ARTICLE X.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

1.-Orators of the American Revolution. By E. L. MAGOON. New York: Baker & Scribner. 1848.

This is a book that will find many readers, and deservedly. What American patriot or Christian but that feels a deep interest in those great and noble men whose eloquence, wisdom, and energy, accomplished so much good for this nation during, and subsequent to, the war of the Revolution. Their virtues were great; their abilities superior; their sacrifices many; and ever precious be their memory to the great heart of this happy nation. We have here graphic sketches of Otis, Samuel Adams, Quincy, Hancock, Warren, John Adams, Patrick Henry, Lee, Hamilton, Ames, Pinkney, Wirt, Emmet, and Randolph, with a few specimens of their oratory. Nor are Davies, Caldwell, Clarke, Witherspoon, and other distinguished patriots of the Pulpit, forgotten.-The execution of this agreeable task is creditable to the Author. He has evidently a just appreciation of the characters and services of those great men, and gives, on the whole, fair and striking portraits of them. His style is a little too ambitious and ornate perhaps, but still it is lively, graphic, original, and energe tic. Our only regret in reading it—and it is one that is felt throughout, and we know not that the Author could have supplied the deficiency-is, that we have so few, and those imperfect and unsatisfying, specimens of their oratorical peculiarities and powers. Could more of these have been given, it would have added greatly to the value and interest of the work. But as it is, we heartily commend the book, believing that it will tend to inspire in the hearts of our citizens, a profounder reverence and regard for those patriotic orators and statesmen, to whom, under God, we owe our national liberty, and wise and beneficient form of government.

2.-Principles of the Interior or Hidden Life; designed particularly for the consideration of those who are seeking assurance of Faith and perfect love. By THOMAS C. UPHAM. Eighth Edition. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1848. This work of Professor Upham's, has already reached the eighth edition, showing that it is having an extensive circulation in the religious community. And we think it speaks well for our day, that a book of this character-eminently spiritual, and pervaded by the principles and spirit of holy living-should find so many readers. The truth is, there is a felt deficiency in the piety of the present day; and this feeling is limited to no class of Christians, to no schools or denominations: there is a longing on the part of thousands of God's people, for a higher development of holiness--a reaching forth to something above and beyond the present attainment of the church. It was this that led many devout persons to embrace the erroneous views of Prof. Finney, on the subject of Christian perfection; and the same inward conviction of the necessity of a purer and deeper piety, is creating a demand for Prof. Upham's works, all of which aim to illustrate and urge a life of holiness.-This work is divided into three parts: On the Inward Life in its connection with Faith and Love: The Life of Faith and Love followed by the crucifixion of the Life of Nature: On inward Divine Guidance. There is very much that is good in the book. It may be read by the soul that is hungering and thirsting after righteousness, with great profit. Its analyses of Christian experience, and its discriminations on many points of doctrine, are able, just, thorough, and instructive. We have read it with no ordinary interest, and we advise every Christian to read it, and weigh well its teachings. We by no means intend to endorse the peculiar views of Prof. Upham, as they are brought out with greater or lesser distinctness in all

his works, and we presume are well understood. He is one of those writers that needs to be read with watchfulness, and prayer, and rigid discrimination,— and being thus read, we know of few living writers from whom the soul is likely to receive more benefit.

3.-The Life of Faith; In three parts. By THOMAS C. UPHAM, D.D. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1848.

Another work by Prof. Upham on the same general subject, and to some extent, kindred in its nature, with his previous work on the Interior Life. "The leading object of both works," he tells us, "is the promotion of practical holiness. I have no doubt that the object will meet with favor; but have less confidence, that the manner of executing it will be approved." Both works maintain the same views; indeed the same religious ideas are reproduced, in one form or another, in all the Professor's religious writings. He evidently has one grand end in view, and is putting forth all his strength to gain it.The first part of this new work, embracing "Some of the Philosophical and Scriptural Principles and Doctrines of Faith," we regard as very able, discriminating, and instructive. Part second traces "The Power or Effects of Faith in the regulation of man's Inward Nature." And part third shows "The relation of Faith to the Divine Guidance, or the operation of the Holy Ghost in the soul." We are far from subscribing to all the views he herein advances; we think some of them are "contrary to sound doctrine," and pernicious in their tendency; while the spirit and general tone of the work are eminently Christian. While we commend the religious writings of Prof. Upham, for very much that is eminently spiritual, and instructive, and promotive of holiness in the hearts and lives of Christians, we decidedly dissent from some of his favorite views, both of Christian doctrine and experience, believing that, while they may not embrace absolute errors, their tendency, especially on certain classes of minds, is to foster and develop a piety not in all respects scriptural.

4.-Life of Madame Catharine Adorna. Including some leading facts and traits in her Religious Experience. Together with explanations and remarks, tending to illustrate the doctrine of Holiness. By THOMAS C. UPHAM, D.D. Third Edition. New York: Harper & Brothers.

1848.

We have here, though in a condensed form, the counterpart of Madame Guyon. The subject of this memoir, was an Italian, of the 15th century, generally known as Saint Catharine of Genoa. She was of the illustrious family of the Fieschi, and greatly distinguished for her holiness and active piety. She lived and died in the communion of the Romish church. There is nothing strange or of special interest in her memoirs, aside from her religious character. She is brought forward by Prof. Upham simply to illustrate the doctrine of holiness" as an instance of assurance of faith, and pure or perfect love." She was evidently a pure-minded and eminently devout Christian. That she was "perfect," we do not for a moment believe; indeed her Biographer does not insist upon our so regarding her. She belonged to the school of the Quietists, which Prof. Upham, we are sorry to say, looks upon with favor, and, as we think, distinctly advocates in this work. We think it the least valuable of any of his productions; and yet there is much in it to edify and urge to higher attainment, the discriminating reader.

5.-The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come; delivered under the similitude of a dream. By JOHN BUNYAN. American Tract Society, New York.

This is certainly one of the most beautiful and splendid specimens of bookmaking that we have ever seen. The illustrations are striking and elegantly

executed; the printing is done in the most perfect style of the art, on superb paper, and it is bound in beautiful gilt binding. The Society has certainly tried its best on the "Elstow-tinker," and has now given to the world Bunyan's immortal work, in a form and dress worthy of its great excellence and popularity. It is sold also at an astonishing low price, considering its style and size, and must quickly supersede, both on account of its beauty and economy, all the other editions that have appeared in this country. Great pains have been taken in collating this edition with other copies, in order to render it a correct reprint of the original work. The original side-notes, which often throw much light upon the text, have been preserved. It embraces the autobiography of the Author in his "Grace Abounding."

The great essayist Macauley, speaking of this book, says, "The style of Bunyan is delightful to every reader, and invaluable as a study to every person who wishes to obtain a wide command over the English language. The vocabulary is the vocabulary of the common people. We have observed several pages which do not contain a single word of more than two syllables. Yet no writer has said more exactly what he meant to say. For magnificence, for pathos, for vehement exhortation, for subtle disquisition, for every purpose of the poet, the orator, and the divine, this homely dialect, the dialect of plain working men, was perfectly sufficient. There is no book in our literature on which we would so readily stake the fame of the old unpolluted English language; no book which shows so well how rich that language is in its own proper wealth, and how little it has improved by all that it has borrowed." And again, "Though there were many clever men in England during the latter half of the 17th century, there were only two great creative minds. One of these minds produced the Paradise Lost, the other the Pilgrim's Progress."

6.-Poems by William Cowper. With a Biographical and Critical Introduction, by the Rev. Thomas Dale. With numerous splendid Engravings. In two volumes. New York: Harper & Brothers.

COWPER deservedly ranks among the first of English Poets. Others far surpassed him in imaginative powers, in depth and reach of original thought, in lofty genius, but few have equalled, none perhaps surpassed him, as the Poet of affection, of elevated religious sentiment and experience, and of social beauty and enjoyment. There is an artlessness, a naturalness, a pathos and sweetness in his poetry, that lends to it a peculiar charm, and gives it a most happy influence on one's tastes and moral feelings. If we could have but one of the great English Poets, we would, all things considered, take CowPER. His religious and devotional poetry, especially, is pre-eminently excellent and valuable.

The HARPERS have here given us a most superb edition of this great Poet. It is a finished and perfect copy. We have seldom if ever seen a book got up in better taste and style. It is illustrated by seventy-five beautiful engravings, and is printed and bound in that finished and elegant manner for which these publishers are distinguished. We are glad that they are giving to the world, in so attractive a form, the Standard British Poets. They have already given Shakespeare, Thompson, Goldsmith, Milton, and now Cowper; and we trust the series will be extended. As a gift-book, to any person of sense or true feelings, this single copy of Cowper is worth more than all the Annuals of the season, or a cart-load of the popular literature of the day.

7.-History of France, from the Conquest of Gaul, by Julius Cæsar to the reign of Louis Philippe; with Conversations at the end of each chapter. By MRS. MARKHAM. Prepared for the use of schools by the addition of a Map, Notes, Questions, and a Supplementary Chapter, bringing down the History to the present time. By JACOB ABBOTT. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1848. This is a very valuable History. It is admirably adapted to the school-room

and will be found to be an entertaining narrative to the general reader. It gives a clear, concise and condensed account of the leading events which have transpired in that remarkable country, from the Conquest of Gaul by Cæsar, to the close of the recent eventful Revolution. The conversations by the Authoress, at the end of each chapter, are sure to arrest the attention and interest the mind of the pupil, and tend to fix the leading facts of the history in the memory. The Maps, Notes, Questions, and Supplement, by Mr. Abbott, add very much to the interest and value of the work.

8.-Wreaths of Friendship. By T. S. ARTHUR, & F. C. WOODWORTH. New York: Baker & Scribner.

It is a noble work to entertain, in a rational way, and instruct, the youthful mind; to teach useful and pious lessons in a winning and attractive manner. Few living writers are more successful in this department, than are the joint Authors of this elegant Annual. And they have herein twined many a chaste and beautiful "Wreath" of thought and affection, as a gift for their favorite ones. It was a happy thought that suggested this rational festival, for their numerous young friends, and no little tact and wisdom is manifest in carrying it out. It is a book of short stories, which will not only be read with interest but cannot fail to make a pleasing impression. Parents will find it an admirable gift-book for the younger members of their family. We heartily bid it god-speed in its mission of friendship and rational entertainment.

9.-First Book in Greek; containing a full view of the Forms of Words, with Vocabularies and Copious Exercises, on the method of constant Imitation and Repetition. By JOHN MCCLINTOCK, D.D., & GEORGE R. CROOKS, A.M., Profs. of Languages in Dickinson College. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1848. This book is prepared on the same plan with the "First Book in Latin," from the same authors. That work was generally received with high approbation; was recommended by high authority, and we believe has been pretty extensively adopted as a school-book. We should think, from the examination we have given this First Book in Greek, that its merits were equal to that, and that it is a decided improvement upon previous works. We are highly pleased with its arrangements and execution, and should think that it was the best book for beginners in Greek, to be found in this country.

10.-Count Raymond, of Toulouse, and the Crusade against the Albigenses, under Pope Innocent III. By CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH. Illustrated edition. New

York: M. W. Dodd, 1848.

THIS work will always possess a sort of melancholy interest to the public, it being the last production of the gifted and lamented authoress, and written, also, under circumstances of the most painful character. We do not think it equal, in point of intrinsic interest and power, to many of her other works; still it is characteristic; and will be read and treasured by her many admirers. The style of it is beautiful: the picture drawn of the condition of the church in the 12th century; of Papal tyranny and persecution; and of the sufferings of the poor Albigenses, under Innocent III., is truthful and graphic, and leaves a sad impression on the reader's mind. Mr. Dodd has brought it out in an elegant form.

11, Important Doctrines of the True Christian Religion, Explained, Demonstrated, and Vindicated from Vulgar Errors: Being a Series of Lectures delivered at the New Jerusalem Church, London. By the Rev. S. NOBLE; with an Introduction by CEORGE BUSH. New York: John Allen, 1848.

THIS is an octavo of nearly 600 pages. It contains lectures on the follow

ing subjects: The Lord's Second Advent: The Divine Character, Unity, Trinity, and Person; The Assumption of Humanity, and putting forth thereby, of the Power of Redemption: The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and Salvation by His Blood; His Mediation and Atonement: The Justification of a Sinner: Harmony with the Doctrine of a Plurality of worlds.-A strange mixture truly, of truth and error, sober piety, and the wildest extravagance, are these Lectures. There is much in them that is good, true, ingenious, and able, with very much that is crude, erroneous, visionary, and utterly subversive of the one true Faith. It is an earnest and labored attempt to draft a system of theology on the principles and vagaries of Swedenborg. Mr. Noble has long been known as a distinguished, and probably the ablest living advocate and expounder of the faith of that remarkable man. He has evidently here done his best; but alas! it is essentially "another gospel," that he has given to us; a gospel without a Trinity-without a vicarious Atonement-without Justification by faith-without an interceding Mediator-without a Holy Ghost-with scarcely one feature of the faith which Christ and His apostles taught. He begins at the foundation, and affirms, "that God has not existed in three persons, but in one, and that an atonement made by one Divine person to Himself, is a glaring absurdity." "The foundation swept away," says Prof. Bush, in his Introduction, with solemn gravity and evident satisfaction, "the superstructure totters down. To the clarified vision of the man of the New Church the entire fabric of the doctrinals of the old system passes over the stage as a solemn phantasmagoria, a spectral array of synodical and sacerdotal sanctities, which flit and disappear forever, as embodying any substantial truth." And upon such a foundation the New Jerusalem Church is to be built! Alas, for Truth and Religion, when they fall into the hands of vain dreamers or rash speculators !

12. A Manual of Morals for Common Schools. Andover: W. H. Wardwell. Boston: J. P. Jewett & Co. New York: M. H. Newman & Co., 1848.

THE design of this book is one of no little importance. What lesson more needful for all the children of this great Republic to learn, than "the fear of God;" the principles of a sound scriptural morality. And if not taught in the common school, this much needed lesson will never be taught to multitudes of our children and youth. "Some work on morals," says the Hon. Horace Mann, "which shall excite the sympathies as well as inform the intellect; which shall make children love virtue as well as understand what it is, is the great desideratum of our schools." This manual presents the elements of the subject in a simple, concise, and intelligent manner, and illustrates them by familiar examples. Its teachings are scriptural; and we earnestly commend it to the attention of parents and teachers.

15. History of Mary, Queen of Scots. By Jacob Abbott. With Engravings. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1848.

THIS history was prepared expressly for the younger class of minds. The thrilling narrative of the beautiful, though unfortunate Queen, is related in that pleasing and attractive manner for which the author is justly distinguished. He evidently inclines to the darker side of the question, respecting her participation in the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley, as well as her criminality respecting her intercouse and marriage with the Earl of Bothwell-the two worst features in her history. No one can read the story of her downfall, long captivity, and final cruel death, and not pity her sorrows, and deplore her unhappy fate.