the children of Israel are furnished thoroughly for every exigency."-Jewish Chronicle.

ONE SIN TOO MANY.

THERE is an old Grecian legend which teaches that there was once a diver who boasted of his skill to bring up treasures from the sea. To test his powers, the people threw many a silver cup and many a golden coin into water nine fathoms deep, and the bold diver brought them to the surface with triumph. But one day a disguised fiend threw a tinsel crown into a whirlpool, and challenged the confident diver to bring it up; promising him, if he succeeded, the power to wear it, and to transmit it to his children. Down he sprang after the bauble; but the Nereids of the sea, hearing the clangour of the crown when it fell upon their grottoes, closed around him, as he was grasping the prize, and held him fast until he perished.

Thus reads the legend. Its moral teaches that the most daring may dare once too often, that folly, though long successful, will plunge its victim into ruin at last. A lesson worthy of the careful study of partially awakened sinners, as may be seen by the following fact:

A young man, of fine talents, was present one evening at the house of God in

during an interesting revival. Several of his companions had already given their hearts to Christ, and he had been deeply moved by their experiences. He was therefore prepared to receive strong impressions, and he did. The truth went home to his conscience. He wept to see himself so vile, as he now beheld himself mirrored in the word of God. He felt a motion-al. most irresistible-to submit to Christ, and to join the band of penitents who bowed before the altar. But the pride of his heart revolted at so public and humiliating an avowal of his sinfulness. He dreaded the scorn of the worldly. He kept his seat, therefore, soothing his conscience by a resolve-firm and irrevocable as he persuaded himself to return home at the close of the service and seek the pardon of his sins alone, in the solitude of his chamber. With this purpose he left his pew at the close of the services, and passed with the thronging but grave multitude out of the church.

On the door steps he found some gay friends awaiting him. They had planned a scheme of pleasure for an hour or two that night; they begged him to join them. "No," said he, faintly; "I think not, tonight,"

They gazed in his face earnestly; and

one of them detecting an unusual seriousness in his aspect, which was discernible even in the pale moonlight of that beautiful evening, exclaimed in a taunting tone of voice, What are you going to be religious too?"

That speaker was his fiend in disguise. In that speech he threw the bauble of human approbation into the whirlpool, and the half-awakened youth plunged in desperately to seize it. Throwing off his gravity, he burst into a loud laugh; assured them he was not serious; accepted their invitation, and lost his convictions. Henceforth his sins held him in bondage and in chains. In a few months, he died an impenitent

sinner.

How fatal was his one act of resistance to the Holy Spirit! Had he yielded and taken his place at the altar, the invitation of his sinful friends at the door would have been powerless to attract him. But he resisted once too often. The tinsel crown of human approval led him, like the diver, to a fatal leap, and he perished. Awakened sinner, beware! You too may sin once too often!

ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN.

Socrates did not urge his friends to enter early upon public employments; but first to take pains for the attainment of the knowledge necessary for their success in them.

Are you stepping on the threshold of life? Secure a good moral character. Without virtue you cannot be respected; without integrity you can never rise to distinction and honour.

Be careful lest a too warm desire of distinction should deceive you into pursuits that may cover you with shame, by setting your incapability and slender abilities in full light.

People who have the rashness to intrude into stations without proper authority and the requisite preparation for the service of the public, not only involve others in loss, but subject themselves to ridicule.

The tricky, deceitful, and dishonest are rarely prosperous; for when confidence is withdrawn, poverty is likely to follow.

The shortest and surest way to live with honour in the world, is to be in reality what we would appear to be.

When once a concealment or deceit has been practised in matters where all should be fair and open as the day, confidence can never be restored, any more than you can restore the white bloom of the grape or plum that you have once pressed in your hand.

The Female Jesuit Abroad: A True and Romantic Narrative of Real Life; including some Account, with Historical Reminiscences, of Bonn and the Middle Rhine. By CHARLES SEAGER, M. A. London: Partridge and Oakey.

THIS is a narrative of an imposture, as extraordinary and barefaced as we ever remember to have met with. The publication of "The Female Jesuit," and "The Sequel to the Female Jesuit," have put the public in possession of the former history of the heroine of this romance; this last act of the drama, or rather, last published act for we know not where it will end-reveals even greater moral turpitude, and more startling impudence, than either of the former works. The facts are briefly these. Some half dozen years ago, the daughter of a veterinary surgeon at Manchester, named Garside, left her home, and introduced herself to Mr. Luke, the minister of Orange-street Independent Chapel, as a convert from popery. According to her story, she had heen educated at various convents in France, and had belonged to one of the orders of sisters attached to a convent. The truth having, as she stated, flashed on her mind in an extraordinary manner, she had resolved to abandon popery; and having at length succeeded in making her escape from a nunnery, she presented herself to Mr. Luke, who being a zealous Protestant, took considerable interest in her case, and, by the aid of this gentleman and his wife, Miss Garside was enabled to obtain a situation as governess. Thinking that the publication of her history might be useful in exposing the machinations of Romanism, her protectors resolved on issuing a short narrative, detailing the various incidents she so graphically related, and the publication of "The Female Jesuit" was the result. The great interest which the work excited, led, however, to a searching investigation, by some of the Roman Catholic community, by whom her narrative was discovered to be a tissue of falsehoods from beginning to end. This, of course, led to a somewhat summary discharge from her situation as governess; and once again thrown on her own resources, she addressed herself to a new course of imposture. Under pretence of having friends at Ghent, she induced those whom she had just been deceiving, to pay her passage thither, and having forged letters of introduction to some Romanist priests on the continent, she contrived

to reach Brussels, where she presented herself to the Abbé Edgeworth, an English ecclesiastic, as a convert from Protestantism. Here she met with a kind reception, and through the Abbé, she obtained an introduction to Mr. Seager, formerly a clergyman of the Anglican church, but now a convert to Romanism. She eventually became an inmate of this gentleman's family, where she continued for fourteen months. The volume before us is a history of this part of her career, during which she contrived to keep up, by means of a voluminous forged correspondence, and by other means, the systematic course of deception on which she had entered. A dénouement having at last somewhat unexpectedly been brought about, she was committed to prison, after which she became the inmate of a conventual establishment.

The history before us is well calculated to puzzle the moralist and philosopher; the malignity without motive; the lying for the mere love of it; the laborious effort to keep up an imposture, the end of which seemed so inadequate to the exertion and risk involved in pursuing it, are altogether inexplicable. One wholesome reflection which arises out of its perusal, is the illustration it furnishes of the arduous nature of vice. "The way of transgressors is hard;" how often does it happen that the amount of effort put forth to obtain any object by vicious means, is double that which would be required to obtain the same results in a virtuous and lawful manner. The burglar, the professional thief, often employs an amount of skill, ingenuity, perseverance, and arduous toil, which, directed in a right channel, would procure better pecuniary results, to say nothing of the freedom from risk and wretchedness involved. So also in the case of the heroine of the volume before us; the persevering effort, the skill and tact which were necessary to effect her deceptions, employed legitimately, could scarcely have failed to procure results far exceeding the best she could by possibility have obtained by continued success in her imposture. Another thought suggested by a perusal of Mr. Seager's narrative, is the solution it presents to a problem which has often puzzled us, namely, how to account for the circumstance of men of education, voluntarily abandoning Protestantism, and embracing the mental slavery imposed by popery, and binding themselves to accept all the superstitions which "the

Church shall indorse, and the dogmas it may choose to impose. The easy credulity with which Mr. Seager believed all the fabrications of "Marie," notwithstanding the glaring discrepancies which, despite all her ingenuity and skill, are from the first apparent, according to his own narrative, must have struck any one who did not possess an unlimited capacity of credulous belief. From the first chapter of the work, the reader, however ignorant of the antecedents of the heroine, sees the impostor quite apparent; whilst Mr. Seager, notwithstanding that he more than once convicts her of falsehood; notwithstanding that all her forged correspondence comes under his notice, continues for fourteen months her dupe. He anticipates this objection, and endeavours to justify or palliate his credulity on the score of Christian charity. This plea, however, merely confirmed the conclusion which is forced on our own mind, namely, that Mr. Seager is possessed of a mental idiosyncrasy peculiarly fitted to the easy and credulous reception of almost any amount of imposture, which appeals to his religious sentiments; and we are not at a loss, after reading this narrative, to account for his embracing Romanism, notwithstanding that he has had the education of a Cambridge M.A. In stating this conclusion, however, we have pleasure in adding, that whilst his narrative does not lead us to think highly of his discernment and judgment, it does commend him to our esteem for the kindly nature which he displays. The work is written with detail and circumstance worthy of a Boswell; and the interest is sustained throughout the whole narrative, however petty many of the circumstances it relates.

The History of the Church of Rome, to the End of the Episcopate of Damascus, A.D. 384. By E. J. SHEPHERD, A.M. Longman, and Co., London.

THIS is a startling book. We have met with nothing like it in the course of our reading and studies. If the author be correct in his views and criticisms, Popery has not a leg to stand on, even on its own theory, and the claims of its bishops upon the obedience of Christian churches is shown to be a fiction; and the hitherto vaunted evidence of these claims can be considered as nothing else than the most shameless and wicked forgeries. The author, some years ago, in preparing materials for a history of the Roman Church, very soon found himself disturbed by a doubt respecting the authenticity and genuineness of the early writings, which he had occa sion to consult. A minute investigation of

productions that had floated down the stream of history, if not unsuspected, certainly unchallenged, followed, and resulted, after careful and laborious inquiry, in a conviction that some important documents of an early date, generally quoted as authorities in the "History of the Early Christian Church," are neither genuine nor authentic -that they were not written by the persons to whom they are ascribed, and that the alleged facts are fictions; being, in fact, forgeries of a later date than the times to which they profess to belong. Mosheim had shown that in the eighth or ninth century a series of Decretals or Letters, the Isidorian, had been forged, for the purpose of maintaining the dogma of the Pope's supremacy. Mr. Shepherd's researches, however, convince him that similar disgraceful forgeries had been made before the close of the fifth century; the object of these latter being to show that from the beginning there had been an acknowledged pre-eminence, and a controlling interference of the Roman Church, over every country throughout Christendom. So far from this being the fact, according to our author, it is made apparent that during the first four centuries the Bishop of Rome was entirely confined to his own province, and was recognised as having no other power than what every other metropolitan bishop equally possessed.

Nothing is more startling in these researches than what is said of that idol and oracle of churchmen, Cyprian, who, to use this writer's own words, "is probably an imaginary personage." He shows, that until the middle of the third century there is not the least trace of any intercourse between the bishops of Rome and of Carthage; that all at once, and most unaccountably, except on the score of forgery, for a short period, A. D. 250-258, the closest possible intimacy exists between the churches; so much so, that if the records are correct, Cornelius, Bishop of Rome, and his two immediate successors, and Cyprian, of Carthage, must have had ships in constant readiness to convey their mutual messages. "They seem as busy on the Mediterranean as ants on a gravel walk." All at once, the curtain drops, and not the slightest fragment of intercourse between the two sees can be found until the fifth century. He further shows, as a ground of suspicion of the genuineness of Cyprian's letters, that while all other Christian writers, during the ante-Nicene period, are very vague and indefinite on church polity, the Bishop of Carthage developes an ecclesiastical system, as full blown, and as fully established as though it were written some centuries after the time of Cyprian, whose name, and

whose writings, never appear to have been heard of till nearly two centuries after his alleged existence. The Church of Rome has ever appealed to these letters as furnishing irresistible evidence of her early and acknowledged authority over the churches of Christ. But before she can hope that her claim can for a moment be listened to, she must answer the argument, which, if sound, undermines her position most effectually, as that argument is given in this work, pp. 126-189.

This work does its reverend author great credit for the diligent and patient research which it manifests. It must tell powerfully upon the controversy between Protestants and Papists, the latter of whom will be called henceforth to defend this the citadel of their strength. No student of ecclesiastical history can dispense with this volume. It occupies a position very different from that of Mosheim, Milner, Neander, or any other church historian. The book is invaluable.

Christianity and Secularism. Report of a Public Discussion between the Rev. BREWIN GRANT, B.A., and GEORGE JACOB HOLYOAKE, Esq. London: Ward and Co.

THE discussion, of which this is a report, was held in London, and occupied six successive Thursday evenings, at the early part of the present year. The question for discussion was, "What advantages would accrue to mankind generally, and the working classes in particular, by the removal of Christianity, and the substitution of Secularism in its place?" It might fairly have been imagined that, from the high repute of the disputants, and the practical nature of the question to be discussed, some satisfactory and edifying result might have been obtained: we regret to observe, however, that we are much disappointed in the character the discussion assumed. Part of it we heard, and at the time sincerely hoped that what we heard was not a type of the whole. Instead of enunciating principles, both champions seemed anxious rather to vilify his opponent than to defend his own position. In opening the volume containing the complete report, we find that personalities, if not the staple of the discussion, were at least continually distracting attention from the question at issue. We regret this the more from the fact that the Christian champion appears to have taken the initiative in the introduction of this offensive and profitless element. To prove that the advocate of "Secularism" was not faithful to his professions was gaining but a sorry victory,

insomuch as if Christianity were to be judged by its professors, we should fear at times for the issue. Purged of these offensive personalities, however, there is much in the discussion that is useful and edifying. For Christianity we fear nothing in the severest test to which it can be submitted; we feel assured, therefore, that good must arise out of discussions, if properly conducted. With Milton we say, "Let truth and error meet and grapple: who ever feared for the result in a fair and open conflict?" There is much in the volume before us which will repay perusal.

The Dial of Love. By MARY HOWITT. Darton and Co.: London.

A right pleasant book this, and though intended as a "Christmas Book for the Young," it contains a variety both in prose and in verse, that will amuse and instruct childhood all the year through. Who can tell the effect in after life of a simple verse like the following "Amulet," treasured up by the mind in early days?

"If e'er in doing aught you dread
Disgrace, if others know it,
Then, dearest child, the only way
Is for you not to do it."

Or, of these lines, designated, "A Truth:"

"Each mighty forest tree,

Each little floweret bright,

Is a creature of God's love,
Which he cares for day and night.

"If they are athirst,

He bids the raindrops fall;
For God, our Father, ne'er forgets
His creatures, great or small."

The tales are well illustrated by good wood engravings, which will make the little pieces still more attractive to a child. Some may think that the fair authoress draws too largely on the animal creation, when she, in the spirit of "Esop's Fables," gives the supposed conversations of various members of the brute tribes. We hope Mrs. Howitt will be encouraged to produce another similar volume as a "Midsummer Book for the Young."

Sacred Symbology: or, an Inquiry into the Principles of Interpretation of the Prophetic Symbols. With Explanatory Observations on the Symbolic Figures and Exhibitions of the Sacred Scriptures generally. By JOHN MILLS. Edinburgh:

Johnstone and Hunter.

THE prevalence of symbolical or figurative expression in the sacred writings, renders any work professing to give a defined and

Scientific character to symbology a desirable boon. The work before us appears to be a very careful and complete treatise on the subject. The style is the opposite of dogmatic; and the highest authorities are given for the views put forth. Altogether the work is interesting in itself, and calculated to be of eminent service in attaining a correct knowledge of the meaning of much Scripture phraseology, which without such an auxiliary, appears dark and abstruse.

The Sensibility of Separate Souls Considered. By C. WEBB. London: Houlston and Stoneman.

AN interesting essay on the condition of the soul during the period between death and the general resurrection, in which the consciousness of the departed spirit during that time is successfully maintained. The first part of the work is devoted to a consideration of the general arguments on the subject, and the second part to an enumeration and discussion of the various passages in the sacred writings having any allusion to the subject.

The Scripture Teacher's Assistant: for Sunday-schools and Families. By HENRY ALTHANS. London: Edward Butt, 60, Paternoster-row.

THIS is a little hand-book, which will be found an invaluable auxiliary in Scripture instruction. Exceedingly comprehensive in the range of its subjects, and at the same time simple in style, it is not only adapted to the capacities of young children, but highly instructive to the more advanced Bible-class. The long experience of Mr. Althans in connection with Sunday-school literature, is a sufficient guarantee of the practical character of the book. We cordially recommend it to all interested in the tuition of the young.

Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality; and a Paraphrase on Part of the Book of Job. By the Rev. EDWARD YOUNG, LL.D. London: Wm. Tegg and Co.

THIS is a very beautiful edition of "Young's Night Thoughts," reprinted from an edition containing the author's final emendations. The volume before us is carefully printed on good paper, and is embellished with some well designed illustrations on steel. A copious and interesting Life, by Dr.

Doran, is prefixed to the volume. Altogether this is as desirable an edition of this magnificent poem as we have met with.

The Universal Library. Poetry. Vol. I. London Ingram, Cooke, and Co. Without exception, the cheapest volume we have met with, even in this age of cheap literature. In a handsomely printed octavo volume, we have here Scott's "Lady of the Lake" and "Lay of the Last Minstrel;" La Fontaine's "Fables;" Goethe's Faust;" Schiller's "Piccolomini," "Wallenstein's Death;" and Milton's "Poetical Works" complete; each poem illustrated with engravings on wood, for a sum little exceeding a Unlike the usual run of cheap literature, the paper here is excellent, and the mechanical execution faultless. Some of the wood engravings are perfect gems; and the general getting-up of the volume leaves nothing to

be wished.

crown.

Uncle Tom's Companions. A Supplement to Uncle Tom's Cabin. London: E. Farrington.

THIS volume consists of a series of short biographies, and of startling incidents in the lives of fugitive slaves. The trite remark, that truth is stranger than fiction, never received a more striking illustration than is furnished in these unadorned narratives of actual occurrences. We recommend it, as containing much very useful and highly interesting information.

The Life of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. By the Rev. JOHN FLEETWOOD, D.D. London: Tallis.

FLEETWOOD'S Life of Christ has so long been a popular and standard work in Christian families that it needs no word of commendation. We may simply say, therefore, that this is a beautiful edition adapted for the young, the text is clearly printed and numerous steel engravings, illustrative of various incidents in our Saviour's history, embellish its pages. The getting up is real and elegant; altother it forms a most admirable present for youth.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

The Million Peopled City. Wertheim and
Co.

The Marvels of Science. Hurst and Blackett.
A Vindication of the Wesleyan Branch So-
ciety of the Ashborne Circuit.
The Chester Conference. Snow.