by the absence of other truths, which should have balanced and supported the truth admitted. Christianity differs from all false religions, in that it holds all that was really precious in them, in conjunction with the kindred truths they have neglected; and is, therefore, the only religion which can satisfy the cravings of the human heart. These Lectures are deeply interesting; yet while Mr. Maurice describes what he considers to have been the originating cause of Brahminism, Buddhism, &c., it is impossible not to feel that his peculiarly catholic spirit, ever quicker to discern good than evil, has unconsciously thrown the bright light of christianity over these dark superstitions. The contrast is striking, if we turn from his description of their origin in the upward aspirations of the human heart, to St. Paul's account of the progress of idolatry. Rom. i. Again and again as we read, we need to recal our Saviour's words," they loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." Those who do not look upon reading as a mere recreation or relief from the burden of vacancy of mind, but to whom close thought, and the awakening of judgment incident on an occasional difference of opinion from their teacher, are an enjoyment, will find this work repay the hours of hard study it may cost them.

POSTHUMOUS WORKS OF THE REV. THOMAS CHALMERS. Vol. I. DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. (Hamilton) Dr. Chalmers had been, for some years previous to his death, in the habit of daily recording the most vivid thoughts that were suggested to his mind by the passages of Scripture he read. His motives for so doing, he thus explains. In reading the life of Sir Matthew Hale, I find that he employed the pen to aid him in his spiritual meditations. He wrote

as he thought; and hitherto my attempts at the sustained contemplation of divine things have been so confused and unsatisfactory, that I am glad to try the same expedient. May the Spirit of God, who worketh not without means, but by them, bless this humble endeavour after a nearer approach to the viewless objects of faith and eternity.' It is these valuable papers which are here given to the public, as they were left by their honoured author. They are preceded by some deeply interesting Sabbath exercises, in which his own feelings and inward conflicts are expressed, in which we see this father in Christ struggling with the same difficulties and temptations, under which his weaker brethren groan, feeling the pressure of worldly anxiety, and the burden of dulness and apathy of spirit. From all these burdens he has now found perfect rest; and, we may be encouraged by his example, to struggle on yet a while, knowing that, in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.

THE HIGH PRIEST IN HIS ROBES OF GLORY, BLESSING THE PEOPLE. By W. G. RHIND. (Bagster.) Some of our readers are acquainted with that beautiful work of art "the Tabernacle in the Wilderness" the present work, intended as a sequel to it, is, if possible, still more perfect in execution. The letterpress is also deeply interesting, consisting of notes and annotations, in chronological arrangement, showing the high priesthood from Aaron to Eli-from Eli to the captivity, and closing with the prophecy of Caiaphas, the last high priest before the priesthood of the true Melchisedek. Christ is set forth in a striking manner as the antitype of the Jewish high priest, whose robes of glory all spoke of Him that was to come. The whole is written with a glow and earnestness of feeling, which show how deeply the Author has enjoyed the sacred subject on which he dwells.

A REVIVED MINISTRY OUR ONLY HOPE FOR A REVIVED CHURCH. (Jackson and Walford.)

THE DUTIES SOLEMNLY BINDING ON THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, FOR SUPPRESSING THE EMULATIONS AND STRIFES WHICH PREVENT ITS FULFILLING ITS MISSION TO THE WORLD. (Jackson and Walford.) Two striking pamphlets by the same Author. The first is an earnest appeal to his brethren in the ministry, to seek those high attainments in holiness, which alone can give them reasonable hope of attaining eminent usefulness. It may be read with profit, not only by minis. ters, but by all who are engaged in any spiritual work. In these days of universal activity, there is real danger of resting satisfied in having done something; visited the poor, taught a school, or guided some charity, without any close self-examination as to how and in what spirit the work has been done; whereas, we should never forget, that it is what we are, rather than what we do, that will prove the standard of our real usefulness. The feeblest efforts of an earnest praying christian, are often attended with a greater blessing from above, than the ablest combinations of mere men of talent.

The second pamphlet on the subject of Christian union, contains many important and seasonable truths, though it perhaps does not sufficiently acknowledge the difficulty of union on points of great, though not primary importance.

THE POWER OF THE PRESS, IS IT RIGHTLY EMPLOYED? (Partridge and Oakey.)

THE YOUNG MAN'S BEST PURSUIT. BY THE REV. S. JENNER. (Wertheim.)

A NEW SERIES OF CHILDREN'S REWARD

BOOKS. (Edinburgh: Kennedy.) We have classed these together, because, while the first exhibits in awful colours the dangers of our country from obnoxious publications, the others illustrate some of the ways open to christians for the counteraction of this mighty evil. According to calculations made from stamp returns and careful inquiry, it would seem, that the yearly issue of pernicious literature amounts to above 20,000,000 copies. Some of this is of the lowest character: we give an extract respecting it from the pamphlet before us :

The titles of some of the works alluded to will sufficiently indicate their character, and render explanation unnecessary. They may be classified thus-1st, infidel; 2ndly, corrupting. Among the first may be mentioned -The Reasoner―The Library of Reason-The Herald of Progress-The Commonweal; amongst the secondNewgate The Highwayman-The Convict-The Wife's Tragedy-The Parricide-The Love Child-The Vampire. But, even beyond this dreadful limit, there is a very large annual circulation, into which the writer dared not enter, so awfully polluting is its character.'

Of these last most fearful publications, supposed to be sold by stealth, the Author supposes an annual circulation of 520,000. What must be the results of such a flood of pollution constantly passing over the land. We see in French society, where the tragedies, even in high life, have this year been so fearful, the effects of the vile and exciting novels, with which the readingpublic of France have been supplied. Must not the same causes produce similar effects among ourselves. Let us then strain every effort, since the people will be supplied with reading-and with reading that is interesting to them—to promote the sale of christian publications.

We have reason to bless God for the success

of the Churchman's Penny Monthly, which has a circulation of above 100,000, and for the large issues made by the Religious Tract Society of useful and Christian works; but how much still remains to be done? Every effort, however feeble, in a right direction, ought to be encouraged. The Young Men's Missionary Society,' in behalf of which Mr. Jenner's Sermon was preached, has great claims on the Christian public. It addresses youths, at the time when they are most exposed to danger; presents to them a worthy object on which to expend their energies, and cheers them with mutual help and co-operation: it has a library and readingroom, of which it is hardly possible to estimate the importance, but they are quite inadequate to the wants of the members, and they are now striving to raise a special fund for providing more suitable rooms, and a more extensive library. The Society, during the three years it has existed, has raised £800 for the cause of missions; but, it is more with reference to the youths themselves, thus training to be future labourers in the cause of Christ, that we would solicit the sympathy and interest of the Christian public.

The series of Children's Reward-Books we have here introduced to our readers, is an excellent one: to reach the parents through the children is no new method; and, while the enemy is so busy in the field of literature, these feeble weapons, like the sling and stone of David, may produce some effects not to be despised.

The Tract Society have brought out as usual their useful Almanacks for next year: every variety, from the penny sheet for the cottage-wall to the neat pocketbook, with its coloured engraving. These Almanacks all combine the daily text-book with the variety of convenient information they supply.