so with an independence of mind which inspires confidence, and proves that he has taken nothing upon trust, where he had the means of forming a personal judgment. Where he agrees substantially with former travellers, he has not implicitly followed in their train; but has ventured on minute but important corrections, and has shed light upon matters which escaped their notice. Though he has done full justice to the masterly production of professor Robinson, of the United States, he has, in certain instances, improved upon his statements, or at least made them more complete.

"Most travellers," observes Dr. Wilson, "who have entered the countries which I ask the reader to traverse with me, have approached them from the distant west; and almost everything connected with them has presented itself to their view in an aspect of entire novelty, and called forth a burst of fresh European feeling. I betook myself to them from the distant east, in which I had resided about fifteen years, and not altogether a stranger to the nature of their climes, and the manners and customs and languages of their inhabitants, with many of whom I had been brought into contact; and if I have laboured under some disadvantages by my lengthened sojourn in the exsiccating regions of the sun, I have enjoyed certain facilities for movement, and inquiry, and comparison, to which some importance may be attached. In my associates, too, I was peculiarly favoured. I allude especially to John Smith, Esq., and Dhanjibháí Naurjí, of Bombay, to the Rev. William Graham, of Damascus, and to other friends, to whom I have expressed my great obligations in the body of my book, and whose assistance and friendship I shall long remember with the deepest gratitude."

While Dr. W. pronounces Dr. Robinson's "Biblical Researches" to be a "most able and learned book," which "has entirely exhausted many subjects of inquiry connected with Biblical geography," he "has seen reason to differ from some of his conclusions;" as, for example, in reference to "the place and circumstances of the passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea, the mount of communion at Sinai, the route of

the Israelites immediately after the giving

of the Law, the use of some of the recent excavations at Petra, and various questions connected with the topography of the Holy Land." "The reasons," adds Dr. W., with becoming modesty, "of my judgment I have endeavoured to prove without dogmatism, and in a spirit, I trust, equally remote from the dangerous extremes of credulity and ra tionalism."

In his travels, Dr. W. kept his eye steadily fixed upon the condition of God's ancient people, wherever he had an oppor

tunity of meeting with them. On this head, much interesting information will be found in his work. For the remnant of the Samaritans still sojourning at Shechem or Nábulus, our author evinced a benevolent.as well as literary interest. And in reference to the Eastern Christians, who sojourn on the frontiers of Palestine, Dr. W. has furnished some striking facts, which prove how much they are entitled to the sympathy of Protestant Christendom, exposed as they are to intrigues of crafty conclaves at Rome and Lyons.

Dr. W. has adopted the plan recommended by Sir William Jones in representing Arabic words, which is formed on classical analogy, and is adapted to the classical pronunciation of the different nations of Europe, including Great Britain.

The maps, and other pictorial illustra. tions, of this work are peculiarly excellent; and, we have reason to believe, are as accurate as the present state of our knowledge, in these matters, will admit. As an accomplished draftsman accompanied Dr. W., he had great advantages, in this department, which are peculiarly manifest in the sketches of Jerusalem, and the valley and ruins of Petra.

We can, with great confidence, recommend Dr. Wilson's Lands of the Bible," to all who take interest in such studies, and particularly to those who are professionally devoted to the investigation of topics connected with the literature of the Bible.

MINISTERIAL RECORD; or, Brief Account of the Great Progress of Religion under the Ministry of Rev. W. Williams, of Pantycelyn, Carmarthenshire. By the Rev. E. MORGAN, A.M., Vicar of Syston, Leicestershire.

Hughes, St. Martin's-le-grand.

It cannot be doubted that English congregations, when actuated by the spirit of missions to the heathen, will think, with no common interest, of the author of

"O'er the gloomy hills of darkness," and it is equally certain, that thousands will frequently think of him who wrote

"Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,

Pilgrim through this barren land." The author of these popular hymns, found in the Countess of Huntingdon's collection, was the Rev. William Williams, of Pantycelyn, of whom a brief memoir is now furnished by the worthy vicar of Syston, in this concluding part of his "Ministerial Records."

For the writing of this memoir, Mr. Morgan has taken much pains in procuring the requisite materials, most of which are

peculiarly interesting and valuable. He has also furnished us with the opinions of eminent Welsh poets and critics on the hymns and poems of their honoured countryman. In addition to these, we have "parts of his elegy on the Rev. Griffith Jones, translated into English by the Rev. E. Harries, of Llandissilio; together with a few of Mr. Williams's hymns, translated by the Rev. J. Owen, vicar of Thrussington, and the Rev. Dr. Davies, rector of Gateshead, Durham, with some observations. These will afford pleasure, and perhaps improvement, to some of our English readers, as well as to those who are connected with Wales, and partial to the poetry of that land of hills, and vales, and noble streams, the constant theme of the delighted traveller.

William Williams, the celebrated Welsh poet, was born at Cefncoed, near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, in the year 1717. His parents, John and Dorothy Williams, were members of the Independent denomination, and were considered truly pious. His father was an upright, honest, and respectable farmer, who died when his son William was young. The care of his education consequently devolved on his mother, who lived to the advanced age of ninety-five. It is said that young Williams was well brought up, and finished his education at Llwynllwyd, near Hay, Breconshire, under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Price, Independent minister at Maes-yr-Onen, whose academy was then very popular. His first intention was to enter the medical profession, in consequence of which he studied the art of healing very diligently. Thus was he enabled, under the blessing of God, to render important service to the sick and afflicted, by his advice and prescriptions. Before, however, he had finished his studies, a great change took place in his religious views, and plans of future employment; so that theology, and the Christian ministry, were preferred to medicine and surgery.

This change in the mind of young Williams was occasioned by hearing Howell Harris, when preaching with great power in the churchyard of Talgarth, as soon as the service in church was over. The religious feelings of Mr. Williams were, at first, painful; his convictions of sin being pungent and alarming; but his subsequent peace and joy were proportionably great. The experience which he gained, under the teaching of the Spirit, in awakening, alarming, and consoling him, was deep and lively, as was afterwards apparent in his ministry and publications. He composed an elegy on the death of Harris, in which he alludes to his own effectual calling under his ministry, showing how powerful that ministry was, as the means of turning him from devious paths, into the way of truth and

peace. He was ordained deacon in 1740, by Dr. N. Claget, bishop of St. David's, to the curacies of Llanwrtyd and Llanddewi, Abergwesin, where he preached for three years, with no very great success, to a most ignorant and immoral people. In his ministerial labours he met with some trouble, as indeed most pious clergymen did at that period. He used to say, with a degree of pleasantry, that he was put into the Bishop's-court for nineteen transgressions; and this was done by the enemies of the gospel, in order to get rid of one who was sent to them for the best of purposes. Those clergymen who were living in neglect of their duty, and guilty of real transgressions, were caressed and promoted; while one who stepped aside to do good, remained under the displeasure of his diocesan. The bishop refused him priest's orders, because he preached in other places besides the parishes under his immediate care, It was chiefly by the celebrated Whitefield that he was induced to become an itinerant preacher, and go out into the highways and fields. It appears that his official connection with the Established Church now ceased, and that he thus entered upon a larger sphere of usefulness, much like that of a missionary, for which he was peculiarly qualified. "From the time he left the Church," says his biographer, "he incessantly travelled through Wales, as an apostle, preaching the everlasting gospel to the ignorant and perishing inhabitants of the principality, wherever he could meet with any that would hear him. This was his noble, unceasing work, as an ambassador of God, for about the space of half a century. It was his custom to go one sabbath in every month to assist Rowlands, at Llangeitho, in administering the Lord's supper to the immense multitude, which came regularly every month, to hear that extraordinary minister, and to receive the communion there.

"We are informed that, at a meeting of ministers, Howell Harris requested each of his brethren present, to compose a few stanzas, to be produced at their next association, that they might discover whether the Lord had bestowed the gift of poetry upon any of them; and if so, that they might know the individual. They complied with that request; and when the time arrived, they read several compositions; and it was immediately acknowledged by all, that Williams excelled, and that he had this peculiar and excellent gift. He was therefore encouraged by Rowlands and Harris, and all the brethren, to exercise this talent to the glory of the Lord, and the benefit of his church."

Of the extensive usefulness of Mr. Williams in the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Connexion, the vicar of Syston has enabled

us to form some idea. Of the long friendship subsisting between him and the Countess of Huntingdon, and of his acceptable preaching at her ladyship's chapels in London, we have some gratifying particulars. It appears that it was at her ladyship's request that Mr. Williams published some of his hymns in English, under the title of "Gloria in Excelcis," intended for the Orphan House in America. We learn also

that his son, the Rev. John Williams, filled the office of tutor in the college at Trevecca, for more than five years, of whose truly Christian character a brief account is given. This memoir includes, moreover, an extended biographical account of the Rev. Christopher Bassett, M.A., of Aberddawn, Glamorganshire, who departed this life, Feb. 8, 1784, aged 31. This is given in a long letter from the pen of Mr. Jones, of Llangan, which is followed by several other letters of the same gentleman, properly belonging to a preceding part of the "Ministerial Records." Now, though we like unity in a volume, or in a memoir, we suppose that the want of it, in this instance, was unavoidable. We therefore thank Mr. Morgan for the work as it is; and we hope that he will meet with sufficient encouragement to publish these lives anew, dropping the title of "Ministerial Records," and making each a separate volume, uniform with the memoir of John Elias. We can truly say that we have had a mental feast in the perusal of the present "Record;" and we can therefore conscientiously recommend our readers to procure the same benefit and pleasure to themselves. A couple of shillings spent for this purpose will not be regretted; and they will thus have the satisfaction of encouraging a writer to whom the church of Christ is already considerably indebted.

TALES of the REFORMATION. By ANNE MARIA SARGENT, Author of "Tales of the Early British Christians."

Dean and Co., London.

The events of the Reformation, at all times interesting, acquire a new and additional interest from the peculiar aspect of religious affairs at the present crisis. The restless activity of the "man of sin," and the vigorous efforts of Puseyism, give a character to the present times. It is therefore important that the British youth should be acquainted with the history of Protestantism, and the struggles through which it passed at the period of the Reformation, that they may be induced to value more highly the uncorrupted word of God, and to derive from it their views of pure and undefiled religion. The ordinary channels

through which this information is conveyed are by no means inviting to the youthful mind. Most of the histories of the Reformation are voluminous, and, with a few exceptions, written in anything but an attractive style. With such materials, it is not an easy task for the diligent student to arrive at clear and comprehensive views of this important portion of European history. The great principles which actuated the Reformers were but imperfectly developed, owing to the influence of their own mental habits, so long previously cherished, and their defective views of the spirituality of Christ's kingdom. Hence their efforts were directed and restricted to the subversion of some of the errors of papacy. And in reference to Luther, he aimed at the overthrow of the erroneous doctrine of transubstantiation, to put in its place the doctrine of consubstantiation. The radical error of the alliance of the civil with the ecclesiastical power was left comparatively untouched.

It is evident to every student of ecclesiastical history, that "the Reformation" was but a partial work. Many of the remnants of Romanism are still found impeding the progress of a pure and unworldly Christianity. Some of the fatal errors of the papal church, which had long been torpid, have of late been resuscitated, and now menace the existence of Protestantism. Every effort that can be made to bring back an enfeebled church to its primitive simplicity and strength should be put forth at the present crisis.

We most heartily welcome this little volume. It is admirably suited to the times. It contains the result of diligent research and judicious thinking. It is written in a style remarkable for its perspicuity and beauty. It well deserves a place in every family library. We most cordially recommend it to parents and instructors of the young.

SABBATH BELLS. A Series of simple Lays for Christian Children. By the author of" The Child's Book of Homilies." 3d.

Edwards and Hughes, Ave Maria-lane. To write poetry at all is a gift of which few can boast; to write poetry on religious subjects is a gift still more rare: but to write genuine Christian verses for children is next to a mental phenomenon. When we give it as our deliberate opinion, that "The Sabbath Bells" are an undoubted specimen of real poetry, baptized with the spirit of piety, and adapted to the infant mind, we hope our readers will so far credit us as to purchase the little volume, and then we are sure they will confirm our judgment. It is quite a refreshment, in this scribbling age, to find such "Lays for Children" as

these. The talents which are here displayed will, we sincerely trust, be cultivated by the author, and encouraged by the public.

MISSIONARY HYMNS: for the use of Children. By the author of " Sabbath Bells," &c., &c.

Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

These hymns have made their appearance very opportunely, at a time when the attention of young people is happily drawn, by a variety of methods, to the missionary cause. It is right that the children in our Sundayschools, who are now so generously subscribing their pence to send the gospel to the heathen, should have their minds interested in missions through the medium of well-composed verses. In private families, too, at least, where religion obtains, the young are growingly alive to missionary topics; and we are happy to say that, in this little volume, they will find ample materials for awakening and directing their youthful zeal. The subjects are well selected, the versification is tasteful and melodious, and the sentiment is strictly evangelical.

The MINISTRY of CHRIST, viewed as a Manifestation of Divine Perfections. By ISAAC BROWN, Minister of Russell-street chapel, Dover. Small 8vo. pp. 192.

Ward and Co.

In welcoming another author into the circle of literary competitors, it is gratifying to be able to say of him that he gives fair promise for the future. In the design and execution of "The Ministry of Christ, viewed as a Manifestation of Divine Perfection," there is much to commend, and extremely little to censure or condemn. The analysis of the work is clear and simple; it being the author's aim to show that Christ's ministry was a maifestation of TRUTH, LOVE, MAJESTY, and HOLINESS. This beautiful outline is well sustained by scriptural argument, and pleasingly illustrated by a variety of images and facts, tending to enhance both the interest and the value of the work. We think we can trace, in Mr. Brown's mode of handling Divine truth, the admirable character of the instructions which he received from the President of Cheshunt College. If he will take care and prune away certain redundancies of style, which only weaken the current of his thoughts, he may soon become one of our most approved authors. We wish him abundant success in his new and important sphere.

BRIEF NOTICES OF NEW PUBLI-
CATIONS.

The Bible not of Man: or, The Argument for the Divine Origin of the Sacred Scriptures, drawn from the Scriptures themselves. By GARDINER SPRING, D.D., of New York. 12mo. Religious Tract Society. -This is one of our very best works on the Divine origin of the Gospel. The argument is admirably put, and powerfully sustained. We have no treatise more fitted to reclaim a sceptic, or to confirm and establish the faith of a sincere Christian.

An Antidote to Infidelity. Lectures on the External Evidences of Divine Revelation: delivered at Silver-street chapel, in February and March, 1831. By JAMES BENNETT, D.D. With the Discussions which followed. Third edition. 12mo. 2s. 6d. John Gladding, City-road.-We are much gratified to see a new and cheap edition of this most valuable exposure of Infidelity, which did good service to the cause of revealed truth, when the apostate Taylor was labouring to poison the youth of London and other cities. The work is a crushing demonstration of the folly, insolence, and depravity of Infidelity.

The Life and Writings of the Rev. Dr. Chalmers. By the Rev. HENRY DAVIS, M.A. 18mo. 1s. James Gilbert.-This is a very interesting sketch of the life and labours of one of the greatest and best men of the present age. It consists of an historical memoir, and a view of the deceased as a preacher and teacher of theology.

Letters to a Romish Bishop, on the Character, Tendency, and Influence of the With an IntroPapacy. By KERwan. duction, and an affectionate Address to Roman Catholics. By OCTAVIUS WINSLOW, M.A. 18mo. 1s. Hamilton and Adams. An excellent volume to put into the hands of a candid Romanist.

Grave Questions for the Consideration of the Government and the People, of the Churchman and the Dissenter, of the Promoters of State Grants, &c., and their Opponents. With an attempt to answer them, chiefly in the light of Scripture. 8vo. pp. 122. Ward and Co.-This is an acute, well written pamphlet, containing much information, and peculiarly adapted to the present crisis of political affairs. The author has contributed largely by his pen to the instruction and improvement of his age.

Dissent: its Character, its Causes, its Reasons, and the way to effect its Extinction. Likewise, an Appendix, containing Records and Papers not generally known. By R. WEAVER. Jackson and Walford.This is a book which, if Churchmen would read it, would convince them that Dissent

is a reasonable homage to conscience. We cordially approve of its spirit, and applaud its argument.

The Reconciler. By the same Author. Jackson and Walford. There is much theological penetration in this volume, and it is well deserving of a perusal by all those who have experienced difficulties and perplexities in examining the doctrines of grace.

A Voice from Heaven concerning the Dead who die in the Lord: with some Account of the late Mrs. John Sands, who departed this life 25th January, 1847. By PHILIP CATER, Minister of Alfred-place chapel, Brompton. 18mo. Jackson and Walford. This is a very pleasing memorial of an excellent Christian lady, who adorned the gospel in life and in death. It is drawn up with some measure of originality, and is calculated to be very useful.

The "Unknown God" revealed. A sermon, preached at the Fifty-third Anniversary of the London Missionary Society, at the Tabernacle, on Wednesday, May 12, 1847. By JAMES PARSONS, Minister of Salem chapel, York. 8vo. John Snow.-This is one of Mr. Parsons' happiest efforts. It is, indeed, as when delivered, a thrilling and powerful discourse, greatly fitted to promote the cause of Missions, to which it was devoted.

"He being Dead yet Speaketh." A sermon, preached in the Territorial church, West Port, Edinburgh, on June 6, 1847, being the sabbath immediately following the death of Thomas Chalmers, D.D., LL.D., &c., &c. By the Rev. W. K. TWEEDIE, Free Tolbooth church, Edinburgh. 8vo. J. Johnstone.-Mr. Tweedie well knew and highly appreciated the late Dr. Chalmers, and has well depicted the peculiarities of his mind and character.

Man's best Eulogy after Death. A sermon, preached before the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, June 6, 1847, being the sabbath immediately after the funeral of Thomas Chalmers, D.D., LL.D., &c., &c. By JAMES SIEVERIGHT, D.D., Markinch. Published at the request of the General Assembly. 8vo. John Johnstone. This discourse is highly creditable to its respected author, whose whole soul was evidently stirred by the solemn and unexpected event of Dr. Chalmers' death.

He very properly yielded to the impulses which seized upon him when the doleful tidings reached his ears, and thus his sermon is full of tenderness as well as power.

A Sermon, preached in Morningside Free Church, June 6, 1847, being the sermon immediately after the funeral of Thomas Chalmers, D.D., LL.D., &c., &c. By the Rev. John Bruce, A.M., Free St. Andrew's Church, Edinburgh. 8vo. John Johnstone. -To us, this is the most valuable of all the pulpit memorials of Dr. Chalmers we have yet seen except Dr. Wardlaw's. It realizes his greatness and goodness, his heart of friendship, his transparent simplicity of character, and all the riches and fertility of his masculine mind.

The Journey of Life. By CATHERINE SINCLAIR, author of "Modern Accomplishments," "Jane Bouverie." Post 8vo. Longman and Co.-A volume of great talent, and of excellent religious tendency.

The Teacher's Offering for 1846. 18mo. pp. 288. Ward and Co.-This has always been a very well conducted periodical, eminently adapted to the capacities of Sunday-school children, and greatly calculated to promote their social and religious improvement. The present volume, in our judgment, surpasses all its predecessors in neatness and appropriateness of contribution. There is scarcely an inferior article in it; while many of the communications are in a high degree calculated to engage and elevate the youthful mind.

Heaven upon Earth; or, Jesus the best Friend of Man. By JAMES JANEWAY, author of "A Token for Children," &c. With " History of the Janeway Family." By the Rev. F. A. Cox, D.D., LL.D, Hackney. Thomas Nelson.-This is another of Nelson's cheap volumes of Puritan Theology. Dr. Cox's account of the Janeway Family will interest many readers; and as Janeway's "Heaven upon Earth" is a work little known, but most precious, it will greatly enhance the value of the series to which it belongs.

Nelson's Large Type, Comprehensive Edition of Matthew Henry's Commentary, (unabridged), with illustrative Engravings. Part VI. Is. Thomas Nelson.-This, when complete, will be a beautiful edition of Matthew Henry.

BRIEF SKETCH OF THE REV. WILLIAM FLOWER, LATE MISSIONARY AT BARODA.

To whatever department of the operations of God we direct our attention, we

find much that we are unable to comprehend-much that is involved in a mystery which we cannot possibly unravel. The man of science has not to pursue his inves