were found to possess a larger deve- | moral constitution. Hence it becomes lopment of ACQUISITIVENESS, but if difficult to reconcile the system with in the one CONSCIENTIOUSNESS was very large, and in the other very small, and we were told that the one was a thief, and the other an honest man, how complete would the refutation be, if the one possessing the larger CONSCIENTIOUSNESS were found to be the rogue." And Dr. Spurzheim has declared, that "a single ascertained exception to his rule would induce him to abandon his beloved scheme." What will become of these professions and challenges now ? Surely the exposé furnished by the above statement of philosophical facts will be to their very hearts' content. In our apprehension at least, they furnish a weight of evidence, which like a flood threatens to sweep away from the scientific world "This baseless fabric of a vision, Nor leave a wreck behind." VI. and lastly, we remark, that if phrenology be tried by its tendency, we should be equally disposed to reject it. Viewed in relation to moral and reli gious subjects, we confess, we like not its aspect, and suspect its influence. It imparts a grossness to cur conceptions, of the most spiritual exercises of the mind, without throwing any new or satisfactory light on the moral or intellectual phenomena of our being. We are aware that the phrenologists do not regard the elevations and depressions on the skull as the causes, but merely as the indications of a man's character. But considering them only in this light, the question still is, are they doubtful, or are they certain? If the former, they are useless as criteria of character, and may be of disservice by leading us to form a false estimate either of others or of our own. If certain, and infallible indications of what a man is, they meet us in the form of an unmanageable impediment to that immediate and radical change, which may be necessary to render him what he ought to be, a change extending to an entire revolution in his mental habits and many of those striking transformations of character which we find on record, or which have fallen under our own observation; at the same time that it is very susceptible of being framed into an apology for those evil actions, and vicious propensities which it traces up to our physical constitution. A man is always pitiable for having weak eyes, or a bad digestion ; and it will be difficult to convince him, that he is not equally pitiable for being born with a brain of a most unfortunate construction. We may exhort a man to "keep his heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life:" but we should never think of directing him to alter the shape of his head, and, by contracting or extending any portion of his cranium, to change the size or position of any of its organs. To the moral inability implied by innate dispositions to do wrong, there appears to be superadded a natural inthe difficulty assumes the character of ability to do right. In the former case a refined and metaphysical speculation; in the latter it becomes clogged with corporeal appendages, is at once apparent to the lowest and most vulgar apprehension, and from the fact of its being so palpable, its pernicious influence will be proportionably extended. We are, perhaps, a little antiquated in our notions, but we prefer the plan of our forefathers, that of directing men to look to their internal motives, rather than to their external make; to inspect their hearts,* rather than their heads; for there will be found the principles to which our actions must be referred, and by which they will be estimated in the great day of final retribution. But we must not proceed. We have preferred attacking the system on its own, i. e. on philosophical ground, and drawing our arguments from facts and reason but if these have supplied the materials of "the armour wherein we trusted," a conviction resting on our favoured by a revelation from God; the minds of the anti-religious influence former evident from their tumuli, the matheof the science, furnished the motive that matical accuracy of their fortresses and the clay, silver, copper, and other vessels, and induced us to "buckle it on." And we relics found in the neighbourhood of Mexico, particularly mention this at the close of Peru, and the great rivers where their anour article, as an apology to our readers cient and populous towns had been situated; for the undue length to which it has the latter, from the ceremonial observances extended. Had we regarded phreno-peradded to these circumstances, suppose of their worship and civil government: sulogy merely in the light of a silly delu- amongst the tribes a variety of traditional sion, we might have been satisfied to fragments of the sacred history of the creasmile at it, as the plaything of ingenuity, tion, and of the people of Israel:-suppose while passing on to more important bu- the names by which they designated the siness. But these are not our convic-of their tribes, is Yehowd, whom they also 'Great Spirit,' whom they believe the head tions; and though we wish not to de- acknowledge as the omnipotent, omnipreprive children, whether in longer or sent, and omniscient Creator and sustainer, shorter garments, of any of their amuse- on whom they are dependent from day to ments, let them at least be harmless. day for life and all things, who shall punish If philosophers will have their toys, let the unjust, and reward the just, after death. Suppose you find in some of the more inthem see to it that they be not of a telligent, and in all their prophets, a national description that may cut their own fin- feeling of prerogative, as if they were congers, or endanger the eyes of their play-scious of being a peculiarly beloved people, mates. The Hope of Israel; presumptive Evidence that the Aborigines of the Western Hemisphere are descended from the ten missing tribes of Israel. By BARBARA ANNE SIMON. pp. 328. Seely. 10s. THE subject of this volume is highly interesting and important. It presents the reader with a collection of facts, anecdotes, and reasonings admirably adapted to secure his attention and invite his inquiries. It may be thought that some of the analogies are far-fetched and that others are strained. Even admitting this, enough will remain to entitle the question to a thorough consideration; and such a decision as the amount of undisputed evidence will sanction. As an inducement to our readers to peruse the work and judge for themselves, we present the following extract from the introduction: who shall at a future time be repossessed of many privileges of which they are now destitute-suppose that amongst these their return to their own land, where the sun rises, and from which their remote ancestors came, is cherished with a fond faith, together with the re-possession of the great good book which once belonged to their people :-suppose you find them observing certain appointed festivals and religious dances, in which the words Hallelujah and Yehovah are constantly repeated; counting their times by moons, and observing the celebrating anniversary feasts of a religious first night of the new moon with rejoicings, nature, one in gratitude for the green corn, and another for the in-gathering :-suppose you find among them an evening feast, in which the bone of the animal may not be for one family, deeming it necessary to call broken, and if the provision is too much in neighbours to eat it, burying before morning dawn the remainder, and eating bitter herbs to cleanse them from sin :-suppose they have places of refuge where the manslayer may flee, and whither the avenger of blood dare not intrude :-suppose they have a second place, where the priest must officiate in a certain dress, making an atonement, but from which other persons are excluded:—the high priest, when addressing the people, using what he terms "the ancient divine speech,' calling his hearers the beloved peculiar people :'-suppose they have a tradition that they have prophets who could perform miracles and foretel future events :-suppose they have an ark of the covenant imitated, which is not permitted to touch the ground, and which no one may presume to touch or look into, upon pain of death, except the officiating priest, that all their males must appear annually; that they are acquainted with the history of the deluge, the building of Babel, the predicted baptism of the earth by fire, and of the longevity of the ancients, who lived till their feet were worn out with walking, and their throats with swallowing:' suppose you find some of the tribes making an altar of twelve stones, on which no iron tool may pass, whereon they offer sacrifice with the custom of washing, anointing, and making loud lamentation for the dead, when in deep affliction. putting their hand on their mouth, and their mouth in the dust." Suppose you find all these gleanings of revelation, and many more amongst a newly discovered people of Asiatic genius and manners, and Hebrew physiognomy, would you feel justified in refusing to acknowledge in this interesting people, the outcasts of Israel, who, when the times of the Gentiles are ending, must be brought to light, identified, and instructed by the daughters of the dispersed,' preparatory to their re-possession of their own land? With this clue let us, without pre-conceived opinion, listen to their traditions, broken and desultory, it is true, nevertheless derived from a revelation which they are conscious of having lost, but yet hope to regain, and you find in this people their own witness, perishing for lack of knowledge under the predicted grievous famine of the word." 1. Practical Discourses on Regeneration, and on the Scripture Doctrine of Salvation by Faith. By P. DODDRIDGE, D.D. With an Introductory Essay, by Ralph Wardlaw, D.D. pp. 356. Collins. Price 4s. 2. Emmanuel; or a Discovery of true Religion, as it imports Living Principle in the Minds of Men: and on Communion with God. By SAMUEL SHAW, late Minister of Long-Whatton, Leicestershire. With an Introductory Essay. By ROBERT GORDON, D.D. pp. 304. 5. A Narrative of the Revival of Religion We would particularly call the attention of our readers to the fourth and fifth of the above articles. "The Christian's defence against Infidelity," &c. and "A Narrative of the Revival in New England," &c. By the former, they will be assisted to repel the insidious attacks of the artful and unprincipled-to perceive that the bulwarks of revelation are impregnable, and that all who are honourably intrenched within this venerable fortress, may confidently anticipate the total defeat of every effort to sap its deep foundations, or storm its lofty ramparts. In the latter, the Christian reader will find much to reprove indifference, to excite zeal, to humble pride, to correct error, and to 3. Olney Hymns, in three books. With regulate exertion, in reference to such an Introductory Essay. By JAMES a revival of religion as multitudes are MONTGOMERY. PP. 387. Collins. ardently seeking, and as all must acPrice 4s. 6d. knowledge to be of unspeakable import4. The Christian's Defence against Infiance. The church of Jesus Christ is delity: consisting of—1. Leslie's short and easy method with the Deists. 2. much indebted to the spirited publisher Lyttleton's observations on St. Paul. for this continued series of valuable re3. Doddridge's Evidences of Christianity. prints and original essays, which are 4. Bates on the Divinity of the Chris- after the best manner of their respectian Religion. 5. Owen on the Self- tive authors; and surely it is not too evidencing light of Scripture. 6. Baxmuch to hope, that the extent of their ter on the Danger of making Light of Christ. With an Introductory Essay. circulation will not only be sufficient to By THOMAS CHALMERS, D.D. p.536. prevent his regret, but to encourage his Collins. Price 5s. 6d. Collins. Price 3s. 6d. perseverance. NEW PUBLICATIONS. 1. Truth against Error; or the Christian | Names, accented for correct pronunciation, Algis: conducted by Ministers whose sentiments accord with the doctrinal articles of the Church of England. Edited by Thomas Keyworth. pp. 140. Price 1s. 6d. This monthly paper is composed principally of valuable extracts from eminent theological writers, and is designed for extensive circulation as an antidote to infidelity and superstition, &c. The twelve numbers composing the present volume contain much that is well calculated to effect the contemplated object, should their perusal be accompanied with the divine blessing. 2. Pluralities indefensible. By Richard Newton, D.D. formerly principal of Hertford College, Oxford. Abridged from the third edition. pp. 61. Longman. Price 3s. We sincerely hope that all those persons for whose especial benefit this work is abiy abridged and neatly printed, may not only read it, but practically exemplify the edification, they have derived from the perusal. 3. A Treatise on the Internal Regulations of Friendly Societies; shewing the various existing Evils and Practical Remedies, and expounding the Doctrine of Restitution; also a Code of Rules: with Forms for the use of Magistrates in questions relative to such Societies; in which is given all the Material decided cases in Law and Equity. To which is added, the new Act, 10 Gen. 4. c. 56. and an Appeal to the Right Hon. Lord J. Russell, M. P. on the Present State of the Law relating to such Societies; with a copious In. dex. Second Edition. By James Wright. In 12mo. price 5s. bds. pp. 371. Saunders and Benning. Price 5s. The worthy author has evidently bestowed much pains on the subject upon which he has written; but our limits will by no means allow us to follow him through the multiplied divisions and subdivisions of his book. We think, however, it may be very useful to a numerous class of his Majesty's subjects, who find it expedient to unite together in those friendly associations of which it treats, and to whose attention and perusal we would cordially recommend it. Geographical Table, Chronological Table, Table of Reference to the Prophecies, and a Miscellaneous Table. By Hervey Wilbur, A. M. Second edition from the Sixth American edition, with three maps. Wightman. Price 4s. It is certainly one of the most gratifying features in the present period of our history, that so many and such successful efforts are making to impress the memory and enlighten the understanding with the inestimably precious truths of revelation. Such is the benevolent design of the "Reference Testament," and in furtherance of this felicitous object it will be found a valuable auxiliary. Those benefactors of our race whose minds are intent on the moral and religious improvement of their species, will eagerly embrace it as another engine with which to operate their truly benignant purpose, and the result of whose application will we trust abundantly reward their endeavours. 5. Counsels and Cautions for Youth, in a series of Letters from a Father to his Son. By J. Thornton. pp. 204. Westley. Price 3s. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word." Young people do indeed require both counsel and caution, and the author of this neatly written little volume has discovered no ordinary talent in imparting it, and it will be found greatly to the present and the future advantage of our sons and our daughters, to listen to its instructions, and conform to its directions. This addition to the juvenile library strongly commends itself to all who are intrusted with the care of youth, and who are deeply impressed with the necessity of providing a nutritious pabulum for their mental appetite. In the Press, &c. A Topographical and Historical Account of Methodism in Yorkshire: giving an Account of its Rise, Progress, and Present State, in the City of York, and in every Town, Village, Hamlet, &c. in the County. The work will be accompanied by a large Map of the County, handsomely coloured, drawn expressly for the purpose, shewing at one view, the size and boundaries of each circuit, &c. 8vo. 4. The Reference Testament; being the common version of the New Testament with References and a Key of Questions, Geographical, Historical, Doctrinal, Practical, and Experimental: designed to facilitate the acquisition of Scriptural Knowledge, in Bible Eton in English.-The Eton Latin GramClasses, Schools, Sunday Schools, and Primar translated into English: with Notes and vate Femilies; to which is added, Outlines for an Appendix. By the Rev. John Green. Bible Class Instruction, Table of Proper Second edition. In 12mo. OBITUARY. MISS MARY WELLS. Towards the close of 1819, some pain The relatives and friends of the sub-ful circumstances occurred in the church ject of the following brief memoir trust, that in placing it on public record, they are influenced neither by feelings of vanity nor mere affection, but by the hope, that while its preservation will be gratifying to them, its publicity may be instructive and profitable to others, and productive of praise and glory to God. to which she belonged, which led to her attendance at the Independent chapel St. Albans, and ultimately to her entire removal thither. While this separation was on many accounts to be regretted, it is due to her to say, that to the day of her death the most cordial friendship and affection subsisted between her and her former connections. Miss Mary Wells was born at St. Al- Our departed friend was much fabans, Herts, in the year 1796. Blessed voured by the kind providence of God, with pious parents, she was of course and expressed frequently and consistbrought up in the "nurture and admo-ently her lively sense of his goodness in nition of the Lord;" but little abiding this respect. In her employment as an concern respecting divine things appears to have been produced until she was about eighteen years of age. As is often the case with persous educated as she was, there do not appear to have been any very noticeable circumstances attending her conversion to God. She was accustomed to refer to the conversation of a pious female friend in London, as having been particularly useful to her, and also to the very powerful effect produced upon her mind on hearing sung in public the 285th hymn of Rippon's Selection. The 4th verse particularly attracted her notice, and inpressed her heart: "O, make but trial of his love, Experience will decide, How blest are they, and only they, In October, 1818, after many mental conflicts on the subject, she was enabled publicly to avow herself “ on the Lord's side;" and in company with a beloved relative was baptized, and received into the Baptist church at St. Albans. This profession, tremblingly made, the Saviour assisted her to adorn, and though her subsequent experience was marked by many vicissitudes of joy and sorrow, she bore frequent testimony that the paths of religion are "paths of pleasantness and peace." instructress of the young, for which her superior natural talents eminently fitted her, it was her happiness to afford peculiar satisfaction, and to enjoy remarkable success. But while surrounded by the various and pressing avocations of a large and rapidly increasing boarding school, she was enabled to maintain a happy spirituality of mind, to evince exemplary Christian diligence, and to engage with activity in various works of Christian benevolence. Indeed, during the last two or three years of her life, there was such an evident advancement in the humility, devotion, and benevolence of her character, as was frequently the topic of private remark while she lived, and is the subject of sweet remembrance now she is no more. A few extracts from her correspondence and private memoranda will illustrate these remarks, and perhaps afford matter for interesting reflection. Writing to a friend a few months since, she observes—“ Some persons talk of heaven upon earth. Surely the only heaven that can be enjoyed on earth is to glorify God, and enjoy Him a little. But this heaven, that thief, the world, breaks into; in the heaven above we shall glorify Him always, and enjoy him for ever." On another occasion she writes |