least those whom it ought to pay most liberally. It excludes the gospel from thousands of parishes; it perpetuates corruptions in doctrine; it hinders all scriptural discipline; it desecrates the ordinances of Christ, confounds the Church and the world, foments schism among Christians, and tempts the ministers of Christ both in and out of the Establishment to be eager politicians. Further, it embarrasses successive governments, maintains one chief element of revolution in the country, renders the reformation of the Anglican Churches hopeless, hinders the progress of the Gospel throughout the kingdom, and strengthens all the corrupt papal Establishments of Europe."

This work has a great and blessed mission to perform. Baptist Noel has evidently been called to undertake a second Reformation, more spiritual and not less extensive than the first." God has trained him for the service in his own wonder-working way, and qualified him to achieve it: it is the great work of his life. This is not an ebullition of feeling or a hasty change of views; but an expression of convictions deep-seated, long maturing, and now when the fulness of time is come, boldly and manfully expressed in the language of a Luther. Spiritual Hierarchies as well as Political Despotisms, are indeed "doomed." We wonder not at the prodigious sensation which the book is producing on the other side of the water; Dissenters elated; the people meeting in assemblies to read it; and prelates and churchmen full of wrath and alarm.

3.-God in Christ.

Three Discourses delivered at New Haven, Cambridge, and Andover, with a Preliminary Dissertation on Language. BY HORACE BUSHNELL. Hartford: Brown & Parsons. 1849.

THE views presented in these Discourses, as they were originally delivered, have already attracted much attention; and our object is merely to announce their appearance in this authentic form. The Discourses on the Trinity and Atonement appear as they were delivered, the former at New Haven, the latter at Cambridge. The Discourse on Dogma and Spirit, has been recast, and so far modified in "its form as even to vary a little the import of the subject." The whole is introduced by an elaborate Preliminary Dissertation, on the "genesis" and powers of language. The views presented in this Dissertation, the author regards as an essential key to the doctrines of the discourses. They must at least have the effect, with those who embrace them, of discouraging theological criticism; since the main conclusion of the author is, that through the infirmities of language, natural science and dogmatic theology are impossible. Thought is not conveyed by literal statements and definitions, serving as measures of truth, but is suggested by the resultant force of mutually repugnant symbols, held up in words. "Poets, then, are the true metaphysicians, and if there be any complete science of man to come, they must bring it."

Having arrived at this conclusion in his Introduction, we could not, of course, expect the author to present his views of the Trinity and Atonement in the usual dogmatic method of our theological formulas; and we are not surprised that such havoc as he makes of catechisms, creeds, and systems of divinity, should excite alarm. But whether his doctrine of an "Instrumental Trinity," and an æsthetic Atonement be identical with that of other Calvinistic theologians, and which approaches nearest the doctrine of the Scriptures, we will not attempt to decide in a single paragraph. To many of the author's views, especially on the subject of the Atonement, we can by no means subscribe. Yet we must at least acquit him of the charge of Unitarianism; and we hope that the publication of these Discourses, and the discussion to which they must lead, will help Christians to a better understanding of each other, and of the doctrines themselves.

Of the eloquence and power with which the author exhibits his views, we cannot express too warmly our admiration. The mysticism with which his

theology is tinctured, and his style really saturated, is an element that does not readily coalesce with Calvinism; and to this in part the "evil notoriety" of the Discourses is to be attributed. We shall doubtless have occasion to refer to this work again.

4.-Macaulay's History of England, from the Accession of James II. By THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY. Vols. I. II. 8vo. pp. 619, 617. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1849.

WE cannot so well express our feelings in introducing this greatest of recent books to our readers as in the language of the North British Review: "We have never perused a work of literature or science, or even of fiction, with such an intense interest as that with which we have devoured the two remarkable volumes now before us. We have cheated our mind of its usual food, and our body of its usual rest, in order to grasp, by one mental effort, the great truths which they teach, and imbibe the noble lessons which they convey. Were we among the personal friends of Mr. Macaulay, or did we adopt the latitudinarian views of religious truth which he has presented to us in all the fascination of language and of sentiment, we might have suspected that our judgment was partial, and our admiration extravagant; but, though our Presbyterian feelings has been often offended, and our most venerated martyrs but slightly honored, and our national creed not unfrequently reviled, yet these penumbral spots disappear, while we study in his bright and eloquent pages the vindication of our country's liberties,—the character and the fate of the sages who asserted them,-and the righteous but terrible doom of the Princes from whom they were wrung."

The first volume is divided into five chapters. "In the first Mr. Macaulay gives a condensed and elegant sketch of English history from the earliest times to the Revolution in 1660. In the second chapter, he details the leading events in the reign of Charles II. In the third, he describes the state of England at the accession of James II., treating of its statistics, its literature and science, its ans, its agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, the state of its towns and villages, and the condition of its population; and in the remaining two chapters, he gives the history of the last of the Stuarts, which is continued and concluded in the five chapters of the second volume."-The space of time which these two volumes cover is therefore small, being little more than the reign of James II., but that space was crowded with momentous and destiny-ruling events and results. We most earnestly wish that the author had gone more fully into the history of England previous to the accession of James II., the period from which he dates; especially that he had availed himself of his favorable stand-point and sources of knowledge and preeminently fitting qualities, to bring out in its proper light and importance the glorious Puritan history of that eventful period, which he has scarcely touched upon; and which, as an all-modifying and all-controlling element of the British Constitution and of English history ever since that period, seems to us essential to a fair, just, and complete execution of the great and useful task to which he has addressed himself.

Our narrow space will not allow of our going into the merits or demerits of this History as far as completed; nor need we: the favorable judgment of the world is already passed upon it; no commendation will help it; no criticism will injure it; besides, our readers will be sure to get it, and read and judge for themselves.

Mr. Macaulay's style, inodes of thinking, and characteristics as a writer; his extensive and accurate erudition, his power of analysis and classification, his liberality of views and acknowledged ability, were so well known beforehand, that an intelligent, a priori judgment might have been passed upon the characteristics of this work. We see Macaulay, the splendid and powerful Essayist in every page. It does not read like history; it is not a dry de

prepare for it, and to awake to meet it. Nothing so able, so convincing, so logically irresistible, has been written as this argument of Dr. Cheever's. It ought to be read and pondered by every legislator, judge, juryman, minister, layman, and citizen, that its principles and conclusions may be embodied in public sentiment, and made to control the legislation and jurisprudence of this great nation.

9.-An Introduction to the New Testament, containing an examination of the most important questions relating to the authenticity, interpretution, and integrity of the canonical books, with reference to the latest inquiries. By SAMUEL DAVIDSON, LL.D. Volume I. The Four Gospels. London: Samuel Bagster & Sons. 1848. 8vo. pp.

430.

We take great pleasure in introducing this elegantly executed and highly valuable work to the notice of American scholars and divines. It is eminently timely, and a valuable acquisition to English Biblical literature.

The work has been prepared with special reference to the researches and speculations of German Biblical scholars. The author's knowledge of German mind and of the entire field of German criticism, including the most recent writings, is extensive and thorough. No available source of information adapted to render it worthy of the name, "Introduction," has been neglected. But while he treats this German literature with fairness, and evinces a perfect mastery of it all, the author is no slave to it; he yields no blind submission to its authority, but retains that freedom of thought and of soul which is so essential to correct investigation and sound criticism. While he has no sympathy for the " stereotype minded" or for those "who creep along in the ruts of hereditary or pravailing opinion," he has none for the rash innovator or specious speculator, and is free from the virus of German neology.

The author says: "It seems to be the wiser course to prepare for all the objections that may be urged against the New Testament. It is better to anticipate the diffusion of certain subtle cavils in the field of Christianity than to decry at a distance, or to be overwhelmed by their novelty when they are fairly imported from other lands. It is the writer's belief that the books of the New Testament are ere long to pass through a severe ordeal. The translations of various Continental works which have recently appeared in England, and the tendency of certain speculations in philosophy, indicate a refined skepticism or a pantheistic spirit which confounds the objective and the subjective, or unduly subordinates the former to the latter. Many are disposed to exalt their intuitions too highly to the detriment of the historical, as Kant did his Pure Reason."

These extracts will give our readers some idea of the design, character, and utility of this "Introduction to the New Testament." It supplies a want which many have felt and expressed, and we doubt not that when its great merit is known on this side the Atlantic, it will be eagerly sought after and highly appreciated. We hope it will be speedily republished in this country, as the English edition is quite expensive. The work will be completed either in two or three volumes, and when completed we shall refer to it again.

10.-Posthumous Works of the REV. THOMAS CHALMERS, LL. D. Edited by the REV. WILLIAM HANNA, LL. D. Volume V. Sabbath Readings. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1849. THIS volume is uniform in its mechanical appearance and in its general character with the four previous ones. It extends from Genesis to II. Kings. We have already several times expressed our high opinion of the spiritual character and merit of this series, and need not now renew our commendation. We take great delight ourselves in reading them for edification; and although they

are neither critical nor expository, but just the free pious thoughts of that great good man, yet are they highly suggestive and abound with original, striking views of Divine Truth. The Harpers have brought out this series in a very appropriate and beautiful form.

11.-Life of Franklin Illustrated. His Autobiography, and a Narrative of his public life and services. By the REV. H. HASTINGS WELD. Splendidly embellished by numerous exquisite designs by JOHN CHAPMAN. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1849.

FRANKLIN'S Autobiography ought to be read and carefully studied by every man, especially by every young man who wishes to be anything. There is a world of wisdom, sterling sense, and sagacity in it. He certainly possessed peculiar gifts; he was a close and discriminating observer; a bold and original thinker; a real genius in invention, a philosopher in arrangement, and a master-operator in execution. His experience was varied and profound; his opportunity for a thorough knowledge of human nature in all its phases and conditions peculiar, while the part he acted in the great events of our Revolu tionary history was conspicuous, and places him in the very first rank of statesmen, diplomatists, and patriots; and here we have the results of his sagacity, shrewdness, extensive observation, and experience, embodied in his own personal history, and told in his own inimitable manner. It is a book for "the people"-a book of "proverbs," if you please, having in it no little of the wisdom of Solomon; proverbs illustrated and worked out in his own history. It is a practical every-day philosophy which has made the fortunes of more men (for this world only, alas!) than all the gold of California will ever make. The narrative of his public life and services by Mr. Weld, forms an interesting and valuable addition to the autobiography.

This edition is a splendid affair-nothing like it exists; the old philosopher would hardly know himself in so splendid a dress. The paper, the presswork, the pictorial illustrations are all superior. And yet though got up in this costly manner, it is sold for the low sum of $2, in eight numbers.

12.-Life and Reign of Pope Pius the Ninth, with a Biographical Sketch of his predecessor, Gregory XVI. Prepared as a Supplement to the 17th edition of the History of Romanism. By JOHN DOWLING, D. D. New York: Edward Walker. 1849.

A FIT Supplement to Dowling's great work, The History of Romanism, and bringing it down to the present eventful period. We are glad to learn that this highly valuable book, so full of historic interest, and constantly referred to as good authority in the great controversy with Romanism, is having so extensive a circulation. It is indeed a remarkable book; and if our readers wish to know what Romanism is and was historically, let them get and read Dr. Dowling's History.

13.-History of Alexander the Great. By JACOB ABBOTT. gravings. New York: Harper & Brothers.

With en

THIS is decidedly the most interesting and life-like sketch of the world's renowned conqueror that we have seen. It has all the interest and charm of the liveliest romance with the fidelity and truthfulness of veritable history. The main features of the character, the conquests, and the life of this wonderful man are here so distinctly brought out and so admirably blended and colored as to leave a very vivid and lasting impression on the reader's mind. The rapidity and grandeur of his conquests; the pomp and magnificence and oriental luxury of his court and regal state while reposing on his laurels at Baby

lon; and his final debauchery and melancholy end, as herein narrated, possess a power of fascination that rarely falls to the lot of history.

14.-History of Hannibal, the Carthagenian General. By JACOB ABBOTT. With engravings. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1849. CARTHAGE, the rival of Rome, and long her maritime mistress, and finally the victim of her terrible vengeance, will ever possess a melancholy interest to the student of history. This beautifully written life of Hannibal, her great General, who carried the war to the very gates of Rome, performing the prodigious feat of crossing the Alps in the dead of winter with his whole army and implements of war; whose splendid career of victory and conquest for a season covered Carthage with glory and Rome with defeat, but whose sudden reverses rolled back the tide of carnage and death upon the shore of Africa and reduced her proud city to ruin, and overwhelmed the General in hopeless and terrible calamity-this life, so crowded with great and startling events, and chequered with prosperity and adversity, glory and shame, and terminating in so melancholy and tragical a manner, is replete with interest and instruction.

15.-History of Queen Elizabeth. By JACOB ABBOTT. With engravings. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1849.

QUEEN ELIZABETH, if we judge rightly, appears here in her true light, and that is no very enviable one. Mr. Abbott's appreciation of her great virtues and great faults, her private character and public life, comes nearer to our ideas of the truth than anything we have before seen in any single history. He narrates her early life as the neglected child of a disgraced and beheaded queen and as the victim of Mary's jealousy, and you become interested in her; he sketches the principal events of her long and glorious reign, and you admire and wonder at her strength of mind, and indomitable energy of will, and political sagacity, and regal splendor, and state crimes; he portrays her utter selfishness and hypocrisy and double-dealing and cool calculating treachery and cruelty as a sovereign, and you loose all respect, and denounce her memory; he shows her womanly weaknesses, her pride and vanity, her partialities and love attachments; the struggles of sovereign pride and love of power against maidenly tenderness and yearnings as in the case of the ill-fated Essex, and you know not whether most to pity or to blame; he paints the death-sceneElizabeth prostrate on the floor, writhing in agony and calling for mercy, straining her ear to catch the sound of prayer, forsaken by nearly all of her lords and other satellites who had fled to Scotland to hail King James as soon as her death was known, and she stung by the consciousness of abandonment,—and you inwardly exclaim, "O the littleness of human greatness! the poverty of a crown! the bitterness of death in a palace with not a true heart to tender its sympathy, or a divine consolation to offer its support!"

This series of brief histories from the polished and graphic pen of Mr. Abbott is not only of a very popular character, but is admirably adapted to interest, particularly, the young in the study of history. He has selected the most remarkable characters in history, and grouped together the leading events in the life of each, so as to give a distinct and complete impression of their historic being. And while these histories wear an air or romance, and are highly fascinating, the author has confined himself to the facts of sober received history. The series will form a gallery of well-executed and striking portraits of these world-renowned personages. The several histories are uniform in size, binding, and general appearance; are illustrated by many striking and beautiful engravings; and together make a useful and most beautiful little library.