Works of the Rev. John Maclaurin, of Glasgow; with an introductory Essay by the Rev. John Brown, Edinburgh. THIS volume contains the Life of the Author-an Essay on Prejudices against the Gospel-on Christian Piety -on the Scripture Doctrine of Divine Grace and Sermons: on the Sins of Men not chargeable on God-Glorying in the Cross of Christ-God's chief Mercy-the Law magnified by the Redeemer-the Necessity of Divine Grace to make the Word effectualand the Knowledge of Christ crucified the Sum and Substance of saving Knowledge. Than these no subjects are of more importance, and here they are treated by a pious, profound, and eloquent writer. Maclaurin requires, but he repays attention: and while he satisfies the understanding, he impresses the heart.

The introductory essay is very good, and suitable both to the volume and the present time.

The Christian Philosopher. By Thomas
Dick. 2nd Edition, enlarged.
THIS work is dedicated to David
Brewster, LL.D.

It was written "under the impression that the visible manifestations of the attributes of the Deity are too frequently overlooked by christians in their views of the great objects of religion, and in the worship they offer to the Father of their spirits; and is intended to show, that the teachers of religion ought to embrace a wider range of illustration, in refer ence to Divine subjects, than that to which they are usually confined."

Our author assures us that his volume is not made up of 66 mere ex

VOL. XVII.

tracts or compilations," but that it contains, for the most part, original compositions; and it professes to comprise popular descriptions of a greater number of scientific facts, than is to be found in any other volume of the same size." We see no reason to deny the justness of these statements, and regard this as a very useful book. The whole work is divided into five chapters. The first treats of the natural attributes of the Deity;-the second gives a cursory view of some of the sciences which are related to religion and christian theology; the third treats of the relation which the inventions of art bear to the objects of religion; the fourth is an illustration of scriptural facts from the system of nature; and the last represents the beneficial effects which would result from connecting science with religion. The connexion of science and philosophy with religion is illustrated in this work with the aid of engravings, and of Sir Isaac Newton we have a very neat one at the beginning of the volume.

We have beheld in Cowper-
a bard, all fire,

Touch'd with a coal from lieaven, assume the lyre,
with more than mortal music on his tongue,
And tell the world, still kindling as he sung,
That He, who died below, and reigns above,
Inspires his song, and that his name is Love."
Table Talk.

The volume before us contains, besides the just and very beautifully written essay of Montgomery, more than eighty pieces from the pen of Cowper, of which the Task is considerably the longest.

The poems of Cowper have been so long and extensively known, and so highly valued, that we do not deem it necessary to laud them here; but to all who wish to understand their merits fully, and to relish their beauties with greater delight than it is likely they have yet enjoyed, we recommend the perusal of the essay prefixed to this volume. It is worth much more than the price of the whole book. And we are of opinion, that no one who can

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"I was a stricken deer, that left the herd
Long since. With many an arrow deep infixed
My panting side was charged, when I withdrew
To seek a tranquil death in distant shades.
There was I found by one who had himself
Been hurt by th' archers.-In his side he bore,
And in his hands and feet, the cruel scars.
With gentle force soliciting the darts,

and the sentiments here given deserve their best attention. We do not perceive how any one could be offended with what is here advanced; the language is so proper, and the spirit of the book is so mild, and affectionately pious, and we are much in error if younger Christians will not advance their salvation and happiness by a frequent perusal of this neat volume.

An historic Defence of experimental Religion, and the Doctrine of divine Influences, from the Authority of Scripture, and the T'estimmy of the wisest and best Men in all Ages and Countries. By Thomas Williams. A new Edition, corrected and improved.

In this work it is contended for as a fact, and we think successfully, that the individuals, "in all ages, in all countries, and of every denomination," who "have felt the reality of vital godliness-have attributed their experience to the agency of the Holy Spirit-and have sanctioned their testimony by holy lives and triumphant deaths."

Mr. Williams has produced the testimonies of patriarchs, apostles, the Christian fathers, the writers of the middle ages, and the reformers in favour of the fact above mentioned; and given an introduction to his work, in which the doctrine of divine influence, and experimental religion, is stated

and defined.

by which they may become rich, honourable, useful, and happy. By J. Thornton. 1824.

Piety exemplified in the Lives of eminent Christians, collected from authentic Sources, and compiled chiefly for the Instruction of Youth. By J. Thornton. 1825. W. Baynes and Son.

WE are always glad to meet with Mr. Thornton, who writes with an unwearied pen for the benefit of mankind in all its diversified classes.

The former of these articles contains

a great deal of judicious counsel, enlivened with pleasant anecdotes, and enforced by evangelical motives. The latter includes the lives of ninety distinguished persons, arranged with some regard to chronological order, from Clement, Bishop of Rome, to the Rev. John Casper Lavater.

We cordially recommend these Biographical sketches to the notice of parents and teachers, and cannot but feel an ardent hope, that the worthy compiler may be encouraged to per

severe in his useful labours.

Thoughts on Religion, and other Subjects.

By Blaise Pascal. A new Translation,
and a Memoir of his Life. By the
Rev. Edward Craig, A.M. Öxon.
Member of the Wernerian Society.
Baynes, 1825.

THESE "Thoughts" have long been familiar to the learned throughout Europe, and will probably be cir culated with increasing zeal to the end of the world. The translation appears to be very respectably done, from the complete edition of Pascal's works, printed at Paris in 1819.

The Memoir of this most extraordinary genius is drawn out to great length, and is highly interesting. He

was born at Clermont, in Auvergne, June 19, 1623; and died at Paris, August 19, 1662, aged thirty-nine years and two months. On examination, his stomach and liver were found very much diseased, and his intestines in a state of mortification. The translator suspects that he was poisoned by the Jesuits, whom he had exposed, "who have always regarded poison among the most legitimate modes of silencing an adversary."

Lectures on Modern Socinianism, delivered in Duke's Alley Chapel, Bolton. By Joseph Fox. 1824.

THESE ten Lectures contain an antidote for one of the most virulent poisons to be found in the religious world. Modern Socinianism is not better-rather, we should say it is much worse than that which was propagated by Loelius and Faustus Socinus.

The first Lecture is introductory, and gives a general view of Socinian ism. In the second he maintains that

it is diametrically opposed to nearly all

the essential doctrines of the Bible.

He shews, in the third, that it is indefensible on the principles of right reason, and chargeable with gross absurdities. In the fourth he exhibits its resemblance to infidelity. The fifth undertakes to prove, that it is unproductive of evangelical holiness. In the sixth the writer boldly maintains that its devotions are not Christian worship. The seventh expatiates at large on the evil and danger attending it. In the eighth he shews that the public abettors of it are subverters of the gospel of Christ, and not entitled to the appellation of Christian ministers. ninth explains the subordination of Christ to his Father. And the tenth closes the discussion with a display of Christ's universal dominion.

The

The style is clear and forcible, and we are much gratified in observing, that the author has treated his opponents with great candour. In a wellwritten preface, he refers very respectfully to the larger works of the late Mr. Fuller, Dr. Magee, Dr. Pye Smith, Dr. Wardlaw, and the Rev. Edward Nares, on the Unitarian Version ofthe New Testament

Death-Bed Scenes; or, the Christian's Companion on entering the dark Valley. By the Author of the Evangelical Rambler. 1825. Westley. 7s.

THE author of the Evangelical Rambler has performed an acceptable service to the living, by introducing them to the chambers of the dying. We think the selection is creditable to his judgment, and the occasional reflections are well adapted to assist the reader in the improvement of his own mind. The Introduction, extending through fifty pages, is elegantly written, and contains much valuable matter. Quotations are sometimes made largely; in all such cases the authorities should be given. The author has class includes the death-bed scenes placed the names in classes. "The first of those who departed in triumph: the second, those who were calm: the nate fear and hope-deep depression third those who were agitated by alterand elevated joy: the fourth, those who died suddenly, or under some peculiar circumstances, impressions, or feelings; and the fifth, the sayings of some of the eminently wise and good, when in the immediate prospect of

their dissolution."

The publication is neatly got upwe cannot but wish, however, that the author may soon be encouraged to print a cheaper edition for those poor pious people, who take in some evangelical Magazine, and always read first the Obituary.

Joseph Maylin; or the singular Case of Divine Providence over an orphan Boy. A true Narrative. Edited by William Innes; with an Appendix. Nisbet and F. Westley, London. 18mo. Pp. 107.

THIS is "no fiction." The pious character of Mr. Maylin, who related his wonderful history on his return from India in 1807, and the fidelity of the late Dr. Ryland, who, at the request of Mr. Innes, wrote it out during his last illness, put out of doubt the truth of the narrative. If any additional evidence be required, the writer of this had the gratification of hearing the same relation at the period referred to, from Mr. Maylin in London, and was so much impressed with it as to have

written all he could recollect; which Memoranda he now has among his papers, agreeing perfectly with Dr. Ryland's relation.

Mr. Maylin, who realized a considerable fortune, as a merchant, at Cawnpore, was born at Hoddesdon, in Hertfordshire, and at an early age was left an orphan. To avoid being apprenticed to a butcher, he ran away and got on board an East Indiaman in the river. His adventures while at sea are full of remarkable incidents, and the circumstance which led him to Cawnpore no less so. While the account which led to his conversion, by hearing the late Rev. David Brown, and the Rev. Dr. Carey, at Calcutta, exemplifies the remark, that "God leads the blind by a way that they know not," when he has purposed to make them acquainted with the grace and mercy revealed in the gospel of his Son. Mr. Maylin eventually settled in America, where he became pastor of a Baptist church. Mr. Innes says he died some time since, a circumstance of which we had not heard, and the report of which we suppose to be without foundation.

We were greatly struck in reading this Narrative, with the incidental remarks introduced by the judicious editor. It has been said, persons of wealth never chink their money. We have known some who have suddenly be come rich, do so; but they were persons of weak and conceited minds. With Mr. Innes there is no attempt at display; but what he has written proves him to be rich in materials for elegant and practical illustration: they are "words fitly spoken, like apples of gold in caskets of silver."

The awful tales of the sufferings of the English in the black hole in Fort William, Calcutta, in June, 1756; the almost incredible relation of Captain James Wilson's sufferings, who afterwards commanded the ship Duff to Otaheite; and several other singular and instructive anecdotes, make up the Appendix. It is a very entertaining and useful book: we thank Mr. Innes for having compiled it.

Chronology of the Kings of England, in easy Rhyme, for young People. By

A Discourse on the Moral Influence of

Trade; being one of a Course of Lectures on Moral Infiuence; by Jacob Kirkman Foster, of Rochdale.

Pity the Negro; an Address to Children on the Subject of Slavery. Price One Penny, or Seven Shillings per Hundred.

The Sunday School Story Book. By the Rev. B. H. Draper. In eight Parts, Price Two-pence each, with upwards of 60 Wood Engravings; or in one Volume, half-bound, Price 1s. 6d.

A Help to Family Devotion; being a Collection of Prayers for six Weeks. By the Rev. Joseph Jones, A. M.

The Antiquary's Portfolio, a Cabinet Selection of Historical and Literary Curiosities; by J. S. Forsyth, Esq. The Infant's Primer, ornamented with numerous Engravings. Price Threepence.

In the Press.

A New Edition of Howe's Discourse on

the Redeemer's Dominion over the Invi sible World; to which is prefixed, a short Account of the Author, &c.

Sermons, Expositions, and Addresses at the Holy Communion. By the late Rev. Alexander Waugh, A.M. Minister of the Scots' Church in Miles's-lane, London: To which is prefixed, a short Memoir of the Author. Octavo, Pp. 338, Price 10s. 6d. Second Edition.

brought into View, described, and copiously illustrated by an Enumeration ofits distinctive Qualities, and their Modifications.-The Object of the Work is, to show that the Peculiarities of Character observable in every Individual may be traced to some one or another of twelve Departments, and that he may have his Place assigned him in a classified View of the Diversities of human Nature.

Essays and Sketches, designed to illustrate the Mode of Education pursued in Sunday Schools, and to remedy_some of their most important Defects. By A. H. Davis, Author of the Teacher's Farewell, &c. 1 Vol. 18mo.

A Book of Martyrs for the Young. By the Rev. Isaac Taylor; illustrated with upwards of 50 Engravings, from Designs by Harvey, and engraved by Sears.

THE government of Buenos Ayres has formally recommended to the House of Representatives of that province, the establishment of the liberty of divine worship in the broadest and most unrestricted manner, by the adoption of the following simple but comprehensive law:

"The right which every man has to worship the Divinity agreeably to his own conscience, is inviolable in the territory of the province."

In the note accompanying their proposition, the government adopt a language which must be highly gratifying to every friend of religious liberty. They say that the term toleration is too tame, and ought not to be introduced into any law which shall be framed on the subject. "The province," say they, "would appear to descend from the point of civilization which it has attained, if it were to establish a law of toleration, or to pretend to grant a liberty, which the public authority was always obliged to protect; but since the laws that formerly governed, render necessary an act to abolish them and give a solemn guarantee to persons who may wish to live in our society, the government has found no other way to do it with dignity than by the proposed law, which it has the honour to transmit for

VOL. XVII.

presentatives. This act, which will complete the liberty of the citizens, will not be less glorious than that which solemnly declared the independence of the re public."

Papal Supremacy in Mexico.

WE have received three recent numbers of the Gazetta Diaria of Mexico, (of July 23, 24, and 25,) through which there runs a long and interesting article by a Dr. Mier, on the encyclic letter published by His Holiness Pope Leo XII. on his attaining the triple crown. The American Doctor, though a good Catholic, and there. fore disposed to pay all due obedience to the proper exercise of spiritual authority, professes himself an inveterate enemy of the temporal Court of Rome, and a strenuous antagonist of those haughty pretensions by which it formerly disposed of kingdoms and deposed kings. This encyclic epistle had been introduced into Mexico by a species of ecclesiastical fraud, and published without the permission of the sovereign power. The Doctor shows, by a reference to the example of the Catholic states of Europe, that no Pope's writ can lawfully be promulgated in Mexico unless subscribed by the Pre

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