designedly for this purpose; but such a selection has been made from his various manuscripts and correspondence as, it is hoped, and we think justly hoped, will be deemed to some extent successful in realizing this result. The biographers have steadily kept in view the welfare of their readers, and the promotion of the truth, and hence they have endeavoured in their selection to blend utility with information-not merely to present a record of dates, and incidents, but to trace the developments of Christian character-to indicate the successive stages of ministerial usefulness-to exhibit the supporting and ennobling influences of true religion, and thus to produce a volume fitted to exercise a permanent and beneficial influence upon the minds and hearts of its readers.

Mr. Pike was born in 1784; his conversion occurred in early life, and a high tribute is paid to maternal influence. Becoming the subject of a desire for the ministry, he obtained admission to one of the colleges of the day, where his progress, at least in Divine knowledge, was somewhat chequered. The account of the business as here given, is very interesting, as well as a great deal, that followed upon it. The history of Mr. Pike is the history of a student, of a pastor, of a man of business, and of a patriot. In many of these respects, we consider him a model. Ever mindful, that his home was in the skies, he did not forget, that while in the world he had duties to perform as well as privileges to enjoy. We might cite at least a hundred pages which would be deemed worthy of extract; we might adduce many a point which would supply a theme for interesting comment. These things, and much besides we might do, did space permit. We must, however, rest satisfied, for the present, with this general notice, and a most cordial commendation of the work, as one of the best pieces of biography that we have met for a considerable time. Mr. Pike was amongst our most esteemed correspondents; when last year we visited Derby on behalf of the Sunday School Union Jubilee, the meeting was held in his beautiful chapel, and on the occasion, at our instance, in the public meeting, although indisposed, he rose and expressed himself with great cordiality towards the general

subject. We look back to the circumstance with pleasure, although we little thought it was to be the last time we should ever look on the countenance of a man for whom, on public as well as personal grounds, we entertained so sincere and so deep a respect.

New England's Memorial. By NATHANIEL MORTON, Secretary to the Court for the Jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Sixth Edition. Also, Governor Bradford's History of Plymouth Colony -Portions of Prince's ChronologyGovernor Bradford's Dialogue-Governor Winslow's visits to Massasoit, with an Appendix, containing numerous Articles relating to the Labours, Principles, and Character of the Puritans and Pilgrims. Congregational Board of Publication, Bos

ton.

No volume, during the present century, has crossed the Atlantic clothed with such interest as the present. It contains the fundamental elements of the history of that which promises to become the greatest community the world ever saw. It is a collection of publications, of a documentary character, which are rarely met with in this country. We shall inquire in vain in the mass of even our Public Libraries for any one of the works embodied in the present publication-a publication which will contribute very much to illustrate the original portion of the Pilgrims' history. It is, indeed, impossible otherwise, fully either to read, or to understand it, and hence the Congregational Board of Publication have deserved passing well by their issuing the work in its present sumptuous and massive form. We prize it exceedingly; and we are sure it will be prized by all in this our native land, who interest themselves in an event which will ultimately be interesting to the whole globe. The book is a mirror in which the stern, but noble, and heavenward countenance of the pilgrims' character is strikingly seen. To read

it will be largely to share the spirit of it, and to drink at the same fountain with men like the Pilgrim Fathers, so strong to do and to suffer, while they laid the foundations of Empire.

It is difficult to give an adequate conception of the work by description. There is not a paragraph, nay, not a sentence in it, which is not fraught

with the deepest interest. It abounds in facts, historical and biographical, strikingly illustrative of the Gospel, while replete with incident by flood and field, all tending, more or less, to illustrate the proceedings and character of the Pilgrim Colony that settled at New Plymouth. We know not that we can by any means accomplish so much in a few words, as by citing the original title page of Morton's Memorial, which is as follows:

New England's Memorial; or, A Brief Relation of the most Memorable and Re

markable Passages of the Providence of God, manifested to the Planters of New England in America: with special reference to the first Colony thereof, called New Plymouth. As also a nomination of divers of the most eminent instruments deceased, both of Church and Commonwealth, improved in the first beginning and after progress of sundry of the respective jurisdictions in those parts; in reference unto sundry exemplary passages of their lives, and the time of their death.

Morton further adds, that the work is "published for the use and benefit of present and future generations." Nathaniel Morton, as Secretary to the Court for the Jurisdiction of New Plymouth, occupied the best possible position for the successful accomplishment of his enterprise, and enjoyed the most abundant facilities, and his publication shows with what skill and diligence he availed himself of them.

We have only to add our regret, that no provision seems made for a London publisher. We know not, indeed, that any other copy has yet reached this country but that which has been kindly transmitted to ourselves. The work, however, may be had of the American booksellers in Paternoster-row-the Messrs. Trübner and Co., who, we doubt not, will be happy to supply the British Churches with it by thousands.

countries. The Author attempts great things; and it will not be denied that he has largely succeeded in them. His aim is, as his translator has well expressed it, the loftiest that mortal man can set before himself-to unfold the meaning and harmony of all the recorded words which fell from the lips of the Word made flesh. The form of the work, to the British reader, will not be very inviting; but a little dogged patience and perseverance will soon reconcile him to it, and then he will enjoy it. The style of thought materially differs from that of the English mind. The minute subtilty of its analysis, its keen inquisition into the secret thread of every discourse, with some occasional novelties of theory or expression, it is hoped, will not lead the student to disparage it. If he keep the original text before his eye, and understand the value of true criticism, he will find, that Stier combines deep thought with deeper devotion. The very frequent vindication of the true meaning of the Scripture against fanciful or infidel interpretations will be found sometimes to interrupt the current of an exposition; but this is a minor consideration; it is to be membered, that the work is throughout an unwearied protest against the system of Rationalism. We may just observe, that there is here presented a harmony of the Gospels.

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Reformers before the Reformation, principally in Germany and the Netherlands. Depicted by DR. C. ULLMAN. T. and T. Clark, Edinburgh; Hamilton and Co., London. THE thesis, so to speak, of this work is the need of reformation in the church of certain abuses. The learned Author develops the plan of his undertaking in a very copious and luminous preface, which shows, not only the necessity of his work, but the ample materials existing for its completion. opens by exhibiting the idea of a reformation in general, setting forth its positive historical and practical character, applying the whole to the Reformation of the 16th century. Dr. Ullman is not one of those who give to men the glory which is due to God alone. He clearly shows that reformations are possible only in reformatory times; that is, in times when the hand of the Highest is put forth, touching the mind of the nation. Long before the appearance of Luther, Calvin, or Knox, there were men of a kindred spirit, and sharing largely, if not equally, in their capabilities; but the time, the set time, to favour the church was not come, and hence they lived but to witness, to pray, to believe, and to die in hope. Amongst these our

Author ranks Goch, Wesel, and Wessel, who, in their day, did great things to spread the knowledge of the truth, and to prepare the world for what was to follow. As with former, so with subsequent times; there are now in every Popish country, men rejoicing in the light, and imbued with the spirit of the Great Reformer, who are nevertheless, according to all human appearance, spending their strength for nought, although it will be seen, in due season, that it is much otherwise -that they were just filling the niche assigned them by Providence-that now they are labouring, and that men, yet unborn, will enter into their labours. Matters, viewed on a large scale, demonstrate that everything is carried on according to a plan, where all have their place, some high, and some low; but where man is nothing, and God is all in all.

The present work most strikingly and luminously exhibits this idea; and hence the strain of the work is peculiarly encouraging and strengthening to the hearts of the faithful, who may be depressed by the slow progress of the truth, and even by the apparent retrogression of reform principles.

The work consists of two books, the first of which is entitled, "John of Goch; or, the Need of the Reformation, in reference to the General Spirit of the Church." John of Goch is the embodiment of the idea which our Author labours to impart; and hence the first part of the volume starts with the birth of John, and sets forth various particulars connected with his education. He is next viewed in relation to Christian liberty; and then in opposition to the religious aberrations of his age, and of after times. The entire narrative is remarkable for its truth and beauty, presenting a very affecting instance of a pure and strong light shining forth in the midst of darkness.

John of Wesel forms the subject of the second book. This remarkable man may be said to take the subject up where Goch lays it down; that is, he was somewhat in advance of Goch. This good and great man was the embodiment of the Protestant Reformation developed in its full strength, and his whole life was one testimony against the Papacythat is, the Pope, the cardinals, the priesthood, and all the institutions of the system. The matter of Indulgences, in particular, roused him to the highest pitch of indignation. He and Luther may be viewed as identical in this climax of opposition. His writing, preaching, spirit, and conduct, formed one great and potent unity of antagonism.

Such is a glance at the matter and the object of this work, which constitutes Volume I.; and so well are we pleased with it, that we trust it may extend beyond two. It is a species of literature so thoroughly wholesome, that its extensive suffusion is greatly to be desired, especially at the present time. When completed, it will constitute incomparably the best introduction to the history of the Great Reformation extant. It has this striking peculiarity, that the men and their times were introductory; and hence there is nothing artificial about the introduction. The great facts in the drama of Providence are collected, com

bined, and exhibited, and these constitute the precursor of the splendid narrative of D'Aubigné. The Author has, therefore, rightly judged that this is the proper method of depicting the different tendencies of the age, which can in no way be so effectually done as through the medium of persons, seeing, that thus many things become more lively and concrete than it is possible, in any other way, to present them. We do trust, that life and health will be preserved to the erudite Author until he shall have completed his masterly and comprehensive idea. He seems deeply alive to the perils of the period we live in, justly observing, "That the Evangelical theology of our day is threatening, on two sides, to forsake the principles of the Reformers. One party, relinquishing the historical basis, and all that is positive and vital in Christianity, have cast themselves wholly into the arms of Idealism, and that generally Pantheistic. Another, adhering strictly to the positive, refuse to recognize it in any but a single, strictly defined, and fixed formula of Christianity, and are destitute of desire for advancement, and of the spirit of vital reform."

Such is a general view of the work which, we are sure, will suffice to commend it to the attention of the reading public-a work, not only seasonable to the days which are passing over us, but particularly valuable as proceeding from Germany. We view it as a powerful antidote to the serious evils which have been hitherto issuing from that country, and all the more as the bane and the antidote grow up in the same soil.

Manna in the Heart; or, Daily Comments on the Book of Psalms. Adapted to the Use of Families. By BARTON BOUCHIER, A.M. Vol. I. Shaw.

THIS is the first of two volumes, of which the work is to consist. It will be seen that the title represents the book as designed for families; it is, however, equally adapted for private reading. It is proper to explain that the object of Mr. Bouchier is set forth by himself. Here there is no attempt at profundity or erudition; all is intentionally simple and popular. Those who desire publications of this description will not have far to seek for them; but works calculated to fill the space Mr. Bouchier aims to occupy are not so numerous. The best of our day, undoubtedly, is that of Dr. Morison, which, somehow or other, has been suffered to fall into the shade. A more wholesome and everyway worthy treatise on the Psalms than that of Dr. Morison cannot be desired. Bishop Horne's is an exceedingly sweet but withal a feeble effort; and but for the circumstance of its having been the production of a bishop, had never attained to a tithe of its celebrity. It has long since descended to its proper place.

Mr. Bouchier appears to have been in the habit-and an excellent habit, too-of giving running comments on the Scripture at family worship. These, from the nature of the case, were of course simple, affectionate, personal, and practical. Now the worthy Author's ob

ject has been to admit other families to share the benefit enjoyed by his own. In doing this, of necessity there is somewhat more of the set and formal than obtained in his free addresses to his own household; but notwithstanding this, the colloquial simplicity which gives to such a work its principal charm is successfully retained. The main thing, however, with which the public are concerned is the spirit of the Author, and the manner in which he has dealt with his glorious subject; and here they will find all in the highest degree satisfactory. The Gospel of the Psalms is brought out in all its fulness and beauty. Let our readers first go through the Psalms in company with Mr. Bouchier, and when they have arrived at the conclusion they will be able to return to the beginning of their path, and proceed alone. The book may be defined as an excellent example of devout meditation on the word of God.

Liber Cantabrigiensis; An Account of the Aids afforded to poor Students; the Encouragements to diligent Students; and the Rewards conferred on successful Students, in the University of Cambridge; to which is prefixed a Collection of Maxims, Aphorisms, and so forth, designed for the use of the learner. By R. Potts, M.A. Parker and Son.

IN this title there is much that is captivating, more especially to studious men, and those that have interested themselves in

public education. The book is calculated to be remarkably useful, by presenting the public at large with the means of accurate information on a multitude of subjects, concerning which they must otherwise have remained in the dark. As the title page bears, there is prefixed to the volume a body of Aphorisms. These alone are well worth publication, since they present an exceedingly valuable embodiment of fact and opinion, from a multitude of our best and ablest men of the present and former times.

Having deposited the contents of his Common-place Book in these admirable Aphorisms, Mr. Potts proceeds to review the component parts of the University, consisting of some seventeen colleges. This paves the way for the counties, which are taken up alphabetically, beginning with Bedfordshire, and ending with Monmouthshire; the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey, are brought forward, with their Institutions, while the chartered companies of London are severally set forth with the provisions they have made for the culture of the rising mind.

Such is the book, and there is here developed an apparatus for intellectual cultivation, which, properly worked, might prove instrumental of great and lasting good to the whole of this mighty community. The book is highly instructive as well as captivating. It reflects no small credit on the zeal of our Author on behalf of popular instruction.

Modern Popery; A Series of Letters on some

of its important Aspects. By B. EVANS. Houlston and Stoneman.

THESE letters do great credit to their Author;

they give abundant proof that he has begirded himself in good earnest to the study of the great and awful subject. Among the various publications which of late years have appeared on this theme, we would give a high place to the present volume. The view is necessarily on the great points rather than on the system ramified; but for popular purposes it is on this account all the more valuable. Mr. Evans very properly observes, that to overthrow, and entirely to annihilate the deadly error of Popery, is the duty of all who love humanity and the interests of truth and righteousness-only, however, by moral means. He avows himself second to none in his unmingled hatred of the doctrines of the Church of Rome; but to the civil rights of Romanists he is still an unwavering friend. Mr. Evans will do well to meditate carefully the precise import of the terms. thus employed. Let him never forget, that the "civil rights" of Romanists are always strongly tinged with a religious character. Let them have their own notions of their rights" once fairly established, and Mr. Evans, and such as he, will no longer have the privilege of presenting to the world such testimonials as the admirable volume now in our hands. Popery is a thing, per se, unlike any other system of religion known amongst men. It claims the world, with all its occupants, for itself, and a power which extends to both earth and heaven. The number is not great of those who really understand the subject, else there had been less condemnation of our Reformation Fathers for the course pursued towards Papists in these realms. The alternative was, excluding or being excluded-fettering or being fettered. What may now be safe to us, might have been in the highest degree perilous to them. What may now be safe to us, at least for a season, may yet not be founded on sound principles of civil polity-may neither be required, nor even permitted, by a rigorous adherence to the highest principles.

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The Believer's Journey, and Future Home in the Better Land. By the Rev. AUGUSTUS C. THOMPSON. With a Preface, by Dr. ARCHER. London: Blackwood and Sons. WE are familiar with Dr. Archer as a preacher, and as a platform orator, and very partially as an Author; but this is the first instance, as far as we remember, of his occupying the place of an introducer. Here, however, as everywhere, we find the worthy Doctor at home, all heart, all manhood, and all hope. In fact, the Preface might pass as a fragment, or noble flight, of some of his Exeter Hall Orations; nor should we be at all surprised, although we remember it not, that it has been spoken there, for it is remarkably excellent, beautiful, tender, and strong.

abrupt, but generally fresh, and pictorial, everywhere full of meaning, and not seldom suggestive of important thought. Opening his parable, he proceeds to Canaan; and here, the journey commenced, we have discussions on the waymarks-Glimpses of the Land-the Passage-Recognition of Friends-the Heavenly Banquet-Children in Heaven-Society of Angels-no Tears in Heaven-Holiness of Heaven-Activity in Heaven-Resurrection Body-Perpetuity of Bliss in Heaven. Under these divers headings we have a considerable amount of striking, original, and important observations. While the Author is thoroughly sound, he is yet captivating, instructive, and stimulating. There is much in the book that is suited to edify, and we shall not be greatly surprised, at a future time, to hear that it has been extensively useful in our own as well as in the Author's native country. Our Boys; what shall we do with them? By G. E. SARGENT. Groombridge and Sons. THE question forming the title-page of this book is one of very great moment. There are few questions that can be put to British society more so. Parental love naturally prompts parental effort to promote the welfare of boys; and he is assuredly to be viewed as a friend to society, who steps forward to give a judicious answer to this all-important question. The present small, and very unpretending tractate, is well worth the shilling charged for it. It is the fruit of sound judgment, extensive observation, and an earnest solicitude for the welfare of a most interesting class. That such a question should have to be put, only shows the artificial state of things amongst us. In a country where nature has scope, and society is developed, as in the United States, the question, unless in a very passing way, never occurs; for every boy that a virtuous household can present situations are abundant.

The Author has been careful to observe the progress of boyhood, and hence we have a very interesting chapter, entitled, "Dull Boys, and Geniuses;" two classes in strong antagonism to each other, although it so happens that a dull boy often turns out the greater man. Walter Scott was proclaimed a dull boy-a lump of a lad, of whom the pedagogue could make nothing. But in due season the shell burst, the fire burst forth, the world was illumined, and millions enraptured by the effusions of his genius. We are glad to find this fact acknowledged by our Author, who boldly states, that it is one of the lessons of biography. He tells us, that among philosophers, statesmen, literary men, mechanists, and, in fact, every useful walk of life, we often find that the past dunce has become the eminent man."

We have dissertations here, On_keeping Boys at Home, the Choice of a Business, Apprenticeship, Premiums, Tradesmen's Assistants, Qualification of a Master, and so forth. The little volume has our very cordial commendation.

A Present Heaven: Letters to a Friend. Constable and Co., Edinburgh; Hamilton and Co., London.

THE object of this little work is one of su

preme importance: it is only when fully read that it can make its full impression, and bring forth its appropriate results. The object of the Author, therefore, is to show what will be the effect of receiving it partially; and having done this he next shows the effect of receiving it historically and prophetically, closing with an able letter depicting the consequences of receiving it implicitly. It will thus be seen, that the Author aims to deal with personal salvation, and that his object is to enable the reader to distinguish between the form of godliness and the power of it.

The Gift and the Gauge. By ROBERT CowE, A.M. Nisbet and Co.

THE Gift and the Gauge is an expression which to most readers will impart but a very indistinct idea of the contents of the book; but when they come to examine it they will find that there is both pertinence and beauty in the selection of the terms. The object of the volume is to develop the parable of the talents, which is done with superior ability, in a clear, vivacious, and racy style, much calculated to fix attention and to insinuate important truth. There is an air of elegance pervading the work, and a stream of brilliancy stretching throughout the whole; style, however, is only a secondary consideration with the writer, who is clearly, as became him, far more intent on propelling than dazzling his reader. Style he holds as a means to an end; but, fully alive to the importance of means throughout, he has used style with skill and ability. The volume is a very valuable addition to our practical theology, particularly in times like these. It is important to have the truth brought forward, as it is here brought, with correct.. ness, force, and feeling.

The Excelsior Library: The Bible. By J. F. SHAW.

MR. SHAW has not been very explicit on the subject of his labours. He states, however, that it will be the great object with the writer to give a general sketch of the subject discussed, so as to impress the reader with its facts and principles; and if these prove interesting, to prepare the way for further study. If this, the first, may be taken as a specimen of that which is to follow, whether the Library obtain success or not, it will assuredly deserve it. A better constructed or better executed dissertation has seldom come to our hands, while the subject is the highest approachable by man. Speaking of the Bible, the following questions determine the mode of discussion:-What is it? whence came it? how came it? wherefore came it? All these questions are answered in a manner the most satisfactory, and within the narrowest possible limits.

Infants asleep in Jesus; or, Light on Little Graves. By Rev. ALEXANDER CUTHBERT, A.M. Shepherd and Co., Edinburgh; Hamilton and Co., London.

IF it be remembered that no small part of the sorrows of life flow from the death of