making every movement progressive, improving what is established, and multiplying new settlements, every one of which may be the germ of new and populous cities, which in their turn shall "Hear the songs Of humanized society, and bloom A grateful tribute to all-ruling Heaven." Poor America! in the European and conventional sense, thou hast neither church nor state. Hence episcopacy is shorn of its beams; and thou hast no throne on which to place hereditary majesty; thou hast no exclusive and excluding universities; no ecclesiastics to tyrannize, and no dissenters to worry. But yet are there a few things in thy government and in thy social institutions, that may well reconcile thee to these serious deductions from the amount of thy ational glory. With all thy political and social degradation, we cannot help feeling that we of the old country have yet much to learn, and much that thou couldst teach us. In the constitution of her colleges, and in her system of universal education, and in the diffusive spirit of her literature, we hesitate not to say, that America is at this moment the first country in the world. We reserve the more important contents of these volumes for our next number, concluding for the present with Dr. Reed's spirited close of the letter on female academies. "I think you cannot fail, my dear friend, to survey this brief report on the subject of education, whether collegiate or common, with wonder and admiration. And yet we have been told, in the face of all this evidence, with petulance and pride, that the Americans people. Not literary! and yet they have have no literature, and are not a literary done more for letters than any people ever did in similar circumstances. Not literary! and yet they have made more extensive grants in favour of universal education than any other country. Not literary and yet not only the common school, but the academy and the college, are travelling over the breadth of the land; and are sometimes found located in the desert, in anticipation of a race that shall be born. Not literary and yet, in the more settled States, a fourth part of the people are at school; and in the State of New York alone, apart from all private seminaries, there are 9600 schools, sustained at a yearly expense of 1,126,482 dollars! Not literary! and fifteen universities; forty-six colleges; yet there are, in this new country, twenty-one medical schools; and twentyone theological! Not literary! and yet they circulate seven hundred and fifty milfive to our one; and all our best books lions of newspapers a year, this is twentycommonly run through more and larger editions there than they do at home. The fact is, they have all the literature "They have no literature, indeed! that it is possible to their age and circumstances; and as these advance, they will assuredly advance in the more abstruse and abstract sciences, till it shall be a bold thing for any to call themselves their peers. Their fidelity for the past is their security for the future. Meantime, are not Newton and Locke, Bacon and Shakspeare, as much theirs as they are ours? Would it be wisdom, on their part, to repudiate them, even if they had not an equal claim to them? Would it be wisdom in us to reproach them with tastes which do them honour, and to endeavour to separate them from community in our than any thing may make two great common republic of letters, which more nations, that are one in affinity, one iu fact? For my own part, I know of nothing more truly sublime than to see this people in the very infancy of their national existence, put forth such Herculean energy for the diffusion of universal knowledge and universal virtue! But prejudice has neither eyes nor ears!"— Vol. II pp. 239-241. N.S. NO. 133 THE EDITORS' TABLE. WHILE we look over the many new works that accumulate upon our editorial table, we exclaim, "Solomon was right-of making many books there is no end." The gigantic power of the modern press must produce far, very far more books than the most strenuous efforts of Solomon's ready writers could complete, and, without doubt, it would require the united lives of his most patriarchal scribes, fairly to read, much less to review, the numberless volumes that now every successive month challenge the notice and approbation of the public. The multitude of new books that comes within our limited range of critical labour, is far greater than with our restricted time and space we can engage to notice; and we fear that we have postponed the expression of our humble judgment upon the character of books and pamphlets, to a period that has often been unsatisfactory, both to the authors and our Own readers. We acknowledge the courtesy of those who forward to us their respective publications, and we owe it alike to them, and to the curiosity of the public to give their works the earliest notice in our power. In future, therefore, we intend to announce the books that are sent to us during the month, in the next number, after they are received, with a few descriptive remarks; and we shall not insert notices of any published books that are not so for warded to us. Having thus made known the existence of these works, we shall be happy to select the most important and useful as the subjects of more lengthened observations. In this way we hope to preserve our consciences free from the guilt of recommendations, which are not the result of knowledge, and at the same time afford our readers some information of the works that have been committed to our editorial criticism. In looking over our table, we find that the celebration of the centenary of the reformation has led to the publication of many discourses delivered on that interesting occasion. Dr. Urwick, Dublin; Mr. Jay, Bath; Mr. W. L. Alexander, Edinburgh; Mr. Slight, Tonbridge Wells; Mr. Redford, Stanstead, Dr. Croly, London; Mr. Bartlett, Canterbury, have sent us their Sermons, which, together, with Mr. Thom's pamphlet, Why is popery progressing? will require from us a combined and lengthened notice. In religious biography, we have to announce a valuable addition to the lives of eminently pious women, in A Memoir of Mary M. Ellis, wife of the Rev. Wm. Ellis, including notices of Heathen Society, of the details of Missionary life, and the remarkable manifestations of divine goodness, in severe and protracted affliction; by her bereaved husband, which abounds with incidents of extraordinary interest, and exhibits a religious character of unusual eminence. The Life and Times of General Washington, by Cyrus R. Edmonds, in two volumes, is an interesting addition to the series of the Family Library, for as the author observes," an accurate narrative of his life, combines the interest of biography, with the advantages of history." Although Mr. Edmonds does not claim for his work a higher character than that of compilation, yet it appears to us, on a cursory inspection, to be such a compilation as will do him credit, and instruct and please the reader. Rylandiana: Reminiscences relating to the Rev. John Ryland, A. M. of Northampton, futher of the late Dr. Ryland, of Bristol, by his old pupil, but now companion in blessedness, the lamented Dr. Newman, contains many curious and amusing traits of that eccentric but eminently good man. The anecdotes and maxims will be found particularly instructive to young ministers. Memoirs of a Sergeant late in the Forty-third Light Infantry Regiment, previously to and during the Peninsu lar War; including an Account of his Conversion from Popery to the Protestant Religion, contain much interesting information respecting the Spa nish war, und supply many illustrations of the providence and grace of God, that are likely to be useful. We are glad also to notice a sixth and pocket edition of the Memoirs of that Christian pastor and patriot John Frederick Oberlin. The work itself is too well known by the public to need our commendation, but we can recommend the present edition as beautifully got up, and at a moderate price. Dr. J. P. Smith's Rejoinder to the Second Letter of the Rev. Dr. Lee should have been noticed by us before this, but we have waited for Dr. Lee's reply, which is now published. As the controversy is to close, as far as these friendly antagonists are cerned, we shall take an early opportunity to give a faithful report of it. con The Book of the Denominations; or the Churches and Sects of Christendom in the Nineteenth Century, is published anonymously, but is obviously the production of an able and practised pen. As a book of this class is much wanted to supersede the masked Socinianism of Evans's Sketch, we must notice it at length. Five new volumes of that valuable series, the Biblical Cabinet, have been published since we last recommended it. Volume 6th contains the first volume of Dr. Tholuck's invaluable Exposition of Christ's Sermon on the Mount; vol. 7th, Dr. Planck's Introduction to Sacred Philology and Interpretation; vol. 8th is devoted to the first volume of Professor Pareau's Principles of Interpretation of the Old Testament; vol. 9, Tracts, Philological and Exegetical, &c. vol. 2, and vol. 10, Professor Stuart's Treatise on the Syntax of the New Testament Dialect. Those of our readers who have a taste for biblical criticism, should obtain this series, which includes many valuable translations from the German writers. We shall notice these works more in detail, but for the present must confine ourselves to a single remark to the enterprising publisher of this series, namely, that the incompleteness of the work greatly impedes its success. Out of the ten volumes now before us, there are four first volumes. We, in common with many others, are impatient for the second volumes of such works as Professor Tho luck on Matthew and the Romans. We believe that many decline purchasing the first volumes until the second shall appear. SHORT CRITICAL NOTICES. Visible History. England. By Charles GEOGRAPHY and History are important branches of education, encouragement should, therefore, be given to every attempt to render them interesting and attractive to the youthful scholar. Few efforts have been made by our school geographers to interest the imagination, arrest the fugitive thoughts, and assist the memory of the learner. Hence to no part of the duties of the school, have the youth turned with more dislike, and in nože has less proficiency been made. Mr. Williams observing the indifference shewn to these subjects by his own children, while taught on the old plan of committing to memory the bare details of our common geographers, &c. "made easy," determined to adopt some means by which an interest might be awakened, the memory aided, and knowledge more easily acquired and more permanently retained. By pictorial representations, connected with simple, lively, and accurate description, and pointed in terrogatories, he succeeded in accomplishing his object; and he has published the two volumes, placed at the head of this article, with a view to assist others who may have experienced the same inconvenience as himself. The "History" is divided into four parts; the Ancient Britons, the AngloSaxons and Danes, the Normans, and the Plantagenets. The style is sim ple, the narrative easy, and the description vivid. To each part is prefixed a plate of circular form, in the centre of which, a principal circumstance described in the period is accurately depicted; around it, in six sections, are pictured the customs, employments, buildings, productions, &c. of the time comprehended in the chapter; and on the right and left of the circle, are drawn the weapons and implements, &c. of the age. To each plate reference is made in the letter press by figures, and at the close of each part, questions are appended, which necessarily bring the whole period, with its graphical delineations, under review. The plates are useful, not only as an assistant to the memory, but as shewing the regular progress of the arts and sciences, and the gradual improvement that has taken place in the customs, habits and practices of civilized life. They speak to the heart as well as to the eye, and serve to awaken gratitude to the "Giver of all good," for the comforts and advantages enjoyed by the moderns over the ancient Britons, and their Saxon, Danish, and Norman successors. The Author has, wisely, not left this to be inferred from his designs, but has judiciously interspersed, through his volumes, such remarks as lead the thoughts of the youthful student to Him, who, alike in providence and grace, is" wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working." The "History," which, on account of its speaking to the eye by its his torical plates, is appropriately styled 66 Visible," will be continued through two additional volumes, bringing down the narrative of events till the death of George the Fourth. The "Visible Geography" is occupied exclusively with England, and is of precisely similar character with that of the "History." Its plates are not, indeed, circular, but square. England is divided into four parts; the northern counties, and those bordering on Wales; the midland counties; the east and south-eastern counties; the mid and south-western counties. In each division the counties are accurately delineated, as in our best maps and in each county is drawn its principal geographical feature, or its most remarkable building, or most celebrated production or manufacture. The four corners of each plate are filled up with larger engravings of the leading peculiarities of the four principal counties in the group. The plates of both volumes do credit alike to the designer and the artist; and will greatly interest the parties for whom they are intended. We cordially recommend these ingenious geographical and historical volumes to all who are engaged or who feel an interest in the education of youth, assured that they will be gratified, as well as ourselves, with these fresh efforts of the genius, taste, and industry of the well-known author of "Art in Nature,' World of Waters," &c. &c. "" 66 The Family Expositor; or a Paraphrase and Version of the New Testament, with a practical Improvement of each Section. By P. Doddridge, D. D., 6 vols. 8vo. morocco cloth. London; Allan, Bell, and Co. DODDRIDGE'S Expositor is too well known to our readers to require description or commendation. The edition before us is without the highly valuable and learned critical Notes of the author, and, therefore, cannot be considered as adapted for a library. It has this advantage, however, over most of the modern editions, that the Paraphrase and Improvement are printed in a large clear type, which makes it very suitable for weak or aged eyes, while the moderate size of each volume will permit its convenient use on the couch of infirmity, or the bed of sickness. Considering that these six volumes are bound in morocco cloth, and include nearly three thousand pages, we consider this a cheap edition at 30s. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. WORKS AT PRESS, OR IN PROGRESS. The delay that has occurred in the publication of the Congregational Hymn Book, which is intended as a Supplement to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, has resulted from the anxiety of the Committee to render it worthy of the piety and taste of the body for whose use it is intended. We are happy to say, that it is now in such a state, that its publication may be confidently promised early in the spring. The Rev. Drs. Cox and Hoby are preparing, in one volume, an account of their Tour in the United States. TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL DISSENTERS. MONTHLY LECTURE OF THE CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS IN THE METROPOLIS. A considerable change has been made in the constitution and arrange ments of this ancient lecture, which we trust, will give it greater stability and more extensive usefulness. When it was first established, more than a century ago, we believe it was an association of a small number of our ministers and churches who were united to uphold the doctrines of the Reformation, and to secure and perpetuate an educated ministry of the same opinions. At a later period this association was much extended, though it never comprised the majority of the Congregational churches of the metropolis. The great alterations which have taken place in the hours of business, and the arrangements of private life, have seriously affected the attendance at the lecture, and it has been long felt that an evening service at one central place would be far more convenient than the ambulatory service held at noon. As the Congregational Board includes nearly all the recognized pastors of the Congregational churches, in and near to the Metropolis, and is formed to take cognizance of every thing connected with the interests of the denomination, it has been thought advisable that the future management of this lecture should be placed in their hands. As the members of that numerous body could not be expected to preach in rotation, it has been determined that they shall annually elect by ballot, the preachers for the year ensuing, but the same individuals shall not be eligible for two successive years. This election for the present year has taken place. Barbican Chapel is appointed as the place of monthly meeting, at half-past six o'clock, on the Tuesday after the second Sabbath of each month, omitting the summer recess. We are happy to announce that the first lecture will be 66 delivered on Tuesday, January 12th, Preacher, the Rev. George Clayton, Walworth, Subject, Christian zeal combined with Christian charity," at half-past six, punctually. It is hoped that as the Congregational Board meets at four o'clock on the same afternoon, that the two-fold object will secure a large attendance of ministers, whilst the evening hour will doubtless meet the convenience of many more than could attend the morn→ ing service. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WELSH CHURCHES. The Committee of the associated Welsh Congregational Churches beg thus to express their obligations to their kind friends in England who have contributed to their Chapel Fund, since their last Anniversary in May; and to state that all such contributions will be acknowledged in their next Report, and that any further donations or collections which may be made in aid of their funds, will be received on their behalf by Messrs. Hankey, bankers, Fenchurch Street, London. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH WALES. Amongst the various benevolent and successful exertions of the Independent Churches in the northern part of the principality, there have been comparatively few efforts of a systematic and regular kind, for the spiritual welfare of the English resident in that country. Such as can understand the Welsh language have abundant opportunities of hearing the gospel; but it is chiefly by occasional visitors from England that those ignorant of the Welsh, are favoured with that privilege. To provide for this serious exigency, arrangements have been recently made in one district of N. Wales, which it is hoped will be not only successful, but be imitated in other parts of that interesting locality. The attractions of its scenery |