they "entertain Sandemanian views of the pastoral office, almost sinking it in the mutual exhortations of the brethren; and, whilst the English Baptists are becoming more liberal, admitting Pædobaptists to the Lord's Supper, the sect before us excludes, not only Independents, but also those Baptists who do not admit Sandemanian church polity. . . . . Intent on forming a perfect church, they are diverted from the end for which the church exists on earth, the glory of Christ in the propagation of the Gospel. The consequences of this error are beginning to appear, in a disposition to make adult immersion essential, not only to Christian communion, but also to salvation; and, as extremes meet, some of these ultra Protestants are verging towards the Popish tenet, which inseparably associates, if not absolutely identifies, baptism with remission of sins.

As a

sect of Dissenters in England, the Scotch Baptists are not entitled to a large space in history, either for their numbers, the eminence of their preachers and writers, or their influence on the public mind. Not indigenous, they seem not likely to be naturalized; but accord better with the genius of the Scotch, who enter more keenly into minute distinctions, than with the temper of the south, which has never shown much taste for the Sandemanian leaven."

Those who wish to form accurate conceptions of the late Rev. E. Irving and his party, may be able, by consulting Dr. Bennett's chapter headed, "The Irvingites," to possess themselves of a philosophical as well as historical view of that outburst of religious enthusiasm.

The second chapter, on the History of Religious Liberty, is a judicious outline of the steps which have been taken by Dissenters, during the last thirty years, to assert for themselves the full right to a participation in all the privileges of the British constitution; with an ample record of the beneficial results which have sprung from this long and somewhat irksome struggle. Those Dissenters who hail the acquired boon of liberty, but who would not move a finger of their hand to assist in the mighty achievement, would do well to ponder this most instructive chapter. The historian of a future day will assuredly testify to the honour of Protestant Dissenters of the present age, that they have done much to improve the working of the British constitution, as well as to secure for themselves and their children a relief from many odious restrictions under which they had lain from the period of the Revolution downwards.

The third chapter, which relates to Seminaries for the Dissenting Ministry, will

supply to candid Churchmen in this country, and to enlightened foreigners abroad, a just view of the vigorous steps which have been taken, by Dissenters, to educate the rising ministry of their churches; deprived as they are (without a sacrifice of conscience) of the benefits of admission into our two great Seats of national learning. We rejoice to think, that the theological seminaries of orthodox Dissenters, now twenty-four in number, including that of the Wesleyans, are for the most part becoming every day more efficient organs for training up a learned and pious ministry.

The fourth chapter enumerates the controversies in which Dissenters have been engaged during the last few years of their history, and presents a condensed and philosophical view of them. Reference is made in this chapter to Dr. Edward Williams's masterly work on Equity and Sovereignty; to the controversy on Calvinism generally; on Socinianism; on Dissent; on Infidelity; on Religious Liberty; on Baptism; and on terms of Communion. This chapter will be very valuable to posterity, as it ought to be very interesting to the present generation.

The fifth and sixth chapters, on the External and Internal State of Dissenters, contain many statistical and religious details of vast importance to a correct view of the present position of Dissent in this country. The fifth chapter, in particular, we recommend to the careful perusal of all who may be disposed to judge of the best and the worst portions of Dissent by the actual facts of the case. It is an admirably written article, containing a mass of well digested and truly interesting information; conceived and expressed in the spirit of Christian candour to those who do not belong to any of the Dissenting bodies.

But the last chapter will, we presume, be the great favourite with the mass of our readers. It is a very long one, and is exclusively devoted to the biography of some of the more distinguished Dissenters who have passed off the stage of life during the last thirty years. The sketches are vivid, and characteristic, and we think, upon the whole, very impartial. They embrace Memoirs of Dr. Rees, Mr. Belsham, Dr. Waugh, Mr. Toller, Mr. Roby, Mr. Burder, Mr. Spencer, Dr. Morrison, (of Canton,) Mr. Fuller, Mr. Hall, Dr. Carey, Mr. Lindley Murray, Mr. Matthew Wilks, Mr. John Hyatt, Mr. Richard Watson, Dr. Adam Clarke, Joseph Hardcastle, Esq., John Broadley Wilson, Esq., Thomas Wellman, Esq., Mrs. Rebecca Welman, and Mrs. Rebecca Wilkinson.

The concluding section of the volume

consists of a rapid but afflicting survey of the causes which have operated, with more or less force, from the apostolic age downwards, in producing those secessions from the dominant religious communities which have given rise to the existence of Dissent. It will be found, in its bearing upon Protestant Dissent, to contain a pungent reply to those short-sighted Protestants, who would maintain the validity of their own protest against the errors of Rome, but who would instantly proscribe the right of a virtuous protest in others, if it should venture to touch the sanctity of that ecclesiastical ark which was reared by the hand of Elizabeth, and which has come down to the present age as a thing too sacred to be touched or amended by the hand of man.

We are glad to see the Third Edition of this interesting work. It supplies to all who are interested about the state and prospects" of China, information which they will seek for in vain in other books. More of the real character of the Chinese may be learned from the pages of Mr. Gutzlaff than from all the accounts of all the embassies which have been sent by the various nations to that country. He came into contact with the China-man, and not the mere governmental automaton. The first of these voyages was performed in a native vessel, Mr. Gutzlaff being the only European on board. The hardships which he endured, and the obstacles which he surmounted, redound to the honour of his Christian zeal and perseverance. It is decidedly the most interesting of the three exhibiting much of the Chinese character with which the Missionary was continually in contact, and of the power of Christian truth and faith to support the mind amid the most depressing circumstances. Some of the sailors twice conspired to murder him, believing that he was possessed of wealth. We mention this circumstance, because every one of these individuals was an opium smoker. Whatever moral sense and feeling heathenism may have left in the debased inhabitants of this country, English merchants-the traffickers who are the honourable of the earth-are

proceeding to eradicate by the introduction of this pernicious drug.

The second voyage is interesting from its commercial bearings. It was performed in the ship Lord Amherst, fitted out by Mr. Majoribanks, President of the Select Committee at Canton, to ascertain whether any of the ports of China could be open to British enterprise. Much light is thrown upon the character of the natives along the coast, and sufficient information obtained to show that the Chinese people are not indisposed, but very favourable to foreign intercourse.

The third voyage was performed in the Sylph, a well-armed and fast-sailing vessel, and we believe likewise, though we should not have learned it from Mr. Gutzlaff, an opium trader. He states, indeed, it was not without much conflict of mind that he embarked, and it is much to be regretted that he should have subjected himself to the suspicion of giving any sanction to the demoralizing and destructive traffic. It may teach Christians to pray that Missionaries may have not only a spirit of fervent zeal and an abundant measure of success, but likewise a spirit of prudence and discretion. At a time when popery is robing itself in the garb of an angel of light, and endeavouring once more to insinuate itself throughout this country, something may be learned as to its true spirit from the native Christians at Fuh-Chow-converts of the Roman Catholic warning Mr. Gutzlaff against giving the holy book to any afflicted with the blindness of heathenism, because they would not understand its contents. One of them likewise showed him a representation of the Trinity, executed in Spain. Affixed there are two essays on the religions of China and the efforts of Christian Missions, a very few pages are sufficient for the latter, and an Appendix on the hinderances to foreign intercourse.

An acquaintance with this volume would much deepen the sympathy which Christians feel for the benighted inhabitants of the seat of Satan's "great power."

After a residence of three years in Siam, Mr. G.'s testimony is, that he met not with one honest man, and while reading of the scenes which he witnessed among the Chinese, we were reminded more than once of the first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. When will the Christian Church rouse to its duty, and giving itself to prayer and the ministering of the word, relax not in its efforts "till the land of Sinim" has been numbered among the trophies of the Saviour?

Mr. Ellis's Introductory Essay is an historical document of considerable value.

DISCOURSES on VARIOUS SUBJECTS, designed to illustrate the excellency of Christianity, as compared with the pretensions of Infidelity and especially Socialism. By ALEXANER EWING, M.A. 8vo. pp. 496.

Many publications are too ephemeral for any means to give them permanent existence. Others are estimated too highly by a friendly, but partial review, for a candid perusal to justify; we may venture to affirm that the production before us will be found one of more than ordinary merit. The subjects introduced are of vital interest, amplified and illustrated in a style befitting their high and holy import. They were professedly prepared and delivered to oppose the doctrines of Socialism; and we deem them not less adapted, than intended to afford effective opposition. While the most pernicious sentiments are daily pouring from the press, and spreading through our dense population; while the errors of infidelity are so rife in every part of our land, we are glad to see gifted minds putting forth vigorous counter efforts. Mr. Ewing has girded himself to the task, of fairly meeting his antagonists. While he has grappled with the recently revived, but grosser forms of infidelity, he has successfully combated its more subtle and refined modifications. His arguments are stated with great fairness and candour. A meekness and a manliness, a gentleness and a dignity are obvious in his conduct towards an opponent. His statements are far removed from what is mean in attack, or scurrilous in language. This is observable when smiting the proud and presumptuous pretensions of Owen and his apostles to the ground. He does not aim at a direct exposure of infidelity; but overturns it effectively in connexion with a full and prominent exhibition of the truth. By this means he has introduced many important theological topics. The volume contains passages of considerable strength and beauty. The writer's conceptions are clear, accurately and definitely stated. His precision of thought and language stands out in contrast to the clumsy and bungling phraseology of the author of the social system, and to his crude and indigested views so observable in every part of his writings. Mr. E. writes in a very manly and lucid style. There is the absence of a sickly sentimentalism on the one hand, and a turgid, rabid composition, which the multitude calls eloquence, on the other. A very amiable, lovely Christian spirit pervades all the discourses. He has occasionally put forth sound expositions of the truth without much parade of learning and criticism. A tolerable portion of rich evangelical sentiments has been introduced, com

bined with forcible appeals to the heart and the understanding. In nothing do we admire the author more, than in his homage to Divine truth. His illustrations are enriched by a considerable infusion of scriptural statement, which sheds over the more abstract parts of the work somewhat of a practical complexion. There are a few minor verbal inaccuracies.

Without fully acquiescing with all the statements of Mr. E., or with the general arrangements of some of the subjects, we regard the volume as the fruit of a vigorous and disciplined mind, as a seasonable antidote to a dangerous far-spreading moral infection, and as a powerful safeguard to Christianity, which is now being vulgarly and wantonly assailed by its ene

mies.

The volume is very handsomely printed. The paper is good, and the type large and clear. This department of the work has been well executed.

CHRISTIAN TRUTH. A Family Guide to the Chief Truths of the Gospel, with Forms of Prayers for each Day in the Week, &c. By the Rev. E. BICKERSTETH, Rector of Watton.

Seeleys, London.

The Rev. Thomas Scott, author of the Commentary, says, "That every man who values his own soul, should avoid those who intrude into the ministry, when they are strangers to Christ, and the experimental knowledge of his salvation; and when their example and doctrine prove them hirelings, who care not for the sheep. Indeed, the true people of God will flee from such teachers, for they know not the voice of strangers; and for this they will be reproached by those who, like these Jews, understand not this parable. Such men would think those persons very imprudent who should intrust their health to some ignorant empiric, or their estate to a dishonest lawyer, merely because he happened to live in the same street, town, or village; yet they suppose it incumbent on them to follow the instructions of a man, who neither knows nor cares any thing about vital godliness, if he be the minister of the parish, or of some neighbouring congregation; alas! how much more sagacious are men in their temporal than in their eternal

parishioners of the first principles of Divine truth, and the importance of bringing that truth before them in a simple, easy, and devotional form, led the author to prepare a series of tracts, adapted to their situation; and his immediate object was, that none under his charge should be without a plain and clear statement of those great principles of Divine revelation, which God has made known in his word for our salvation.

The work was commenced about four years since, and was originally published in separate numbers, and designed for the author's poorer parishioners, and he hoped that it might please God to prosper this effort, not only for this immediate object, but for more extensive benefit.

The subjects treated on in this Family Guide are, 1. The Holy Scriptures; 2. The Great God; 3. Creation; 4. Providence; 5. Redemption by Christ; 6. Intercession of Christ; 7. The Holy Spirit; 8. The Work of the Spirit; 9. Christ our Life; 10. Christian Privileges; 11. Christian Graces; 12. Repentance and Faith; 13. Christian Holiness; 14. Afflictions; 15. The Christian Conflict; 16. Spiritual Joy; 17. Prayer; 18. Praise; 19. The Creed, Ten Commandments, and Lord's Prayer; 20. Forms of Prayer; 21. Hints on Prayer. Each subject is branched out with considerable elaboration, not as systematic theology, but as plain matters of fact, didactically pressed home to the conscience with considerable pathos and force, and each chapter is closed with short, sacred meditations, and devout aspirations, and the whole is closed with liturgical forms, some original and others collected from various authors.

The work contains a vast collection of scriptural truths, solemn appeals, and highly devotional rather than striking remarks, not very judiciously or methodically arranged, and yet adapted to instruct and edify anxious inquirers, and pious heads of families in the humbler walks of life; and although we detected in some pages of the little work the author's peculiar views on what he designates, "the return of our Redeemer to our world;" yet we most cordially recommend it to the serious and prayerful perusal of the pious cottager, and of those who are employed either as district visitors, as city missionaries, or as Christian instructors of the ignorant and of those who are out of the way.

WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

1. Part I. of "The Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society," By JoHN MORISON, D.D. 8vo. 3s. Fisher, Son, and Co., containing the whole of the I. Part of the work, viz.: "The Influence of Methodism on the Spirit of Modern Missions;" a portion of the II. Part, viz.: "Historical

Sketches of the several Protestant Missions;" and the first Memoir of the III. or Biographical Part, viz. that of the late Rev. JOHN EYRE, A.M., first editor of the Evangelical Magazine, and one of the early Secretaries of the London Missionary Society.

2. Scriptural Hymns, by the Rev. PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D.D. New and corrected edition, containing many Hymns never before printed. Edited from the original documents, by the author's greatgrandson, John Doddridge Humphreys, Esq. 32mo, pp. 316. Darton and Clark, Holborn-hill. This is the most accurate and beautiful edition of Doddridge's Hymns that has hitherto seen the light. The editor has not altered any of the inestimable compositions of his revered ancestor; but, by a careful literary collation, has restored them to their original state; introducing, at the same time, several most valuable hymns, which have hitherto been but little known to the public.

3. Consolations for Mourners bereaved of relatives by death. By the Rev. R. H. SHEPHERD, Minister of Ranelagh Chapel, Chelsea; ninth edition. 32mo. Ward and Co. This is an excellent companion for mourners; a blessing has already attended its circulation, and, we doubt not, it will be useful for many years to come.

4. The Political Economy of the New Testament; By WILLIAM INNES, Minister of Eldon-street Chapel, Edinburgh. 18mo. pp. 234. Hamilton, Adams and Co. This volume, like all the other productions of its worthy author, is of excellent practical tendency, and is distinguished by a character of ingenuity, which will commend it to the careful perusal of the intelligent reader. To persons taking a deep interest in our City missions, its suggestions are very valuable.

5. The Stewardship of Christians; a Tract for the Rich. Extracted from a letter to a friend, on the distribution of property. 12mo. Ward and Co. 2d.; or 14s. per hundred.

6. Sermons for Children on the Book of Genesis, Part I. By W. WILSON, B.D., Vicar of Walthamstow. 18mo. pp. 226. W. H. Dalton, Cockspurstreet. A most admirable series of addresses to children; full of truth, beauty, and simplicity.

7. The Convalescent; twelve Letters on recovering from Sickness. By Mrs. GILBERT, author of "Hymns for Infant Schools," " "Original Anniversary Hymns for Sunday Schools,"" Hymns for Infant Minds," etc. 12mo. pp. 120. Jackson and Walford. We congratulate our readers and the Christian public on Mrs. Gilbert's appearance as a prose-writer; more especially on a subject of such deep interest. These Letters are eminently fitted to promote the great ends of sanctified affliction.

8. Rollo at Work; or, the Way for a Boy to learn to be industricus. By the Rev. JACOB ABBOTT. 12mo. pp. 172. J. S. Hodson, Fleet-street. This is a fine sequel to "Rollo at Play;" and possesses all the characteristic ingenuity and fine moral feeling of Abbott's other writings.

9. The African Slave Trade; By THOMAS FowELL BUXTON, Esq. 8vo. pp. 240. John Murray, Albemarle-street. This is a seasonable and affecting exposure of the present state of the slave-trade. We hope to notice it next month.

10. The Notes of the Church, as laid down by Cardinal Bellarmine, examined and confuted in a series of Tracts written severally by Archbishop Tenison, Bishop Kidder, Bishop Patrick, Bishop Williams, Bishop Fowler, Bishop Stratford, Bishop Grove, Dr. Sherlock, Dr. Clagett, Dr. Scott, Dr. Thorpe, Dr. Payne, Dr. Linford, Dr. Rasbury, and Dr. Freeman. Svo. Part I. S. Holdsworth.

11. An Essay of the Evils of Popular Ignorance. By JOHN FOSTER. 1s. 6d. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

12. The Imitation of Christ; by THOMAS A KEMPIS. Translated from the Latin. By JoHN PAYNE; with

an Introductory Essay, by THOMAS CHALMERS, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Theology in the University of Edinburgh. 8vo. 1s. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

13. The Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism. A brief sketch of the rise, progress, and present state of the Wesleyan Methodist Societies throughout the world. By THOMAS JACKSON, President of the Conference. Seventh Thousand. 8vo. pp. 388. Mason. This is a highly interesting memorial of the labours and successes of a body of Christians who have done much to accelerate the triumphs of Christianity both at home and abroad. The work is written with much spirit, candour, and moderation; and will be read with great advantage by Christians of every denomination.

14. The Miniature Commentary; being Short Com

ments on every Chapter of the Holy Bible. 3 vols. 1 8mo. Tract Society, 12s. This Exposition of the Holy Scriptures may be regarded as one of the wonders of the age. A Commentary on the whole Bible at twelve shillings, is surely a new thing under the sun! Its quality, too, is truly excellent.

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

1. The Advancement of Religion the claim of the Times. A Course of Lectures delivered at Wycliffe Chapel; by the Rev. ANDREW REED, D.D.

2. On the 1st of May will be published the Prize Essay on The Abolition of Capital Punishments. By the Rev. JAMES PEGGS, late Missionary to India. The premium and adjudication by Sir Edward French Bromhead, Bart. Ward and Co.

REV. WILLIAM HENRY, OF TOOTING. We have to record the decease of this excellent and devoted minister of Jesus Christ, after a period of suffering alike protracted and severe, which he bore with exemplary fortitude and patient resignation to the will of God. The affecting event, which has deprived a beloved wife of a devoted husband, and a rising family of a revered parent, took place on the 8th day of March. We hope soon to furnish our readers with a memoir of our departed friend.

WILLIAM Hayward, esq.

Died, on the 10th of February, after a protracted illness, and sincerely regretted by a large circle of friends, William Hayward, Esq., of Lincoln, aged 56. He had for many years been connected with the Dissenting interest in the above town, and during the latter part of his life acted as a deacon at Zion Chapel, where his loss will be severely felt. His first serious impressions were received under a Wesleyan minister, but he subsequently preferred the doctrine and discipline of the Independents, and ever after remained firmly attached to that community. Preferences, however, in his case, did not prevent the exercise of charity and good will towards all who love the Lord Jesus Christ. The habits of Mr. Hayward were all through life remarkably exact and undeviating. Each object of pursuit had its time and its place, and other claims were not permitted to interfere to the disarrangement of regular plans. He was a diligent student of the immortal works of Howe, Owen, Baxter, Erskine, and others, whose voluminous productions he had many times systematically perused. He is now gone to hold converse with their spirits in

that world, where the subjects on which they wrote are discovered in all their harmony and grandeur. His latter days were marked by a calm hope and a firm reliance on the great doctrines of the Gospel, feeling, as he remarked, that it was the simplest elements of Divine truth that afforded his mind the highest degree of satisfaction. To all the great benevolent institutions of the day he was much attached, and gave them his cordial support. As a proof of his attachment he has bequeathed legacies to the following institutions :-British and Foreign Bible Society 1007., London Missionary Society 1001., Home Missionary Society "Blessed are the 50%., Tract Society 507. dead who die in the Lord."

MRS. ROBINSON, OF WITHAM. The late Mrs. Robinson, wife of the Rev. Richard Robinson, was the daughter of the Rev. John Dennant, of Halesworth. In early life she was deeply impressed with the importance of religion; and by the Divine blessing on the Christian education she had received, became, when very young, decided in her convictions and principles. She was subsequently admitted to the fellowship of the church at Halesworth, under the pastoral care of her esteemed father; and in her early character, gave ample evidence that her faith was genuine, and her piety sincere. Her mind was well instructed; her temper and spirit were eminently marked by meekness, humility, and unaffected consecration to the great interests of vital godliness. Whatever was "lovely and of good report," distinguished her profession; and the maturity of her character realized and confirmed the best hopes and prayers of her Christian friends.

Soon after Mr. Robinson's settlement at