thoughts of the study of medicine, and to enter College with a view to the ministry. After due reflection on the way in which he had been led, and on what might reasonably be inferred in respect to the designs of Providence concerning him, he concluded to follow this advice; and, accordingly, entered College, at Philadelphia, in May, 1765. The College was then under the care of the Rev. Dr. William Smith, as Provost, and the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison, as Vice Provost; both of whom were acknowledged to be among the greater lights of their time. Mr. King, after a year's residence at College, commenced Bachelor of Arts, in May, 1766. On leaving College, he returned home, and applied himself to the study of Theology till March, 1767, when he entered on his trials for the ministry, in the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. He was licensed to preach in August following. The succeeding fall and winter, he was engaged in preaching at New London, Pa., and within the bounds of the Newcastle Presbytery. On paying a visit to Conococheague, his former place of residence, he received an invitation to settle there; and, having accepted it, was ordained to the work of the ministry, and installed Pastor of the Church in that place, by the Donegal Presbytery, in May, 1769. From this charge he never removed, till he resigned it shortly before his death. For the last six years of his life, he was greatly afflicted and debilitated by a rheumatic affection, which baffled the skill of all his physicians, and finally brought him to the close of his earthly pilgrimage. During four years of this time, he continued his labours in the pulpit, and when unable to stand, delivered his discourse in a sitting posture. His death was accelerated by a fever, which, in conjunction with his inveterate rheumatism, soon removed him from the earth. He died July 5, 1811, in the seventy-first year of his age. In April, 1771, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John McDowell, one of the elders of the Church of which he was Pastor. She proved a tender and faithful help-meet to him during the residue of his life, and in the protracted illness which preceded his death, watched over him with most exemplary conjugal affection. He died without issue. The Trustees of Dickinson College, in consideration of his high attainments as a general scholar and a theologian, conferred on him, in 1792, the degree of Doctor of Divinity,-a distinction well sustained by his public performances and by the public opinion. GNOMON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. By ALBERT BENGEL. Now first translated into English. With Original Notes, Explanatory and Illustrative. Revised and Edited by Rev. Andrew R. Fausset, M.A., of Trinity College, Dublin. Vols. II and IV. T. and T. Clark, Edinburgh. Smith & English, Philadelphia. THE first and third volumes of this learned commentary have been already noticed in the Presbyterian Magazine. One volume more will complete the set. The paper and typography are elegant, and the size of the volumes renders them convenient for daily use. As mentioned in the January number of this Magazine, Messrs. Smith and English will furnish the five volumes to subscribers at $8, or by mail, prepaid, at $10. We refer our readers to that article for several particulars relating to the character of this work and for our views of its great utility to the biblical student. Except some Arminian errors, and some fanciful interpretations, which now and then impair the value of portions of the work, these volumes contain a vast store of sound scriptural exposition and critical analysis, adapted to the wants of all who desire to study the New Testament in its original language. A critical knowledge of God's word is the best human key to its true import. Hence he is the most skilful interpreter of Scripture, other things being equal, who is the most thoroughly versed in its lexicography, grammatical construction, and usus loquendi. And again, he is the most edifying preacher, who, ceteris paribus, expounds the Bible with the greatest clearness and ability. Consequently, the critical study of the Bible is a moral necessity for one who expects to become an able minister of the Gospel. He ought not indeed to display his learning in the pulpit. Pedantry is more tolerable in almost any other profession than in the sacred office. Yet a preacher should exhibit the fruits of careful and critical research in every discourse. The Holy Scriptures are like a rich mine of precious metal, which the implements of biblical criticism disclose and develope, enriching both the minister who explores their hidden treasures, and the people who enjoy the benefits of his learned labour. For such a purpose as this, the renowned GNOMON of Bengel will be found to possess incalculable value. It contains the "seeds of things," the material for expanded thought, an "Index" to the meaning and force of the New Testament. THE CRUISE OF THE BETSY; or, a Summer Ramble among the Fossiliferous Deposits of the Hebrides, with RAMBLES of a GEOLOGIST Over Ten Thousand Miles of the Fossiliferous Deposits in Scotland. By HUGH MILLER, LL.D. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. 12mo. pp. 524. A Philosopher boating is one of the pleasantest spectacles, and the ramblings of a Geologist among the wisest excursions. Sea and land furnish inexhaustible materials of exploration and recreation. The great Hugh Miller understood how to manage sails, as well as hammers, in the pursuit of learning. He was all things to all places. But everywhere, he was a Christian, with the spirit of philosophy. He was eminently a practical man, and a shrewd observer of nature. Unlike a preacher, who does not adapt his preaching to popular comprehension, Hugh Miller was eminently a man for the masses. He has done more to popularize science than any one of his age. We are far from adopting all his opinions, although we love to read his works. The present volume is entertaining and instructive. It gives a narrative of excursions and rambles, and is full of observations on men and things, which the reader will appreciate the more, if he reads with care. His geological views are not difficult to be understood. AN EXPOSITION OF THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS. By Rev. JEAN DAILLE, minister of the French Reformed Church at Charenton, 1639. Translated from the French, by Rev. James Sherman. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication. 8vo. pp. 698. THE great minister of Charenton is in some respects a model minister. Not because, learned and eloquent though he was, he was pre-eminently above others in learning and eloquence, but because he knew how to preach to the minds and hearts of the people. His preaching was scriptural as opposed to philosophical, and direct and earnest as opposed to abstract and dull. He was a minister to make impression upon his congregation. These volumes of sermons on the Epistles to the Philippians and Colossians are rich evangelical storehouses of exposition and instruction. John Daille not only understood "the right use of the Fathers," but the right use of the Bible. May more of this sound, lively, expository preaching prevail in our pulpits! Sufficient praise cannot be given to the Board of Publication for giving such volumes. THE SHADOW OF THE HEARTH; or our Father's Voice in taking away our Little Ones. By a Bereaved Parent. With an Introduction by N. L. RICE, D.D. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 580 Broadway. 1858. There is joy in GOD gives consolation to his people in every affliction. sorrow, and light breaks in from the gloom of the hearth. are cared for by the Lord of the resurrection and of life. of this tender and instructive volume to examine the subject of the death of infants, with the testimony of Scripture. The author eloquently and simply says, that "the work is, to a good degree, the unfolding of his own heart." He writes with much ability and candour, and expresses the thoughts of his heart with that winning reverence for God and his word, which becomes a parent in affliction. We greatly admire the whole spirit and plan of the work. The following are the headings of the different chapters. I. The golden bowls enjoyed. II. The golden bowls broken. III. Light in darkness. IV. The Curse. V. "It is well with the Child." VI. The rainbow around the Tomb. VII. "Suffer little children to come unto me." VIII. Sunshine in the heart. A short selection of excellent and appropriate poetry is contained in the Appendix. We trust that the author will exercise his gifts by preparing other publications for the press. THE GIANT JUDGE; or the Story of Samson, the Hebrew Hercules. By the Rev. W. A. SCOTT, D.D., of San Francisco. Second Edition. San Francisco: Whitton, Towne & Co. 1858. THE story of Samson is undoubtedly a difficult one to explain. There are some points in the character of the "giant Judge," that require the judgment of charity. This is a book of critical learning, of candid scriptural exposition, and of vigorous and able writing. Samson has full justice done to him by Dr. Scott. Throughout the whole fourteen chapters, the interest, infused by the writer's glowing intellect and heart, is continued without abatement. A volume, entertaining and full of learning, has been produced out of the giant judge's history. The work is well done, and to edification. We wish our valued friend great success in the circulation of all his publications, and a blessing from on high upon those who read them. GRAINS OF GOLD. RAGGED TOMMY, OR THE BOY AND THE BISHOP. HOW TO DIE HAPPY. FANNY, THE FLOWER GIRL. BRIDGET SULLIVAN. THESE issues of the PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION are all characterized by the qualities which make books attractive to children and youth. A great variety of incident is wrought up with the inculcation of religious truth; and each volume discloses an interest in the spiritual welfare of the reader. In looking over the books of this Board, we are constantly led to exclaim, "How could our Church do without it!" Che Religious World. BOARDS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. BOARD OF DOMESTIC MISSIONS.-FIFTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT. Operations of the Year. OF MISSIONS.-Statistical Details.-The number of missionaries in commission March 1, 1857, was 419, to which have been added, to March 1, 1858, 191, making the whole number 610, and more by 20 than the year previous. The number of churches and missionary stations, wholly or in part supplied (as far as reported), by our missionaries, is 990. The number of newly organized churches is 45. The number of admissions on examination is 2338, and on certificate 1820; making a total of admissions of 4158. The number in communion with churches connected with the Board is 23,384. The number of Sabbath-schools is 332; of teachers, 2440; and of scholars, 15,910. The number of baptisms is 2568. Receipts. The total amount of receipts, from all sources, from March 1, 1857, to March 1, 1858, is $105,277 52, to which, add balances on hand in the different treasuries, March 1, 1857, $19,260 40; making the available resources of the Board during the year, $124,537 92, The amount paid out at the office in Philadelphia, including the Presbyterial treasuries, was $87,712 59, and at the office in Louisville, $16,441 08; making the total amount of payments, during the year, $104,153 67; leaving an available balance in all the treasuries, on the 1st of March, 1858, of $20,384 25. The amount due the missionaries, at the same date, was $11,871 44, leaving an unexpended balance of $8512 81. The aggregate receipts from March 1, 1857, to March 1, 1858, have been more, as compared with the receipts from March 1, 1856, to March 1, 1857, $12,028 53. The increase has been in individual or special donations and legacies, $3392 38, and in the contributions of the churches, $8636 15. The receipts at the office in Philadelphia, including the Presbyterial treasuries, were greater by $12,174 70, and were less at the office in Louisville by $146 17. BOARD OF EDUCATION.-THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. CANDIDATES. The following table of the statistics of candidates shows the operations of the Board of Education in the Ministerial Department: The number of new candidates received has been . The whole number on the roll, during this year, has been 66 Collegiate Stage of study not reported, 103 2630 385 122 178 83 6 385 The aggregate number of candidates this year is two greater than last year; whilst the number of new candidates is eleven more than were received last year-an increase that is encouraging, chiefly from the fact that there is no decrease. During the year, two of the candidates have left the Presbyterian Church, and united with other churches. Two of the candidates have departed this life, in the midst of their preparation for the ministry. One of them, Charles H. Young, who had intended to be a foreign missionary, left for his fellow-students, the message: "Who will take my place as a missionary to Africa? The poor heathen cannot die as I am now dying." GENERAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION.-Number of Parochial Schools is about one hundred. Number of Academies, under the care of the Church, is sixty. Number of Presbyterian Colleges, under ecclesiastical supervision, or controlled by ministers and members of the Presbyterian Church, is twenty-four. STATE OF THE TREASURY.-The following is a general view of the pecuniary affairs of the Board during the ecclesiastical year. The accounts closed on the 18th of April, which is about two weeks earlier than usual. Total receipts for the year, $52,693 60; total income, $56,492 06; total payments, $48,980 55; total balances, exclusive of the permanent African Fund, $6511 52. |