Arctic Explorations ought to be in possession of this volume also. The two works illustrate the same interesting topics, and form together a complete view of two of the remarkable enterprises of modern times. This new edition of Messrs. Childs and Peterson contains some additional engravings.

ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN PULPIT: embracing the Trinitarian Congregationalists. By WM. B. SPRAGUE, D.D. New York. R. Carter & Brothers, 1856.

Dr. Sprague, of Albany, has completed the first series of his "Annals of the American Pulpit," in two volumes. The remaining five volumes will follow in order; the next two volumes, embracing ministers of the Presbyterian Church. We congratulate the distinguished author on the remarkable favour with which these volumes have been received. The public expectation has been fully met; indeed, we may say, that high as was this expectation, it has been more than met. The general belief is, that no other living man could have accomplished what Dr. Sprague has done, much less could have accomplished it as well. The Annals required a peculiar combination of traits and circumstances in their preparation.

In the first place, a generous catholic spirit was necessary. Sectarian purposes would have been out of place in biographical annals. Dr. Sprague had no denominational ends to gratify. He rightly conceived, and has perseveringly pursued the plan of rendering impartial justice to every division of the Christian Church. No minister has probably ever enjoyed so extensive an intercourse with all denominations. In early life a Unitarian, at the commencement of his ministry a Congregationalist, and for the last quarter of a century a Presbyterian, Dr. Sprague has been providentially educated to the practice of a charity that "thinketh no evil," and that "endureth all things." His own orthodoxy, intelligent and uncompromising, guards the ANNALS from that spurious charity which sometimes unwittingly, and at other times with evil intent, indulges in forms of expression that virtually inculcate error. Dr. Sprague's is the catholicity of a champion of the truth; it is a trait in his character that, like the polish and ornament of ancient armour, mingles admiration with awe, and glistens to the eye of the spectator, whilst it calls forth the sympathy of his heart.

The law of kindness rules in these volumes. Not only is sectarianism silent, but there is no room for opprobrious tattle, or for the perpetuation of malevolent, traditionary anecdote. There is historical candour, but it is to the exclusion of gossiping evil. We do not mean to say that Dr. Sprague has withheld anything that fairly developes the character of his subjects. Far from it. His book abounds in anecdotes and personal illustrations, many of them humorous, and others full of flashes of suggestion which mean more than meets the eye; yet everything is so considerately told, so genially put together, so fairly inwrought with truth, that the great purposes of the Annals are fully set forth without any disparagement to biographical accuracy. Cases of backsliding, or defection from doctrine, are stated impartially; or where surviving relatives have felt unwilling that such statements should be made, the biography is omitted altogether. A harsh writer might easily have done evil to the memory of good men by unfair, unnecessary, or exaggerated incidents. Dr. Sprague's amiability and principle have set him above this disreputable infirmity.

Great research was required in the preparation of so vast a work. Dr. Sprague shows the fruits of it in the two volumes before us. In fact, all New England history and biography has been ransacked to obtain biographical incidents and historical dates. Much learned and skilful research has been put into requisition to secure the rich materials of these volumes.

Patience of labour is discernible in this work. The manual part of the writing is the least item of all the toil. Who can ever know the number of libraries examined, the multitude of persons conversed with, the number of miles travelled, the hours taken from the demands of a laborious profession, the quantity of letters written? As a single specimen, we may state that the postage on letters has amounted to more than one thousand dollars, notwithstanding some peculiar facilities of the writer for conducting a considerable part of his correspondence free of charge.

The plan of the work is unique and excellent. Dr. Sprague first gives the results of his own researches in regard to the life and character of the persons in the Annals. These sketches, which differ in length according to their importance and the materials accessible, are luminous and well drawn. But in addition to these, Dr. Sprague has secured a large number of letters from persons who were acquainted with the individuals whose characters are drawn. These letters form a very valuable part of the volume. They are a rich repository of personal reminiscences, the like of which is nowhere to be found.

In short, the ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN PULPIT, of which these two volumes are a part, will constitute a standard work of American literature and biography. In a cursory perusal we perceive nothing to find fault with. The work has been done thoroughly and once for all. No one can tread, or need tread, over the same ground. We shall look with interest to the appearance of the remaining volumes, especially to those relating to Presbyterians. May the health and strength of the writer be made equal to the labour yet required in completing the undertaking!

The Messrs. Carter have brought out the work in excellent style, and have added another treasure to their catalogue of Christian riches.

JESUS UPON EARTH; or, The Story of His Birth, Life, Death, and Resurrection. Designed for children. New York. C. Scribner, 377 and 379 Broadway.

The children must be well taken care of "about these days." They are expecting presents. They need good books. They need good books. A book, in the hands of a child, may determine its destiny. Give the children, therefore, books that are of use. Here is a good one. It is on the greatest themes of knowledge and revelation. This little work is well done, and handsomely printed. We wish our friend, Mr. Scribner, a "happy New Year."

THE CHRISTIAN'S GIFT. Edited by Rev. RUFUS W. CLARK. Boston: Published by John P. Jewett & Company. 1857.

"The Christian's Gift" is among the handsome books of the season. These memorials, passing from friend to friend, contribute much to cherish pleasant feelings among households. Messrs. Jewett & Company have sent forth an elegant volume.

FAMILIAR ASTRONOMY; or, An Introduction to the Study of the Heavens. Illustrated by Celestial Maps, and upwards of 200 finely-executed engravings. To which is added a Treatise on the Globe, and a Comprehensive Astronomical Dictionary. For the use of schools, families, and private students. By HANNAH M. BOUVIER. Philadelphia: Childs and Peterson, 124 Arch St. 1857.

A very remarkable work, by a talented and modest Christian lady. It is divided into six parts: 1. Physical Astronomy. 2. Descriptive Astronomy. 3. Sidereal Astronomy. 4. Practical Astronomy. 5. Treatise on the Globes. 6. History of Astronomy. Very acute and interesting notes accompany the work, and an invaluable Astronomical Dictionary is appended to the whole. This work is regarded by many as the very best treatise on astronomy extant. For its purposes, we do not know its equal. It contains the results of profound knowledge, written down with. great accuracy, and made clear to inquiring minds. As a text-book for institutions of learning, it must take high rank. The illustrations and engravings are numerous and elegant. The work is in one volume, octavo, 500 pages, printed on fine white paper, and well bound. Price $2, and sent free of postage to any part of the Union. Address Messrs. Childs & Peterson, Publishers, 124 Arch Street, Philadelphia.

A BOOK OF PUBLIC PRAYER: Compiled from the Authorized Formularies of Worship of the Presbyterian Church, as prepared by the Reformers Calvin, Knox, Bucer, and others. With Supplementary Forms. New York: Published by Charles Scribner, 377 & 379 Broadway. 1857.

We are opposed to stated Liturgies, but we like this book for study and reference. Too little attention is paid to public prayer by our ministers. We have heard ministers conduct public worship in a very random, unedifying, objectionable manner. It will do anybody good to examine the formularies prepared by the Reformers; not only in reference to public prayer, but the administration of the sacraments and burial of the dead.

THE LAST OF THE PATRIARCHS or Lessons Chiefly from the Life of Joseph, by the Rev. JOHN CUMMING, D.D. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. 1856.

Like all of Dr. Cumming's works, this one contains much excellent and instructive matter. Dr. Cumming is one of the few voluminous writers, who seem to retain popularity.

"THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS. Scriptural Examination of the questions respecting I. The Translations of Baptizo. II. The Mode of Baptism. III. The Subjects of Baptism. By GEO. D. ARMSTRONG, D.D., Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Virginia." Published by Charles Scribner, New York, pp. 322.

This volume does credit to both the author and publisher. The language is perspicuous, the argument lucidly stated, and the typography agreeable to the eye. The book is, throughout, a candid and impartial statement of the main points in controversy between us and our Baptist brethren, and a satisfactory vindication of Pedo-Baptist principles and practice. The chief difference between this treatise and other works on the same subject, relates to the translation question, discussed in Part I, which has assumed, of late, unusual importance, from the formation of the Baptist

"Bible Union." Dr. Armstrong shows conclusively, that the principle on which the meaning of the word Baptizo is to be ascertained, as it occurs in the New Testament, is not so much by a resort to classic Greek, as to the Greek version of the Old Testament, called the Septuagint. He shows further, that the word, when employed to designate a religious ordinance, corresponds to the term purify, which so often occurs in the Jewish ritual; and hence, that Baptist translators pervert its meaning by rendering it immerse. We do not expect the advocates of the new version movement to be convinced by his reasoning. It is exceedingly difficult to persuade men to change their views, when they are strongly and zealously committed. But we think the arguments will be regarded as deciding the question against the "Bible Union," by those readers who shall peruse the book with as much candour and impartiality, as appear to be possessed by the author. We commend it to their attention.

The Religious World.

SEMINARY OF THE NORTHWEST.

THE Directors, appointed by the different Synods of the Northwest, met in Convention at Chicago, on Nov. 7th.

The Seminary is to be sustained and controlled by the Synods of Cincinnati, Indiana, Northern Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Chicago. Each Synod appoints as many Directors as it has Presbyteries.

A vote of preference for Chicago, other things being equal, was passed by a large majority; the site to be yet definitely determined, much in accordance with contributions which may be tendered toward buildings and endowment.

The Seminary to be continued at New Albany till next spring.

The Professors elect are: Theology, Rev. E. D. MacMaster, D.D.; Bibliology, Rev. Thomas E. Thomas, D.D.; Ecclesiology, Rev. A. B. Brown, D.D.

The real estate and funds of New Albany are estimated at $58,902 72. A portion of this is conditioned on the continuance of the Seminary where it now is; but consent may possibly be obtained, from some of the donors, for its removal.

The territory embraced by the Synods is very extensive, very productive, well adapted to commerce, and has a large and enterprising population, which is rapidly multiplying. The need of the Institution is hence very great, and its prospects of a vigorous life and extensive usefulness are brilliant. A portion, if not all, of those interested in the Seminary are in favour of its being, in some way, connected with the General Assembly; and an arrangement is likely to be proposed next May.

We wish the enterprise the highest degree of prosperity, in all the good things which the Lord bestows upon his most approved and favoured servants.-Banner and Advocate.

PRESBYTERIAN (N.S.) THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT CHICAGO.

SEVERAL of our cotemporaries, writes our Chicago correspondent, have fallen into a mistake about the magnificent gift of Sylvester Lind, Esq., of Chicago, to the Lake Forest Association. They report that $60,000 were given for the aid of young men studying for the ministry, and $40,000 to endow professorships. It is right the other way, $60,000 to found three Professorships in the Theological Department of the contemplated University, and $10,000 as a permanent fund, to be devoted to the aid of young men in preparing for the ministry.

It will thus be seen that the Theological department of the contemplated University is provided for by this one donation, and the existence of a Presbyterian Theological Seminary at, or near Chicago, becomes a settled question. It may also be seen, that the princely fund designed to aid those who need aid in studying for the ministry, is so large that twenty or thirty persons may be carried along by it every year; and the Institution will never have to turn any needy applicant away for the want of funds, to aid such as are worthy.-Evangelist.

PROTESTANTISM IN FRANCE.

A FRENCH correspondent of the Christian Advocate estimates, that the Protestants in France are only about 2,000,000, or one-eighteenth of the population. The official census makes the Protestants only about 780,000, to 36,000,000 Catholics, and 74,000 Israelites.

A SINGULAR FACT.

MACAULAY, in his History of England, states the significant fact that no large society, of which the language is not Teutonic (Gothic), has ever turned Protestant; and that, wherever a language derived from ancient Rome is spoken, the religion of modern Rome to this day prevails.

Statistics.

PRESIDENTS.

THE following is a list of the Presidents of the United States, from the formation of the Confederacy, with the dates of their terms of office: