associates from island to island, over the vast field which Providence assigned to him, and to which his own taste eminently adapted him. Through the co-operation of native helpers, who, with an almost apostolic spirit, were ready to go wherever the cause of Christ seemed to call them, and a succession of whom God raised up wherever the gospel was preached, the triumphant march of truth stretched abroad from island to island, until he was able to record many of them, once the abode of idolaters, and the seat of every cruelty, as Christian countries. It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes. EDITOR.

ARTICLE VIII.

LITERARY NOTICES.

1. Classical Studies. Essays on Ancient Literature and Art. With the Biography and Correspondence of eminent Philologists. By BARNAS SEARS, President of Newton Theological Institution, B. B. EDWARDS, Professor in Andover Theological Seminary, and C. C. FELTON, Professor in Harvard University. Boston. Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 1843. 413 pp. 12mo.

This elegant book is worthy of a more extended notice than our limits at present will permit us to give to it. Great labor and care have been bestowed upon its typographical execution, which does honor to the American press. It is one of the rare beauties of the page, that not a word is divided at the end of a line. The mechanical part of the work, however, is its least praise. It is unique in its character,standing alone among the innumerable books of this book-making age. The authors well deserve the thanks of the cultivated and disciplined portion of the community, for the service which, by this publication, they have done to the cause of letters. Amid the tide of influences which are calculated to deteriorate our literature, and to degrade the standard of taste and sound learning, we feel under great obligations to those who endeavor to restore the authority of acknowledged models; to set up barriers against the sweeping flood of a worthless literature, which is spreading far and wide its evil results, and concerning which our chief consolation is, that it is likely to be as transitory as it is deleterious. The book is a plea for classical learning. While its fine introduction and some of the essays directly avow this design, the correspondence of literary men which it contains, aims indirectly at the same result. The largest, and most responsible part of the work is from the pen of Prof. Sears, and bears the marks of his sound judgment, extensive learning, and clear thought. The first article gives a view of schools of German philology, a suitable preliminary to the whole. It embraces biographical notices of Heyne and Winckelmann, "who have contributed most to the formation of the present character of German philology," the state of classical learning in Europe at the period when their influence began VOL. VIII. NO. XXX.

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to be most widely felt, a notice of Wolf, one of the earliest and greatest critics on Homer, of Heindorff, Bekker, Böckh and Hermann, with incidental facts concerning other individuals, and an account of their distinguishing characteristics and principles. Article second, a translation from Tegnér, is on the study of Greek literature; describing its attractions and uses. Article third, a translation from Frederic Jacobs, is on the study of classical antiquity. It delineates the object of a learned school, the materials which call for the scholar's attention, and the manner in which he is to use them with the highest profit. Article fourth, on the wealth of the Greeks in the works of plastic art, by the same author, treats, as the title indicates, of the architectural models, and remains of sculpture which flowed from the refined taste of the Greeks and Romans, and by a reflex influence, contributed, in their turn, to elevate and purify the taste in which they originated. The fifth division of the book contains a mass of correspondence of eminent philologists, filled with statements of facts in reference to the pursuits of the several writers and of others, deeply interesting to the lover of classical literature. Article sixth gives an account of the Dutch philologists, Hemsterhuys, Ruhnken and Wyttenbach, with extended biographical notices of each of them, and a view of their influence on the literature and men of letters in Holland. Article seventh is on the use of the Greek dialects in the classic authors, by F. Jacobs. Article ninth is a history of the Latin language, in its various periods, with remarks on its distinguishing characters. Article tenth is on the education of the moral sentiment among the ancient Greeks. The whole is followed by more than fifty pages of notes, giving a short biography of most of the eminent men, spoken of in the text. The book is of a high order, and worthy the attentive perusal of every scholar. It is a noble monument to the taste, and judgment, and sound learning of the projectors, and will yield, we doubt not, a rich harvest of fame to themselves, and of benefit to the literary interests of our country.

2. The doctrine of Christian Baptism, examined by the acknowledged principles of Biblical Interpretation. By JAMES J. WOOLSEY. Philadelphia. Baptist Publication Society.

3. The Baptismal Question. Rev. William Hague's Controversial Tracts, embracing the Review of Messrs. Cooke and Towne, and a Rejoinder to their Reply. Boston. Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 1842. 4. Infant Baptism weighed in the Balances and found wanting; a reply to a tract by Dr. Brownlee. By C. H. HOSKEN. Troy, N. Y. 1843.

The works issued from the press on the baptismal question, it seems to us, are more numerous, on both sides, than the cause of truth and Christian fellowship requires. If good standard works are extant, it would be the part of wisdom to promote the circulation of these, rather than to publish new ones, which must be, necessarily, only a repetition of the same views, and arguments, and testimonies. Issued from various geographical points, to serve a local demand, they usually do not obtain a very wide circulation; perhaps nourish unkind feelings in the sphere where they originate; and when the circumstances which gave birth to them cease to exist, or become modified, the works themselves are forgotten. It seems to us, also, that the question is too

often discussed as a matter of speculation, in which ecclesiastical combatants wish to measure their spears with their brethren, rather than as a question of serious, humble, and earnest obedience to the expressed will of Jesus Christ. It is, or should be, a question of obedience, not of controversy. Still, we do not think uncharitably of those who deem themselves called upon to meet pressing exigencies in a local community, rather than to write labored treatises, having in themselves the elements of endurance, if not of immortality.

The little volume of Mr. Woolsey was originally a series of sermons to his own congregation, published by their request. It contains an able and faithful exhibition of the argument in favor of Baptistical views, drawn wholly from the Scriptures, and the concessions of writers on the other side of the question. It is divided into sections, and treats the whole topic in an appropriate and scholarlike manner.

The pamphlets of Mr. Hague, though written under the impulse of temporary circumstances and with great expedition, show that he had already studied the subject with attention, and that his weapons are always kept ready burnished. A more thorough and worthy treatment of the question could not well be found. He has the merit of having examined and refuted, in a satisfactory manner, the newest forms of stating and defending the error which he discusses, and of presenting a very clear exhibition of the grounds of his own defence.

Mr. Hosken, recently a missionary in Honduras, received the work of Dr. Brownlee, soon after reaching the city of New York, and thought that a reply to it would subserve the interests of truth. In the course of his reply, he states afresh the main arguments of his own denomination, and in an independent and successful manner, meets the position 3 of his opponent.

5. The Doctrine of Life, with some of its Theological Applications. Boston. B. H. GREENE. 1843. Pp. 74.

12mo.

This book was originally an essay in the Dial, a publication designed to promote the views of the transcendentalists. It treats on several topics in morals and theology, and is written in an attractive style. The author evidently thinks on the subjects upon which he has written. His book is a good specimen of an effort of an ingenious mind to disencumber itself for a time of the aid of revelation, for the purpose of ascertaining its skill in discovering truth by feeling after it in the dark. 6. The Karen Apostle; or Memoir of Ko-Thah-Byu, the first Karen Convert, with notices concerning his Nation. By F. MASON, Missionary to the Karens. First American Edition. Revised by H. J. Ripley, Professor in Newton Theological Institution. Boston. Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. pp. 153. 16mo. 1843.

An interesting addition to our missionary literature, and a pleasant gift-book for the lovers of the missionary cause. The history of the successes of our foreign missions is always suited to awaken devout gratitude to God. The first-fruits are received with special joy, as the prelude of a coming harvest. Many of the items contained in the book have already appeared in our missionary journals; but they will assume new interest when read continuously, and as a part of the events of the life of one individual, the first Karen convert. The appendix gives an account of the traditions of the Karens, a subject which Mr. Mason has studied with great zeal. We hope the work will deepen the interest of the community in the great cause of missions.

7. Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature. By JOHN KITTO, assisted by several able scholars and divines. New York. Mark H. Newman; Boston. Tappan & Dennet.

This work is to be completed in fifteen parts, of 80 pages each, which are to be published monthly, with a steel engraving or a map, accompanying each part. It is printed in double columns, with a small, though distinct type, and a large and handsome page. The articles in the first number are of sterling merit. Some of them embrace both original and fresh matter on topics connected with Biblical interpretation, such as the researches of recent travellers, and the investigations of the latest critics have brought to light. It is perhaps chiefly in this respect, that the work proposes to be an improvement on Robinson's Calmet.

8. Lectures on the Epistle of Paul, the Apostle, to the Romans. By THOMAS CHALMERS. New York. Robert Carter; Boston. Tappan & Dennet.

The lectures embraced in this work, were a series of sermons to the author's own congregation, and published by their request. They furnish a good example of expository preaching. Each sermon is commenced by an exposition of a few verses of the epistle, which are afterwards used as the foundation of the discourse. The name of Dr. Chalmers is a sufficient guarantee for the character of the work. It is to be printed in five monthly parts, of 100 pages each.

ARTICLE IX.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.

The American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions held its annual meeting at Albany, N. Y., April 26, 1843.-The receipts of the Treasurer for the financial year, ending April 1, 1843, from individuals, auxiliary societies, legacies, interest on temporary loans, &c., amount to $47,151,06, and the expenditures to $55,138,43; excess of expenditures above receipts, $7,987,37, which, added to the debt of last year, makes the balance against the Board, at the present moment, $14,859. The Board have also received from the United States government, for the support of Indian Schools, $4,400; from the American and Foreign Bible Society, for printing and circulating the Scriptures, $6,000; and from the American Tract Society, $2,200; total, $12,600.

The number of Missions in connection with the Board, is 19; and of stations and out-stations, about 80. The missions in Europe are in France, Germany, Denmark and Norway. The missions in Asia are, the Maulmain, Ava, Rangoon, and Tavoy missions; the missions to Arracan, Siam, China, Assam, and the Teloogoos. The mission in Africa is to the Bassas; the missions in America, to several tribes of the Aborigines on this side the Rocky mountains. There are 103 missionaries, of whom 44 are preachers, and 52 are female assistants. Of native preachers and assistants, there are 114. The number of churches is 77; received by baptism the last year, nearly 900. Whole number of church members, about 4,000, The American Baptist Home Mission Society held its 11th anniversary at Albany, April 25-Total amount of receipts, including those in the treasuries of auxiliaries, $40,583 12. Receipts directly into the treasury of the Society, $11,806 57.

The total number of agents and missionaries employed the past year is 93. Their labors were performed in 22 of the United States and Territories, in Canada and Texas. They havé labored regularly at 304 stations. They have preached 10,533 sermons, delivered 1,333 public addresses, made 13,351 pastoral visits, and have been active in the use of all evangelical means for extending the kingdom of Christ. In the performance of their duties, they have travelled 115,552 miles. The amount of ordinary ministerial labor performed by them, is equal to that of one man for 63 1-4 years.

The number of agents and missionaries reported by auxiliaries is 275. Their joint labors amount to 152 1-4 years of one man. They have occupied not less than 458 stations, preached 25,075 sermons, made 13,262 pastoral visits, and travelled 59,483 miles.

Total number of agents and missionaries, 368; years of labor performed, 215 1-2; miles travelled, 175,035.

Among the results of missionary labor performed last year, the missionaries report the baptism of 1,489 persons, which, with the additions by letter, have increased the number of communicants reported when the missionaries applied for their appointments, more than one third. They have organized 50 churches, and ordained 23 ministers.

Under their superintendence 5,570 pupils have been instructed by 724 teachers, in 179 Sabbath schools and Bible classes, furnished with 9,211 volumes in their libraries. At the stations occupied, 5 houses of worship have been completed; the erection of 22 others has been commenced; seven churches have been able to support their ministers without our aid; $7,007 have been paid for ministerial support, and $1,901 for foreign missions and other benevolent purposes. In those churches, there are 54 young men preparing for the ministry. The missionaries of auxiliaries also report 3,431 baptisms, and 6,172 scholars in Sabbath schools and Bible classes connected with their churches, which are supplied with 9,627 volumes in their libraries.

Total, 4,920 baptisms, and 11,742 Sabbath school scholars.

The American Baptist Publication and Sunday School Society held its anniversary at Albany, April 26. The receipts for the past year, including a loan from the building fund amounting to $1,371 16, were $9,906 54. The appropriations have been $9,869 27, leaving a balance in the treasury of $37 27. To avoid embarrassment, the Society has proceeded cautiously and slowly in the publication of books. Three new ones only have been issued, viz: Memoir of Mrs. Jones,The Spiritual Voyage, and Effie Maurice. Of Tracts 1,262,680 pages have been published. About 3000 copies of the Baptist Record have been regularly issued, and 11,000 copies of the Almanac and Baptist Register. The stock on hand is invoiced at $5,200. During the year $157 54 worth of books have been distributed gratuitously, and 158,000 pages of tracts,-100,000 of them to the missionaries of the American Baptist Home Mission Society.

American and Foreign Bible Society.-The sixth anniversary was held at Albany, April 26. The receipts for the last year, are $23,638 03. Appropriations have been made in aid of the Bible operations of several missionary stations, amounting to $8,500, and a balance remains in the treasury of about $2,500.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE,

GERMANY.

The king of Prussia has appointed a Commission, consisting of thirty-two members, to visit the East Indies, and make a scientific and artistic examination of those countries. The duration of the mission is provisionally fixed for three years, and the distinguished linguist, Francis Bopp, is appointed its president.-It is stated, that Göthe's house at Saxe-Weimar, together with the noble collection of works of art and objects of science contained in it, is to be purchased by the German confederation, as a national monument. This gratifying arrangement is chiefly due to him who is foremost in every good work,—the king of Prussia. Dr. Kniewell, of Dantzic, is about to publish a narrative of his travels through Switzerland, France and England. His attention has been chiefly directed to religious subjects, and it is said, that he speaks highly of the progress of Protestantism in Switzerland, and even in France; but of that of England, he speaks less favorably. He looks on the progress of Puseyism with much alarm. He intends to enter into very extensive details on the subject of sects in England.-The Prussian government has voted the following sums in the course of the present year for scientific purposes,-8800 to the Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Kritik,' in Berlin; $1,600 for the Zoological Museum; $1,500 to the two Chemical Laboratories; $2,700 to the Mineralogical Museum. The Royal Library has received from government, from 1818 to 1840, about $300,000; of which $250,000 have been applied to the purchase of books and MSS.

ENGLAND.

It will interest musical men to know, that the Psalter and Canticles of the morning and evening service of the church of England, have been set and pointed to the Gregorian Tones, by Richard Redhead. The work is intended to assist congregational chanting, by exhibiting, on the same page with the psalm or canticle, the Gregorian Tone to which it is adapted.