. His observations on the poetical genius of our bard of Paradise have given us great satisfaction: we have had much pleasure in reading the Lecture, and cordially recommend it to others.

Prize-Essay on the Evils which are produced by late Hours of Business, and on the Benefits which would attend their Abridgment. By Thomas Davies. With a Preface by the Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. Noel. 8vo. Pp. viii, 39. Nisbet and Co.-We consider the topic which is discussed in this Essay of vital importance, as involving, in a serious degree, the question of religion and morals, the well-being of mankind both in this world, and in that which is to come. The facts adverted to may be judged from the following:-Young men, from sixteen years of age to twentytive or thirty, are engaged in drapers' shops daily about fifteen hours, of which fourteen and a half are actually employed in business, and in an atmosphere so impure as to become almost pestiferous. No exercise is allowed them, during the day, in the open air: the only relaxation they enjoy is a walk in the street at night, when the sober and virtuous have retired, and their places are occupied by those who lie in wait to deceive and to destroy. The Essay takes an extensive but just view of the nature and consequences of the evil, and suggests practicable and proper remedies. No person, who lays claim to a philanthropic spirit, should be ignorant of this stirring but faithful exposure; and when he has duly considered the subject, his heart will indeed be cold and callous if he do not propose to himself promptly, and with a determination to aid as far as his ability and opportunity may enable him, "What can I do, towards effecting the removal of an evil so ruinous as this?"

The Great Change: a Treatise on Conversion. By George Redford, D. D., &c. With an Introduction, by the Author of "The anxious Inquirer after Salvation directed and encouraged." 18mo. pp. xiv, 162. Tract Society.The momentous affair of conversion, the subject on which this volume treats, is discussed with great fidelity, and affectionately enforced on the attention of all classes, especially the unbeliever and caviller, the undecided, the mistaken, the self-sufficient, the worldling, the delayer, the careless, and the hopeless. The preliminary address very fitly introduces the subject as follows:-" A Minister of the Gospel was once summoned to visit a young lady in deep affliction. She was an entire stranger, but had been occasionally one of his hearers. The case was represented as urgent, and no time was lost in complying with the invitation. But though it required not more than half an hour to reach the house, yet he arrived too late. Although not dead, she was not in a state to be spoken to; and the medical attendant decidedly forbade any attempt to converse with her. Upon inquiry of her mother, it was stated, that she had been for several weeks ill, and had frequently expressed the strongest desire to see that Minister; but her friends put it off till it was too late, and shortly after she died without the opportunity of an interview. Reader, pause, and reflect upon these words, too late!"

Footprints of Popery; or, Places where Martyrs have suffered. 18mo. pp. 100. Tract Society.-A very useful and timely manual, which ought to be read, and read again, by the young people of every Protestant family, that they may bear in mind the evils from which this country was delivered at the period of the everblessed Reformation. Papists and semiPapists, with consummate audacity, prate long and loud about Fox's Book of Martyrs, as being a collection of lies and gross exaggeration, and endeavour to inculcate upon us the importance of exercising brotherly love and Christian unity towards the Church of Rome. These proceedings will not answer their purpose. The Martyrology of Fox was published during the reign of Elizabeth, and excited in the minds of the Papacy "extraordinary fretting and fuming; but so satisfied were the Protestants with the unimpeachable integrity of the compiler, that it was published by authority, and placed in the churches of the country for general perusal; the Bible and the Martyrology being chained side by side

in the chancel. It will be time enough for us to take into consideration the Puseyistical notion of peace and love towards Rome, when the Popish hierarchy shall publish throughout the world a decree from the Vatican, repudiating and condemning the twenty-seventh canon of the Third, and the third canon of the Fourth, General Councils of Lateran, and expunging and abolishing for ever from the statutes of that apostate Church the infamous Bulla Cone Domini. Let these be accomplished, and then will we talk of peace; but never until then.

A Sermon, preached in Christ Church, Macclesfield, on Christmas-Day, 1775, on the Occasion of its being opened for the Worship of Almighty God. By the Rev. David Simpson, M. A., the first Incumbent. 8vo. pp. iv, 16. Macclesfield.-Honourable mention has been made of Mr. Simpson, page 2 of this volume, as one of those zealous, evangelical Ministers in the Church of England who, heeding not "the world's dread laugh," rallied round the venerable Wesleys, and encouraged them to the utmost of his ability in prosecuting their hallowed but ill-rewarded attempts to rouse a slumbering Church and nation to estimate the privileges and duties of the religion of Christ. The circumstances under which this discourse was delivered are interesting. Mr. Simpson had been licensed as a Curate of the old church in Macclesfield in 1773; but soon after entering on that office, the zeal and fidelity of his ministrations roused the unsanctified zeal and persecution of the enemies of the truth; and the consequence was, that he was silenced by Dr. Markham, then Bishop of Chester. The prime curacy of the church shortly after became vacant, and at that time in the gift of the Mayor, who, being favourable to the views and proceedings of Mr. Simpson, presented the situation to him, by whom it was accepted. Persecution was immediately commenced: every endeavour was made to prevent his induction; his adversaries rallied all their strength, and employed every artifice, until they presented against him, in due form, no less than seventeen charges, all which Dr. Porteus, then filling the see of Chester, reduced to one, he was a Methodist! During the contest, the late Charles Roe, Esq., in fulfilment of a vow made when young, that, if successful in business, he would erect a church, in token of gratitude to God, proposed to build a church for Mr. Simpson, who, not wishing to preach to a people evidently hating him, gladly embraced the offer,

and engaged, that if his induction to the new incumbency could be secured, he would resign the curacy of the old church. The terms were arranged, and, on the opening of the new edifice, the sermon before us was delivered, which manifests the ardent desire, the watchful fidelity, the pious zeal, and the untiring energies of a man who is determined, in the strength of grace, to make full proof of his ministry. As furnishing an exhibition of the character and awakening style of preaching adopted by those Methodist Clergymen of former days, and of whom but few records are now to be met with, we cordially recommend the perusal of this discourse.

The Christian Lady's Toilette: or, the Principles which should regulate her Dress, suggested. An Essay, read to a Society of Young Ladies, meeting for mutual Improvement. By one of the Members. Third Edition. 48mo. pp. vi, 30. Dyer.-A calm, temperate production; and adapted for extensive usefulness. Perhaps there are but few topics that have been discussed so often, and with such diversity of sentiment and feeling, as that of dress. Some have assumed to themselves the position of dress-maker-general to the Church; and with peculiar naïveté, have settled the precise manner in which the hair is to be arranged, and the person clothed; to which fashion, or cut, they have adhered with so much tenacity, as to anathematize all nonconformists, no matter what their rank and station in society may be, who refuse to submit to such Procrustean process, with an eagerness and zeal, similar to those with which Pope Gregory XVI. condemns a Protestant. Indiscretion of this description has done unmeasurable mischief; and the end which some imprudent but zealous persons have contemplated, has not been accomplished. In the words of Mr. Wesley on the subject in question, we say, "Do every thing herein with a single eye, and this will direct you in every circumstance. Let a single intention to please God prescribe, both what clothing you shall buy, and the manner wherein it shall be made, and how you shall put on and wear it ;" or, in the language of the unpretending volume before us, "Let us firmly fix in our minds those principles, which we honestly think should regulate our dress; and then calmly abide by them, unmoved by the follies of the day, or the sarcasms of some who may surround us; always recollecting that we are the temples of God; and that, if our adorning be consistent with that dignity, it will neither intrench

upon funds more especially dedicated to his cause, nor nullify that holy influence we desire to obtain over our fellowcreatures."

Glimpses of Nature, and Objects of Interest described, during a Visit to the Isle of Wight; designed to assist and encourage young Persons in forming Habits of Observation. By Mrs. Loudon. Square. pp. 217. Grant and Griffith. Beautifully printed, and well adapted to induce the young to observe and to think.

A Treatise on English Composition, including a general View of the Grammar of the English Language. By Henry W. Williams. 12mo. pp. 101. Simpkin. This unpretending, but really useful, volume, is designed to afford a comprehensive view of the structure of the English language, and of the principles to which there must be adherence in the exercise of English composition. Every topic that is really valuable in a work of this description is embraced, notwithstanding the cheap and portable appearance of the book; so that we think it will not fail soon to become a kind of vade mecum to the higher classes in respectable academies, and of incalculable service to those who, destitute of the means and opportunity to avail themselves of the aid to be obtained from professed scholastic establishments and tutors, are laudably, and with much industry, engaged in the cultivation of their own minds.

Rhoda; or, the Excellence of Charity. By the Author of the "Cottage on the Common," &c. Square. pp. 128. Grant and Griffith.-Written to inculcate upon the young the importance of our Saviour's words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

The Country; or, Old Michael and Young Maurice. 18mo. pp. x, 168. Tract Society. An interesting publication for the young, written in the style of some of the most popular works of Peter Parley, and forming a useful and amusing present at Christmas, or on New-Year's day.

The Christian's Miniature Magazine; or, Choice Crumbs gathered up. Vol. I. 48mo. pp. 104. Dyer. The Editor observes: "If Christians were to transcribe, for the benefit of others, any very striking sentiment or aphorism

which afforded them edification and pleasure in the course of their reading, who can calculate the good that might result?" As a medium for communicating such sentiments, here termed "Choice Crumbs," this Miniature Magazine was commenced; and it promises fair to answer that important end.

The Indians of North America. Square. pp. 296. Tract Society.-A comprehensive and graphic description of the manners and customs of the North American Indians, interspersed with numerous and amusing anecdotes, and brief notices of the success of the Gospel among them. Correctly drawn up, and written in a style likely to engage and instruct young people.

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The Happy Transformation; or, the History of a London Apprentice. An authentic Narrative, communicated in a Series of Letters. With a Preface by W. II. Pearce, Missionary from Calcutta, to whom the Letters were addressed. Third Edition. 18mo. pp. xi, 105. Dyer.-A manual of sterling worth, well deserving to be placed in the hands of young persons, about to enter on, or who are already engaged in, the pursuits of business in cities and large towns. Such are in constant jeopardy from the principles and practices of their companions, and require "line upon line, and precept upon precept," that they may attain and preserve that integrity of character, which if once discarded, the consequences may be melancholy and fatal. The narrative comprises the history of one who, with flattering prospects, had commenced the voyage of life; but, neglecting his celestial chart, awfully fell from his stedfastness; and also an account of the manifestation of divine grace, in effecting his thorough "Transformation." Schoolmasters, merchants, tradesmen, and other heads of families, may read this book with considerable advantage, inasmuch as they will discover the importance of making provision for the spiritual instruction of the juvenile branches of the household, by furnishing them with the Scriptures, and other useful books, inculcating, both by precept and example, attendance upon the faithful ministry of God's word, and shunning the society of the giddy, the vicious, and the profane.

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