the ultimate object of my earlier ministrations. Ye servants, whose scrupulous fidelity has now attracted the notice, and drawn forth in my hearing a delightful testimony from your masters, what mischief you would have done, had your zeal for doctrines and sacraments been accompanied by the sloth and the remissness, and what, in the prevailing tone of moral relaxation, is counted the allowable purloining of your earlier days! But a sense of your heavenly master's eye has brought another influence to bear upon you; and while you are thus striving to adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things, you may, poor as you are, reclaim the great ones of the land to the acknowledgment of the faith. You have at least taught me that to preach Christ is the only effective way of preaching morality in all its branches; and out of your humble cottages have I gathered ■ lesson, which I pray God I may be enabled to carry with all its simplicity into a wider theatre, and to bring with all the power of its subduing efficacy upon the vices of a more crowded population. pp. 430-432. We hope to have other opportunities of directing attention to the career of this honoured servant of the Redeemer, as subsequent portions of the memoir appear. Of the successive volumes of his Posthumous Works we have spoken repeatedly, and were we now to add anything it would be to renew our cordial recommendation of that which seems likely to be the most permanently useful of all his publications-the Institutes of Theology. Our attachment to works of this class is not strong, and our expectations from these two volumes were not sanguine; but we have found in them such an avoidance of the evils with which systematic theology is generally combined, so much humility connected with spiritual discernment, and such warm effusions from a heart steeped in New Testament influences, that we should be sorry to neglect a fair opportunity of mentioning them to any fellow Christians who value our opinion. BRIEF NOTICES. New Polyglott Bible. The Holy Bible: containing the Old and New Testamen's, according to the Authorized Version. With Marginal Readings, and upwards of Fifty Thousand Verified References to Parallel and Illustrative Passages. The Historical Connection of the Old and New Testaments, to which is added a series of Useful Tables, intended to illustrate the Sacred Text. Glasgow: W. R. M'Phun. 1849. The Psalms of David, imitated in New Testament Language, together with Hymns and Spiritual Songs. In three Books. By the Rev. ISAAC WATTS, D.D. London: Printed and Sold by J. Haddon, Castle Street, Finsbury. 1849. A Selection of Hymns for the use of Baptist Congregations: intended as a Supplement to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns. The Forty-third, being an improved and Enlarged Edition of the New Selection. London: Printed and sold for the Trustees, by J. Haddon, Castle Street, Finsbury, and by all Booksellers. 1849. These three books bound together so as to make a handsome and yet portable volume, as now kept for sale by Mr. Haddon, have, to our personal knowledge, caused young eyes to glisten. We have seen the effect produced and can fully account for it, there being an obvious convenience, as the purveyors for the young people of other denominations have found, in having in one pair of covers, all the chapters, hymns. and psalms, that are needed at the place of worship to which we are attached. The type, even for the bible, which is smaller than that used for the hymns, is sufficiently clear for the purpose; though for much continuous reading, a larger would be preferred by seniors whose sight has begun to decay. A few maps are inserted, on thin paper, which, like the tabular matter, add to the usefulness of the volume without making any perceptible addition to its bulk. The Comprehensive Pocket Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated out of the Original Tongues, and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised: With Explanatory Notes, &c. By D. DAVIDSON. Author of the Pocket Commentary, Biblical Dictionary, &c. &c. Edinburgh: Printed and Published by James Brydone, South Hanover Street. 1848. This is a highly respectable work, though and Vessels. Drawn on a Uniform Scale; with Coloured Metallic Illuminations of Gold, Silver, Brass, &c. To represent as nearly as possible the costly materials of the original. London: Bagster and Sons. Folio. Part I. The thought of such ornaments for a drawingroom table as are here furnished, calls to remembrance the prediction, "In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses Holiness unto the Lord."" Ability to pourtray beautifully magnificent utensils is consecrated in this case to the holiest uses. Representations first of the ark with its coverings, and secondly of the brazen altar with its accompaniments, executed in the first style of art upon the finest drawing paper, are accompanied by letter-press observations which evince a conviction of the immeasurable superiority of new covenant blessings and the ministration of the Spirit. less adapted to the use of young persons belong-| The Tabernacle of Israel: its Holy Furniture ing to our congregations than that which we have just noticed, the poetic supplement consisting of the Psalms and Paraphrases according to the version approved by the Church of Scotland and used in its worship. The editor has, however, brought into a small compass a great deal of information which a large portion of the public will value. There are several preliminary dissertations, which though brief, will be found instructive; and foot-notes are appended throughout, intended "to remove the principal difficulties of the text-to clear up those obscu. rities which occur to minds not familiar with biblical criticism and theology-to reconcile apparent contradictions-to ascertain the signification of parables, figures, and symbols-and to point out the aptitude of the allusions to the customs, manners, costume, and general pursuits of those to whom the scriptures were first addressed, also to the history, productions, climates, and natural features of the countries which they inhabited." The Book of the Prophet Joel. London : Samuel Bagster and Sons. 8vo., pp. 20. The prophecy of Joel being throughout poetical and well adapted to show the advantages of a poetical arrangement of the prophets, has been selected for this purpose, and printed in parallelisms. It is justly observed, that it is only custom which hinders us from seeing how much we lose in not having the Hebrew prophets poetically arranged. The printing is beautifully executed, presenting the points and accents to the eye quite legibly; the text is that of Van der Hooght, with a few of the more important readings from Kennicott and De Rossi at the foot of each page. This small publication cannot fail to be acceptable to Hebrew students; may we hope that it will be followed by the other proplietical books in similar style? The Bible of Every Land; or a History Critical and Philological, of all the Versions of the Sacred Scriptures, in every Language and Dialect into which Translations have been made: with Specimen Portions in their own characters, and Ethnographical Maps. Parts VI and VII. London: Bagster and Sons. 4to. The Faithful Servant Rewarded. A Sermon preached in St. Andrew's Chapel, Cambridge, August 19, 1849. By RORERT ROFF. Occasioned by the Death of the late Mr. William Adams. Published by request. Cambridge: Johnson. 8vo. p. 30. A serious, devout, and evangelical discourse, on the Character and the Reward of a Servant of Christ. Having shown that true Christians are servants of Christ, that the ground of the Redeemer's right to the service of his followers is laid, first in their redemption and regeneration, and then in their own voluntary choice, and illustrated the ways in which fidelity will display itself, Mr. Koff observes that three things are included in the faithful servant's reward as described in the text. 1. Approbation of past devotedness. 2. Elevation to higher services. 3. Introduction to present blessedness. These prospects are made the basis of suitable counsels and consolations. The Eclectic Review. December, 1849. London: Ward and Co. With sorrow we contemplate these sheets as the last of the series to which they belong. It seems but a little while since we were eager to receive the first number that was to appear under the superintendence of the beloved friend who had undertaken the editorship; thirteen years have elapsed, it appears, and now the As this work proceeds, the extent of the state of his constitution requires that he should resources on which the editor has to draw step into retirement and give place to a sucbecomes increasingly apparent. His materials cessor. May his remaining days be spent in are abundant, and he knows where to find them the peaceful enjoyment of those principles when they are wanted. Information so various which he has laboured to promulgate! What and comprehensive, illustrative of the diffusion may be the abilities or the achievements of the of scriptural light among the nations, could not man that is to come after him we know not, have been given at an earlier period of the and at present his name must not be mentionworld's history had it been attempted, and the ed; but of this we are persuaded, that the effort now being made will satisfy all reasonable readers of the Eclectic will never have to conexpectations. The portion before us includes gratulate themselves upon an editor of more the Celtic and Teutonic families, comprising benevolence, integrity, and directness of purthe Welsh, Gaelic, Irish, Anglo-Saxon, English, pose, than Thomas Price. He anticipates for Gothic, Danish, Dutch, Flemish, German, Ice-it, however, a continuance in the same course landic, and Swedish versions, many specimens of which are given, with much interesting information respecting the circumstances in which they have appeared, and the countries through which they have circulated. as he has pursued. "In relinquishing my post," says our friend, "it is some consolation to reflect, that the circulation of the 'Eclectic' is considerably greater than when the journal came into my hands, and that its future con duct will maintain all its distinguishing principles, theological, ecclesiastical, and political. To its future editor I cordially invite the confidence and friendly support of my readers." Sunday schools is well known to their friends, and we have pleasure in certifying that his pastoral experience and habits of observation have led him to make suggestions on behalf of young people who have ceased to attend in these institutions, which may be turned to excellent account. The Appeal; a Magazine for the People. Vol. III. July to December, 1849. Leeds: 12mo., pp. 72. Price Fourpence-halfpenny. A New Sacred Ode for Christmas, Composed This little periodical is published expressly for readers who do not make a profession of religion. The short pieces of which it consists are evangelical, simple, and lively, adapted to attract the attention of persons who are not much accustomed to thinking, and to make a beneficial impression on their hearts We know of nothing better fitted for the purpose, or worthy of more cordial and unhesitating recommendation. We should be glad to know that every church in the kingdom made systematic exertions for its circulation. It is issued in two forms: a number is published on the first day of every month, price one halfpenny; and the numbers for the half year are sold together, in stiff covers, a form very suitable for lending. Memoirs of Eminent Sunday School Teachers. With Two Essays: I. On the Importance of Sunday Schools. II. On the Office of Sunday School Teaching. By the Rev. THOMAS TIMPSON, Author of "The Companion to the Bible," "The Youth's Key to the Bible," "British Ecclesiastical History," &e. Second Thousand. London: Snow. PP. 376. with an Accompaniment for the Organ or Piano Forte. By WILLIAM BIRD, Author of" Original Psalmody," &c. &c. London: Cocks and Co. Sold by the Author, 64, White Lion Street, Pentonville. The author of this piece, who is also the editor of "The Beauties of Psalmody," has long been known in some parts of the country and in the metropolis as a singer and composer of congregational tunes. This ode, and an anthem from the 133rd Psalm which is appended to it, partaking of the same spirit as his earlier productions, will call to the minds of his friends some of the pleasures of past days, and diversify agreeably their musical enjoy ments. RECENT PUBLICATIONS Approved. [It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works enumerated, not of course extending to every particular, but an approbation of their general character and tendency.] The Sabbath School Teacher's Reward. Written In our number for May last, we had the by J. S. FEATHERSTONE. Composed for Four pleasure of giving to the former edition of this work a warm recommendation, which we now cordially renew. Plants and Trees of Scripture. London: R.T.S. Monthly Series. Sixpence. The design of this work is to furnish a description of the trees, shrubs, and other vegetable productions referred to in the sacred volume, rectifying misapprehensions arising from the limited acquaintance with oriental botany of the translators and interpreters of former days. The style in which it is written is clear and neat; the author is evidently familiar with the best books on the subjects of which he treats, and he has furnished much valuable illustration of scripture in a form sufficiently popular for general use. British Fish and Fisheries. London: R.T.S. Monthly Series. Sixpence. A descriptive account of the fish in our rivers and around our coasts, the manner in which they are caught, and the purposes to which they are applied. A Voice to the Churches on the Present Condition of those who have been Pupils in our Sunday Schools: with Suggestions to Pastors, Sunday School Teachers, and Committees, as to the methods best adapted to Preserve or Revive their Sympathies in the Sunday School Cause. By JOHN MORISON, D.D., LL.D. London. pp. 27. Price 3d. Voices, arranged with a Separate Accompaniment for the Organ or Piano Forte, and Dedicated to Sabbath School Teachers. By JOHN KING. London. Price 2s. pp. 6. Folio. The active zeal of the writer on behalf of pp. 236. E INTELLIGENCE. CANADA. THE STATE OF RELIGION IN CANADA. The Rev. F. Bosworth, M.A., whose services as Classical Tutor in the College at Montreal have often been mentioned, being on a visit to this country, we have requested him to furnish us with a bird's-eye view of the state of religion in Canada, and he has favoured us with the following paragraphs: Many causes concur in rendering the position of Canada, in a religious point of view, somewhat an anomalous one. The difficulties to be surmounted in the dissemination of the truth are either peculiar to the province, or more formidable than in any other country, perhaps, where the English language is spoken. Teaching thus becomes too often the dernier resort of the indolent and the worthless. With mental powers undeveloped, and habits of indolence in the exercise of the thoughts induced, cannot be surprising that even professors of religion must not, at least in the country parts, be exempted from the charge of ignorance. The Canadians are not a reading people, nor are Canadian Christians in general deep and prayerful students of the bible. Their religion is one rather of feeling than of intelligent assent; hence their attainments are superficial, not profound. Need it be wondered at then that the wildest notions to which an unrestrained and excited imagination can give rise, find in Canada a congenial soil? The vast extent of frontier (and, in new countries at least, such districts are pre-eminently the abodes of ignorance and fanaticism) renders the introduction and transmission of the crudest dogmas and the most licentious doctrines peculiarly easy. Thus in some parts of the To the pressure of these difficulties is it owing that the state of religion there must be pronounced to be anything but encouraging. A reference to some of the most power-eastern townships the "Millerite" delusion ful of these hindrances will, doubtless, serve best to exhibit the present posture of affairs in Canada. Within the province ignorance and fanaticism abound to a most alarming extent. In no country in the world, perhaps, where the facilities for acquiring information are as great, is there so slight an acquaintance with the standard literature of the age and so great a distaste for mental effort. The country is deluged with the cheap, trashy publications which daily issue from the presses of the United States. Every week's express brings large quantities of novels to the exclusion, almost, of any works of lasting interest and value. They are to be found in the hotels and on the steamers in all parts of the province, silently yet surely producing their pernicious effects, unrestrained by any taste for higher literature, or by that safeguard against the morbid excitement of the imagination which a thorough course of mental training supplies. Indeed, so great is the demand for these publications that the booksellers hesitate not to regard this branch of their business as necessary to their success. reached its height some few years since in acts of extravagance almost surpassing belief. In almost every corner of the province universalists are found insidiously and zealously propagating their fearful doctrines, and frequently, with honesty at least, practically exhibiting their belief in the salvation of the vilest, irrespective of faith in Christ. One of their preachers once affirmed to a missionary, that were the parricide to terminate at once his career and his crimes by taking his own life he would immediately be "received up into glory." Then there are the Campbellites, Christians, Mormons, and sceptics of every shade, from the deist to the infidel, unsettling the minds of men too little fortified, alas, by solid information of any kind. This craving after excitement rather than instruction manifests itself in the fondness which is frequently exhibited for religious services of a more exciting nature than those of a stated ministry, and for a style of preaching abounding in anecdotes and in harrowing appeals to the feelings, in a word, for sound rather than sense. The sad want of liberality in the maintenNor is this all. The schools throughoutance of stated worship is another hindrance the country, with some pleasing exceptions, are wretchedly inefficient. In many sections the choice of a schoolmaster does not depend on the possession of sufficient information for the discharge of his responsible duties and on an aptitude to teach, but on the smallness of the sum for which his labours can be ensured. to the progress of the truth. The emigrant part of the population having left their native land to better their circumstances, too often slight the public services of religion, and with reluctance contribute to their maintenance. Whereas the natives and old settlers knowing well the scarcity of money in the province exclusion of all the British members from a church in the province. Another was rent asunder because while the American members insisted on females and males sitting in separate parts of the house of worship, the old-country members indignantly opposed the measure. It is often the case where Scotch members predominate in a church, no minister is regarded with much favour whose birth has not taken place north of the Tweed. Should, on the other hand, Americans outnumber, a minister from the States must be procured. are careful to keep it. These remarks apply are A still greater evil arising from such a mixed, disunited population is the great diversity of religious belief and practice, Few see alike, few act alike. Hence religious bodies are very numerous and very small. In Montreal, for instance, there are upwards of twenty protestant places of worship to perhaps fifteen thousand protestants. Guelph, with a population of two or three thousand, has nine separate churches. In Paris, whose inhabitants are scarcely more than fifteen hundred, there five resident ministers and six churches, when two might amply discharge all the duties required. And what is worse still, not only are denominations numerous, but even these are subdivided. Thus in a town of three thousand persons there are three presbyterian ministers, two methodist, and two independent. Under these circumstances united efforts for the are scarcely to be looked for. Petty quarrels and jealousies exhaust the energies required for far more important objects. And still further, in churches thus necessarily small, the varieties of belief, manners, &c., are so great, that but little unanimity is enjoyed, and if peace prevails the elements of disorder are at hand. Of course in the country, and especially in the back townships, this superabundance of preaching is not enjoyed. On the contrary, a lamentable deficiency is felt. The third and the greatest hindrance to the progress of the truth in Canada, to which reference will now be made, arises from its mixed population. There are to be found the natives of various climes not as yet amalgamated. The names American, English, Scotch, and Irish, are not yet merged into that of Canadian. National antipathies and manners are very strong. A dispute arising from such a source led to the common cause Many of these evils time will cure. National antipathies will soon subside, and with the increase of population, churches will become more harmonious and numerous. Yet it must not be concealed that the present is a period of momentous import to Canada. The youthful energies of a rising nation must now be directed. The characteristics of a great people will now be formed. To no higher or holier mission can the energies of the pious be turned. In no field of labour, perhaps, may success, with self-denial and hard labour indeed, be expected with greater probability. The yearnings of a Briton's heart cannot, must not, but be felt towards the adopted country of Britain's sons—a country which, with others, is destined to perpetuate the name of our fatherland, and to exert a powerful influence in the civilization and evangelizing of the world when we are no more. |