is not their principal recommendation. They are a summary of Christian truths, exhibited in a most attractive form, and breathing, throughout, a devout and liberal spirit. The Homilies are twelve in number, and the following are the subjects which they consecutively discuss :- the duty of private judgment; the Popish rule of faith; the Protestant rule of faith; deviations from, and abuses of, the Protestant rule of faith; the Scriptural doctrine of justification; Popish doctrine of justification; the Papal Church-its apocalyptic character; the Papal Church-the duty of separating from it; the Church of Christ, the ministry, and the sacraments-Part I.; the Church of Christ-Part II.; apostolical succession, the Sacraments-Part III.; the duty of Protestants at the present crisis. The last homily is an admirable conclusion to the whole. Before quoting the peroration, we mention a fact that has given us great pain. We are informed by authority which we cannot question, that the Archbishop of Canterbury has appointed a stanch Puseyite to be one of his examining chaplains.

"The evil now mainly to be apprehended is a cautious and covert inculcation of the errors of the tracts. Unless the advocates of the new theology are actually rescued from their Popish tendencies, the fear of incurring public censure will be but a slender protection against the insinuations of the professor's chair, and the more formidable arena of the Christian pulpit. Were all the bishops alive to the dangers which now threaten the interests of the Reformation, they might do much to stem the desolating torrent which now sweeps across the land. Let them ordain no man who does not repudiate the more obnoxious tenets of the new theology, and, for the lack of public teachers, the pernicious heresy will soon fall into decay, or be upheld only by the avowed advocates of Romanism. We have reason to believe that some have already adopted this course, and others, doubtless, will follow in their steps.

"But the only sure defence, under God, against the encroachments of this specious manifestation of the Papal spirit, will be a growing acquaintance among the people with the precious doctrines of the Reformation. When they have acquired the power and the habit of trying the spirits,' they will not suffer themselves to be drawn aside by their teachers from the standard principles of the Protestant faith; but will test the new theology by its spirit, its tendency, and its marked hostility to the word of God. An enlightened people will be our best protection in times when so many of the professed teachers of religion are beginning to

symbolise with the 'man of sin.' To multiply the number of enlightened, zealous Protestants should be the anxious aim of all those servants of Christ, who have studied the doctrines of the Reformation in the light of Scripture and of history; the strongest barrier against Papal errors, will be the determined resistance of a people triumphing in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and resolved never again to bend their necks to the yoke of Rome. It is not political Protestantism that will save our country this, alas! may comport with indifference to Bible-truth, and sympathy with the doctrine of the tracts. It is the Protestantism of Luther, and Zuingle, and Calvin, and Knox, and Latimer, and Taylor, that will prove the bulwark of our country; a Protestantism baptized in the doctrine of Christ, instinct with love to God's blessed word, and jealous of every approach to the spirit and practice of the Romish apostasy. The revival of such a Protestantism would infuse new life and energy into the piety of Great Britain; and if the resuscitation of the Laud theology shall be overruled by God for the invigora tion of our common Christianity, we shall have reason to be thankful for that fitful struggle of error which has issued in the more signal triumph of the grand doctrines of the Reformation. That the result of the present painful contest may be the more cordial union of all enlightened Protestants, and the nearer approach of every reformed church to the pure and lofty standard of revealed truth, must be the devout prayer of all who look on Protestantism as the antagonist of Rome, and the recovery of those precious truths which had either been obscured or lost in the long night of Papal darkness."

The connexion of the respected author with the Evangelical Magazine has not deterred us from stating the genuine conviction of our minds, as to the substantial merits of the present work. If there is kindness in the expression, there is impartiality in the verdict. Besides, enlightened friendship looks for superior excellence in the object of its preference, and will not be satisfied, unless it feels assured that its award will be sanctioned by public opinion. On this score, we have nothing to apprehend.

In conclusion, we cannot take leave of Dr. Morison in a sentence more expressive of the feelings of our heart than in words addressed to us in the days of our youth, by a venerable minister, who, after hearing a sermon from our lips, clasped us by the hand, and said, "My dear sir, may you long live to preach this everlasting gospel."

The END of LIVING and the GAIN of DYING, to the faithful Servant of Christ. A Sermon, preached in the Congregational Chapel, Nile-street, Glasgow, August 8th, 1841, on occasion of the Death of the Rev. Greville Ewing. By RALPH WARDLAW, D.D. 8vo, pp. 36.

Maclehose and Nelson, Glasgow: and Jackson and Walford, London.

Whether we regard this discourse in the light of a pulpit composition, or as a tribute to the memory of departed worth, it is in every way worthy of that honoured servant of Christ, by whom it was originally preached, and to whom we are now indebted for its appearance in its present form. Seldom, perhaps, has the memorable declaration of Paul, "To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," been more beautifully or energetically expounded, so as to bring out to full view the depth and riches of its contents. We could scarcely have believed that a text so often selected and discussed, could have been invested with such an air of unique and original splendour. The moral grandeur of the apostle's character is exhibited, by the preacher, in some of its most imposing lights;-the heroism of his faith, the self-sacrificing power of his love, which sprung from it, the matchless unity of his grand aim, and the widespread success of his labours, which was "the prime interest, the very zest and relish" of his existence, are all well and strikingly depicted.

TheGAIN," too, connected with the death of such a champion is finely illustrated, in the evils which it will annihilate, and in the augmented sources of enjoyment to which it will conduct. The whole sermon is worthy of notice, both as a specimen of simple effective pulpit eloquence, and as an example of pure and elevated Scriptural theology.

The coincidence to which Dr. Wardlaw refers in his prefatory notice is somewhat striking and peculiar. "After having fixed my text," he observes, "I was led, by natural association, to look at the discourse which, nearly thirteen years ago, I had been called to deliver, in consequence of the lamented death of Mrs. Ewing. On opening it, I was agreeably startled on observing, what had quite escaped my remembrance, that the text of this discourse was the motto on the title-page of that. The undesigned coincidence was pleasing. The words were alike true of both; and I felt as if, in appropriating them successively to each, I were throwing round them the very bond of their everlasting re-union, and giving a kind of emblematic reality to Mr. E.'s own tender words of recollection and anticipation :

'To her, whose memory I cherish,-who still remembers me,-whom I am quickly following to death, and hope, through mercy, soon to meet in a deathless world.'"

The full-length accurate portrait, which Dr. Wardlaw has drawn of his intimate, beloved, and long-tried friend, is one of the finest sketches of modern times, worthy at once of its subject, and of the skill of the moral artist to whom we are indebted for so faithful a delineation. It is preferable, in our humble opinion, to many a dull octavo, spun out to five or six hundred pages, under the title of "Memoirs and Select Remains," &c. If any one shall henceforward undertake to write Mr. Ewing's life, let him take heed lest it should prove of less real value than this vivid outline, extending only to twenty pages. We had almost said, let no one attempt Mr. Ewing's life, but the writer of this brief memorial.

BIBLICAL RESEARCHES in PALESTINE, MOUNT SINAI, and ARABIA PETREA. A Journal of Travels in the year 1838. By E. ROBINSON and E. SMITH. Undertaken in reference to Biblical Geography. Drawn up from the Original Diaries, with Historical Illustrations, by EDWARD ROBINSON, D.D., Professor of Biblical Literature in the Union Theological Seminary, New York, Author of a Greek and English Lexicon of the New Testament, etc. With new Maps and Plans, in five sheets. 3 vols., 8vo.

John Murray.

The high expectations awakened by the announcement of this work will not, we are persuaded, be disappointed on an actual perusal of its voluminous contents. The well-earned reputation of Dr. Robinson, as a biblical student of the first class, is a guarantee to the public, that any production of his pen will be deserving the notice of those who adict themselves to the study of sacred literature. His fellow-traveller, also, appears to be an individual of cultivated mind, whose opportunities of aiding him in his laudable undertaking were considerable, owing to his residence in eastern climes, and his acquaintance with the Arabic language.

As is stated in the title-page, the author's visit to Palestine and the countries adjacent, was undertaken with a view to the rendering more perfect the materials of our biblical geography. At first, Dr. R. resolved to furnish the results merely of his investigations, without reference to his own personal narrative; but, upon second thoughts, he deemed it best "to exhibit the manner in which the Promised Land unfolded itself to

his eyes, and the process by which he was lead to the conclusions advanced in this work." We think he acted wisely in adopting this course, as it enables the intelligent reader to judge for himself of the opportunities possessed by Dr. R. and his companion for reaching the conclusions here announced, and stamps a peculiar value upon the new information they have supplied in reference to the historical topography of the Holy Land.

We deem it no subtraction, moreover, from the value of these Researches, that they are presented in the form of a daily journal, instead of perfected accounts of objects, as they successively arose to the eye of the traveller without further reference to them. An occasional repetition of the same matter, and separate accounts of the same object, occur on the author's plan; but these defects, if such they may be called, are abundantly compensated by the facilities which it affords for entering minutely into the movements and views of the traveller. There are few intelligent readers who, so far as manner is concerned, would not prefer the Journals of Maundrel and Burckhardt, to the elaborate essays of Pococke and Niebuhr. There is an exquisite pleasure in accompanying, in imagination, the tourist of the Holy Land, in all his wanderings, and in marking the laborious process by which he reaches his several conclusions in reference to natural objects, antique remains, and historical associations.

A very valuable portion of these Biblical Researches will be found to consist in the historical illustrations which they embody of the principal points connected with the topography of Palestine. The authors do not content themselves merely with describing what they saw; but enter, with much acuteness of investigation, often into the records or traditions of the past; and thereby furnish important aids to a more complete system of biblical geography, and to a more enlightened interpretation of many parts of the sacred text. It is but simple justice to state, in reference to this feature of the work before us, that it exhibits much original matter to the contemplation of the biblical student. Many searching investigations are applied with success to the traditions of the monasteries, as contradistinguished to those which prevail among the native population. In every instance our authors seem to have preferred the sober lights of truth to the ignis fatuus of mere legendary fable. Much pains have been taken to unfold the actual history of the traditions of Palestine, by dividing it into three distinct epochs, the first dating from the commencement of the fourth century, when foreign influence acquired a firm

footing, and changed the current of native tradition,—the second commencing with the crusades in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, when a new tide of tradition set in on the public mind,-and the third, beginning with the seventeenth century, when European travellers began to ransack the lore of the convents, and presented to the world a heap of incongruous things. The Onomasticon of Eusebius, and the Itinerary of Jerusalem, may be regarded as the most authentic records of the first period; the Tract of Brocardus, the best account of the second; and the laborious work, Quaresmius, the fullest record of the third. R. very justly expresses his conviction that, "within the last two centuries, so far as the convents and travellers in Palestine are concerned, the cause of biblical geography can hardly be said to have greatly advanced."

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Of the design of these volumes at large, we have the following accurate account, in the author's own words. They may be said to exhibit an historical review of the sacred geography of Palestine, since the times of the New Testament; pointing out, under each place described, how far and in what period it has hitherto been known. This applies, however, in strictness, only to the parts of the country examined by us ; although these include, in a certain sense, nearly the whole of Palestine west of the Jordan."

The maps which accompany this work are of rare value, not only because they are admirably executed, by a young artist at Berlin, of great talent and distinguished scholarship; but because they are not mere copies of former maps, but actual representations of the Holy Land and parts adjoining, as they presented themselves to the accurate and scholarly observation of Dr. R. and his fellow-traveller. What they saw they laid down, with much care, for themselves, adopting the best authorities, where their own investigations did not extend, or where they were of necessity too partial and limited to justify their being adopted as a guide. The chief characteristic of these maps is, that no name or position has been admitted on mere conjecture, nor without some sufficient positive authority. Where places are doubtful as to their actual relative position, they are invariably marked as such. The result of adopting this plan, as our authors state, "has been, to exclude a multitude of names, ancient and modern, which figure at random on most maps of Palestine."

Another valuable feature of these Researches is, that they display great attention to the orthography of Arabic names, both as quoted in the Arabic character, and in the Roman letters. An honourable testi

mony is borne to the general accuracy of Burckhardt in this matter; and some important hints are thrown out, to aid in the adoption of a uniform system of oriental orthography, upon the plan applied by Pickering to the Indian languages.

We have thus endeavoured to present to our readers the distinguishing peculiarities of a work, which promises to take a high standing among the class of productions to which it belongs. It is, indeed, a specimen of fresh and vigorous literature, enriched by varied learning and research, and exhibiting a soundness of judgment, and a calmness of investigation but rarely displayed by writers who have undertaken the tour of the Holy Land. In rising up from the perusal of these instructive and highly entertaining voiumes, we have felt an almost irrepressible desire to visit the country of the patriarchs and prophets, and of Him of Nazareth to whom they all gave witness. If others feel as we have done, they will not be able to read some of Dr. Robinson's touching descriptions without strongly excited feelings both of pleasure and pain. To an exquisite taste, and vigorous powers of delineation, he has added a minute acquaintance with the hallowed associations connected with the Holy Land. We have wept over many of his narratives.

The last paragraph of Dr. R.'s preface will best explain the spirit in which the work has been undertaken and executed. "With humble gratitude to God, here bring this work to a close. It is the fruit of studies and plans of life running back for nearly twenty years; and for the last four years, it has occupied, more or less exclusively, well nigh all my waking hours. May He who has thus far sustained me, make it useful for the elucidation of His truth!"

A thought vividly flashes across our minds, We throw it out while we pen this article. for the consideration of our readers, praying that God may deign to make it useful. The work is expensive; but there is not a church in Great Britain so poor that it could not make a present of it to its pastor. It would be a most acceptable boon to the entire ministry of our country; and would be sure to reward the churches in the rich stores of information which it would supply to their spiritual instructors. We earnestly plead that this suggestion may not be lost sight of. We add another, and leave the result with God. Let the churches from which our beloved missionary brethren have gone forth, send presents of this work to them. It will cheer their hearts on a foreign shore, and involve but a slight effort on the part of a few public-spirited friends.

WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

1. Homilies for the Times; or, Rome and her New Allies. A Plea for the Reformation. Post 8vo, pp. 408, 8s. Ward and Co.

2. Conferences of the Reformers and Divines of the Early English Church, on the Doctrines of the Oxford Tractarians, held in the Province of Canterbury, in the Spring of the year 1841. Edited by a Member of the University of 8vo, pp. 264, 58. 6d. Seeley and Burnside.

3. Annotations on some of the Messianic Psalms. From the Commentary of ROSENMULLER. With the Latin Version and Notes of DATHE. Translated by ROBERT JOHNSON. To which is prefixed, an Introduction and Preface. 12mo, pp. 414. T. Clark, Edinburgh. Vol. XXXII. of "Biblical Cabinet."

4. Proceedings of the General Anti-slavery Convention, called by the Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-slavery Society, and held in London, from Friday, June 12th, to Tuesday, June 23rd, 1840. 8vo, pp. 520. Ward and Co.

5. Astronomical Cards. In question and answer. Compiled from the best authorities; principally from Keith's invaluable "Treatise on the Globes;' and part cularly adapted to interest and assist the youthful student in the sublime science of Astronomy. Ward and Co.

These questions and answers are fifty-two in number, and embrace the main outline of the science of astronomy, in a phraseology admirably adapted to attract and engage the minds of children and young people.

6. The End of Living and the Gain of Dying to the Faithful Servant of Christ. A Sermon, preached in the Congregational chapel, Nile-street, Glasgow, August 8th, 1841, on occasion of the death of the Rev. Greville Ewing. By RALPH WARDLAW, D.D. 8vo, pp. 36, 18. Maclehose and Nelson, Glasgow; and Jackson and Walford, Loudon.

7. The Invalid's Hymn-Book. With an Introductory Preface, by the Rev. HUGH WHITE, A.M. Second edition, revised and enlarged, 18mo, pp. 272. Simpkin and Marshall.

8. The Lyre of Zion. A selection of Poems, sacred and devotional, from ancient and modern authors. By THOMAS RAGG, author of "The Deity," "Heber," "Martyr of Verulam," "Lyrics from the Pentateuch," &c. &c. 18mo, pp. 256. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

A Reli

9. Britain's Relief at the Present Crisis. gious Address for the Times. By the Rev. JAMES MONRO. Published by request. Second edition, 8vo, pp. 18. J. Hollis, Bishop Auckland.

This is a seasonable and well-written address, showing very convincingly the religious duty of abandoning laws which grind the faces of the poor.

10. A Sermon, delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Kent Congregational Association, at the Rev. G. Verral's chapel, Bromley, on Wednesday morning, July the 7th, 1841. By PATRICK THOMSON, A.M., Minister of Eb nezer Chapel, Chatham. Published at the request of the Association. Svo, pp. 32. Sherwood, Gilbert, Piper, and Co.

This is a discourse of extraordinary merit, which we hope to notice at some length in our next.

11. Counsel for the Times. In an Address to the Students of Airedale College, at the Annual Meeting, held on Wednesday, June 23rd, 1841. By THOMAS SCALES, Minister of Queen street Chapel, Leeds. 8vo, pp. 20. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.

We could earnestly wish to see this spirited and

St. Mary's Catholic College, Youghal, For foreign missions all over the world, particularly England, Scotland, and the British Colonies.

The very Rev. JOHN FOLEY, President.

Such an institution has long been sighed for; such an institution has been long expected from Catholic Ireland. England is ripe for re-conversion. Scotland seeks the truth; while from the British Colonies thousands upon thousands stretch forth their arms, and by the mercies of Him who died for all mankind, supplicate us for pastors to "break to them the bread of life."

Already about forty young missionaries are ardently prosecuting their sacred studies at St. Mary's. Ere long they will be prepared to march like faithful soldiers of Jesus Christ, to whatever quarter of the world their labours most may be required.

Catholics of Ireland, rally round this institution, destined by the wisdom of God' to impart light, and truth, and heavenly comfort to millions of our fellow men.

To send forth faithful missionaries, to send forth a host of young apostles, and to bear a share for ever in the merit of their sufferings and sacrifices, and of the countless blessings they will impart, all required of every Catholic, is merely one shilling yearly; and from the poor, even one single sixpence.

Oh did the priests and people but com

bine, how many thousands of souls might every year thus be rescued from never-ending destruction: how many, now being lost, would sing the songs of Zion,' and eternal triumph.

N.B. The holy sacrifice of the mass will be offered up for the contributors, both living and dead, three times every week.

Donations and subscriptions, transmitted by post or otherwise, shall be thankfully received and gratefully acknowledged by the Very Rev. John Foley, Catholic College, Youghal."

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A recent communication from Ireland states, that in this very town, "a whole establishment, consisting of five presentation monks, has been lately converted to Protestantism. Mr. - the superior, and his three brothers, have joined the Church of England; and the fifth, a Mr. ——, has become a member of Dr. Urwick's church, in Dublin."

Wishing all your readers a large increase of zeal and liberality in the cause of Ireland, I am, Mr. Editor, Yours very truly,

GEO. ROSE.

CONGREGATIONAL UNION AT NOTTINGHAM.

Adjourned meetings of the Annual Assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, to be held at Nottingham, on the 19th, 20th, and 21st days of October.

We announce, with great pleasure, these important services, and sincerely hope the proceedings on this occasion, will equal or surpass in interest and profit, those of the former similar meetings at Birmingham and Bristol.

Tuesday evening, 19th October, a preparatory sermon will be preached in Jamesstreet Chapel, service to commence at seven o'clock.

Wednesday morning, 20th October, a meeting of delegates and brethren will be held in Friar-lane Chapel, to commence pre