ment of this benevolent object and its collateral designs. The vessel was not allowed to stay in any harbour; it was fired upon in every direction. The poor Japanese on board were dreadfully mortified in not being permitted to land on their native shores; or to convey notice to their friends of their existence and welfare. Japan seems more exclusive than China; certainly more hostile in her movements. The hatred or dread of Europeans since the expulsion of the Jesuits, appears not to have been diminished. No efforts have been, or could be made for the conversion of the Japanese since that period. The reception of the Morrison' is sufficiently discouraging; but the time is not far distant when the "isle of the sea" shall receive the law of our God. Mr. Gutzlaff has prepared a tract in the Japan language, and is determined to proceed again to those hostile shores, and make an attempt at landing, and scattering tracts as he had done on the eastern coast of China. We hope, ere long, to hear of his attempt, his safety, and his success. Meanwhile this journal of Dr. Parker may excite an interest in behalf of the deluded and idolatrous inhabitants of Japan; and of the Loo-choo islands, which he visited on his way thither, and which appear to present important fields for Missionary enterprise. Christian Experience as displayed in the Life and Writings of St. Paul. By the It is divided into two parts, the first containing the life and character of St. Paul; the second, the doctrines which he taught. Both parts are divided into chapters of convenient length, bringing out to the view of the mature and experienced Christian, those portions of the Apostle's history and instructions which illustrate and exhibit the influence of divine grace in his conversion and his apostleship. All the varieties and changes in christian experience-its conflicts and joys-its trials and comforts-its fears and its hopes are described by one whose heart appears to be deeply imbued with the Spirit of Christ; whose desire is to emulate the zeal and devotion of the Great Apostle of the Gentiles; and whose aim in the publication of this volume, is so " to exhibit the beauty of evangelical religion," that it may engage the attention alike of such as have, or have not felt its saving power. We sincerely thank the author for this addition to the devotional literature of our country; we do not quite accord with the excellent "Layman of the Church of England" in all his sentiments, but we feel gratification in being able to recommend his volume to all lovers of pure, undefiled, and experimental religion, to whatever sect or party they may belong. We have read the work with pleasure and profit, and trust that many others will follow our example, and derive equal benefit with ourselves from its perusal. Lecture on the Nature and Structure of the Chinese Language, delivered at University College, by the Rev. Samuel Kidd, Professor of the Chinese Language and Literature in that Institution. 8vo. pp. 37. Taylor and Walton. THIS inaugural lecture, delivered by Mr. Kidd on taking the Professor's chair at University College, describes with accuracy and precision the structure and peculiarities of the Chinese language; and presents a clear view of the nature, progress, and varieties of Chinese literature. It is adapted alike to the general reader and Oriental scholar; and will, doubtless, serve to awaken a deeper interest in the welfare of that extraordinary people, in whose behalf this professorship was instituted. Merchants, travellers, missionaries destined to China, may now readily avail themselves of the learned Professor's services, and acquire with comparative ease, such a knowledge of the native tongue, as will greatly facilitate their respective objects when they arrive at their several destinations. The Life of Christian Gottfried Assman, successively Pastor of Dolzig, Garz, and Hagen: from the German, with a Preface, by the Rev Charles B. Taylor, M.A. Religious Tract Society. 12mo. pp. 122. THIS "Life" is auto-biographical. It is the record of the labours, trials, and experience of a most humble, spiritual, and devoted minister of Christ's holy gospel in Prussia. Mr. Assman's lot was cast in troublous times; but the special interpositions of Providence in his behalf amid difficulties, sorrows, and wars, were most remarkable. The narration of his personal history is written with unaffected simplicity; and discovers the high-toned piety of a God." The "Preface" is singularly beautiful and touching. "Man of Motives to the Study of Biblical Literature, in a Course of Introductory Lectures. By William Goodhugh, Author of the Critical Examination of Bellamy's Translation of the Bible, in the Quarterly Review, &c. London: 1839. I may to some appear strange, that, in this age of universal science, any motives should be requisite to urge the cultivation of biblical literature. At all events, it might be taken for granted, that all who are looking forward to the work of the ministry, or who are engaged in that work, would, as a matter of course, make it the subject of diligent and persevering application. Every one who is in any degree familiar with the Holy Scriptures, must be aware that, without a competent acquaintance with sacred literature, it is impossible to do justice to their contents, or enjoy any firmness or certainty of mind in expounding many parts of them to others. Happily there is no lack of means by the use of which we may qualify ourselves for becoming mighty in the Scriptures. For those who can afford to purchase them, there are many larger works directly bearing upon the subject; and for those whose pecuniary means are more scanty, we have less costly productions, which contain all that is essential to prepare the mind for entering upon or prosecuting the study of the Bible with success. Still, however, there exists on the whole, a lamentable degree of apathy; and numbers are disposed to pursue the path on which they have entered, without giving their attention to such matter, notwithstanding the stumbling-blocks and protuberances by which they are continually interrupted. The work before us is an admirable manual of topics connected with the history and interpretation of the Scriptures. The author not only discovers a laudable enthusiasm for his subject, but he treats it like a master. We trust it will greatly contribute to the advancement of sacred study, both within and out of the Establishment, and cordially wish all success to those further exertions to promote the same object, of which it is announced to be the precursor. Pictures of Private Life: third Series, by Sarah Stickney. 12mo Smith, Elder, and Co. THIS "Third Series of Pictures" by Miss Stickney, (now, we presume, Mrs. Ellis,) has been too long neglected by us; we now make the "amende honorable" by directing the attention of our fair readers especially to this fascinating little volume. "Pretension" is its theme. The absurdities and disappointments, and mortifications incident to this vice, are graphically pourtrayed. The miseries of the life of a young governess, making pretensions, in various families, themselves also in some cases the dupes and slaves of pretension, which she could not sustain, are described with much taste and feeling, and well serve to repress the desire for becoming teachers in private families which now rages in the breasts of so many young females in the lower grades of middle life. There is enough of romance in the volume to make it captivating, and enough of truth to make it safe. The fair author's views on education are sound and judicious; and we can cordially recommend the volume to all those whose taste leads them to seek truth only as it is conveyed through the medium of fiction. The Order of Evangelical Grace in the Economy of Salvation. A PLAIN, Scriptural exposition, in four dialogues, of the "Way of Salvation." The original was published in Germany, in 1741, and has passed through several editions; and has been extensively useful. The "Translation" is now published, with the hope that its usefulness may be increased. May this hope be abundantly realized! An Address to Baptized Children. By H. Madgin. Duxford. 12mo. Jackson and Walford. An admirable little tract, well adapted for the class of young persons to whom addressed; and for whose conversion, alas! too few direct efforts have been made by the Church of Christ. THE EDITOR'S TABLE. A Narrative of the Greek Mission, or Sixteen Years in Malta and Greece; including Tours in the Peloponnesus, in the Ægean and the Ionian Isles. With Remarks on the Religious Opinions, Moral State, Social Habits, Politics, Language, History and Lazarettos of Malta and Greece. By the Rev. S. S. Wil son, Member of the Literary Society of Athens. 8vo. Snow. The Betrayed, a Sacred Poem, in Five Books. By the Rev. S. Bellamy. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. The Fall of Warsaw, a Poem in Three Cantos. London: Relfe and Fletcher. Bereaved Parents Consoled. By John Thornton. London: Religious Tract Society. Euphemia; a Tract for Young Ladies. London: Religious Tract Society. Bellingham; or Narrative of a Christian in search of the Church. By the Rev. W. Palin, B. A. London: William Parker. Two Sermons on the Offices of the Holy Spirit. By the Rev. Hngh White, A. M. Edinburgh: William Innes. The Miniature Commentary; being Short Comments on every Chapter in the Holy Bible, in Three Vols. London: Religious Tract Society. The Convalescent, Twelve Letters on Recovery from Sickness. By Mrs. Gilbert. London: Jackson and Walford, The Domestic Altar; or Prayers for the use of Families for one month. By Ebenezer Temple. London: Ward and Co. Consolations for Mourners. By the Rev. W. H. Shepherd. Ninth Edition. London: Ward and Co. Letters on the Importance of Maternal Associations; with Suggestions respecting their formation. London: Ward and Co. The Patriarchs. London: Religious Tract Society. A Voice from America to England. By an American Gentleman. London: II. Colburn. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. WORKS IN THE PRESS, OR IN PROGRESS. On the 1st of May will be published, The Prize Essay on the Abolition of Capital Punishment. By the Rev. James Peggs, Missionary to India. The premium and adjudication by Sir Edward French Bromhead, Bart. The Advancement of Religion the Claim of the Times; a Course of Lectures delivered at Wycliffe Chapel by the Rev. Andrew Reed, D.D. Historical Memorials relating to the Independents; from their rise to the restoration of the monarchy, 1660. By Benjamin Hanbury, vol. I. 8vo. TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES, ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES. The Committee of the Congregational Union of England and Wales are desirous that their brethren throughout the country should have early and complete information of the arrangements by which they hope to render the ensuing Annual Assembly, with the divine blessing, a season of much interest and usefulness. On Monday afternoon, the 6th of May, an open meeting of the Committee will be held at the Library, for preparatory prayer and conference, to assemble at four o'clock precisely, when the attendance of such delegates and brethren connected with the Union, as may arrive in town sufficiently early, is very respectfully invited and pressed. On Tuesday morning, at eight o'clock, breakfast will be, as heretofore, provided for ministers and delegates, whether ministers or lay-brethren. At nine o'clock precisely, the Assembly will be constituted, and the Rev. Thomas Raffles, D.D., LL.D. will take the chair. Delegations from America, Scotland, and Wales, are fully expected. Many subjects of the greatest importance will require the attention of the assembled brethren. The adjourned meeting of the Assembly on the morning of Friday, May 10th, will commence business at eight o'clock precisely. The Annual Meeting of the Colonial Missionary Society, in connexion with the Union, will this year commence at eleven o'clock, on Friday, instead of at twelve as formerly. This alteration has been made to afford time, in the interval between the close of the meeting of the Colonial Society, and the hour for commencing the sacramental services of the London Missionary Society, for additional fraternal conference, to be conducted with confidential freedom and affection, at an entertainment in the Library, to which the Committee of the Union respectfully invite all the delegates from County and District Associations, and the tutors of our theological seminaries. It is hoped the brethren may assemble for this purpose at two o'clock precisely. The Committee of the Union are proceeding with their arrangements to obtain christian hospitality for those delegates or other ministerial brethren connected with the Union, to whom it may be a desirable accommodation. Any ministers delegated to the Annual Assembly by a County or District Association, or in recognized connexion with the Union, who may desire to be introduced through the Committee, to the family of a Christian friend, during the week devoted to the objects of the Union, and of the London Missionary Society, are desired to send notice of their intention, by letter, to the Secretary, at the Library, before the last day in April; and, upon their arrival in town, may obtain, by application at the Library, a card of introduction to the parties by whom they will be entertained. The Committee renew their appeal to all County and District Associations for the appointment of delegates, and to take every precaution to ensure that they may be adequately represented, and that the Union may be suitably sustained in the approaching Annual Assembly. They invite a numerous attendance of the pastors and deacons of the Associated Churches. They hope all the brethren will come in the spirit of union and love, of courage and prayer. Now is a time to sustain one another, and our principles,-a time when a holy convocation, numerous and devout, replenished with the spirit of counsel and of might, may be of incalculable advantage to our whole denomination. THE LABOURS OF A MISSIONARY IN CANADA. The following letter addressed to the Rev. Henry Wilkes, of Montreal, the agent of the Colonial Missionary Society for Lower Canada, by the Rev. D. Dunkerley, who is located in the eastern townships, will supply our readers with a striking illustration of the laborious and much needed duties of a faithfu Canadian Missionary. My dear Sir, Melbourne, January 8th, 1839. As the time for rendering our half-yearly report to the Society is come, I beg leave through you, to assure the Committee that their benevolent designs, in reference to these townships, have not been in vain, but have been followed with results the most beneficial. That you may form some idea of our present state and operations, I draw your attention to the following statements: We are very happy, because very useful in our station, and can assure you, that the most inviting charge in our father land, would not induce us to return. We find it expensive living here; but the allowance for the last year has just enabled us to cover our expenditure, and no more. There Melbourne and Richmond.-Here we have an afternoon and evening service on the sabbath. The attendance is good, and the attention very serious. appears to be an increase of spirituality and zeal amongst the members of the Church. Three have been added during the past six months, so that our labour is not in vain. We have found it necessary to erect a place of worship, 34 feet by 44 feet, capable of seating three hundred people. This building, towards which the people have contributed freely, was dedicated on the third of January, on which occasion we had a full attendance at three services, and collected after the morning sermon, 21/. 18s. 10d. The erection has cost between three and four hundred pounds, about a hundred and fifty of which remains to be raised. We have let about one half of the pews, which will bring in about 301. per annum. In connection with the sabbath services, we have a service once a fortnight on the Tuesday evening, in the Gallop School-house, at which about thirty persons attend. We do not see much fruit of our labour here—nor do we expect it, as the whole neighbourhood is under the killing influence of Universalism; we, however, continue to sow and hope. On Thursday evening we have a service at the Stone School house, where about thirty people attend; we have reason to believe that some favourable impression is made here among the young people-although none as yet have become decided. In the other week we have a service in the Matthews School house, on Tuesday evening, where about forty persons attend. In this neighbourhood they have had no services, until we began to visit them, and were, as to spiritual things, in a profound sleep. God has poured out his spirit, and awakened the people, so that many of them now are beginning to enquire what they must do to be saved. From this neighbourhood we have received two sisters to our communion. From the next farm we received two more, father and son; the father, formerly a professor of religion, but for many years a backslider; his heart now appears full of love to Christ, and such is the change in his feelings and character, that he says, surely, I could never have known what religion was before." He is near eighty years of age, but continues active. His son is about 35 years of age, a person of excellent character, but yet, so deep are his convictions of depravity and guilt, that though unanimously admitted to the church, he durst not come to the Lord's Table, but removed from amongst the communicants, gazed upon the elements, and wept. There is a widowed mother, and her son, the former near seventy, and the latter thirty years of age, who appear to be under deep impressions of divine truth, and who will, probably, unite with us very soon. There is also a fine youth of eighteen, who has separated himself from his former companions, is constant in his attendance on the means; he is a subject of much ridicule, |