question of the divine origin of the Scriptures. His capacity for historical (!) investigations may be seen from an extract or two. He tells us that "even in England, a hundred years ago, the labours of Bishop Marsh led that learned divine to conclusions" almost heretical; yet Bishop Marsh died in 1839! We are informed, too, (p. 58,) that Justin Martyr, Irenæus, and Clement of Alexandria, lived at the end of the second century. And the man who uses "centuries" in this way is to fix for us definitely the dates of the apostolical epistles.

(27.) "Party Leaders, by J. G. BALDWIN." (New-York: D. Appleton & Co., 1855; 12mo., pp. 369.) The aim of this volume is partly historical and partly biographical. It contains sketches of Jefferson, Hamilton, Jackson, Randolph, and Clay-the representative men of American politics since 1800-and of course involves most of the great questions that have agitated the republic since the organization of parties. The author tells us that he has sought to perform his task "in entire freedom from all partisan bias ;" a freedom not difficult to attain, now that the old party questions and the old parties themselves have passed, or are rapidly passing, into history. He does not attempt research into the sources of history, but aims merely to present its prominent facts in a form attractive "especially to young men ;" and in this, too, he has succeeded well. His power of grouping is strong; he describes well; he tells a story well; indeed, he has some of the French aptitude for "memoir writing." At the same time he abounds too much in eulogy; the catalogue of laudatory adjectives is hardly abundant enough for his lavish praise.

(28.) MESSRS. CARTER & BROTHERS have reprinted "The Autobiography of the Rev. William Jay, edited by GEORGE REDFORD, D. D., and JOHN ANGELL JAMES," (New-York, 1855; 2 vols., 12mo.,) in a form much superior to that of the English edition, with the addition of much new matter. The work is divided into five parts, of which the first contains Mr. Jay's Autobiography; and the second a supplement, bringing the life down to its close. Part III. includes Mr. Jay's "Reminiscences of Distinguished Contemporaries; Part IV. is made up of selections from his correspondence; and Part V. his literary remains. This brief outline is enough to show how rich a store of information the volumes promise. No stronger testimony to Mr. Jay's excellence as a man, and as a minister, could be furnished, than the fact that he preached to the same congregation in Argyle chapel, Bath, from 1791 to 1853, a period of sixty-two years! In looking over this long pastoral relation he says:—

"It is worthy of grateful acknowledgment, especially considering the restless and disorganizing times in which we have lived, and the discords and divisions in so many Churches, that the harmony of this religious interest has never been broken. Yet there have been considerable differences of judgment with regard to some measures, and of opinion with regard to some subjects; and we have not only had mixed communion, but have extended full membership, and even officebearing, to our Baptist friends. Yet there has been no jar. The dipped and the sprinkled have dwelt in peace.' Bigotry on either side is not to be conquered by

bigotry on the other, but by an opposite disposition. This continued state of things is very honourable to the members and the deacons of the Church, and shows that their religion has reached the temper as well as the understanding, and inspired them with the meekness of wisdom to pursue things by which one may edify another.' Should it, in any degree, serve to commend the pastor, it may, perhaps, under God, be ascribed to his preferring influence to authority, and resolving to take no share in any party differences whatever."

(29.) "Outlines of History, by MARCIUS WILLSON." (New-York: Ivison & Phinney, 1854; 8vo., pp. 845.) This work is presented to the public in two forms, the school edition and the university edition, of which we have seen only the latter. It is divided into three parts: Ancient History, (188 pp.,) Modern History, (410 pp.,) and the Philosophy of History, (245 pp.,) thus giving, in a single volume, a survey of the whole field, for the use of students. We have examined the work in part, and, so far as our scrutiny has gone, we find little in it to condemn except certain errors in orthography, for which, however, the author may perhaps plead Noah Webster's sanction. The style of the narrative is clear and often vigorous; the spirit of the work is Christian; the matter is well condensed, with judicious reference to the importance of the respective periods and events. The work is furnished with numerous geographical and historical notes and maps, which add greatly to its value as a textbook. A full index is still wanting to its completeness.

(30.) "Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind, by DUGALD STEewart, revised and abridged by FRANCIS BOWEN." (Boston: James Munroe & Co., 1854; 12mo., pp. 490.) It is well remarked by Professor Bowen, in the preface to this volume, that although Stewart has hardly attempted to solve the more abstruse and intricate problems of the Philosophy of Mind, he has done much to render it intelligible, popular, and useful. In the power of stating clearly whatever he himself had thoroughly grasped, no writer has ever excelled Stewart. Considered as a statement of the chief facts of psychology, this is an excellent text-book-perhaps the best that could be placed in the hands of college students; but as a philosophy of the human mind it has no peculiar merit.

(31.) WE have received, too late for adequate notice in this number of our journal, the "History of the Origin, Formation, and Adaptation of the Constitution of the United States, by GEORGE TICKNOR CURTIS." (New-York: Harper & Brothers, 1854; Vol. I, 8vo., pp. 518.) This first volume embraces the Constitutional History of the United States, from the commencement of the Revolution to the assembling of the Convention of 1787. It is naturally divided into three periods: First, to the adoption of the Articles of Confederation, in 1771; second, to the Peace of 1783; third, to the Federal Confederation of 1787. Thus the book treats of the darkest period of the history of the

country, and the period at the same time in which our state and national institutions were formed. The wants of the country gave birth to the Constitution; it was during the period above referred to that these wants became so obvious and so clamorous that the attempt to supply them could no longer be delayed. The second volume will treat of the process of forming the Constitution itself, as shown in the official records, and in Mr. Madison's debates. Such a work as this has long been a national desideratum; but at no time could it have been more acceptable than in the present period of political anarchy. We shall endeavour to do justice to the substance of the work, and to the doctrines it inculcates, more at length on the appearance of the second volume.

(32.) ROBERT Carter & BROTHERS have brought out a new edition of "Paley's Evidences of Christianity, with Notes and Additions by Charles Murray Nairne, A. M.,” (one volume, 12mo., pp. 501,) in bold, clear type, fair paper, and plain binding. The work needs no recommendation, for it is universally known, and is above all praise. It must continue to be a standard as long as there exist in the community a love of truth, and a capacity to appreciate sound arguments. The "additions" of Professor Nairne consist chiefly of an introductory essay on "the Claims of Divine Revelation,” with a number of elaborate "Notes" on various topics discussed in the text. The edition is a good one, whether for a text-book or for the library.

(33.) One of the most beautiful and useful publications that has been issued from the Methodist Book Concern is "The Pictorial Catechism of the Methodist Episcopal Church." (New-York: Carlton & Phillips, 1855, square 8vo.) The volume contains the Catechism of the Church in its three forms, (No. 1, 2, and 3,) bound together. As a specimen of typography the book is almost faultless; it is lavishly illustrated with wood-cuts, executed and printed in the very best style of the art. Our views of this Catechism have been repeatedly given to our readers; we repeat our conviction that it is the best now extant in any of the Churches, and that it should be a household book in every Methodist family. In its present shape-its external attractions harmonizing with its excellent substance-it will be a most appropriate gift-book for the holidays.

(34.) Morning and Evening Exercises, by WILLIAM JAY." (New-York: R. Carter & Brothers, 1854; 4 vols., 12mo.) This book is already so well known that it is almost needless to notice it, except for those who have grown up since the time of its first publication. As a book of daily readings for the closet or the family it remains without a rival. It treats of Christian doctrine, experience, and practice in the best way for edification, by deducing them

simply and directly from Scripture. Of all Mr. Jay's writings we consider these Exercises the best and the most useful.

(35.) E. H. BUTLER & Co. (Philadelphia) have published a new and revised edition of "The Scholar's Companion, by RUFUS W. BAILEY," (1855, 12mo., pp. 310.) This well-known and very useful school-book will be more acceptable than ever in this improved form.

(36.) THE theory of verbal inspiration, though of comparatively recent origin in the history of theology, finds many warm supporters at the present day. We have before us a small but able treatise in favour of the doctrine, entitled "Verbal Inspiration, by the Rev. Joseph Baylee, D.D." (London: Seeleys, 1854; pp. 74.) It constitutes part of the course of Lectures on Exegesis delivered by Dr. Baylee, who is Principal of St. Aidan's Theological College, Birkenhead. It treats first of the nature of inspiration, then of the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary inspiration, in which the writer prepares the way for his thesis, that every word, and every syllable, and every letter of the Bible, is just what it would be had God spoken from heaven without any human intervention. He gives up the argument from a supposed necessity or a paramount utility, so strongly insisted on by several recent writers, and rests the case entirely upon the purpose of the Bible, its spotless purity, and the declarations of the inspired writers themselves; but he does not, in our judgment, succeed in making out his case. Verbal inspiration is a plausible theory, but not more so than that of the Church's infallibility, for which, indeed, it is in many minds a substitute.

(37.) "The Illustrated Natural History, by the Rev. J. G. Wood, M. A., (New-York: Harper & Brothers, 1854; 12mo., pp. 524) is a classification of the mammals and birds, in the order of the Catalogue in the British Museum, with a brief account of the insects. Within these limits it is the best descriptive work on the subject, for young persons, that has fallen under our notice. It is illustrated by four hundred and fifty original designs, admirably engraved and printed.

(38.) "What, where, and who is Antichrist?" (London: Bagsters; 12mo., pp. 63,) contains the substance of four lectures delivered during Lent, 1854, by the Rev. H. H. BEAMISH, AA. The author's conclusions are that the Roman empire is the seat of antichrist; that the Roman city is the metropolis or capital of his empire; that the Pope of Rome, wearing the triple crown, and claiming universal spiritual and temporal supremacy, is the "antichrist" for the time being; that his system of mock Christianity is the antichristianism of the day, and "the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth;" that the "antichrist"

yet to be revealed, "the man of sin," and "son of perdition," will be a full embodiment of all the distinguishing principles of the papacy; and be, moreover, in his mysterious personality, the counterparallel and infernal mimickry of "Emmanuel," an incarnation of him who conquered the first Adam, and who is emphatically described in his full-grown bestial form, as "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan." Rev. xx, 2. We do not think that his argument sustains these weighty conclusions.

(39.) "The Elements of Agriculture, by GEORGE E. Waring,” (New-York: D. Appleton & Co., 1854; 12mo., pp. 288,) is the book for young farmers, and for old ones too. It treats clearly and briefly of the plant, the soil, of manures, of mechanical cultivation, and of the analysis of soils, in language at once scientific and intelligible. No farmer should be without this book and "Thomas's Farm Implements." It is a melancholy fact that the majority of the cultivators of the soil in America are working at a trade which they do not understand, because they have never learned it. The basis of thorough farming will be laid by every man who masters Mr. Waring's book. It is provided with questions for the use of schools.

(40.) “ Advanced Course of Composition and Rhetoric, by G. P. QUACKENBOS, A. M.” (New-York: D. Appleton & Co.; 12mo., pp. 450.) This work is intended as a sequel to the author's well-known "First Lessons in Composition," which has met with great favour among practical teachers. It is divided into five parts: First, the History of the English Language; second, Punctuation; third, Rhetoric; fourth, Prose Composition; and fifth, Poetical Composition. This comprehensive outline is so well filled up that the book deserves to be considered a thorough elementary manual on the topics named. We recommend it to the notice of all instructors of the better class.

(41.) "Mary Dundas, or Passages in Young Life," (New-York: R. Carter & Brothers, 1855; 18mo., pp. 299,) is a simple and beautiful story, designed to show that education and associations are insufficient, without fixed Christian principle, to prepare the young for the world's temptations. It may be safely placed in the hands of children, and will be sure at once to attract and instruct them.

(42.) "Maxims of Washington, Political, Moral, Social, and Religious, collected and arranged by J. F. SCHROEDER, D. D." (New-York: D. Appleton & Co., 1855; 12mo., pp. 423.) This book contains a golden treasure. There is no form in which the lessons of wisdom are so impressive and so diffusible as in aphorism; and many of the passages quoted here are worthy of that name in the best sense, from the terseness and point of the terms in which a single