add that about sixty publications of this class appear every week, with a circulation of between 250,000 and 300,000, it will show how far the public taste in America runs in this direction. The Congregationalists and Presbyterians, with some of the smaller sects, publish about thirty every week; the Episcopalians twelve; the Baptists nine or ten; and the Methodists eight. The Methodist Christian Advocate enjoys a weekly circulation of no less than 26,000, which is equal to a monthly issue of 104,000; the New York Observer has 16,000, equal to a monthly issue of 64,000; several more publish from 5,000 to 10,000. Besides these there is likewise a large number of monthly magazines, together with monthly and quarterly reviews.

Of all nations, America alone may be said to have, in some degree, proved the power of the printing-press. This fact is intimately connected with its all-pervading, all-powerful system of education. The one, indeed, stands to the other in the twofold relation of cause and effect. In America mind has burst from its slumbers. Man is there a thinking creature, and hence he is a reading creature; the printed page is one of the necessaries of his intellectual existence. In England it is much otherwise. The republican character of American institutions, no doubt, greatly contributes to stimulate the free and vigorous exercise of mind. Of this we have a remarkable proof in the state of the Newspaper press in that country. In the year 1836, the total of English, Scotch, and Irish papers was only 397, and their united annual circulation amounted to only 35,576,056. In September, 1837, one year after the reduction of the duty on stamps, the number for the three kingdoms had increased to 458, and the circulation for the year to 53,496,207. This was deemed a great advance, and, as compared with the past, so it was; but at that same period what was the state of the American press? It was issuing nearly eight hundred millions of newspapers annually! This implies an amount of reading of which we can hardly form a conception. At that time the population of the United States was little more than half that of the British Isles; and yet the former demanded eight hundred millions of newspapers, while the latter required only fifty-three and a half millions!

Thus much for the general subject; there are, however, several points on

which the Editor would, once for all, speak his mind. He avows that, both as to size and price, he tendered to the Union the advice which they were pleased to accept; and that to the Committee of the Union he presented the prospectus, which they unanimously approved. Some worthy brethren, however, wish no more magazines, for fear of endangering those that exist; and some who think there should be another, desire a tiny trifle, a pretty reptile, with neither tooth nor sting, which can neither run nor fly-not run, lest it should affect the Congregational-not fly, lest it should injure the Evangelical! Such fears are entirely groundless; such a plan would be utterly preposterous. To thousands of our readers the Christian Witness will be their sole and only magazine, and it ought, therefore, to be, as far as possible, perfect in its kind. But the interests of the "poor widows" will be affected. This is only an assertion; and we assert the contrary. The Christian Witness will discharge its functions very inefficiently, if they be not incalculable gainers. The letters before us mention the discontinuance of only one copy! One gentleman, in recommending the Christian Witness from the pulpit, states that he also pressed the claims of the Evangelical, and the result was, the ordering of six more copies for the ensuing year; and this is not the only case mentioned of increase.

We have now done. The enterprise, on all hands, has been undertaken with a view to the glory of Christ and the good of his churches. Our solicitude for its success is very great; and from all who have been parties to our appointment we have a right to expect, and we demand, co-operation. Nothing, assuredly, was further from our minds than such an undertaking. Its discussion occupied the Union and the Patriot two whole years, during which we never spoke a word or wrote a line. When the thing was so far matured that size, price, and character were determined, we then, from regard to the common good, expressed, through the Patriot, our opinion. The issue was, its approval and our selection. The appointment was tendered and accepted wholly on public grounds.

The Public, not the Editor, are now on their probation. If they perform their duty, we shall strenuously labour to promote their best interests; if not, at the close of a year we shall separate. Gold could not have brought us to the task;

and, unless our ideas of success be realized, gold shall not bind us to it. Let it be distinctly understood, that the question of terms has never been mooted on either side, nor shall our lips or ears take part in such matter till the year expires. In this the Committee have acted with much nobility. They seem to have felt themselves safe in the hands of the Editor, and they shall not be disappointed. He duly appreciates the honour thus conferred on him. If the project succeed, well and good; if it do not, he will accept no compensation for exertions which shall have failed to command the approbation of the "excellent of the earth.'

The Protestant Reformation in all Countries; including Sketches of the State and Prospects of the Reformed Churches. A book for critical times. By JOHN MORISON, D.D. Fisher, Son, and Co. 8vo, pp. 527.

"A BOOK for critical times." Such are the times we live in; and unquestionably this is a book for them. The idea was a happy one; it is strange indeed that in this day of intellectual activity it should so long have escaped notice. Dr. Morison designates his work "A Condensed View of the Protestant Reformation ;" and very properly so, for he has done in this species of history what Cobbin did so admirably in his "Condensed Commentary," and he has done it with equal skill. In this

handsome volume he has achieved a great object, not only for the reading public, but for men of learning. To the former it will prove a very valuable introduction to the more enlarged study of the mighty subject; and to the latter it will be of the utmost service as an accurate remembrancer, and as an aid to occasional revision. There are, indeed, few facts of much importance in Mosheim, D'Aubigné, and our other principal historians, which are not recorded here in a style always clear, flowing, and forcible; at times fervid, pathetic, and eloquent.

The

devoted to Germany; the eighth presents an exquisite sketch of the death, character, and writings of Luther; from the ninth to the seventeenth we have Switzerland, Geneva, France, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Hungary, Transylvania, and Poland; the eighteenth and nineteenth are devoted to England, the three following to Scotland, and the twentythird to Ireland; the twenty-fourth details, in a luminous, noble, and comprehensive manner, the results of the Reformation, religious, political, and intellectual; and the last contains a descant on the state and prospects of the Reformed churches.

Such is the work which this most laborious and versatile writer" offers to the inquiring youth of Great Britain;" and assuredly they have not often received a literary present of more sterling value, and more adapted to the day that was passing over them. We are, indeed, strongly impressed with the importance of introducing the history of this momentous era into our superior schools; and for such a purpose there is no work in our language equal to the present. Were it published in a size and at a price suited to scholastic use, it would become an invaluable companion to Goldsmith and Pinnock, Stewart and Simpson, while, in point of subject, it would infinitely surpass them.

One thing in this valuable work requires animadversion. Again, and again, the Establishment principle has been forced upon Dr. Morison in the course of this extended undertaking, but he has uniformly avoided it. We observe what is said in the Introduction, where a hope is expressed that "nothing will be discovered in it of a sectarian or denominational character, for this powerful reason, that Protestantism was not the struggle of a sect, but the combined effort of all the friends of the Bible, to rescue it from long imprisonment, and to assert its right to be the sole standard of faith, discipline, and morals. This is common ground for true Christians of every name to occupy, and to this ground the author has in general restricted himself, being much more concerned for the establishment of great general principles, than for the triumph of individual forms of ecclesiastical polity." In this last sentiment we most cordially sympathize; our complaint is that Dr. Morison has shunned all reference to the greatest of these great principles. It was certainly within the province of the historian of the Reformation to point

out its grand defect, and to exhibit the baneful consequences of that defect as is now everywhere seen in the lamentable working of the ecclesiastical Establishments of Europe. We submit that it was incumbent upon him. How naturally and legitimately it presented itself while speaking of Scotland,-but not a word of it; nor a breath of blessing on the five hundred heroic men who were once its vassals, but who have gloriously asserted their freedom! Then, again, comes Ireland, and here the historian bewails her social state, emphatically applauds her Established clergy, sympathizes with them in their difficulties, calls Popery, truly enough, a "fatal superstition," and its ministers a "venal priesthood," but utters not a word against that Caliban abomination, that foulest blot on European Christianity, the Irish Church Establishment! Again, his last chapter on " the state and prospects of the reformed churches," absolutely demanded the introduction of this topic, and its distinct broad statement, if not its partial discussion; but here, too, the oracle is silent! Now, in our view, this is not a day for silence on points so momentous; and least of all should this silence prevail, studiously prevail, in a book for critical times,' and in a book presented to the "inquiring youth of Great Britain." Catholicity is good, supremely good, it is more precious than rubies; but even catholicity may be purchased at a price too great. We think the present an instance; and that the construction of such a work on that principle was at least an error of judgment -we cannot say more-for no man better understands the entire subject; no man, on all fitting occasions, more fearlessly and powerfully asserts the principle and enforces its application than Dr. Morison.

66

Religion in the United States of America; or, an Account of the Origin, Progress, Relations to the State, and Present Condition of the Evangelical Churches in the United States. By the Rev. ROBERT BAIRD. Blackie and Co.; Duncan and Malcolm. 8vo, pp. 736. THIS is the production of a most enlightened man, and it is in all respects worthy of its author. It is beyond comparison the most satisfactory volume on the subject of which it treats that has yet appeared in Great Britain, although several have proceeded from pens of no common order. But in this matter no ability can compensate for the want of American birth,

education, and long residence,-advantages of which this volume has derived the full benefit. The work is comprised in eight books. The first of these is devoted to subjects of a preliminary character, strongly illuminating the facts of the early history of the country; the second treats of the colonial era, and abounds in useful matter; the third sets forth the national era, and expatiates upon the Revolution and its effects: the forth exhibits the workings of the voluntary principle in almost all possible ways. This portion of the volume is invaluable as it relates to religion, education, literature, home missions, and humanity. The fifth discusses the subject of the church and the pulpit in America, including church fellowship, revivals, and preaching; the sixth comprises disquisitions on the evangelical churches, and the seventh on unevangelical churches; while the eighth details the efforts which are made by the American churches for the conversion of the world. This simple analysis is the strongest recommendation that can be given to this most important and seasonable production. At the request of the publishers, three of the principal Scottish Free Churchmen, Drs. Welsh, Cunningham, and Buchanan, introduced it to the English public by an applauding preface, which, however, disclaims concurrence in "all the opinions" of the author. This is quite intelligible. Mr. Baird's development of the voluntary principle supplies materials sufficient to demolish at a blow all the Church Establishments of Europe. If these worthy men, with Drs. Chalmers and Candlish, could read Baird without prejudice, and fully believe his most veritable testimony, they would dance for joy over their late deliverance as an especial blessing, instead of whining over it as a calamity. Dr. Candlish, in particular, would cease to pervert his pre-eminent logical powers in arguing about "the Establishment principle," and become the itinerant expounder through all the land of Baird's fourth book; from which we infer with confidence that, before ten years, he and his honoured brethren will bless the day that burst the yoke of their Babylonian bondage. Mr. Baird is a well-read man, and his references are generally correct; hence it is not a little strange that in page 348 he should have confounded Adam Smith with Edmund Burke, and chivalry with education; for it was the former, not the latter, that Burke, not Smith, designated the "cheap defence of nations."

The Mothers of England; their influence and Responsibility. By the Authoress of "The Women of England." Fisher, Son, and Co. Post 8vo, pp. 390.

ENGLAND, beyond all other nations, has reason to boast of her female writers. Among them are two ladies who stand forth with peculiar prominence, who, far beyond their lettered sisterhood, have deserved well of their country and of the wide world, and whom posterity, for ages to come, will venerate Mrs. More and Mrs. Ellis. The former by her "Essays for Young Ladies,' ""Strictures on the Modern System of Female Education," "Hints towards forming the character of a Young Princess," "Practical Piety," "Christian Morals," "Modern Sketches,' and "Essay on the Character and Writings of St. Paul;" and the latter by her "Women,' "" 66 Wives,' ," "Mothers," and "Daughters of England," have laid their sex under deep and lasting obligations. These two eminent females have several important gifts in common, and, to some extent, there is a like relation among their subjects. Woman's mind, woman's morals, woman's usefulness, and woman's honour, have been largely the theme of both. The course of Mrs. More was, perhaps, the more prudent; that of Mrs. Ellis is certainly the more arduous. She has made a perilous experiment, and has passed through the ordeal with surprising success. She puts one in mind of the famous musician who visited England some years back, and who charmed all Europe with one string. A great genius, referring to the poetry of Scott, and speaking of his favourite measure, said, that Scott's "triumph over the facility' of the octave syllable was one of the most remarkable triumphs of his mighty genius." Something analogous to these cases may be affirmed of Mrs. Ellis. For years she has been playing one tune with variations; and this she has done so admirably that the public ear has never wearied. A critic scarcely knows which more to admire-the fertility of the theme or of her own genius. Still, however, it is time to change her subject; and we are glad to learn from the preface that this is to be the last of the series. When we say it is worthy of its predecessors, we cannot say less, and it is needless to say more. We advise our Authoress, who, we believe, is at present on her way to Rome, now to rest a little, and then we shall be glad to meet her again; and if, with growing years, like

fatal

Mrs. More, she should become a little more devotional and even theological, so much the better. Let her not be afraid; her character, her talents, and scriptural truth will abundantly sustain her.

CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES.

Sabbaths at Home; or, a Help to their right Improvement. By HENRY MARCH. Third Edition. Simpkin and Marshall. 12mo, pp. 250.

THIS is one of the best books, of its class, that we have seen. It is full of truth, tender, pointed, and practical-much suited to invalids and aged people.

The Child's Guide through the Bible. By W. E. FLETCHER, B.A. Hatchard. Royal 18mo, pp. 140.

"To teach children to think as they go through the Bible,-to explain to them what the Bible really is, what its plan is,-what it was written for," says the author, "is the subject of this little work." This is an exquisite book; but it ought to have been issued at one fourth part of the price. It is quite preposterous to publish a child's book on paper actually as thick as a visiting card, or a half-sized portrait! It must limit a circulation which cannot be too extended.

The Baptisms of Scripture unfolded. By SARAII BULL. Aylott. 12mo, pp. 66.

WE could wish Miss Bull had heard Dr. Halley before she went to press, that she might, at least, have been aided in forming some idea of the magnitude and difficulty of her subject. David Hume said of Dr. Beattie's Essay on truth, that it was "Philosophy for the Ladies;" and, we think, this may not inaptly be designated baptism for babes. Miss Bull tells us that baptism is "a covenant between God and each individual member of his church;" and that, "if all those who entered into covenant with God by baptism, were diligent in performing the conditions of the covenant, no one would presume to say baptism and regeneration were totally unconnected, and different from each other." Again she tells us, "Baptism does not regenerate persons, but prepares them for regeneration. The first principle baptism inculcates is repentance." Such are the notions of this young lady, who has taken upon herself the office of instructing the British public on this great subject.

Lectures on the Conversion of the Jews. Aylott. Royal 18mo, pp. 258.

SERMONS by ten of the ablest ministers of the present day: the Rev. James Hamilton, Dr. Cox, Thomas Archer, Dr. Bennett, Dr. Henderson, J. C. Burns, Dr. Burder, Dr. Morison, J. S. Stamp, and Dr. Harris. A publication of very great value, and well deserving the widest circulation. It is finely printed and well got up, and withal unusually cheap.

MEMOIR OF MATTHEW HENRY.

MATTHEW HENRY was born in October, 1662, in Flintshire, and was the second son of the excellent Philip Henry. In his early years he was weakly in body, but even then gave promise of powerful intellect, for, when only three years old, he could read the Bible with fluency, and comment on what he had perused. He seems to have become the subject of grace about his tenth year, under the preaching of his father. We find papers written by him then, relative to conversion, worthy of an author of maturer years; his views of truth were so pure, and scriptural, and simple. The following remark merits the attention of all who are perplexed about the way of obtaining peace. "I am told that having repented of sin, and believed on Christ, I am to cherish the hope that I am pardoned. Now I have done this, and I do really believe that I am forgiven for Christ's sake." This simple sentence of a boy entered on his thirteenth year is of more value to an awakened soul than the quarto disquisitions of many a doctor in theology. He enjoyed the best possible opportunities for growing in grace and wisdom in his father's house, and under his ministry. He had recourse, also, to a variety of exercises, which greatly conduced to his improvement. Weekly, with his sisters, and frequently with his pious acquaintances, he met and engaged in religious exercises. He thus obtained self-possession, and acquired a facility of address which qualified him for more public usefulness, and called forth the envy of the indolent, of whom some cautioned his father, and recommended him to restrain Matthew. The judicious father replied, "Come, let him go on; he fears God, who, I hope, will keep and bless him." His father employed the utmost pains to cultivate the mind of his son, and to store it with all useful knowledge; which was, in this instance, more than a "delightful task;" it was an exquisite luxury. No coaxing, no coercion was requisite to urge him along in the career of study; the impelling principle, the motive power, was within. With him acquisition was a passion, exertion a privilege; so that the father had nothing more than the task of guidance to perform.

Old Henry was at one period the warm

apologist of Universities; but matured piety and more experience constrained him to change his mind. As a consequence of this he never ventured his son in one of them. He permitted him, however, to repair to London, that he might reside in the family of Mr. Doolittle, with whom lived a number of young men destined for the ministry. Hither he was accompanied by a highly-talented and very pious young man, who had left one of the English Colleges in disgust, preferring a sanctified solitude, in the family of an eminent minister, to the pomp, and show, and parade of the ungodly society of Oxford. After some slender trial of his gifts, it was suggested that, from the barriers thrown in his way as a preacher by those persecuting times, he might do well to spend a season in the study of law, at Gray's Inn, London. This advice approving itself to the father and son, Matthew went to London, to the distress of many pious minds, who dreaded the effect of association with the students at law. He soon discovered, however, even there, some that feared the Lord, with whom he walked in sweet fellowship, and thus escaped unhurt. His desire for the ministry continuing unabated, he obtained ordination privately from the ministers of London; as the rigours of persecution began to abate, he preached the gospel at Chester to a handful of the Lord's people who had not "bowed down to the beast." He was the esteemed object of their ardent desire, and his attachment to them was powerful. His settlement here was a source of many comforts. Three of his sisters were soon brought to Chester by marriage, and, all pious, were glad, that, when removed from the ministry of the father, they were to enjoy that of the brother. Shortly after becoming a resident in Chester, he thought proper to enter on the married life, and was directed to one every way suitable as a companion. A variety of occurrences prepared the way for his obtaining the consent of the object of his choice; the match met the full approbation of her father and brother; but the old matron was not so easily won. Her daughter was beautiful; they could give her a large portion; she had received offers from gentlemen of ampler estate than Henry; the dissenting ministry was much despised; and the liberty enjoyed was