of the generations that have entered into rest through their labours,-of the tens of thousands, in different parts of the world, who are following in the same path, of the various means which are now employed to extend and perpetuate the work,—and of the cheering tokens of spiritual prosperity which we still witness, let us beware of confining our attention to second causes. The hand of God is in all this, and the entire glory must be given to his infinite goodness." (Page 296.) We are glad that circumstances have allowed us, without any reser

vation, to anticipate the reader's judgment on this Centenary volume, and by anticipation to put it upon record in the pages of the WesleyanMethodist Magazine. Where could the estimate which will be formed of the service rendered to the Wesleyan Connexion (not to speak of the cause of religion generally) by the present publication, be more fitly expressed, than in the columns of the work, to the efficiency and value of which its author has so long and so largely contributed?

Sermons on several Occasions: by the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., sometime Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, with a Life of the Author. By the Rev. John Beecham. In Three Volumes, 12mo. pp. xlix., 474, 499, 520. Mason. We are glad to announce the completion of this cheap, handsome, and convenient issue of Mr. Wesley's Sermons. In the whole compass of the English language, no sermons will better repay the time spent in careful and repeated perusal. Were they more known beyond the limits of the Wesleyan society, we believe that a real benefit would accrue to the cause of religion generally. If Mr. Wesley's views of religion were better understood, and better understood as a religious system, they would be far more generally embraced. They are mostly opposed because not understood. We, therefore, recommend these volumes to our readers, not for themselves only, but for their neighbours also. An extended circulation of Mr. Wesley's Sermons would do much, both to remove prejudice, and to promote the interests of truth and righteousness.

Prayers for the Use of Christian Families. With an Essay on Family Religion; and a Table of Lessons for Family Worship. By several Ministers. 8vo. pp. xx., 380. Mason. We can recommend this volume without any

hesitation or drawback; not only as knowing something of its history, but as having carefully examined its contents. The prayers recognise the great doctrines of the catholic faith, as they were held and taught by the late Rev. John Wesley. Such persons as use books of prayer in their families, and are accustomed to attend a Wesleyan ministry, have often felt that the Form they had used in the house did not come up to those views of scriptural privilege and duty which were presented from the pulpit. To supply a deficiency which has long been acknowledged, this volume has been prepared. But while it is, in this sense, Wesleyan, the reader will find that it is not sectarian, either in language or sentiment. Its spirit is eminently catholic, and its style free from every thing that might be construed into the technicalities of party. By those Wesleyan families who choose to employ forms of prayer, this volume will be found to be in perfect agreement with those views of truth which they believe to be scriptural; but even those who do not, in some points, agree with us, will, we believe, find nothing that can offend them; much, we hope, that will benefit them.

A Library of Christian Biography." Edited by Thomas Jackson. Vol. IX. 18mo. pp. 306. Mason.-This volume

contains the Lives of Dr. Henry Hammond, by Dr. Fell; of the Earl of Rochester, by Bishop Burnet; and of Dr. Manton, by Dr. William Harris. When the series is completed, (which it will be by the issue of only two or three more volumes,) we shall take the opportunity of calling the reader's attention to it more particularly, and pointing out the value of the work in its relation to an important period of ecclesiastical history; but, in the mean time, we content ourselves with announcing the separate volumes as they appear, just stating their

contents.

Essay on the Composition and Delivery of a Sermon. By the late J. F. Ostervald. Translated from the French, and illustrated with Notes, by Joseph Sutcliffe, A. M. 18mo. pp. 212. Mason.-A good translation of a useful Essay, with some valuable notes. We are obliged to our venerable friend for these sound and animating advices to junior Ministers. It is refreshing to see the veterans of our Lord's camp thus directing, and thus encouraging, the younger combatants.

The Women of England, their Social Duties and Domestic Habits. By Mrs. Ellis; Author of "The Poetry of Life," "Pictures of Private Life," &c., &c. 12mo. pp. 342. Fisher, Son, and Co.We have no hesitation in saying, that a more valuable work than this has not

for some time been published. With this volume in her hand, no impartial judge could refuse Mrs. Ellis's claim to be placed in the list of British Female Authors. We have our own opinions about much that in modern times is called education, and its influence on female character; and we have no objection to acknowledge that we are not without our feelings of uneasiness on the subject. Hitherto, in no part of the world has female excellence been more correctly understood than in England; and hence it is, that in no part of the world has female influence (though most unobtrusive) been more powerful, or more beneficial. We should not like to see the solid worth of the "women of England" exchanged for superficial accomplish. ments. To that worth is it owing, that to an Englishman "home" is the source and seat of his principal earthly happiness, and this cannot be changed without affecting (we might say, subverting) the whole fabric of English society. Mrs. Ellis appears to think that there is some danger of alteration; and, in this admirable volume, teaches her sisters the secret of their power, and shows them

how it may be even more than retained; shows them what the mother, the daugh ter, the sister, the friend, the wife, ought to be. To us the volume seems replete with that simple (and therefore mighty) good sense which perceives its object, and goes directly to it. Its author tells us, that "in order to perform her task with candour and faithfulness," she had to "renounce all idea of what is called fine writing." Perhaps so; but we can gladly do without fine writing, when good writing is its substitute,-writing which clearly and impressively states important thoughts. It may give some notion of the work, and aid our very earnest recommendation of it to all our readers, if we mention the subjects of the thirteen chapters into which the volume is divided:"Characteristics and Influence of the Women of England: Modern Education: Dress and Manners: Conversation of the Women of England: Domestic Habits: Consideration and Kindness: Social Intercourse: Caprice : Affection: Love of Admiration: Public Opinion: Pecuniary Resources: Integrity: Habits and Character: Intellectual Attainments: Employment of Time: Moral Courage: Right Balance of Mind." If these subjects are treated in a style somewhat less elevated and elaborate than that adopted by Hannah More, yet it is one which will make Mrs. Ellis a not unfit associate, even in authorship, with that truly illustrious lady. She, however, wrote chiefly for the ladies of England: Mrs. Ellis has not chosen the title of her volume without deliberation and design. She writes to the women of England; and confesses her fear that these are deteriorating in their moral character, and that false notions of refinement are rendering them less influential, less useful, and less happy than they were." We know no single volume, on this definite subject, better calculated to exercise a powerful, lasting, and beneficial influence than this. We are so convinced of it, that if we could have our own way, every family in which the Wesleyan Magazine is read, should order a copy of "The Women of England." Husbands (especially young husbands) should buy it for their wives; fathers for their daughters; brothers for their sisters.

Scriptural Geology; an Essay on the high Antiquity ascribed to the Organic Remains imbedded in stratified Rocks. Communicated, in abstract, to the Geological Section of the British Association, at the Annual Meeting held in Newcastle. By the Rev. George Young, D. D., M. W. S., &c., Author of a Geological

Survey of the Yorkshire Coast, &c. 8vo. pp. 78. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. Dr. Young's Essay consists of two parts; the first, proving that the strata, instead of requiring myriads of ages for their formation, may have been deposited nearly about one period; and the second, showing that the Deluge was the period when all the secondary and tertiary rocks were formed. The Doctor's arguments, it must be remembered, are evidently those of a man both scientifically and practically acquainted with the subject on which he writes, and who has, not less evidently, devoted much careful observation both to its facts and principles. the Essay as deserving, to say the very least, the most serious consideration of all who have been staggered by the bold speculations of modern times; speculations often the more dangerous, because they do not so much directly attack the sacred volume, as, in an indirect way, undermine its foundations. Young is old-fashioned enough still to believe his Bible, and to believe that it will come out from the geological ordeal, as it has come out from every other, not only unhurt, but triumphant.

We can recommend

Dr.

The Evil of Theatrical Amusements stated and illustrated, in a Sermon preached at the Wesleyan Chapel, Lower Abbey-Street, Dublin. With an Appendix. By Dr. John B. Bennett. 8vo. pp. 48. Dublin, J. Fannin & Co.-Dr. Bennett clearly states his case, and most conclusively argues it.

The Ministry of Reconciliation: a Discourse preached before the Tutors, Committee, and Friends, of the Hackney Theological Seminary, at Barbican Chapel; including some Remarks on the Subject of Apostolical Succession. By John Morison, D.D. 8vo. pp. 36. T. Ward and Co. A truly evangelical discourse. The remarks on the "Succession are temperate and judicious, and therefore more likely to be useful.

Christian Happiness and Temperance. Being the Substance of a Sermon on Eph. v. 18-20, preached in City-Road Chapel, London, Oct. 16, 1838.

With

an Appendix on the Temperance Question. By George Cubitt, Wesleyan Minister. 8vo. pp. 32. Mason. We notice this Sermon, chiefly for the sake of reference to the Appendix, which seeks, by a consecutive enumeration of principles, to trace the clear line of Christian duty on a subject which has lately attracted a good deal of attention, and, in some instances, even excited some angry feeling. The author has sought

to moderate between contending parties having one great object in view: how far he has been successful, the reader must judge.

The Apostolical Authority of the Epistle to the Hebrews: an Inquiry, in which the received Title of the Greek Epistle is vindicated against the Cavils of Objectors, ancient and modern, from Origen to Sir J. D. Michaëlis, chiefly upon Grounds of internal Evidence hitherto unnoticed. Comprising a comparative Analysis of the Style and Structure of this Epistle, and of the undisputed Epistles of St. Paul, tending to throw Light upon their Interpretations. By the Rev. Charles Forster, B. D., Rector of Stisted, Essex, and one of the Six Preachers in the Cathedral of Christ, Canterbury. 8vo. pp. 670. James Duncan.-A piece of admirable sacred criticism, and which, so far as an examination of the internal evidence can do it, appears to set the question of the Pauline origin of the Epistle completely at rest. It is really a model of patient research, as well as of that judicious industry which embraces a large number of instances, and brings them all to bear upon what is shown to be their proper conclusion. But while, as to the general character of the volume, we are bound to speak thus favourably, we are bound likewise to express our regret at one not only very useless, but very injurious note, in which the author propounds the late Mr. Knox's error on the doctrine of "justification," and even attempts to show that it is the doctrine of the Church of England. The argument employed is unworthy of Mr. Forster; and but that we cannot doubt his sincerity, we should say that when he used it, he could scarcely have believed it to be conclusive. The title of the Thirteenth Article is, "Of works done before justification." The body of the Article speaks of "works done before the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of his Spirit ;" and Mr. Forster says, that "it irrefragably follows" that "the justification of man, and his reception of the grace of Christ and the inspiration of his Spirit, are one and the same thing." To us it appears that the juxtaposition of the expressions only proves "connexion and relation," not "identity." Till "the justification of man," he does not receive that " grace of Christ" and that "inspiration of his Spirit," by which his nature is truly renewed and sanctified. The forensic nature of justification is too broadly stated by the English Reformers to be thus put on one side. In another edition we

improved by the pecuniary donations which have been cheerfully presented as a thank-offering to the Lord; yet the Centenary will fail of its main object unless there be in the Connexion generally an increase of piety. Let us pray that by the rich anointing of the Holy One, the ministry of the Gospel among us may be increasingly "mighty through God," and successful in the conversion of ungodly men to Christ; that the societies in every place may be greatly quickened; and that the children of our people every where may be led to an immediate and decided choice of the good and better part, which shall not be taken from them.

On these subjects it is not needful for me to enlarge. My views concerning them, and concerning the spiritual benefits to be derived from the Centenary, I have fully expressed in the volume which I have drawn up in compliance with the request of the late Conference, and which, I believe, will be published at the end of this month.

THOMAS JACKSON, President of the Conference. Hull, Dec. 18th, 1838.

ADJOURNED Meetings of the Centenary Committee have now been held, as was agreed at the primary Meeting at Manchester, (of which an account will be found in our Number for December last,) at Liverpool, London, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, and Newcastle. All were numerously attended, and all marked by the evident tokens of an extraordinary influence from on high. If we may speak of them in reference to our own Wesleyan usages, they were more like "love-feasts," than public Meetings for business. They were eminently devotional in their character; and though, as was to be expected, a degree of cheerfulness and freedom was exhibited, which, in a meeting held exclusively for worship, would have found no place, yet even this was so delightfully chastened and hallowed by the distinct and continued acknowledgment of God, and the ascription of all praise and glory to him, that it seemed perfectly in keeping with the character of all the Meetings, as associations of Christian friends, and largely contributed to their interest. Nothing (to be at all regular) could be less formal than these Meetings have been; and the feeling was as powerful as it was genuine and holy. In them all, the same spirit of liberal (and in many instances it must be called selfdenying) contribution was apparent. We cannot attempt to give a full

account of the proceedings of each Meeting separately. For these larger statements, (including the excellent speeches that were delivered,) we must refer the reader to the extended reports given in the "Watchman" newspaper. Every Meeting had its own peculiar character, and yet the same principles and temper pervaded them all. Each was at once "another, and yet the same." It is only the importance attached in all countries to the movements of the metropolis, which induces us to refer somewhat more particularly to the London Meeting, which was held in the City-road chapel, on Friday, December 7th. The President of the Conference having taken the chair, called on the Rev. Richard Waddy and the Rev. Thomas Rogers to engage in prayer; after which he opened the business of the day in an address, explanatory of the objects that bad called them together. He spoke of the past mercies of God; he described the advantages which, as Methodists, they enjoyed; he pointed the Meeting to Aldersgatestreet, where Mr. Wesley first found the peace he had long sought; and to the Foundery, where he had laboured with such effect. He reminded them that in the adjoining house, Mr. Wesley had rested from his labours, and with his dying breath, given what had often proved an encouraging watch-word to his children in the Gospel, "The best of all is, God is with us.' 19 He mentioned some circumstances connected with Mr. Wesley's interment ; and called the Meeting to remember, that, in connexion with the place in which they were assembled, did the dust of their venerated Founder repose, awaiting the trump of the archangel.

The powerful address of the President contributed very materially to give the Meeting the character which it assumed from the beginning, and maintained to its close. As at Manchester and Liverpool, declarations were repeated of cordial attachment to Methodism, grounded on convictions of the scriptural character of its doctrines and discipline, and on a personal and domestic experience of the blessings which it had pleased God to convey through its instrumentality. A particular description of the Meeting is impossible. Contribution followed upon contribution in rapid succession. All who spoke evidently spoke under the influence of deep and uncontrollable emotion; and, in effect, the united language of the whole assembly was, "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are