was herself a persevering and successful labourer in the vineyard of the Lord. The author has, with admirable tact and complete success, outlined his mother's portrait, so as to present a very impressive and captivating character. Mr. Jobson thinks that Wesleyan Methodism is "often much misunderstood," since " even men who write and speak of it, strangely misrepresent it, more especially when they make references to its peculiar and social means of grace." We of course entirely dissent from the correctness of our author's opinion. We believe it is as completely understood by multitudes beyond its pale as by Mr. Jobson himself. Nevertheless, entertaining this view, to which he is perfectly entitled, he here endeavours to exhibit what he considers its true features; and it cannot be denied that they are beautiful and lovely.

The volume consists of letters, eighteen in number. The subjects of these cheering epistles are varied, largely biographical, and we might say, pictorial.

Methodistic society is here presented in a sort of panoramic view, we should say, as in a kaleidoscope, where much is seen that is striking, touching, and full of spiritual beauty. If any fault is to be found with the volume, it is that the matter is not more abundant; for such is the value we attach to a great part of it, that we could have wished for much more. In this busy, and with many in matters of reading not very energetic, day, it may nevertheless be all the more welcome, inasmuch as it will not make a very heavy demand on the time or the attention of the reader. Remarkably adapted to Methodistic circles, it may be profitably read by others.

Little Millie, and her Four Places. By MARGARET MARIA BREWSTER. Constable and Co.; Hamilton and Co. MULTITUDES, like ourselves, will be glad to meet with Miss Brewster again. She is one of those companions with whom it is hardly possible to meet and part without interest, instruction, amusement, and general benefit. Her volumes," Work; or, Plenty to Do, and How to Do it," "Sunbeams in the Cottage," and "Little Millie," have achieved for her a reputation which will not soon die. "Little Millie," originally published in crown octavo, at 3s. 6d., and then very cheap, is now presented in a cheap edition, for 1s., which ought to lead to its tenfold circulation.

The gifted writer professedly sends forth the work in the hope that it may interest the young servant girls, whose heart she wished to reach, and whose approbation she peculiarly wishes to gain. It will be a pleasant reward to her, she tells us, if an hour of their holiday or spare time be filled up profitably by its perusal; if thoughts of its warnings and encouragements remain to cheer and animate the hours of labour of those who, like little Millie, seek to be faithful servants of God and man.

As we were among the first to notice, in terms of very strong approbation, Miss Brewster's work on " Plenty to Do, and How to Do it," we are not a little rejoiced to find that, in so brief a space, the eighteenth thousand of the first series, and the twelfth of the second, have already been called for a tolerable proof of inherent merit, and the public intelligence, so promptly and abundantly to appreciate it. At the outset of the career of Miss Brewster, we knew nothing of that lady beyond her works. Once and again, however, a feeling of curiosity arose to know something of the authoress; and an idea shot athwart our minds, "Can she be related to the far-famed Sir David Brewster, principal of St. Andrew's University?" The preface to the present edition of" Little Millie," we are very happy to find, settles that point, forasmuch as it is dated St. Andrew's College, St. Andrew's, July 31st, 1855. Having just completed the perusal of Sir David's Life of the illustrious Newton, we are all the more gratified by the discovery. For a lengthened period, Sir David Brewster has shone as a star of the first magnitude in the firmament of Modern Science; and his lustre has been incalculably enhanced by the fact, that, in his case, science has been stamped with sanctity. While the first of modern philosophers, he is not ashamed to avow his faith in the pages of Inspiration, and has ever stood prepared to do battle with the Infidel science of our day. His Life of Newton presents the noblest testimony that has yet been borne to the true spirit and character of that extraordinary man; but we may not at present enlarge on this subject, although we could not repress these thoughts, which were prompted by the pleasure derived from the discovery of the relation of Miss Brewster to the great philosopher.

We have just one suggestion to make, which is, that every mistress of a house in Great Britain should present to her servants a copy of the cheap edition of" Millie," most confident that never was shilling better bestowed. Were we to define the little book, it would be something like this: Female Service Sanctified; or, Christian Principle exemplified in active Life. Millie's extract book has in it more wisdom, worth, and Christian principle, than waggon-loads of volumes of sermons which have been issued by modern Bishops. This book assuredly is no mean affair. Its lessons on charitytruth-what little hands and hearts can dohints to young girls going to service-description of three servants-advice to nursery maids-bad company-things to look at, and how to look-all these are richly fraught with the cream of Christian wisdom. There

are here and there touches of science, simplified even to kitchen comprehension, and lessons on the planets, which bespeak the philosopher's daughter.

Two Months in and about the Camp before Sebastopol. By R. C. MACORMICK. Westley.

THIS is, we believe, the only publication we have received from the United States on the subject of the dreadful war now being waged in the East. Mr. Macormick arrived at Constantinople on the first day of December last; and there commences his minute, multifarious, vivid, and amusing narrative. Mr. Macormick possesses a rare gift of depicting characters and telling stories. It is to be understood that he did not go forth on a book-making enterprise, but simply to observe just what was going on, without the remotest idea of any subsequent publication. Circumstances soon arose to press publication on his attention, and the result is the elegant volume now before us.

We know not that we can better describe the thing than by just saying, that it will go far to place the reader, without expense, labour, or danger, in exactly the same circumstances with the author. The facts, incidents, and anecdotes here recorded, are all but innumerable. Every person almost of any importance connected with the work, and everything deserving of notice, as well as all the circumstances which transpired during his sojourn, are carefully recorded. It is a real life-like-and, we believe, a very truthful-picture of the most extraordinary scene of the kind upon record. Everything is brief, indicating the author's object to crowd the largest possible amount of matter into the smallest amount of space. It will form a body of very instructive reading.

The Memorial of Jesus. By the Rev. J. R. LEIFCHILD, M.A. With Observations on Sacramental Communion. By the Rev. Dr. LEIFCHILD. Ward and Co.

THE conception of this beautiful little tractate was excellent, and the discussion is worthy of it. The union of one or more friends in the production of publications of various magnitudes, on various subjects, is no uncommon thing; but it is rare for a father and a son to appear in the same page. We believe there is no instance in which they have done so in the matter of the communion of the body and blood of the Lord. The sight of such a manual will gratify a multitude of the present generation; and in that which is to come it will possess a twofold attraction. The occasion of the publication was the preaching of a sermon at Brighton, preparatory to the administration of the Lord's Supper by the preacher's father; and the opinion which intelligent individuals expressed that its publication was calculated to promote the great object of Christian communion, led to what followed.

The sermon has, of course, been enlarged, and adapted to this method of exhibition; while the second part supplies a long-felt want of a brief publication on the subject, which cannot be too largely distributed, for

though brief-very brief-it comprises the marrow of the ministrations on this great question of one of the first preachers of the present age.

The Faith of Dying Jacob. By R. GOUGE. Book Society.

ROBERT GOUGE was a man very famous in his generation. Few men surpassed him in gifts and graces. The friend of Owen, it was his honour and privilege to publish the Gospel of mercy in the same vineyard-that is, in the parish of Coggeshall, where he sowed with a strong hand the Gospel of the grace of God during the latter portion of the seventeenth century. Commencing about the year 1675, he laboured on till 1688, when he finished his course, and "entered into the joy of his Lord." The present little volume is one which will be highly prized by the faithful.

Expository Sketches in the Gospels and Narratives, viewed as a Harmonious History of our Lord's Life and Ministry. By G. R. TALBOT, M.A. Part I. Wertheim and Co.

THE Conception of this work is somewhat original, and the specimen part, that is part I., here supplied, encourages the hope that, when completed, it will prove a very valuable publication. The arrangement is according to Gresswell's Harmonia Evangelica, and the Treasury Harmony of Mimpriss. There is a remarkable fulness about the matter: we have here eighteen pennyworth of genuine Theology-the exposition of the pure Word of God. We can hardly doubt that it will obtain a very extensive circulation.

Meditations on the Song of Solomon.
Edition. Theobald.

Second

THE Song of Solomon has always been a favourite with old people of thoroughly evangelical sentiments. There are already extant many expositions of it; but this is by far the most concise and compact that has yet met our eye. It will be a good pocket companion to the devout Christian, with which he may refresh his spirit in contemplative solitude, and derive consolation to support him under the cares and burdens of life.

Little Millie: a Narrative of a Pious Child, who Died at the age of Ten. Book Society.

THIS is a beautiful narrative, calculated alike to benefit old and young. It is especially a book for the Sunday-school.

Biblical Instructions for Young Persons. By GEORGE PRITCHARD. Book Society. WHILE this volume professes to contemplate nothing higher than the young, there is not a page of it which may not contribute to instruct and edify the old.

Admonitory Hints to Communicants. By GEORGE PRITCHARD. Book Society. We have here six sections of well-digested instructions, which Communicants, both old and young, may peruse with special advan tage.

AN

ATTEMPT TO EXHIBIT SOME OF THE INFLUENCES WHICH AFFECTED ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY AND RELIGIOUS LIFE DURING THAT PERIOD.

Lecture I.-The Divine Ideal and the Human Realization.-Remarks Explanatory of the Course-Distinction between the Ideal of Christianity, as exhibited in the New Testament, and the actual State of Christendom in the Primitive Age. 1. History and Nature of the former-Sphere which Christianity was intended to occupy-Its Relation to Judaism-Fundamental Doctrines of the Gospel-Peculiarities of Local Ecclesiæ as compared with the one Catholic Ecclesia. 2. History and Character of the Human Realization of Christianity-Causes which modified the effect of Divine TeachingActual Condition of the First ChurchesPractical and Speculative Theology of the Age-Spiritual Life of the Early BelieversIts Varieties, Defects, and Excellences.

Lecture II. Age of Innovations.-Christendom before the First Council of Nice-Its Opinions and Practices no Authority for us. 1. Theology, and the Effect produced on it by the Philosophical Methods of the AgeRepresentative Men-Characteristic Features of Ante-Nicene Theology. 2. The Church System, as affected by certain Innovations-Priestism Asceticism-Secularism. 3. Religious Life-How modified by the Theology and Church System - Condition of Christianity in Great Cities-Characteristic Specimens of Ante-Nicene Piety.

Lecture III. Age of Development.-Christendom between the First and Second Council of Nice-Development-its Nature, History, and Authoritative Test. 1. Developments of Secularism-Priestism-Asceticism-the Church System generally-and Theology. 2. Effects of these Developments as seen in City Churches and their Bishops-Constantinople and Rome-Pictures of the Religion of the Times-Piety of distinguished Churchmen-Christendom immediately before the Fall of the Roman Empire-Influence of Post-Nicene Christianity on Gothic Nations.

Lecture IV. Age of Traditionalism.Christendom during the Middle AgesSecond Council of Nice-Separation of the Eastern from the Western Church-First Period of Medieval Christendom. 1. Mediæval Politics-The State, the Hierarchy, and the Papacy; their Relative Positions; Conflicts for Ascendancy-Connection between

Ecclesiastical Aggressions, and the Principles of a former Age. 2. Mediæval Churches Image Altar Confessional; their Mediæval Significancy, and their Relation to the Sentiments and Usages of Earlier Times. 3. Mediæval Schools-Traditional Opinions-Patristic Authority-Transcendental Speculation-Dialectie TheologySpiritual Divinity.

Lecture V.-Age of Traditionalism continued.-4. Medieval Monasteries Influences upon them-Their Varieties, Corruptions, and Reforms-Comparison of Mediaval with Early Monachism. 5. Mediæval Society-Influence of Asceticism outside the Monastery-Specimens of Religious Character-Protests against Ecclesiastical Corruptions-Distinction between the Church System and Spiritual Christianity—their Influence respectively.

Lecture VI. Age of Agitation and Reaction.-Second Period of Medieval Christendom-The Fourth Council of LateranSocial Excitement and its Sources-Developments of Individuality. 1. Illustrations of the Age, derived from Historical Events -Conflicts with the Papacy-Strivings after Reform by Mendicant Orders-Spirit underlying Outward Facts-Types of Character. 2. Illustrations from Theological Literature -Scholasticism-Conflicts between Nominalists and Realists; their Significancy and Effect-The Schoolmen as Divines-The Dialectic Divine-The Mystic Divine-Varieties of Religious Character-Thinkers and Workers.

Lecture VII. Age of Agitation and Reaction continued.-3. Illustrations from Art and Legendary Lore-Relation of these to the Religious and Ethical Spirit of the AgeMirrors of Popular Sentiment-Their Influence at the Time as Memorials of the Past and Preparations for the Future. 4. Illustrations from the Rise and Progress of Sects, and the Lives and Labours of ReformersSects within the Dominant Church-Ascetic, Mystic, Communistic-Associations outside the Church-Waldenses, Lollards, etc.Ideal applied to the Realization-The Reformation an End and a Beginning.

Lecture VIII. Conclusion.-Ecclesiastical History, so far as reviewed in these Lectures, a History of Corruptions-A Record of Spiritual Life-A Witness to the Constant Presence and Agency of the Holy Spiritand a Virtual Protest against the very evils which it exhibits.

ALBION CHAPEL, SOUTHAMPTON. THE services in connection with the Eleventh Anniversary of this place of worship were held towards the close of September. The church and congregation assembling at Albion Chapel have been exceedingly anxious to liquidate that portion of the debt on the chapel for which the friends belonging to the Building Committee were personally liable,

viz., £950, leaving only a mortgage debt of £2,000 on this elegant and commodious structure. After powerful and eloquent sermons on Sunday, by the Rev. H. J. Gamble, of London, who occupied the pulpit in the morning and evening, and in the afternoon by the Rev. W. Roberts, the minister of the chapel, liberal collections were made in aid of the above-mentioned effort.

On Monday a public tea meeting was held in the capacious school and lecture-rooms, which was attended by about 520 people. At half-past six o'clock, a most numerously attended meeting was held in the chapel, under the presidency of the Worshipful the Mayor, Sampson Payne, Esq., who was supported by the Rev. Messrs. Gamble, Adkins, Woodwark, Roberts, Pugh, Philp, Wright, Sincox, etc., etc. After devotional exercises, the Chairman opened the meeting in an encouraging address, concluding with a liberal donation of ten guineas; and was followed by the Rev. W. Roberts, who read a very satisfactory report of the proceedings of the church and its institutions during the year which he had laboured amongst them; remarking on the interesting fact, that the day of their meeting was the exact anniversary of his settlement amongst them as their pastor.

The treasurer, Mr. Wm. Lankester, then presented the financial report. He stated that the members of the Building Committee having felt that great exertions were required to realize so large a sum as £950, had themselves offered liberal donations, amounting to £515, on the twofold condition; first, that the whole amount should be raised, and then that all the individuals legally responsible for the amount should be contributors of an honourable proportion. He next explained that on New Year's Day last, collecting books and boxes had been distributed amongst the families of the congregation, to specially assist the effort they had that day met to make, and that this agency, exerted amongst a large number of Christian friends, in all parts of the kingdom, had been so successfully worked, principally by the young ladies of the congregation, that from this source alone there had been realized no less a sum than £302 11s. 5d., including donations varying from one farthing to £10 10s. This fact gave great pleasure to those present, and furnished an indubitable proof of the efficacy of the voluntary principle, and of the great results attainable by continued and widely-directed efforts. The treasurer further remarked, that, in addition to the £950, a sum of about £40 to £50 was required for expenses and interest, making, in round numbers, £1,000. To supply this deficiency, he appealed to the generous sympathy of the meeting, and, a collection having been made, and papers filled up by various friends, announcing the sum they would contribute, he informed the meeting that the sums announced above, the collections of that evening and of the previous day, the profits of the tea, and the written promises of individuals present, amounted to no less a sum than £933.

The worthy Chairman then said he was sure the meeting would not allow £17 to remain unliquidated, and offered £2 more

towards the deficiency. This good example was speedily followed, and the sum total amounted to upwards of £950. The treasurer also announced that a new clock, which had just been erected on the front of the chapel, had been most generously subscribed for by the public at large, and that he believed sufficient funds had been promised to place it out of debt.

During the evening the meeting was addressed by all the ministers before named, in relation to the Past, the Present, and the Future. A tone of hearty interest was maintained throughout, each succeeding speaker adding his congratulations at the great success that had attended this large undertaking.

On Tuesday evening, the children belonging to the Sabbath-schools, to the number of about 340, were regaled with tea, cake, etc.; after which two experimental lectures on scientific subjects were delivered, and some excellent music was also performed for their gratification, as an acknowledgment for their unwearied efforts, in having collected, in farthings and pence, a sum of £119, in aid of the debt on the chapel and school-rooms.

Thus terminated these meetings, as effective as any we have ever witnessed in this town in connection with any religious movement whatever, and affording another powerful proof of what can be achieved by voluntary efforts.

This case is one of the most gratifying of the kind that we have met with for a long time. The father of this highly promising young minister was one of our most valued friends. He was an excellent man and an excellent preacher. Alas! it was our lot to bury him, at Odiham, where he was pastor, in the prime of life. Thanks be to God, that one of his own dear sons is baptized for the dead! The God of his father keep and bless him, and honour him with vast success!-ED.

RESIGNATION.

WALLINGFORD, BERKS.-The truly venerable minister of the Independent church in this town, the Rev. Wm. Harris, has just been obliged, by failing health, to give up his pastoral office. Mr. Harris is in his seventy-first year, has preached fifty-one years, and has completed the forty-third year of his ministry in Wallingford. On Lord's day, the 16th inst., there was presented in that ancient church a very touching scene. Their much esteemed pastor preached in the morning, admitted an addition to the members of the fellowship, and then told them it was that day forty-three years he commenced his ministry among them, and that now they must seek another minister. Mr. Harris is the father of the Berks Association, the office of whose secretary he has most efficiently filled for many years; an office in which his admirable business habits, his gentlemanly deportment, and his unaffected piety, commanded the confidence, and endeared him to the hearts of all his brethren. May his declining days be full of consolation and peace!

source

There is a beautiful precept in one of the Psalms: "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Its meaning is worth looking into. The most beautiful characters are the most holy. How lovely is the character of the holy lives of John and of Paul! Who is not acquainted with some one who shows forth the beauty of holiness:some old man, an aged saint, all gentleness, unselfishness, and love or one in the prime of life, beloved by all, and working to save souls: some young maiden, with the ornament of a meek and lovely spirit, adorned with the gems of hope, charity, patience, and trust or some dear young child, lisp ing the name of Jesus, and longing, like him, daily to increase in favour with God and man? Holiness is very beautiful.

But we are to worship the Lord in this "beauty of holiness." There are several things essential to beauty. One is truth; so the holiness of our worship must be true holiness. Another is perfection; so we must strive after perfect holiness. Another is congruity; therefore our lives must agree with our worship. Then there is utility; and we know that holiness is most useful, nay necessary, for "without holiness, no man shall see the Lord." Another essential to many kinds of beauty is durability; so our holiness must be lasting. Another is that it be after a copy. All the beauty discoverable in the productions of men results from a copy, single or combined, of the works of nature. We have à copy for our holiness-Jesus Christ, the righteous, a perfect copy; and moreover we

VOL. XII.

Thus we see that this phrase: "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," is one of the most full, fit, and beautiful of precepts.

We are told that holiness becometh the house of the Lord for ever. Not only as long as David lived, or the tabernacle stood, but for ever. Both then and now, on earth and in heaven, true worship is holy worship.

In order to give to God a worship of holiness, what must we avoid?

1. Entrance must not be given to "wandering thoughts." We all know how easily one thought runs into another. That it is so, is a law of mind. Starting by noticing something near, one may at length, as it were, awake, and find his thoughts have been wandering to the other end of the world. I say, entrance must not be given to them, not that we must wage a crusade against them, for the more we strive to expel them from the mind, the more are we distracted from that we should attend to. The only way to keep evil thoughts out, is to have the mind filled with good ones. An intense feeling of God's awful majesty and his requirements, our littleness and dependence upon him, our need of his blessing, and inability to serve him aright, leave no room for ill thoughts to creep in.

2. Admission must not be afforded to any alien subject. The merchant must not allow himself to think of his business; of the probable gain in his speculations, and the chances of failure; of the balance he will have next time stock is taken, or the customers he may expect next day. The parent must not employ his mind with thoughts of his children, their chances of success, or their present happiness, the amiable characteristics they evidence, or the evil in their hearts which must be eradicated. The schoolboy must not think of to-morrow's games; the author concoct his tale, or picture his coming fame; nor the novel reader speculate

2 N