infant baptism was unknown at this period. We cannot infer the existence of infant baptism from the instance of the baptism of whole families, for the passage in 1 Cor. xvi. 15 shows the fallacy of such a conclusion, as from that it appears that the whole family of Stephanas, who were baptized by Paul, consisted of adults. That not till so late a period as (at least certainly not earlier than) Irenæus, a trace of infant baptism appears, and that it first became recognized as an apostolic tradition in the course of the third century, is evidence rather against than for the admission of its apostolic origin; especially since, in the spirit of the age when Christianity appeared, there were many elements which must have been favourable to the introduction of infant baptism,-the same elements from which proceeded the notion of the magical effects of outward baptism, the notion of its absolute necessity for salvation, the notion which gave rise to the mythus that the apostles baptized the Old Testament saints in Hades. How very much must infant baptism have corresponded with such a tendency, if it had been favoured by tradition! It might indeed be alleged, on the other hand, that after infant baptism had long been recognized as an apostolic tradition, many other causes hindered its universal introduction, and the same causes might still earlier stand in the way of its spread, although a practice sanctioned by the apostles. But these causes could not have acted in this manner in the post-apostolic age. In later times, we see the opposition between theory and practice, in this respect, actually coming forth. Besides, it is a different thing, that a practice which could not altogether deny the marks of its later institution, although at last recognized as of apostolic founding, could not for a length of time pervade the life of the church; and that a practice really proceeding from apostolic institution and tradition, notwithstanding the authority that introduced it, and the circumstances in its favour arising from the spirit of the times, should yet not have been generally adopted. And if we wish to ascertain from whom such an institution was originated, we should say, certainly not immediately from Christ himself. Was it from the primitive church in Palestine, from an injunction given by the earlier apostles? But among the Jewish Christians, circumcision was held as a seal of the covenant, and hence they had so much less occasion to make use of another dedication for their children. Could it then have been Paul, who first among heathen Christians introduced this alteration by the use of baptism? But this would agree least of all with the peculiar Christian characteristics of this apostle.

He who says of himself that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel; he who always kept his eye fixed on one thing, justification by faith, and so carefully avoided every thing which could give a handle or support to the notion of a justification by outward things (the oaρkika)—how could he have set up infant baptism against the circumcision that continued to be practised by the Jewish Christians? In this case, the dispute carried on with the Judaizing party, on the necessity of circumcision, would easily have given an opportunity of introducing this substitute into the controversy, if it had really existed. The evidence arising from silence on this topic, has therefore the greater weight. We find, indeed, in one passage of Paul, 1 Cor. vii. 14, a trace, that already the children of Christians were distinguished from the children of heathens, and might be considered in a certain sense as belonging to the church, but this is not deduced from their having partaken of baptism, and this mode of connexion with the church is rather evidence against the existence of infant baptism. The apostle is here treating of the sanctifying influence of the communion between parents and children, by which the children of Christian parents would be distinguished from the children of those who were not Christian, and in virtue of which they might in a certain sense be termed aya, in contrast with the axa@apra. But if infant baptism had been then in existence, the epithet aya, applied to Christian children, would have been deduced only from this sacred rite, by which they had become incorporated with the Christian church. But in the point of view here chosen by Paul, we find, although it testifies against the existence of infant baptism, the fundamental idea from which infant baptism was afterwards necessarily developed, and by which it must be justified to agree with Paul's sentiments; an indication of the pre-eminence belonging to children born in a Christian community; the consecration for the kingdom of God, which is thereby granted to them, an immediate sanctifying influence which would communicate itself to their earliest development." pp. 187-193.

An excellent rector with whom we were formerly acquainted, was accustomed to say to a baptist minister in his neighbourhood who had not received a classical education, "We do not blame you that you do not know Greek, but that you will not believe us who do." We presume that some knowledge of Greek, however, will be conceded to Augustus Neander.

Annotations on the Pentateuch, or the Fire Books of Moses; the Psalms of David; and the Song of Solomon, Wherein by comparing the Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldee Versions, and also by information derived from the Talmuds, and many Jewish Writers, but more especially by verifying the various passages of Scripture by each other, the sacred record is fully explained and faithfully interpreted. By IIENRY AINSWORTH. Glasgow: Blackie & Son. Part I. 8vo. pp. 112.

The Annotations of Ainsworth, an eminent Brownist who died in 1629, obtained so high a reputation both in this country and on the continent, on account of his proficiency in Hebrew learning, that it is surprising that they have not been reprinted for more than two centuries. It is proposed now to present them to the British public in thirteen two shilling parts. The first part, containing the text, according to Ainsworth's translation, and his annotations in double columns below, proceeds as far as the twentieth chapter of the book of Genesis.

Peace, Permanent and Universal: its Practicability, Value, and Consistency with Divine Revelation. A Prize Essay, by H. T. J. MACNAMARA. London: 12mo. pp. 354.

Dr. Pye Smith, Dr. J. Harris, and Mr. Pyne of St. John's College, Cambridge, awarded to the writer of this treatise a prize of one hundred guineas, offered by the committee of "The Society for the Promotion of Permanent and Universal Peace," for the best essay to "show that war, under all circumstances, is inconsistent with the precepts of the gospel and the spirit of the Christian dispensation; to point out the duties of magistrates and peace officers in cases of tumults, insurrections, and invasions, with the most effectual method of preventing such calamities; and to show the best means of settling all disputes between nations without recourse to arms." Agreeing with the society in its general views, we have always felt the second of these points one of great difficulty: to define and establish the duties of magistrates and peace officers on the principles which forbid defensive war has always appeared to us the most onerous task which the advocate of non-resistance has to accomplish. The difficulties of the case are not grappled with satisfactorily in this volume: little more is done than to suggest processes by the adoption of which tumults and riots might be rendered infrequent and improbable. The author's talent is not so much, however, the removal of objections and difficulties as the illustration of principles. The work contains much powerful writing and appropriate information; it will give pleasure to every reader who enters fully into the spirit of the gospel; and it cannot be too extensively circulated among professed Christians of every rank, in every land.

A Memoir of the Life and Ministry of the late Rev. WATTS WILKINSON, B.A., Sunday Afternoon Lecturer of the United Parishes of St. Mary Aldermary and St. Thomas the Apostle; Tuesday Morning Lecturer at St. Bartholomew, Exchange, London; and formerly Chaplain of Aske's Hospital, Hoxton. With Extracts from his Correspondence. By HENRY WATTS WILKINSON, M.A., Perpetual Curate of St. Gregory and St. Peter, Sudbury; and late Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford. London: 8vo. pp. 465. Price 10s. 6d.

Mr. Wilkinson was born in November, 1755, He was a man of and died in December, 1840. eminent piety, who lived by faith, loved the Saviour, and delighted in exhibiting his excellencies to others. At the same time, it is evident that he was a man of small intellect and contracted views. Some good experimental observations occur in this volume; but else, very little can be learned from it. Many dissenters were partial to his ministry; but the few references to dissenters in his letters are not generally of a friendly character. He will however be found, undoubtedly, in that assembly where perfect love will cast out all prejudice, and ce

ment all hearts.

Memoir of the late JAMES HALLEY, A.B., Student of Theology. Edinburgh: Johnstone. 16mo. pp. 382.

The young man whose early decease is recorded in this volume, entered the university of Glasgow before he had completed his thirteenth year, made great proficiency in his studies, attached himself to the evangelical church party, visited Madeira on account of incipient consumption, laboured to do good in that island, and finally returned to Glasgow, where he died. Independently of the personal incidents, and extracts from devout and sensible correspondence, the work will yield pleasure to many readers by the insight it affords into college life at Glasgow, and into some political movements during the last few years, in that city, which have excited much public attention.

The Mental and Moral Dignity of Woman. By the Rev. BENJAMIN PARSONS. London: Snow. 12mo. pp. 355.

Woman is the subject, and for female readers the book is intended: very few of our own sex will ever reach the three hundred and fifty-fifth page, by the direct course of perusing the three hundred and fifty-four which precede it. At this, however, the author can scarcely wonder, as he says, "Of the works that have appeared on this subject I have read none.' Ladies will perhaps be startled at a phraseology so little accordant with their own as they will have to encounter, when they read of being "led by the nose," and of sending every intellectual subject

society on whose behalf it was delivered. The profits are devoted to our brethren on the Continent who have recently suffered from persecution, and whose position now requires the sympathy and aid of British Christians, notwithstanding their present freedom from personal

restraint.

Letters to a Friend, on the Evidences, Doctrines, and Duties of the Christian Religion. By OLINTHUS GREGORY, LL.D., F.R.A.S., late Professor of Mathematics in the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. Abridged from the Second Edition. London: (Tract Society) 18mo. pp. 406. Price 2s. 6d. boards. These letters, which were originally addressed to a scientific but sceptical young man in whom the author took a lively interest, called forth at their appearance very high encomiums, which their subsequent popularity and usefulness have justified. The editions through which they have passed do not differ from each other very materially; but in the third a few passages were omitted, and many paragraphs were added to illustrate and strengthen the argument. Men of erudition and leisure would do well to read the performance as the author left it; but this abridgment retains all that is essential, and for the public at large it is perhaps better adapted than the complete work. A more suitable book to put into the hands of a young person to prepare him to meet objections against the divine authority of the Christian revelation, or its fundamental principles, we do not know.

The Deacon's Office. By WILLIAM BROCK, Pastor of St. Mary's, Norwich. The Circular Letter of the Norfolk and Norwich Association of Baptist Churches, for the year 1841. Norwich: 32mo. pp. 23. Price 2d.

The extensive circulation of this letter among our churches generally would be a public benefit, especially in cases in which the election of new deacons is contemplated. One passage, relating to deaconesses, we have transferred to a previous page, happy to have the sanction of the Norfolk and Norwich Association to our own recorded convictions on this subject.

Reasons for not Uniting with a Class of Religionists known by the Name of "The Brethren :" deduced from their own Publications. By a Member of one of "The Sects." London: 12mo. PP.

50. Price 6d.

The reasons assigned are, 1st, their arrogant assumption of surpassing spirituality and sanctity; 2nd, their extreme sectarianism and intolerance; 3rd, their rancorous hostility to existing Christian communities, and gross misrepresentations of their sentiments and habits.

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. By the Rev. ISAAC WATTS, D.D. London: Ward and Co. 18mo.

Gentlemen desiring a portable edition of this universally needed hymn-book will find this better adapted to their pockets than any other; thin paper, double columns, and flexible morocco covers, combining in it their respective advantages.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

BAPTISM IN THE TORRENS.

On Sunday last, October 11th, 1840, David M'Laren, Esq., who has, in consequence of the absence of a regular pastor, generally officiated as minister to the baptist church in Adelaide, administered the ordinance of baptism by immersion in the river Torrens, in the neighbourhood of Mr. Randall's residence, Park Cottage. The banks of the river on both sides were lined by a respectable and numerous body of spectators. Among these we observed persons of all religious denominations. We have had frequent opportunities of witnessing the same rite under similar circumstances at home; but, to the credit of South Australia, we have to state, that we never observed its administration conducted with so much becoming decorum. Besides engaging in appropriate devotional exercises, which were as devoutly conducted as we ever witnessed in any church or chapel, Mr. M'Laren delivered a short address, explanatory and vindicatory of baptist principles, basing them on what he considered "two indisputable maxims, that the observance of every religious rite ought to be the result of personal conviction; and that the suitableness of the scriptural motive of personal holiness, arising from the circumstance of individuals having been baptized, depends on the fact of their having observed that rite intelligently." Not one of the least blessings of the province is the harmony and good feeling existing among all denominations of Christians,-a further indication of which was very apparent on the occasion referred to above. This, it is right to say, is the first baptism of an adult by immersion which has taken place in South Australia since it was created into a British province. From the "Southern Australian."

NEW CHAPEL.

MAZE POND CHAPEL, SOUTHWARK. On the evening of December 31, 1841, a meeting was held for the purpose of extinguishing the remaining debt on the above place of worship. This having been accomplished, it was resolved, "That the thanks of this meeting be given to those friends not belonging to this church and congregation, who have kindly assisted in contributing to the erection of this chapel." The chapel was opened in April last. The entire cost was upwards of £5,600, which has been readily

and cheerfully subscribed,-thus furnishing another proof of the comfort and efficiency of the voluntary principle.

MANCHESTER.

A new and elegant chapel, in connexion with the baptist denomination, was opened for the worship of God on the 19th of November last. The Rev. Richard Fletcher commenced the morning service by reading the scriptures and prayer; the Rev. Edward Steane, of Camberwell, (preached; and the Rev. W. F. Burchell, of Rochdale, concluded the service. In the evening, the Rev. J. W. Massie read and prayed; the Rev. James Parsons, of York, preached; and the Rev. William M'Kerrow closed the service by prayer.

Dinner and tea were provided in the spacious school-room adjoining, when about one hundred ministers and friends of various denominations were present. The chairman, Mr. Alderman Callender, stated that the entire expense of erecting the chapel, vestries, school-room, &c., &c., amounted to about £3,650, of which two-thirds had been subscribed. He advised making a vigorous effort to raise the remaining £1,200, and this was met by liberal contributions from many of the friends present. On the following sabbath the Rev. E. Steane preached in the morning, the Rev. James Griffin in the afternoon, and the Rev. Robert Halley, D.D., in the evening. The contributions at the close of the various services amounted to the handsome sum of £700, a noble proof of the efficiency of "the voluntary principle."

The chapel, which is in the Gothic style of architecture, will, in its present state, seat 750 persons, and when side galleries are erected, more than 1,000.

The pulpit stands before a large Gothic arch, under which is the baptistery, with steps on each side leading to the vestries, the doors of which open close to it. The church will be formed on the principle of admitting to fellowship "all who are partakers of like precious faith," without regard to denominational distinctions.

PERRY, HUNTINGDONSHIRE.

On Wednesday, October 6th, 1841, a neat and substantial new chapel was opened, at this village, for divine worship. The services of the joyful day were conducted by the Rev. T. Robinson, of Little Staughton; the Rev.