press by his son-in-law, the Rev. William Hanna, LL.D. Prefixed to the "Daily Scripture Readings" are twenty-four pages of "Sabbath Exercises," taken from private papers, forming, as the editor expresses it, "that secret chamber of his innermost thoughts and emotions, which lay very deeply buried from the public eye-which he never voluntarily exposed-which he sensitively guarded against access and invasion." It is, we presume, a selection from these private experimental records that is here given to the public. The "Scripture Readings," which constitute the staple of the volume, will be valued highly by all intelligent and devout readers. They are, in fact, a brief commentary, but a commentary written for the author's own use, the plain, terse, unsophisticated record of his thoughts, resolutions of difficulties satisfactory to his own mind, and reflections which he desired should be impressed upon his .own heart. The individual manDr. Chalmers himself is visible throughout, working out inquiries, and making remarks which seem perfectly natural, and the insight into which is to the reader instructive and de. lightful. Short, pertinent, and lively as the comments are, it occurs to us that excellent use

may be made of them in various ways, and particularly at prayer meetings, or in congregations in which worship is carried on without the aid of a preacher. To read two or three chapters, with these notes interspersed, we should think infinitely preferable to the practice sometimes resorted to of reading a sermon.

The Anabasis of Xenophon, with English Notes, Critical and Explanatory, a Map arranged according to the latest and best authorities, and a plan of the Battle of Cunaxa. By CHARLES ANTHON, LL.D., Professor of the Greek and Latin Languages in Columbia College, New York, and Rector of the Grammar School. Revised and adapted to the use of English Schools. London: Tegg and Co. 12mo. pp. xxiv., 503.

The subject of this volume is the march from Sardis to Babylon of Cyrus the younger not the Cyrus of scripture, but one who lived a hundred and fifty years after him-and the retreat of the Greeks who had accompanied him to the field on which he fell, through the countries watered by the Tigris and the Euphrates. The manner in which these events were described by Xenophon conduced much to their celebrity, and this work has always been deemed one of the most interesting and instructive in the Greek language. The text of the present edition is formed on a comparison of those of the most eminent English and German scholars, and beautifully printed; and the copious English notes appended by Dr. Anthon, are adapted not only to facilitate the acquisition of Xenophon's meaning, but also to furnish a large additional mass of critical, geographical, and historical knowledge. The valuable work of Ainsworth, entitled Travels in the Track of the Ten Thousand Greeks," and the investigations of other modern writers have been employed largely for this purpose. Both teachers and students of the Greek language who are unacquainted with this admirable

volume, will thank us for having directed their attention to it.

An Examination of " Anastasis," the late work of Professor Bush; exposing the Fallacy of the Arguments therein advanced, and proving the Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body to be a Scriptural and a Rational Doctrine. By the Rev. FREDERIC FYSH, M.A., Author of "The Divine History of the Church during the Twelve Hours' Sleep of the Apostles Peter and Paul." London: Seeley, Burnside, and Co. 12mo. pp. xx., 400.

Some of our readers who have not seen Prcfessor Bush's Anastasis, as well as others who

have, may perhaps remember a review of that work soon after it was published, which appeared in our pages. The Professor maintained that the only resurrection we have to expect is a psychical development which takes place at death, and that the only coming of the Lord which he promised, took place at the destruction of Jerusalem. We showed, as we thought, that his argumentation was based on the subordination of revelation to human reason, and of the Old Testament to the New. It is Mr. Fysh's opinion, however, that it is only on the millenarian hypothesis that Mr. Bush can be refuted: and chronological computations of phecy are wrought up with the other arguments throughout his book. Of course it does not meet our views; but any person who wished to examine Mr. Bush's criticisms thoroughly, would find much to interest and assist him in this volume.

pro

Life Lore: Lessons from the Childhood of Nolan Fairfield. London : Longman,

Brown, Green, and Longman. 12mo. pp. 188.

This is a work of fiction, professing to be founded on fact. Some of its pictures are too strongly coloured, and one feels that they are too bright and glowing to be true; but its flowing style and beautiful imagery, its high poetic feeling, and above all, its holy principles, drawn from the pure fountain of Christianity, will not fail to delight many readers. The incidents, real or fictitious, are all subordinate to the higher purpose of the volume-the inculcation of great moral truths. In this the author has been eminently successful. He is a churchman, and perhaps a clergyman; but if so, with a heart in full sympathy with all goodness in whatever body of Christians it may be found. Would there were many churchmen like him; yet we can but feel how strangely inconsistent such churchmen are with the system they profess.

Salvation; or the Sinner directed in the Way of Life. By the Rev. WILLIAM J. M'CORD. London: R.T.S. 24mo. pp. viii., 132.

The sinner is here presented with a description of his present state and prospects, and with an exposition of the great doctrine of salvation by Jesus Christ. He is invited to partake of the blessings of the gospel, and is remonstrated with for his indecision and delay. The style of the book is admirably simple and sententious. A large portion of it consists of quotations from the word of God.

A reprint of a valuable little work which was first published in 1772, containing some very striking passages, and thickly studded with scripture texts. Its chief defect consists in an entire absence of all reference to the agency of the Holy Spirit, without whose powerful operations on the mind " Friendship with God"

At

cannot be either commenced or sustained. the close of the preface is a long extract from Law's "Serious Call," between the author of which and Mr. Jones, congeniality of theological sentiment appears to subsist.

The Rock of Israel: or a Word or two to the Distrustful upon Jehovah as the reasonable Ob ect of the Confidence of Man. London: Arthur Hall and Co. 32mo.

An unpretending little volume, sound and good, but wanting in freshness and vigour. Written in an hour of sorrow it is intended to console the mourner.

Memorials of the Dawn of the Reformation in Europe. London: Nelson. 16mo. pp. 320, cloth.

the times immediately preceding the appearance Acquaintance with the state of Europe in necessity for a reformation, and the appalling of Luther is important, as it shows the absolute conflict which any attempt to promote evangelical truth was in those days certain to produce. The detached pieces in this volume deserve the extensive circulation which its cheapness and attractive appearance are likely to ensure. The subjects are, Girolamo Savonarola, the Italian Reformer-Pasquils of the nican-the First Reformers of Spain-Robert Reformation-John Craig, the Scottish DomiGrosteste-Gutenberg and Fust, or the First Printed Bible-Pierpalo Vergerio, Bishop of Istria-Pope John, the Reformer of Bohemia. The Women of Scripture. By CLARA LUCAS BALFOUR, Author of Moral Heroism, &c., London: Houlston and Stoneman. 12mo. pp. viii., 368.

Preachers, Pastors, and Bishops: or an Increased Ministerial Agency needed for the British Wesleyan Church. By BENJAMIN Love, Author of "Records of Wesleyan Life." London: 8vo. pp. 80. Price 28.

"The Wesleyan Church". -"The British Wesleyan Church” -are phrases that have not long been current, we believe, in the body they are here employed to designate. In this pamphlet, we are told that "There are in the spiritual territory of the British Wesleyan Church, thirty-two districts ;" and "for each of these districts the appointment of a localized bishop is suggested "-"The institution of bishops is," the writer contends, among the needs of the British Wesleyan Church, if a due regard be paid to her duties and mission." -"An efficient ministry for the British Wesleyan Church, to carry out that church's mission, and to meet the wants of the times, would require not less than 32 bishops, 1,600 pastors, and 800 preachers.”—“ Befitting robes add to the clerical appearance, and this circumstance is not without its weight on some sort of minds. He who best knows the human heart once gave minute directions about the sacerdotal garments of the priesthood. The custom of the churches, (as well as antiquity) pleads for the use of ministerial robes; and it seems decorous that the ministers of the sanctuary should be marked even by their habiliments, as men set apart for God's ambassadors to sinners." "If an altered state of things demands new enactments for the Wesleyan Church, these are not the times in which

A book by a woman, and about women! Let women read it. It is scarcely possible for them to do so without being interested and improved. Let men also read it. It will assist them to form a correct estimate of woman's position, power, and worth. The most prominent female characters of both the Old and New Testament pass under review. The manner in which the details of their history are introduced is ingenious and striking; and these are largely interspersed with reflections which are natural, practical, evangelical, and just.

The Young Man's Aid to Improvement, Success, and True Happiness. By Mentor. Fourth Thousand. Glasgow: Gallie. 18mo. pp.

156.

Of this book the author tells us in the preface that "in most parts the materials are drawn from a work by the Rev. H. Winslow, pastor of Bowdoin Street church, Boston." It has many of the characteristics of an American publication, and powerfully reminds us of Todd's

Student's Guide." We know of no werk of a similar kind and size so well adapted to he serviceable to young men engaged in business, and whose opportunities of attending to literary pursuits are necessarily limited. To such we most cordially and strongly commend it. Important Truths in Simple Verse. Second Thousand. London: Partridge and Oakey. 16mo. pp. 116.

The title describes the book. Young people will like it, and it will do them good. We bare given a specimen of the graver pieces; some of the more humorous would entitle the writer to the degree of A. B. in Jane Taylor's College. Mary and her Mother. A Sequel to Scriptural Stories for very young children. By the same Author. Fifth edition. London: Ward and Co. 18mo. pp. 252,

Some of the most striking narratives of scrip

tare, so related that they cannot fail to interest | the minds of children from five to eight years of age.

The History of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. London: Haselden. 64mo. pp. 58. cloth.

The size and style of this little work indicate that it is intended for children; but the phraseology is too much that of the old ecclesiastical writers to render it eligible for the children of dissenters.

Little Books for Little Children. No. 1-4. London: Charles Haselden.

Four very small books, each containing a series of very simple questions on a passage of scripture, and each having as an accompani ment another little book, called a "Key," containing the answers.

ASIA.

DISSENTERS' MARRIAGES IN INDIA.

On this subject there has been of late much solicitude, though till the year 1838 all marriages solemnized in India by dissenting ministers, or even by military officers and civil magistrates were universally regarded as valid. The following is part of an article on the subject which appears in the Oriental Baptist for September last, and which will give a general view of the unsatisfactory position in which a large number of residents in Asia, and of the children of persons who have dwelt there formerly, are at present placed:— "Many of our readers are probably aware, that marriages solemnized in India by dissenting ministers, and by officers, civil and military, have been declared by many eminent legal men, both in this country and in England, to be invalid for many important civil purposes. Efforts have accordingly been made for some years past to obtain from the legislative authorities an act to remove the doubts that exist, and to give an indisputable legal sanction to such marriages. In 1838 the ministers of the various dissenting denominations memorialized the legislative council, and were told in reply, that the subject had been referred to the home authorities. The Court of Directors referred the question to the law officers of the crown and of the company,-who gave their opinion that an act of the imperial parliament would be the most effectual for a satisfactory settlement of the question. In 1841, the memorialists were favoured with a copy of a despatch from the home authorities, through the local government, in which the court expressed an expectation that, in accordance with the opinion of the law officers, the question would be satisfactorily disposed of in the ensuing session of parliament.'

to the Houses of Lords and Commons, by the steam vessel Precursor which left Calcutta in the beginning of August. A petition of similar import was, at the same time, forwarded by the independent body in Calcutta ; and we believe there is some probability of the representatives of the Free Church of Scotland uniting in the movement, either by petition or otherwise. It is also in contemplation to memorialize the Court of Directors through the government of India. We are gratified to have it in our power to state, that the representations made to the local government, have always been received in the most courteous and liberal spirit; and also that the legislative authorities in India are prepared to take up the subject, should a satisfactory settlement not be obtained from home. An act of the Indian legislature, though less effective for past marriages than one from the imperial parliament, would be infinitely preferable to a continuance of the present unsatisfactory state of the question; and should speedy justice not be granted in reply to the petitions now forwarded, we should strongly recommend an application to the authorities here for a local act to remove the objections and doubts that now exist."

A document has now been forwarded to the British parliament, in which the petitioners say, after reciting the steps formerly taken, and the opinions given by the law officers of the crown:

"That a large majority of the marriages which have been solemnized by the ministers of the denomination of your petitioners and others in British India were those between British born subjects, many of whom hold or may hold real property in Great Britain, and that agreeably to the opinions of the learned lawyers above quoted, doubts and disputes may arise and litigation ensue regarding the rights of the issue of such marriages to take by descent or otherwise such real property, and that such issue may also be deprived of divers other great and important rights and advantages which accrue and attach and belong to British subjects born in wedlock.

"That those on behalf of whom your pe

marriage may be granted, are ministers not in connexion with the church of England, but being such persons as are set apart to the office of the Christian ministry and recognized by their respective denominations as accredited ministers of the gospel; to wit,

accredited ministers of the church of Scotland, not in the service of the East India Company, and accredited ministers of the independent, baptist, and other protestant denominations.

"That it is of the greatest importance to your petitioners, and to a large number of British born subjects resident in India, and also to a large portion of British born subjects who have returned from India and are now resident in Great Britain or Ireland, whose marriages have not been solemnized by persons called priests in holy orders, but by dissenting ministers, officers, judges, or magistrates, that all such marriages be declared and confirmed good and valid in the law, to all intents and purposes.

"That it is expedient in the judgment of your petitioners, that all marriages which in future may be solemnized by dissenting ministers, or other ministers as aforesaid, within the British territories in India, should be good and valid in law to all intents and purposes.

"Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that an act of the British legislature may be passed, declaring all marriages, which have been solemnized in British India by dissenting ministers and others, not being ministers in connexion with the established church, be declared valid in the law to all intents and purposes whatsoever; and that all accredited ministers not in connexion with the church of England, or the church of Scotland, not in the service of the East India Company, and accredited ministers of the independent, baptist, and other protestant denominations, may perform the ceremony of marriage within the British territories in India according to the ceremony of their respective denominations.

"And your petitioners shall ever pray," &c.

AFRICA.

DEATH OF EYAMBA, KING OF OLD CALABAR. Our readers became familiar with the name of this petty sovereign two or three years ago, in consequence of the visits paid to him and his people by some of our missionary brethren from Fernando Po. The station was surrendered by Mr. Clarke to the missionaries of the Scotch United Presbyterian Church; and from the last number of its Missionary Record we learn that Eyamba died on the 14th of May last, and is succeeded by king Eyo Honesty of Creek Town.

The savage deeds of blood commonly perpetrated on such occasions were not omitted, it appears, in this instance. One of the missionaries says, "This morning Adam pointed out the circumstance to me, that all the ships' flags were hoisted half-mast high, and also that a number of men were standing out on the road near our house, who had fled from

VOL X.-FOURTH SERIES.

the town. I asked him to invite them to come into our yard, where they would be safe. They came, and looked very much frightened. When I asked them who was dead, one of them came up and whispered in my ear, King Eyamba dead.' They said that plenty had been killed during the night. Our man Inga states, that the house in which he was stopping was entered by Mr. Young last evening, who said, 'fasten the doors, and if any one escapes look to it.' Inga squeezed himself up in a dark corner, and saw them place a strong copper wire round the neck of a poor woman, named Akanam, a friend of Mrs. Edgerley, and strangle her on the spot. He immediately effected his escape in the confusion. My wife and I felt so horrified by the many reports which we heard, that after breakfast we went down to this woman's house. We opened the entrance door, went into the yard, searched all the rooms, and called her by name; but there was no reply, no person was to be seen or heard. Some poor goats and ducks were there in a starving condition. We then went to Eyamba's yard; the door was bolted, but a very slight push opened it. There we found a few men who looked frightened. We then went to the door of the queen's yard, and asked admittance for Mrs. Edgerley, that she might visit the queen, but they slammed the door in our faces and bolted it. We heard sad crying in the yard, and in the room in which we had visited Eyamba when sick; and on looking under the door I saw a number of women who, I apprehended, were designed for sacrifices. Presently, Archibong Duke, Eyamba's son-in-law, Hogan Bassy, and a man whom I did not know, came in they were quite excited, and had evidently been informed that we were in the first yard. I immediately addressed them and asked that my wife should be allowed to see the queen. No,' they said, quite decidedly. I then said, Well, Archibong! is this the way you are going on, murdering the poor people, after God's word come to live in your country, and tell you it no be proper? I reproved him very severely, for mild measures are at present of no avail. He listened a moment, and then the three hurried in at the door where we heard the wailing, and it was closed and bolted so rapidly as scarcely to allow the last one room to thrust himself through. No question that the work of murder is going on, and that a fearful and bloody sacrifice is being made. We called on Mr. Young in coming back, and spoke a good deal to him. He excused himself, and denied being a participator in the murderous doings of the other chiefs. When I asked, 'Where is Akanam? Has she not been killed?' 'Oh no,' he hastily replied, 'I have her girls in safety here, but the woman ran away.' This was, without doubt, an unfounded statement; but our pointed allusion to the matter will likely save the girls'

51