pears that both those celebrated ministers were born in Armagh, Ireland, nearly at the same period. Both laboured in establishing the kingdom of Christ in this country. They lived in closest bonds of intimacy, died near the same time, and sleep together now in the same grave.

"They were lovely in their lives, and in their death they were not divided." Yours, &c., R. STEEL.

GLIMPSES OF THE TRUTH AS IT IS IN JESUS. By the Rev. OCTAVIUS WINSLOW, D.D., author of The Glory of the Redeemer, Midnight Harmonies, &c. &c. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston, 1856; pp. 273.

THIS work contains the substance of discourses delivered by the author from the pulpit of different Christian denominations during a recent visit to Scotland. Their publication being requested, the form of sermons was changed to that of chapters, though the texts (eight in number) are retained, and the general structure of the discussion is doubtless the same as when delivered in public. The author is not unknown to our readers; and his reputation as a sound, evangelical theologian, and an earnest, nervous writer, is sustained in the present volume. Though the topics discussed have no immediate connection with each other, they all relate to Christ and to our salvation by him. The titles of the chapters are as follows:-The Voice of the Charmer; Alone with Jesus; The Pastor's Request for the Prayers of his Flock; A Word in Season from Christ to the Weary; The Axe laid at the Root; Broken Cisterns; The Coming of the Lord, in its relation to Nominal Christianity; Christian Love a test of Christian Character. His views on the coming of the Lord appear to be millenarian, though he enters into no formal discussion of this theory, and the practical application of the train of thought which he pursues is equally pertinent to the doctrine of a spiritual as to a personal reign of Christ. The volume contains much that is interesting, instructive, and useful.

TRACTS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION.

Five new tracts have just been issued by this important Board of our Church, viz.: The Aged Believer's Triumph over the Infirmities of Old Age, extracted from Romaine's Triumph of Faith; The Great Giver; The Duties of Ruling Elders, by the Rev. C. C. Riggs, Pastor of the Sewickly Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania, published by request of the Presbytery of Redstone; The Army Surgeon; A Chapter for Sabbathschool Teachers. The titles are generally a sufficient index to their subject-matter; and their endorsement by the Board is a guarantee of their excellence. We have read them with pleasure, and have no doubt that their circulation will be beneficial to those for whom they are severally intended. At the first glance, we thought we detected Dr. Plumer's sententious style in the tract entitled "The Great Giver." The discussion is comprehensive, tender, and practical.

AN INQUIRY INTO THE ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT OF THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH, particularly with reference to the claims of Episcopacy. By ALBERT BARNES. Phila delphia: Presbyterian Publication Committee, 386 Chestnut street. New York: Iveson & Phinney, 321 Broadway. [Price, 40 cents.]

The substantial part of this book was published about twenty years ago in the Christian Spectator. The Essays were then expanded by the author into a volume, which was published in 1843. The work, in its two previous forms, created no small stir; and in its present and more permanent form it is still destined to keep up that healthful excitement against hierarchal claims which is a preservative against their nonsense. Mr. Barnes is an able writer on Episcopacy, logical in his statements, perhaps a little too diffuse here and there, but candid, courteous, and convincing. We are glad to see this excellent work in a new and handsome edition.

ALLEGHAN, a Poem, in Nine Books. By N. M. GORDON.
Keys & Co, 1856.

Cincinnati: Moore, Wilstack,

Alleghan is a song of the early efforts of the Culdees to plant Christianity in America, recounted in blank verse, and covering 343 pages. The writer has executed his idea with resolution and industry, and has interwoven many interesting incidents into his narrative. A deep religious spirit pervades the book. The great quantity of the composition, however, has interfered with high literary attainment; and we doubt the wisdom of undertaking such a diffuse poem under any circumstances. Blank verse requires genius to make it readable even for a few pages. Whilst the public will not award, perhaps, sufficient merit to this poem for various reasons, yet we think that its author deserves to be commended in his aim. This tribute of missionary story, laid at his Master's feet, will doubtless be accepted when the trash of higher and more perverse literary composition will be rejected for its vanity and evil influence. This is an age which will not tolerate long prosy sermons or poems; nor can orthodoxy of sentiment calculate on much homage without the gifts requisite for its popular inculcation.

SUMMER VACATION ABROAD; or, Notes of a Visit to England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, and Belgium. By Rev. F. DE F. W. WARD, author of "India and the Hindoos," &c. Rochester: Erastus Disbrow & Brothers, 1856.

A sprightly book of travels is always pleasant reading. Some authors, with a few dashes of the pen, can give to readers a better sight of scenes than others with elaborate descriptive effort. Mr. Ward is a fine penand-ink sketcher. He draws on a back-ground of good sense. He frequently embellishes with facts and remarks that are very striking. We thank Mr. Ward for his instructive, entertaining, and modest volume. The Rochester publishers, the Messrs. Disbrow, deserve credit for its handsome external appearance.

THE CHILD'S STORY-BOOK. By Cousins Martha and Mary. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication.

Here

If children must have "story-books," let them have good ones. is a good one, written by Martha and Mary, both sitting at Jesus' feet. Pious cousins may do much good among their relatives; and religion has

been much indebted to their efforts in other spheres. Let all encouragement be given to females in writing books for the religious instruction of the young.

WHO ARE THE BLESSED? or, Meditations on the Beatitudes. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston, 1856; pp. 197.

These Meditations, though anonymous, are the production of a clergyman. The substance of them, it is stated in the preface, was presented by the author to his people in the house of God. He states, further, that the best commentators have been consulted, and he particularly acknowledges his indebtedness to Tholuck and Stier. The work is designed as a practical treatise on the Beatitudes of our blessed Lord—a theme which affords a rich field for pious and edifying discussion. No attempt is made at learned criticism; but the sense is given in a clear and intelligible manner, and the author's reasons are usually assigned for the views he maintains and for not adopting the views held by some others. Without endorsing every sentiment, we believe that he generally furnishes the true exposition of those inimitable sayings of our divine Master. The style is agreeable and sometimes strong and impressive. We have perused the "Meditations" with interest. Doctrinal discussion is valuable and important in its place; but we need also works of an experimental and practical character, and none are so well adapted to our spiritual necessities as faithful expositions of Scripture, which is the source of all practical godliness. The careful and frequent perusal of such works is one of the best means of growth in grace. Blessed, thrice blessed, is he who possesses the spirit and pursues the course of life inculcated by our Saviour in his Sermon on the Mount!

HOME SERVICE: a Manual intended for those who are occasionally hindered from attending the House of God. With Sermons and a Selection of Hymns. By the Rev. WILLIAM BACON STEVENS, D.D., Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia. Philadelphia: E. H. Butler & Co., 1856.

Dr. Stevens has happily conceived and executed the idea of providing a series of Home Services for those who are providentially hindered from attending the house of God. The original sermons are evangelical, practical, and worthy of the reputation of the eloquent divine. The selection of hymns is also excellent. The basis of the liturgical parts is, of course, the Book of Common Prayer. The Doctor, with that liberty which he himself uses at times, gives a rubric for extempore prayer in one of the services, (the second service, p. 66,) where the rubric readeth thus:"The sermon ended, the reader of the service may say, 'Let us pray;' when, all kneeling, he may either make an extempore prayer, or use the following." It is fortunate that the preparation of such a book did not fall into the hands of a dry High Churchman, who would have ceremonialized the service, and in vain have attempted to edify the worshipping family by homilies on baptismal regeneration, apostolic succession, laying on of bishop's hands, and other intolerabiles ineptias. Whilst Dr. Stevens keeps within the line of propriety as an Episcopalian, he does not offend other churches as a Protestant. We congratulate our brethren of the Episcopal persuasion on the possession of a book for "Home Service," which will supply the wants of Christian families when detained at home on the Sabbath.

THE LESSON OF THE PESTILENCE: a Discourse preached in the Presbyterian Church, Norfolk, Virginia, on Sabbath, December 2, 1855. By GEORGE D. ARMSTRONG, D.D., Pastor. Published by Members of the Church.

It was a public duty to publish this affecting and instructive discourse. May it be sanctified to many hearts! Dr. Armstrong, who faithfully remained at his post in the midst of the pestilence, and who was sorely bereaved in his household, speaks with the knowledge and the feelings adapted to edify others. He characterizes the pestilence as, 1. Mysterious in its origin; 2. Remarkable for the variety and character of its symptoms; 3. Terrible in the destruction it caused. After illustrating these points by a reference to many interesting facts, Dr. Armstrong turns to view the mercies mingled with God's judgments. Among the mercies he enumerates, 1. The slow progress of the pestilence during the first month, whereby a large portion of the population was enabled to remove from the city; 2. The panic which accelerated flight; 3. The sympathy which was awakened throughout the length and breadth of the land. Dr. Armstrong concludes with solemn reflections to all classes of his hearers.

THE CHRISTIAN'S WORK: a Sermon by the Rev. WILLIAM CALDERWOOD, Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Northern India. Published by Request. Cincinnati: John D. Thorpe, 1856.

This sermon, from the text, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" contains solemn reflections and pungent exhortations, adapted to the high purposes of its preparation and publication.

A Biographical Sketch of T. ROMEYN BECK, M.D., LL.D. By E. H. VAN DEUSEN, M.D. Reprinted from the New York Journal of Medicine. New York, 1856.

Dr. Beck, the nephew of Dr. John B. Romeyn, was the eldest of five sons, all talented, and he himself the richest-endowed of all. He was one of the most useful men of his generation, toiling on quietly and steadily, taking enlarged views of his profession, and engaging with unremitting zeal and industry in plans to advance science, literature, and the arts, in his native State. He is chiefly known to the public by his work on MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE, which has passed through five American, one German, and four London, editions. His character and services are well sketched by Dr. Van Deusen. Taught from early youth to revere Dr. Beck, under the example of one who was his personal friend and admirer, we pay this brief tribute of respect to his memory, which will be ever cherished by us. May God comfort and bless the two stricken daughters, who, inheriting the talents and worth of an honoured ancestry, are privileged, as mothers in the church, to labour in well-doing within their spheres, as their father before them!

Published

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL OF PRISON DISCIPLINE AND PHILANTHROPY. Quarterly, under the direction of "The Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons," instituted 1787. Philadelphia: Edward C. and John Biddle. We always take up this Journal with interest. Its discussions relate to a department of philanthropy of the greatest importance, and they are generally able, sprightly, and practical. The Pennsylvania Journal advocates the plan of solitary confinement in State prisons with great zeal and confidence. Much can be said on both sides; therefore let the experi ments be continued. It would be a good sign of a healthy public opinion,

if this excellent Journal, devoted to this class of subjects, were taken extensively by professional men and philanthropists. The work is published in a very handsome style by Messrs. Edward C. and John Biddle.

ELEMENTS OF PSYCHOLOGY, &c. By VICTOR COUSIN. Translated from the French, with Notes, by CALEB S. HENRY, D.D. Fourth edition. New York: Ivison & Phinney, 1856. We do not propose to notice the work of Cousin, but merely to allude to a long, vulgar, and abusive preface which the translator, Henry, has put forth. It seems that, in 1839, a distinguished writer in the Princeton Repertory reviewed with some deserved severity the philosophy of Cousin, and in the course of the review rebuked the arrogance of his pompous annotator. In 1841, Dr. Henry replied, in the preface to his third edition, with a severity quite beyond the range of philosophical decency. Here the matter was allowed to rest; and, in 1845, the Princeton reviewer the late lamented PROFESSOR DOD-was called to the grave. In 1855, sixteen years after the review was written, and ten years after the death of its author, this Dr. Henry not only stereotypes his angry reply, but publishes another preface of forty additional pages, in which he endeavours to hold up the reviewer to fresh contempt, and insults his memory with the most foul language. As a specimen of this new abuse, we quote the following:-"I think the man guilty of slander; and Í think that, in the clear-sighted judgment of the Lord our God, there are many inmates of the State prison less morally guilty than the slanderer. I am not one of those dainty religionists who have a greater horror of sins of infirmity of the flesh than of sins of the spirit; and I would sooner withhold my hand from the deliberate maligner than from many a less reputable sinner in the scale of social estimation. I think our Lord feels as I do." With this language, so destitute of charity and so akin to blasphemy, the philosophical Henry, High Church Doctor of Divinity, reviles the illustrious dead. Yet, in the dedication of this man's book to Sir William Hamilton, he has the audacity to print in capital letters, "THE TRUE MUSE OF PHILOSOPHY IS NOT HATRED, BUT LOVE!" How great a difference there is, both in philosophy and morals, between saying a thing and practising it, this annotator well exemplifies. Dr. Henry writes like a man who has been taking plentiful potations in order to stimulate his thirst for unfair and disreputable work. We happen to know something of his previous history not particularly creditable to his position; but we dismiss the philosopher, the divine, and the man, with a look of commiseration, an exhortation to repentance, and a gesture of quick withdrawal.

THE THEOLOGY OF INVENTIONS: or, Manifestations of Deity in the Works of Art. By the Rev. JOHN BLAKELY, Kirkintillock, Scotland. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers, No. 285 Broadway, 1856.

Within a few months Scotland has furnished for the mental and moral instruction of mankind three works of uncommon merit:-The Christian Life, by Peter Bayne; The Christ of History, by John Young; and the Theology of Inventions, by John Blakely. All these works are the product of vigorous intellects and warm hearts; and the library of Christians has received in them accessions of incalculable worth and interest.

The object of the " Theology of Inventions" is to bring God to view, and to exalt his perfections, in the mechanical arts. Mr. Blakely says, in