the end, on page 56, there is a foot-note saying, "See Baptist Magazine, April, 1846." Then comes a quotation from a pamphlet to which our name was prefixed; with which he gives the name, but without the title of the pamphlet. Now we have two reasons for mentioning these trivial matters. The first is to assure our friends that they may rely fully on the authenticity of the numerous quotations they find in Mr. Peggs's pamphlet, as the greater part of them we have seen in the books and documents from which they are taken, and have even cited in publications which he has apparently done us the honour to peruse. The second is to suggest to our friend Mr. Peggs, whose benevolence, disinterestedness, and industry are unquestionable, that in his future works it may be desirable to take care that his acknowledgment of the sources whence he has derived materials be as ample and specific as previous labourers in the same field to whom he may be indebted can desire. This may seem to be a punctilio scarcely worth notice; but human nature being what it is, it may be well for him to accept the hint. We cordially wish him success in his present undertaking. The cultivation of opium by the East India Company expressly for the Chinese market is a monstrous evil, and the manner in which the Chinese government has been treated by Britain is an opprobrium to our late rulers, which though at present it is little thought of will be felt hereafter. This pamphlet is a valuable compendium of information on a subject which deserves the attention of all philanthropists and all statesmen.

Switzerland and the Swiss Churches; being Notes of a Short Tour, and Notices of the Principal Religious Bodies in that Country, By WILLIAM LINDSAY ALEXANDER, D.D., F.S.A.S. Glasgow: Macklehose. 16mo. pp. 334.

The religious condition of Switzerland has been for some years interes ing though enveloped in mystery. It has been evident that infidelity, Romanism, and true Christianity were there, as in many other countries, in vigorous contest, and that political struggles were also going forward which perplexed the case, and increased the difficulty to a foreigner of understanding it. We cordially welcome therefore the report of a gentleman so thoroughly worthy of credit as Dr. Alexander, who visited it in August and September, 1845, principally for the purpose of investigating its spiritual state, and who looked at the discordant scene with the eyes of an intelligent and liberal-minded congregationalist. In recommending the volume heartily to our readers we have no fear that any of them will hereafter reproach us with having induced them to purchase a book of small value. A few facts derived from it will be found in our intelligence department for the present month.

Discourses, Doctrinal and Practical. By the late Rev. JAMES JEFFREY, Greenock. With a Memoir of his Life. Edinburgh: Oliphant and Sons. pp. 338.

Mr. Jeffrey was born at Falkirk in 1805. Having entered the university of Glasgow in 1820, he prosecuted his studies without interruption till he completed the curriculum in

literature and philosophy prescribed to candidates for the ministerial office in the presbyterian churches of his country. He entered the Relief Divinity Hall" at Paisley in 1825. In 1830 he was elected pastor of the Relief congregation at Musselburgh, where he laboured with much success for more than six years. He was then "translated" to Greenock, and continued pastor of the Relief church in that town till the period of his decease in 1845. From the commencement till the close of his ministerial career, he was exceedingly popular. Regarding the eighteen sermons contained in this volume as specimens of his ordinary preaching, we are warranted in adding that his popularity was deserved. They are full of evangelical truth, and are remarkable for simplicity of construction, beauty of diction, and chasteness of illustration. While the people of his late charge will hail this work as an interesting memorial of a faithful and beloved pastor, all who peruse it will find in it a striking and lucid exhibition of the leading doctrines of the Christian faith.

Memoir of the late Mrs. ANN JOHNSTONE, Willow Park, Greenock. Second Edition. Edinburgh Oliphant and Sons. 16mo. pp. 168.

Among the many means that might be recommended for the improvement of piety there are few more easily available, or of the success of which we should be more sanguine, than a frequent and prayerful perusal of wellwritten biographies of eminent departed saints. With some such we are happily supplied in the inspired volume. Many others might be enumerated. The little work before us forms an interesting addition to their number. The subject of this memoir was a member of the church of Scotland. Occupying a somewhat more elevated position in society than many of her fellow-believers, she appears to have adorned it with all the graces of the Christian character. Her piety was unaffected, glowing, uniform, practical. We have seldom witnessed a more striking exhibition of the power of true religion to support the mind amidst deep affliction, and especially of the resist less charm which it is calculated to throw around the bed of death, than is supplied in her experience. We urge our readers to obtain the book, being assured that no Christian can rise from its perusal without being both pleased and profited.

The Obligations of the World to the Bible: a Series of Lectures to Young Men. By GARDINER SPRING, D. D., New York. Glasgow Collins. 12mo. pp. 320.

The degree in which the world is indebted to revelation for its knowledge of what is most conducive to its present welfare is very much of Christianity. Language, literature, legisłaunder-rated by many of even the official teachers tion, civil liberty, social institutions,-every thing in fact which contributes to human happiness in this life, as well as every thing tending to the welfare of man in another state of existence, is shown in these lectures to have been cherished or created by the communications from heaven which are recorded in the inspired volume.

Pulpit Studies: or, Aids to Preaching and Meditation. By JOHN STYLES, D.D. Second Series. London: Ward and Co. 16mo. Pp. 232.

This volume consists for the most part of outlines of sermons, a few of them being from the pen of a "deceased friend," but the greater number Dr. Styles's own productions. These, while distinguished by different degrees of merit, are all calculated to sustain the reputation of the author as a talented and instructive minister of the gospel.

The Excellent Woman as described in the Book of Proverbs, xxx. 10-31. London: R. T. S. Square 16mo., cloth, gilt.

For a young person who it is wished should become an excellent woman, this is an excellent book; illustrations derived from oriental customs and Jewish antiquities, being intermingled with salutary hints and beautiful embellish

ments.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Approbed.

The Scripture Pocket Book for 1847: containing an Almanac; also a Passage of Scripture for every Day; with an Arrangement by which the Bible may be read in the course of the Year; and a variety of useful Information. London: R. T. S. pp. 191. Price 2s, roan, tuck.

The Christian Almanac for the year 1847, being the third after Bissextile, or Leap Year. London: R. T. S. 16mo. pp. 84. Price 18. 4d.

The Congregational Calendar for 1847, being the third after Bissextile, or Leap Year. Compiled Pursuant to a Vote of the Annual Assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. London: 16mo. pp. 76. Price Gd.

The Standard Edition of the Pictorial Bible. Edited by JOHN KITTO, D.D., F.S.A. With many hundred Woodcuts, and thirteen Engravings on Steel. To be published in thirteen Monthly Parts at four shillings, and fifty-two Weekly Numbers at one shilling. Part III. London: 8vo. pp. 177.

One Hundred Tunes, Composed and Adapted expressly for the "Selection of Hymns and Poetry for the use of Infant and Juvenile Schools and Families." Prepared at the request of the Committee of the Home and Colonial Infant and Juvenile School Society. By CHARLES H. PURDAY. London: 8vo. pp. 47. Price la. 6d.

The Autobiography of Thomas Platter, a Schoolmaster of the Sixteenth Century. Translated from the German by Mrs. FINN. Second Edition. With facsimile Engravings. London: 24mo. pp. 72. Price 6d.

The Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the General Baptist Missionary Society, presented at the Public Meeting, held at Heptonstall Slack, Yorkshire, on Wednesday, July 1, 1846. London: Simpkin and Co. 8vo. pp. 62.

Minutes of the Seventy-seventh Annual Association of the New Connexion of General Baptists, held at Heptonstall Slack, Yorkshire, June 30, July 1 and 2, 1846. Leicester: 8vo. pp. 48. Price 6d.

VOL. X.-FOURTH SERIES.

33

The Annual Report of the General Baptist Academy, at Spa Place, Leicester. 1845-6. Ashbyde-la-Zouch. Sco. pp. 13.

tion and Railway Mission, Presented at a General The Ninth Annual Report of the Inland NavigaMeeting, held at Regent Street Chapel, Lambeth, on Thursday evening, the 12th of November, 1846. London: 24mo. pp. 24.

Ward and Co. Sco. pp. 130.
The Eclectic Review. December, 1846. London:
Price 2s. 6d.

Missionary Repository, 1846. Edited, for the ProThe Baptist Children's Magazine and Youth's prietors, by the Rev. S. WIGG. The Profits to be devoted to the spread of the Gospel. Leicester: 32mo. Price 1s.

The Teacher's Offering for 1816. London: Ward and Co. 24mo. pp. 280.

The Sunday School Magazine. 1846. London. 12mo. pp. 310.

The Sunday School Union Magazine. Conducted by the Committee of the Sunday School Union. Volume III. 1846. London: 16mo. pp. 528. Price 28. 6d.

Notes on the Scripture Lessons. For 1846. By the Committee of the Sunday School Union. London: 12mo. pp. 144. Price 1s. 4d.

Diary for 1847. London: 16mo.
The Sunday School Teacher's Class Register and
Price 1s. 4d.

the end, on page 56, there is a foot-note saying, "See Baptist Magazine, April, 1846." Then comes a quotation from a pamphlet to which our name was prefixed; with which he gives the name, but without the title of the pamphlet. Now we have two reasons for mentioning these trivial matters. The first is to assure our friends that they may rely fully on the authenticity of the numerous quotations they find in Mr. Peggs's pamphlet, as the greater part of them we have seen in the books and documents from which they are taken, and have even cited in publications which he has apparently done us the honour to peruse. The second is to suggest to our friend Mr. Peggs, whose benevolence, disinterestedness, and industry are unquestionable, that in his future works it may be desirable to take care that his acknowledgment of the sources whence he has derived materials be as ample and specific as previous labourers in the same field to whom he may be indebted can desire. This may seem to be a punctilio scarcely worth notice; but human nature being what it is, it may be well for him to accept the hint. We cordially wish him success in his present undertaking. The cultivation of opium by the East India Company expressly for the Chinese market is a monstrous evil, and the manner in which the Chinese government has been treated by Britain is an opprobrium to our late rulers, which though at present it is little thought of will be felt hereafter. This pamphlet is a valuable compendium of information on a subject which deserves the attention of all philanthropists and all statesmen.

Switzerland and the Swiss Churches; being Notes of a Short Tour, and Notices of the Principal Religious Bodies in that Country. By WILLIAM LINDSAY ALEXANDER, D.D., F.S.A.S. Glasgow: Macklehose. 16mo. pp. 334.

The religious condition of Switzerland has been for some years interesting though enveloped in mystery. It has been evident that infidelity, Romanism, and true Christianity were there, as in many other countries, in vigorous contest, and that political struggles were also going forward which perplexed the case, and increased the difficulty to a foreigner of understanding it. We cordially welcome therefore the report of a gentleman so thoroughly worthy of credit as Dr. Alexander, who visited it in August and September, 1845, principally for the purpose of investigating its spiritual state, and who looked at the discordant scene with the eyes of an intelligent and liberal-minded congregationalist. In recommending the volume heartily to our readers we have no fear that any of them will hereafter reproach us with having induced them to purchase a bok of small value. A few facts derived from it will be found in our intelligence department for the present month.

Discourses, Doctrinal and Practical. By the late Rev. JAMES JEFFREY, Greenock. With a Memoir of his Life. Edinburgh: Oliphant and Sons. pp. 338.

Mr. Jeffrey was born at Falkirk in 1805. Having entered the university of Glasgow in 1820, he prosecuted his studies without interruption till he completed the curriculum in

literature and philosophy prescribed to candidates for the ministerial office in the presbyterian churches of his country. He entered the Relief Divinity Hall" at Paisley in 1825. In 1830 he was elected pastor of the Relief congregation at Musselburgh, where he laboured with much success for more than six years. He was then "translated" to Greenock, and continued pastor of the Relief church in that town till the period of his decease in 1845. From the commencement till the close of his ministerial career, he was exceedingly popular. Regarding the eighteen sermous contained in this volume as specimens of his ordinary preaching, we are warranted in adding that his popularity was deserved. They are full of evangelical truth, and are remarkable for simplicity of construction, beauty of diction, and chasteness of illustration. While the people of his late charge will hail this work as an interesting memorial of a faithful and beloved pastor, all who peruse it will find in it a striking and lucid exhibition of the leading doctrines of the Christian faith.

Memoir of the late Mrs. ANN JOHNSTONE, Willow Park, Greenock. Second Edition. Edinburgh Oliphant and Sons. 16mo. pp. 168.

Among the many means that might be recommended for the improvement of piety there are few more casily available, or of the success of which we should be more sanguine, than a frequent and prayerful perusal of wellwritten biographies of eminent departed saints. With some such we are happily supplied in the inspired volume. Many others might be enumerated. The little work before us forms an interesting addition to their number. The subject of this memoir was a member of the church of Scotland. Occupying a somewhat more elevated position in society than many of her fellow-believers, she appears to have adorned it with all the graces of the Christian character. Her piety was unaffected, glowing, uniform, practical. We have seldom witnessed a more striking exhibition of the power of true religion to support the mind amidst deep affliction, and especially of the resist less charm which it is calculated to throw around the bed of death, than is supplied in her experience. We urge our readers to obtain the book, being assured that no Christian can rise from its perusal without being both pleased and profited.

Intended originally for young men, these lectures will also repay amply the perusal of old

ones.

Pulpit Studies: or, Aids to Preaching and Meditation. By JOHN STYLES, D.D. Second Series. London: Ward and Co. 16mo. pp. 232.

This volume consists for the most part of outlines of sermons, a few of them being from the pen of a "deceased friend," but the greater number Dr. Styles's own productions. These, while distinguished by different degrees of merit, are all calculated to sustain the reputation of the author as a talented and instructive minister of the gospel.

The Excellent Woman as described in the Book of Proverbs, xxx. 10-31. London: R. T. S. Square 16mo., cloth, gilt.

For a young person who it is wished should become an excellent woman, this is an excellent book; illustrations derived from oriental customs and Jewish antiquities, being intermingled with salutary hints and beautiful embellishments.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Approved.

The Scripture Pocket Book for 1847: containing an Almanac; also a Passage of Scripture for every Day; with an Arrangement by which the Bible may be read in the course of the Year; and a variety of useful Information. London: R. T. & pp. 191. Price 28., roan, tuck.

The Christian Almanac for the year 1847, being the third after Bissextile, or Leap Year. London: R. T. 8. 16mo. pp. 84. Price 18. 4d.

The Congregational Calendar for 1847, being the third after Bissextile, or Leap Year. Compiled Pursuant to a Vote of the Annual Assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. London: 16mo. pp. 76. Price 6d.

The Standard Edition of the Pictorial Bible. Edited by JOHN KITTO, D.D., F.S.A. With many hundred Woodcuts, and thirteen Engravings on Steel. To be published in thirteen Monthly Parts at four shillings, and fifty-two Weekly Numbers at one shilling. Part III. London: 8vo. pp. 177.

One Hundred Tunes, Composed and Adapted expressly for the "Selection of Hymns and Poetry for the use of Infant and Juvenile Schools and Families." Prepared at the request of the Committee of the Home and Colonial Infant and Juvenile School Society. By CHARLES H. PURDAY. London: 8vo. pp. 47. Price 18. 6d.

The Autobiography of Thomas Platter, a Schoolmaster of the Sixteenth Century. Translated from the German by Mrs. FINN. Second Edition. With facsimile Engravings. London: 24mo. pp. 72.

Price 6d.

The Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the General Baptist Missionary Society, presented at the Public Meeting, held at Heptonstall Slack, Yorkshire, on Wednesday, July 1, 1846. London: Simpkin and Co. 8vo. pp. 62.

Minutes of the Seventy-seventh Annual Association of the New Connexion of General Baptists, held at Heptonstall Slack, Yorkshire, June 30, July 1 and 2, 1846. Leicester: 8vo. pp. 48. Price 6d.

VOL. X.-FOURTH SERIES.

AMERICA.

PREVALENT DECLENSION.

The New York Recorder, speaking of the appointment of a day of fasting and prayer by an association in which nearly all the churches had been considerably diminished in numbers during the past year, adds, "The same fact appears in the minutes of almost every association throughout the length and breadth of the land; and it exhibits a state of things which, if it be not generally overlooked, is certainly too little thought of and prayed over. The infrequency of conversions, and the numerous defections which appear to our observation and from statistics of the church, are truly lamentable and alarming. They indicate anything but devotion and fidelity on the part of Christians. For God has given us the gospel not merely to perpetuate the name of religion, but to evangelize the world; and on his part there is nothing wanting."

MISSIONARY FUNDS.

We regret to learn that the monthly receipts of the American Baptist Missionary Union have been for some time unusually limited. Since the month of May the current receipts had not equalled in November by more than one half the current expenditure.

EUROPE.

SWITZERLAND.

The religious phenomena of Switzerland, says Dr. Alexander, may be roughly classed under three heads--Romanism, Infidelity, and Protestantism..

The professedly Romanist part of the population amounts to about 900,000. They are found chiefly in the more mountainous districts, and amongst the Helvetic and Italian tribes. The German and French Cantons are, for the most part, anti-Romanist, with the exception of Soleure and Freyburg, in which Romanism predominates. In some of the cantons, viz., Appenzell, Glarus, Thurgau, Argau, St. Gall, and the Grisons, the population is very much mixed; in some the predominance being in favour of the Romanist, in others of the protestant element.

A continual source of disturbance in Switzerland arises from the supremacy of the

Jesuits in certain of the cantons, and their incessant attempts to procure influence in all. These bold, restless, and unscrupulous emissaries of Rome effected a settlement in

Switzerland about the end of the sixteenth

century, not without great difficulty, and in the face of much opposition from the people. Since then their history in this country has much resembled their history in most other parts of Europe where they have had settledeclaration of the third general of their order, ments. It has verified the almost prophetic Francis of Borgia,-"We shall insinuate ourselves like lambs, and govern like wolves; men shall drive us out like dogs, but like the eagle we shall renew our youth." Under the most plausible disguises, and by the most unscrupulous means, they have effected an entrance into districts which seemed the most they have entered they have laboriously purfirmly barred against them; and wherever sued their career of intolerance and selfaggrandisement. Again and again has the popular indignation burst out against them and driven them from the country, and as often as they have been expelled they have returned to attempt new aggressions upon human liberty, and perpetrate new audacities against the dearest rights of the people. Their principal seat of power is Freyburg, where they have a college, and where they reign with unquestioned supremacy. In Soleure, Schweitz, and Haut Valais, they also exist in considerable strength. From Freyburg, as their centre, they send forth missionaries whose duty it is to perambulate the whole country, and by all means in their power, promote the objects of the party. What these objects are they do not conceal. The entire extirpation of protestantism, the complete triumph of ultramontanism n the catholic church, the overthrow of political liberty, and the appropriation by their order of the entire work of education: these are the objects to which the Jesuits of Switzerland are at present devoting their vast resources and untiring energies. ...

With regard to the extent to which infidelity prevails in Switzerland, it is impossible to form any correct estimate. But it may be stated in general terms that it is very great...

Short of professed infidelity, but tending strongly in the same direction, and doubtless preparing the way for its adoption, is the Neologianism which, born in Germany, has been extensively introduced among the clergy and more educated classes of Switzerland...