The Evangelical Alliance: what it is, and what it ought to be. 8vo, pp. 24. Aylott and Jones. A Brief Practical View of the Evangelical Alliance. By E. BICKERSTETHI, Rector of Watton. OUR views of the Evangelical Alliance having been already fully declared, we cannot return to the subject; and therefore we cannot enter into the merits of these publications further than to pronounce on their general characteristics. Dr. Massie's volume will now be read extensively with interest and spiritual profit. His task was delicate, but he has proved equal to it; he has been just to all, generous to many, and to some bountiful. The historian has drunk very deeply into the spirit of his subject. Considering the rapidity with which so large a volume has been produced, it is a fresh and striking illustration of the inexhaustible resources and extraordinary energy of the author. The book is excellently written and well got up.-Mr. Thorn's name is sufficient guarantee for truth and the talents necessary to its vigorous and popular exhibition.-—Of the author of the next tractate we know nothing, but it bears throughout strong marks of a sound judgment, a devout spirit, first-rate ability, and a very intimate acquaintance with human nature.— Is it needful to say a word of Mr. Bickersteth? We think not. His name is but another for Christian excellence. The spirit of the pamphlet is worthy of the man. Would we could say as much for its subject! The German Reformation of the Nineteenth Century; or, a Sketch of the Rise, Progress, and Present Position of the recent Seceders from the Church of Rome. With a short Notice of the State of Protestantism in Prussia, Austria, Bavaria, &c. By the German Correspondent of the Continental Echo." Post 8vo, pp. 469. London: Snow. It is difficult in a few words to give an adequate notion of this very interesting and instructive volume. The thinking is vigorous; the style always vivacious, and sometimes brilliant; the matter is most diversified, comprising exciting pieces and patches of history, biography, civil and ecclesiastical polity. Having once begun the volume, readers of intelligence and sensibility will find great difficulty in laying it down till they have finished. The appearance of the work is remark ably opportune, and it is probable that for years to come no publication will appear more calculated to promote the interests of evangelical Protestantism. Patristic Evenings. By JoHN BIRT, Author of "The Principles of Popery,' &c. 8vo, pp. 337. London: Snow. THIS is a volume for all: a rich storehouse of general knowledge-the result of immense reading and not a little reflection. We know very few books of the day more calculated to create and foster a love of study; and as such, we could wish to see it circulating in countless numbers amongst our young men. But our readers may ask, "What is it about?" The answer is," About everything and many people." Get the book and judge for yourselves. Lectures on the Acts of the Apostles. With an Appendix in continuation of the Inspired History, by a Sketch of the Revelation. By JAMES Bennett, D.D. 8vo, pp. 473. London: James Gladding. IN common, we doubt not, with very many, we rejoice in the appearance of these popular prelections. The Author's Lectures in two volumes on the "History," and in one volume on the "Preaching of Christ," only required the present work to complete the vast undertaking. It will be enough, we apprehend, simply to announce the publication. The churches know what they have to expect, and we assure them that they will not be disappointed. The volume is one of no ordi nary value, comprising the results of a long life of learned labour, by a mind equally distinguished for acuteness and comprehension, candour and independence. Wealthy Christians! an opportunity is now furnished you of presenting these four volumes to poor ministers and home missionaries, to whom they would be a valuable storehouse of the soundest theology. Orissa: its Geography, Statistics, History, Religion, &c. By A. STERLING, Esq., late Persian Secretary to the Bengal Government. With the History of the General Baptist Mission. By JAMES PEGGS, late Missionary at Orissa. 8vo, pp. 416. London: Snow. THIS Volume forms a valuable addition to our missionary literature. The Persian Secretary and the Baptist Missionary walk together in harmony; the one discussing the secular, and the other the sacred aspect of the subject. We recommend it as a very readable and instructive publication. Village Sermons. By ARTHUR ROBERTS, M.A., Rector of Woodrising, Norfolk. In Six Volumes. London: Hamilton. Ir is almost too late in the day to give an opinion recommendatory of these volumes, which have attained a very extensive circulation, with little or no assistance from the public press. In point of simplicity they are not unworthy of Legh Richmond: thoroughly evangelical, varied in structure, and diversified in character; pathetic, pungent, and practical, direct and colloquial, according to the nature of the theme. Apart from his Churchmanship-which, however, seldom obtrudes itself-the sermons, as a whole, may be pronounced models of popular preaching. We believe the volumes might be read, or rather studied, with great advantage by some first-rate men in their own walk, but who have utterly miscalculated the spiritual wants and mental stature of the multitude. Additional Remains; comprising Sermons don Johnstone. HERE we have sixty-four outlines of sermons, and seventeen of lectures, which will be read with pleasure and profit by the common people, who, in the days of his brief but brilliant career, always "heard him gladly." They are, nevertheless, merely sketches for pulpit use, and their publication we cannot but consider an act of doubtful prudence. The admirable volumes of Mr. Bonar were sufficient for every legitimate purpose. The Church in the Navy and Army, including original Auto-biographies of Officers in both Services. Royal 18mo, pp. 349. London: Hamilton and Co. New Series. THE physical power of savage tribes is proverbial, and the cause is obvious, for nothing is more certain than that only children of sound health and inherent vigour can survive the hardships of barbarous life. On the same principle, we are to account for the singular decision, freshness and force of Naval and Military piety. Camps and ships are not the place for plants of sickly growth. The volume before us, with its predecessor, supplies a number of very striking and instructive examples. It presents the work of God in the heart of man in new and varied aspects, and may be read with much advantage by all classes, of what is termed the religious world. To men under convictions of sin, its examples are invaluable, and to those who are seeking the salvation of men under circumstances of a discouraging character, it will supply abundant encouragement to persevere in prayer and labour, showing, as it does, so clearly, that nothing is too hard for the Lord. Correct statement of gospel truth in such matters is, of course, a thing of the first moment, and in this respect the work may be safely relied on. The well-known name of the much venerated William Innes, one of the most honoured patriarchs of Congregational Dissent, is guarantee for accuracy of doctrine, as well as experience, inasmuch as few living men better understand the truth as it is in Jesus, and few have through a longer period more uniformly and beautifully adorned it. We greatly commend the work. The Evidences of Grace; or, The Christian Character Delineated. By W. LEASK. 18mo, pp. 110. Snow. MR. LEASK is already advantageously known as a poet, by his "Hall of Vision," "Our Era," &c., and also by his prose pieces. This small piece is calculated to be useful. It ranges over six points,-Repentance-Faith -Gratitude-Hope-Prayer and Profession, under most of which the truth is clearly set forth. The chief defect is found where defect is most to be regretted-in the section on Faith, not that here there is error, but that there wanted more truth-more of faith itself, more of its object, more of it as the means of justification. The publication is otherwise excellent. A Journey over the region of Unfulfilled Prophecy. Poetry. CLINGING TO EARTH. BY FANNY FORESTER. O do not let me die! the earth is bright, I cannot die! the flowers of earthly love Shed their rich fragrance on a kindred heart; There may be purer, brighter flowers above, Yet with these ones 'twould be too hard to part. I dream of heaven, and well I love those dreams, It is not that my lot is void of gloom, That sadness never circles round my heart; Nor that I fear the darkness of the tomb, That I would never from the earth depart. 'Tis that I love the world, its cares, its sorrows, Its bounding hopes, its feelings fresh and warm, Each cloud it wears, and every light it borrows, Loves, wishes, fears, the sunshine and the storm. I love them all but closer still the loving I well can bide the storms of worldly strife. Then do not let me die! for earth is bright, Heaven is a land of holiness and light, But I am frail, and with the frail would dwell. ASPIRING TO HEAVEN. BY FANNY FORESTER. Yes, let me die! Am I of spirit-birth, O make me pure, with pure ones e'er to dwell. 'Tis sweet to die! The flowers of earthly love, Life is a dream, a bright but fleeting dream, But heaven is dearer. There I have my treasure; There loving eyes are to the portals straying; Then let me die. My spirit longs for heaven, British Missions. CHRONICLE OF THE CONGREGATIONAL A VOICE FROM A FAR LAND IN FAVOUR OF THE writer of the following letter will, it is hoped, pardon its unauthorised insertion in our pages. But it pleads so powerfully a cause which never more than now needed such advocacy, that delicacy yields to duty, and it is published as an appeal to the wealthy of our churches at home, and, indeed, to all our churches and their pastors, to act a willing and united part in supporting that great cause, British Missions." Distance often enables beholders to gain a more complete and correct view of objects than is possible to those whose view is near. Congregationalists at Cape Town and in Madras look on from afar and observe the affairs of their brethren in the parent land, and, by liberal contributions, give practical testimony of their judgment concerning the Congregational Union and its British Missions. "Madras, 12th November, 1816. "MY DEAR SIR,-Although a stranger to you, and a resident in this far eastern land, yet feeling a lively interest in the extension of Christ's kingdom on earth, I am happy of an opportunity to contribute to the promotion of this great cause in the world. "I have been deeply interested in the accounts that have from time to time appeared in the CHRISTIAN WITNESS regarding the three Societies for British Missions connected with the Congregational body in England, and I have observed with much regret, that the support afforded to these objects is not equal to the claims they have on the British churches, and especially from that denomination under whose auspices they act. Belonging myself to the Congregational order in Madras, and esteeming it a privilege to promote the usefulness and efficiency of all such societies, especially when they stand in connection with us, I have resolved, notwith standing the claims of British India to my support and sympathy, to send you a contribution in aid of the funds of the three societies referred to, and trust it will in some measure meet the expected deficiency in your ways and means for the future. I am, however, not without hope that your appeal to the Congregational churches of Great Britain will be so cheerfully responded to, as to make your collections of the 25th October last, liberal and large, and enable you to take courage and go forward! "I inclose the undermentioned bill on my agents in London, and which I request may be appropriated as follows: HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE "Executive Committee" having completed their survey of the stations, both missionary and grantee, have presented their Report to the Directors, which, upon the whole, is of a highly satisfactory character. The agents are labouring with great diligence, and in many cases with considerable success. Many towns and villages are now blessed with the means of evangelical instruction, which, but for the efforts of this Society, might still have been the scenes of rioting and vice, or characterized by the worldliness and total indifference to religious truth, which so unhappily prevail in many parts of our beloved country. Everything brought under the attention of the Executive Committee has illustrated the value and importance of the Home Missionary Society, and its adaptation to the spiritual necessities of the people. If our churches did but rouse themselves to greater efforts, and show themselves more in earnest in seeking the salvation of souls, an impulse might be given, the advantages of which would be felt for ages to come. Happy would the Directors be could they convey to others the deep sense they entertain of the value of the labours of the agents. Their journals record an amount of self-denying effort, which, by the blessing of God, cannot fail to be attended with the happiest results. Amidst scenes of poverty and want, which are to be found in our agricultural districts especially, they are making known the consolations of the gospel, which alone can sustain the poor under their sufferings, which, perhaps, were never greater than at the present time. It is a season in which our churches should feel themselves called upon for greater humiliation before God, more fervent prayer, and more abundant liberality, than at any former period. This being the deep conviction on the minds of the Directors, it is with unaffected sorrow they have to state to their subscribers and friends, that the funds of the Institution are in a condition to excite the most serious alarm. Since the last annual meeting they have been under the necessity of appropriating no less a sum than £2,500 of their funded property to meet the liabilities of the last two quarters of the year. Nor have they any prospect of being able before the next anniversary of replacing any portion of that amount. Unless, therefore, there is a considerable augmentation of the regular income of the Society, it will require but another year entirely to exhaust the funds bequeathed for the purposes of the Institation by their deceased friends. Should this fear be realized, some of the agents must be withdrawn, and the stations, however promising, must be abandoned. Will our churches allow this? Will the wealthy members of our body hear of this without encouraging the Directors by contributions worthy of themselves and of the cause? Surely not! Patriotism, humanity, and, in an especial manner, our common Christianity, forbid it. No enterprise in business, no worldly speculation, needs funds enough to conduct it. Shall the cause of God, the extension of the church, the salvation of souls, be the only objects that appeal in vain for adequate support? To show that whatever may be the ground for apprehension on financial matters, there is abundant reason for encouragement in the operations of the Society, the following extract from the journal of one of the agents is submitted to the attention of the readers of the WITNESS: Important Revival Meetings. "In presenting another journal of information respecting this station, it is with pleasure that I can state that we are cheered with what we witness of a religious nature among the villagers. "Seasons of joy we require as well as times of sorrow; and with the former we trust we are favoured at the present time. Since my last report to the Society we have been holding extra meetings for the purpose of reviving the cause of God among us, and we hope to continue them for some time, We commenced by devoting one week to special prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our labours in general, and on these extra efforts in particular. The prayer-meetings were well attended, and a lively interest appeared to be excited. After these meetings for prayer, we conducted a course of preaching services for one month. These services we have held at H and P-0The number of persons attending was most interesting, and the solemnity which pervaded the congregations was gratifying to every Christian present. This was the more pleasing as we had no stranger to preach to them. The whole of the services were conducted by your agent, assisted by the deacons of the church, who occasionally preach in the villages. Within four weeks we held sixty preaching services, forty prayer meetings, and six inquirers' meetings; and during the same period your agent visited a great number of families with tracts, and prayed with the sick and dying. It would be premature as yet to write of genuine results: to state these, the future will be the best time. Great anxiety, however, was manifested among many about their soul's salvation; while some few were led to rejoice in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. "Our sabbath-schools, I am happy to say, are in a prosperous state. Of late the number of scholars has increased in three of the schools out of the four on this station. "Last Thursday we gave the children at their annual treat of cake and tea, which they appeared greatly to enjoy. About seventy friends and teachers took tea in the school-room the same evening. After tea addresses were delivered, on the benefits of Sunday-school instruction, to a numerous and an attentive audience. "But while we have presented some pleasing prospects, we have at the same time a dark side to grieve over and to pray for. Hundreds in the neighbourhood live wholly unconcerned about eternal things. They show every symptom of direful hardihood in their sin, and, to appearance, would as soon endure the horrors of hell as enjoy the bliss of heaven. We, however, will not despair; we will labour and pray for the all-effectual operation of the Holy Ghost that 'these dry bones might live."" IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY. THE attention of the Committee has of late been almost exclusively directed to the appalling destitution and misery which universally prevail in our ill-fated sister kingdom. By Divine Providence alone has the wide-spread calamity been permitted. The people universally regard it as a visitation from God. Multitudes are lingering on the borders of death; and thousands will ere long be prostrate in the grave. Although, in some few instances, impelled by hunger, acts of plunder have been perpetrated, yet in general the sufferers are so paralyzed by their misery that no violence is manifested. The Rev. Mr. Gayer, of Dingle, in a letter, says the people there are dying by inches; that he wonders they are so patient as to lie down and die without breaking open the Government stores; and that two-thirds of the population will perish if food be not cheapened there. The Agents of the Society, too, bear the same testimony to the patient endurance by the people of their truly awful distress. The following extracts from letters just received by the Committee, are given as a specimen of the |