ror by Dr Mill, is earnest and fair. But we must add, that neither as it regards depth, originality, elegance, or force, can it for a moment be compared with the discussion of the same subject by Mr M'Lagan* of Kinfauns, inserted in Dodds' work upon the Incarnation. Calvinism is more than a suspicious or unsound system with this "Christian advocate;" and even in the university of Simeon he has the singular audacity to pen such sentences as these, "Whoever has looked (p. 143) into the controversies conducted on the other side of the Atlantic by successors of the Puritans, against Channing, and other impugners of our Lord's divinity, may find good grounds for suspecting that one main strength of Unitarianism in America lies in the fact, that Orthodoxy and Calvinism are there identified." " Enough of this most wretched system-Socinianism. The only country (America) where it can be said to be vigorous still, is one to which the catholic exhibition of Christian mysteries is far less known than the partial distorted view of them in a later school, (Calvinism), and where the contradictions in this to the moral character of the gospel, affords to this more flagrant heresy its only real advantage, that of a partial assertion of truth." Dr Mill is well known to be the Pusey of Cambridge, and his statements as to creeds, (p. 16), and saint's days, (pp. 9, 10, 11), and sacraments, (p. 44), are objectionable enough. But upon the whole, he contrives in this volume to appear as no more than a thorough-going High Churchman.

The Times of Claverhouse. By the Rev. ROBERT SIMPSON, Sanquhar. Edin Johnstone. 1844.

Life of the Rev. James Renwick. By the Rev. ROBERT SIMPSON, Sanquhar. Edin. Johnstone. 1844.

Mr

Every relic of covenanting times is precious, the very dust of them is dear to us; and we warmly thank Mr Simpson for his good services in gathering up and circulating the various traditions which he has had access to, connected with former days of trial in this land. We would, however, with all deference suggest, that the interest of such narratives as are contained in these volumes, would be enhanced, were they allowed to come upon us with fewer words of introduction, and if accompanied with briefer comments. Simpson has all the sympathies of a covenanter, and most assuredly were his lot to fall upon persecuting times, he would leave much worthy of record. But as an historian, and not the hero, we could wish that he left his characters more frequently to speak for themselves. Above all, let us say, the times and scenes which he rehearses, are far too subduing in their own grandeur to need the rather ambitious style which Mr S. makes use of.

The Assembly's Shorter Catechism Catechetically Illustrated and Practically Applied. By AN ELDER OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. Edinburgh: Robert Ogle, and Oliver and Boyd. 1844.

This is a very valuable addition to a most important department of our theological literature. And never were solid and well-considered manuals for the assistance of those engaged in the religious education of the young, more urgently required. Preparatory to his last and deadliest overthrow under this dispensation, Satan is putting forth every effort for the last and deadliest triumphs of the great apostacy. Hence the resurrection of every ancient er

* If our friends in England want a richly gifted divine, surpassed by none in our church, as their professor of theology, let them choose the individual referred to.

ror in every new and captivating form of apparent approximation or resemblance to the truth. Hence Pelagianism, rejecting the sovereign authority of love in the Father, and the efficacious power of grace in the Spirit, in professed homage to the finished work of the Son. Hence in England, a soft and sentimental evangelism, preparing the way for the assumed devoutness, the will-worship and superstition of Puseyism. Hence in Scotland, the superficial vagaries of a heady excitement for the grave and solid zeal of vital godliness. Hence, as the end of all, Popery in full development, veiling the sacrifice, and undermining the Cross; and side by side,―at one with it in subjecting the word of God to the authority of man,-Erastianism, disowning the sceptre and dishonouring the crown of the Redeemer. Thus, by the very multitude and variety of forms in which he is appearing, Satan is endeavouring to unsettle the minds of men, and, if it were possible, to deceive the very elect. And unless staid upon the truth as it is in Jesus, in living power, rooted and grounded in love, men, in their thirst for novelty, will either be precipitated forward on the deadly heresies of Rome, to which all errors seem to tend, or perhaps cast back, in their distrust of the very truth in its living energy, upon the cold rigidities of a lifeless but suspicious form of orthodoxy. It is thus we are forewarned that, on the one hand, men shall be given over unto strong delusion to believe a lie, and, on the other, that because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxeth cold. In forecasting the troubles of the latter day, we are too apt to feel as if it were only persecution we had to anticipate; but the conflict before us is not with flesh and blood, in the mere exercise of violence, but with principalities, and powers, and spiritual wickednesses, in the exercise of all subtle delusion. It will require us, therefore, to put on the whole armour of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. And in rearing up a godly seed to fight the battles of the Lord, it is not enough that their consciences be quickened by appeals to their feelings,—it must be enlightened too by grave and solid dealing with their understanding. As the best preservative against error, their minds must be stored with well-digested truth. That they may be able, in days of universal unsettlement, to give a reason for the hope that is in them, they must be made familiar with the whole counsel of God, and be brought to contemplate the truth, not in isolated points of favourite doctrine, but in its relation to the analogy of the faith. True, in their zeal for system, many seem to overlook the life which gives it efficacy, but that is no reason why we, in counter-irritation, should disregard the system whereby the life moves and quickens in harmonious action. Even under God's own auspices, bone is drawn to his bone, in form and symmetry, as an organ for the Spirit's action. The benefits of studying the truths of Scripture in their mutual relations, have long been experienced in Scotland, in training our youth according to the admirable system laid down and developed in the Shorter Catechism. Full yet succinct, comprehensive yet precise, rigidly accurate in its doctrinal statements, yet full of unction and warmth in its spiritual and practical applications, it has all the regularity of system, with all the ease and freedom of unencumbered life. Let parents and teachers be very cautious, amidst the multitudes of modern improvements, how they admit anything in the way of substitute for the Shorter Catechism. Let it be illustrated, let it be explained, let it be traced out and developed in all its doctrinal and practical bearings, but let it not be set aside. In its simplicity it lies within reach almost of the very youngest,-in its grasp and comprehensiveness it will expand with the expanding powers of the oldest. Next to the Bible, because drawn direct from it, and ever pointing back to it, let our young be taught to venerate the Catechism. In every new substitute we see a new enemy, but in every new guide to it, we are prepared to recognise a friend to the religious education of our youth. We gladly welcome into the field the author of "The Shorter Catechism Illustrated and Applied." He does all he professes. He illustrates the

separate doctrines with singular fulness and precision; he traces out their mutual bearings and linked connection with logical accuracy; he bears home their spiritual and practical applications with warmth and unction to the heart and conscience. And all his illustrations are drawn from Scripture, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. Hence it is a full, clear, comprehensive exposition of our Catechism, illustrated in the light, and enforced by the authority of the Spirit's own teaching. To parents and teachers we cordially recommend it as a most valuable guide in a most interesting and important department of their duties.

The Rev. Thomas Scott's Commentary on the Bible, &c. A New Edition, with an Introductory Essay, and numerous additional Notes, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory. By the Rev. WILLIAM SYMINGTON, D.D. Glasgow: Mackenzie, White, & Co., 1844.

We are not disposed, neither have we room at present, to enter into a discussion upon the value of commentaries in general, or of Scott's in particular. We leave our readers to form a judgment on both of these points for themselves. But if they should decide in favour of Scott's Commentary, we know not if there has been a fuller, completer, and more elegant edition than the present. The first plate might certainly have been omitted with advantage,— but Dr Symington's introductory essay and notes are excellent. We have seen as yet only five numbers, but they are all equally handsome,-—and certainly not dear.

Gift from the Ladies of the Irish Presbyterian Church to the Marquis of Breadalbane. Belfast: M'Comb, 1844.

This is an elegant little book, giving an account of the famous Breadalbane carpet, with the various addresses on the occasion. The speeches are worth preserving.

The Epistle of Paul to the Romans, with a Preface and Brief Reflections, by Luther, translated from the German; with a Recommendatory Notice. By the Rev. THOMAS BROWN, D.D., Glasgow. Edin.: W. P. Kennedy, 1844.

Our readers must not expect to find in this a similar volume to "Luther on the Galatians." That is a full lengthened commentary, this is but a brief preface, and still briefer notes, altogether not occupying the twentieth part of the space occupied by the exposition of the Galatians. Yet the preface is a valuable one, quite in Luther's way, and pervaded with his one mighty theme, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SON OF GOD. The notes, though very brief indeed, are still very characteristic,-quaint and sententious, something like jottings in the margin of a student's Bible. And who would not prize such jottings, when the student was Luther! Hear his remarks on faith.

"IV. Faith is not the human conceit and dream which some take it to be. When they see that no improvement of life or good works follow, though they hear and read much about faith, they fall into error, and say, 'Faith is not enough, a man must do good works if he would be pious and blessed.' Thus it happens, when they hear the gospel they imagine that in their own strength they can say, 'I believe.' This they take to be a true faith; but as it is only a fiction and imagination of man, which the heart has never truly experienced, it acts not, and no improvement follows.

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Faith, however, is the gift of God; by it we are renewed and born again as the sons of God (John i. 13); it crucifies the old Adam, makes us altogether different men in heart, desire, thought, and strength, and brings along with it the Holy Spirit. Oh! faith is a living, active, efficacious, powerful thing; it is impossible that it should not bring forth good works without ceasing. It asks not if good works should be done, but, before that question, it has done and is ever doing them. Whoever does not such works is an unbeliever. He gropes and gazes around him for faith and good works, yet he knows neither what faith nor good works are, however much he babbles and prates about the words faith and good works.

“Faith is a living, all-venturing confidence in the grace of God, so firm that it would brave a thousand deaths. Such confidence in, and perception of, the mercy of God, imparts joy, and peace, and love, towards God and all his creatures. These are the fruits of faith through the operation of the Holy Ghost. The result of this is, that man without constraint becomes willing and desir ous to do good to all, to be of service to all, to suffer all, for the love and the glory of that God who has shown such mercy to him. Thus, also, it is impossible to separate works from faith,—yes, as impossible as it would be to separate light and heat from fire." Pp. 14, 15.

A Concise System of Theology, on the Basis of the Shorter Catechism, by A. S. Patterson, A.M., with an Introductory Paper. By the Rev. D. MACFARLANE, Renfrew. Second Edition. Edin.: Johnstone. 1844.

We formerly noticed the first edition of this excellent work, and in adverting to the second, we shall merely add, that there are several important improvements in the volume. It is upon the whole a most complete manual of sound theology, though perhaps a little too scholastic. We do not altogether concur in some of the author's statements, such as those which allude to the kingdom and the coming of the Lord, but in general it is good and sound.

Proceedings of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, held in Edinburgh, May 1844. Edin.: W. P. Kennedy. 1844.

We need do nothing more than merely call the attention of our readers to this excellent report. It forms a historical record, which few would like to be without.

Historical Collections relating to remarkable periods of the success of the Gospel, by the Rev. J. Gillies, D.D. With Preface, &c., by the Rev. H. BONAR, Kelso. 1844. Parts IV. and V.

Five parts of this reprint have now been published, each containing a considerable amount of original matter. We do not intend to enter into the merits of this well-known work. We content ourselves with simply announcing it to our readers.

Commentary on the Psalms. By E. W. HENGSTENBERG, Dr and Professor of Theology in Berlin. Part First. Translated by the Rev. P. FAIRBAIRN, Minister at Salton. Edinburgh: Thomas Clark, 1844.

We must satisfy ourselves at present with merely making known to our

readers the publication of the above able and learned Exposition of the Psalms. We hope soon to have an opportunity of doing it more ample justice than a brief notice can possibly do to it,

Extracts from Meditations by the late Hannah Mackenzie. Edited by a Minister. With a Sketch of her Life by the Editor. Edinburgh, 1843.

There is much in this volume that is most instructive and profitable to the believer, and much also that is fitted to rouse the attention of others. The Meditations are those of a simple child of God, looking out with a believing eye upon all things around her, and seeking to turn to profit all that she saw and heard.

The Hopes of the Church of God in connection with the Destiny of the Jews and the Nations, as revealed in Prophecy. Eleven Lectures delivered at Geneva in 1840. Translated from the French. Second edition, improved. London: Francis Baisler, 1842.

This is only a volume of 104 pages, but in its small type there is a great deal of valuable matter contained. There may be differences of opinion upon some of the author's interpretations, but upon the whole there is much to profit in his pages. He is trying to exhibit to us the light which shineth in this dark world, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise. We extract a paragraph or two as a specimen.

Christ, glorified in his person, now, and whilst the Church is gathering, is sitting upon the throne of God, waiting until it be complete, until, in short, the time be come for his being invested with his royal power, and that Jehovah shall have put his enemies as a footstool under his feet. An important distinction results from the passages we have been citing; it is this, that besides the reconciliation of the Church, there is the reconciliation of all things. You may have perceived this in the chapter, with the reading of which the lecture began: we saw that the proposed intention of God was to gather together all things in Christ; that the reconciliation of the Church is represented in the verses which precede the eighth as a thing accomplished, and the glory as a thing future, of which we have as yet but the earnest, in the presence of the Holy Spirit in us after having believed. But we see in Romans viii. 19-23, that the deliverance of creation will take place at the time of the manifestation of the sons of God. As to the present, that is, the time during which Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, everything is in a state of misery, the whole creation remains in the bondage of corruption: it is true that we are redeemed, and that even the price for the redemption of creation has been given; and more than this, we have received the first fruits of the Spirit as earnest of the glory; but all this is but our expecting state until the Most High enters upon the exercise of his power, until he reigns, and becomes possessor in fact, as he is by right, of the heavens and the earth. Inhabiting in our bodies a fallen creation, whilst indeed by the Spirit we are united to Christ, we have on the one hand the assurance of being children, accepted in the beloved,' and the joy of the hope of the inheritance, by the Spirit which is the earnest of it; but upon the other hand, by the same Spirit, we give utterance, inasmuch as we are in the body, to the sighs and groanings of the creation, being participators therein owing to the body of death. All is in disorder, but we know him who has redeemed us, and made us heirs of all things, and who has initiated us into the love of the Father; we enjoy these privileges; but understanding also the blessings which will be shed upon the inheritance