Canongate, behind John Knox's House, and with equal success it is believed.

The influence of these operations has been extended, not only over Great Britain, but over the Continent; but the limits of this article preclude our entering into any further details.

We have, in conclusion, only earnestly to entreat the working-classes to take an interest in their own reformation; for, as we have already stated, whatever may be done by the other orders of society, it is impossible that their elevation can be accomplished, unless they also work, and heartily follow up what is done by the others.

LITERARY NOTICES.

Atheism, practical and speculative; its guilt and unreasonableness. By JOHN FORBES, D.D., L.L.D., Minister of Free St. Paul's, Glasgow. Delivered to the Paisley Young Men's Christian Association. Edinburgh: Johnstone & Hunter.

ATHEISM! Is there such a horrid condition realised in the moral nature of man? Was there ever an Atheist! Certain it is, that at times at least, the "fool"-fool indeed-has said in his heart "there is no God,”—and has avowed it with his lips. Such infatuated vapouring must, at times at least, be the expression of a gloomy and baneful reality within. By some process known to himself, as Dr. Abercrombie has observed, the moral agent insensible to alle proofs of the divine existence around him, comes to say there is no God. Strange this-while every blade of grass-while every animal that treads the sod-while the whole mechanism of our own frame-while the orbs above-while indeed all nature "cries aloud" that there exists an all-powerful, all-wise, and beneficent Creator! But the human mind is capable of any perversity-it may remain impregnable to evidence, and blind to the light of truth; more than that, or rather as the explanation of the greater part of the infidelity that ever existed, the man may seek to silence an accusing conscience, or to find a license for the indulgence of unbridled appetite, in a theory conformed to his state of mind-which excludes a moral governor from the universe, that he may commit sin without remorse here, or punishment hereafter. Unless under very special circumstances, it is perhaps imprudent to discuss the subject of Atheism in popular addresses-not because the topic is revolting in itself, but from the powerful impressions it leaves behind on the earnest and pious mind. Dr. Forbes, in the present lecture, has very ably fulfilled his task. He perhaps makes too much of the quasi aphorism of Bacon, that a "little philosophy inclineth men's minds to Atheism." We apprehend that this will depend on circumstances altogether foreign to the mere amount of philosophy attained to. Newton, the greatest of all philosophers in matters physical, was the most humble of believers, while Laplace, a great astronomer indeed, was an Atheist. Where materialism is alone regarded-where mind-conscience-futurity-are sacrificed to the expedients of the fleeting state, and a coarse mechanics is kept uppermost, as an expression of utility, there is danger of the mind becoming debased and contracted, at least in regard to the more spiritual form of religion. But even a little philosophy may have its uses in a devout and christian mind—fulfilling its appropriate office, but doing no more. In three departments in nature the motions of the planetary bodies, as explained by the dynomical philosophy-the formation of terrestrial living creatures, or physiology-and in geology, as demolishing by its findings the theory of developement, Dr. Forbes finds the most convincing proofs of the Divine existence. He has

treated the subject well, and the more formal matter is surrounded by many devout and excellent allusions to revelation. The developement hypothesis has now had its quietus. Its day is run-and something else must be pitched upon by those astute observers who are emulous of the fame of the author of the "Vestiges," now said to be the work of an American deceased-but of which one of the utilitarian Edinburgh publishers, Mr. Chambers, has the blame. One remark here is not wholly out of place-at least may have indulgence. Now and then some modern philosopher tells us, that if this or that derangement happened among the celestial bodies our world would stand a bad chance of being wrecked-that it would be unfitted to be the abode of animal life, &c. Were the cause permitted to operate, the effect would follow, and our planet necessarily yield to irresistible force. Were the globe we inhabit to fall into the sun, it would certainly be no home for us any longer-nor would we survive to tell the story of the catastrophe. But our illuminati are too philosophical to append to their learned assumptions, the important qualification borrowed from Holy Scripture-that the world will never again be overtaken by a flood, an immunity shadowed out by the beautiful rainbow which spans the heavens; that although our world is destined to be burnt up, and all its great and little works consumed together, there is no danger of this arising from irregularities or accidents in the fields of space; and further, that this globe, so open to the attacks of vagrant planets, is yet destined to play such an important part in the ways of providence, that it is likely to remain as sound and whole as it is now for a very long time, many ages, indeed, to come.

A Scripture Manual, comprising the Prophecies respecting the Messiah, &c.; to which is added a Vocabulary of all the Proper Names. For the use of Schools, and Private Families. By ALEXANDER GREIG, Parochial Teacher, Aberdour. Edinburgh: Myles Macphail.

THE motto of this little book is the well known text which relates how, from a child, Timothy knew the Holy Scriptures. It could not have been all our Bible that the young Christian was studied in, but only a part. We have the privilege of possessing the whole word of God, and enjoy an advantage which would have been highly valued by Eunice, Lois, and other of "infeigned faith" in days of old. Children should early be taught in the sacred volume, and early made to commit passages of the divine oracles to memory. The matter may not be wholly understood, but it afterwards will, and what is retained is like gold and valuables, which, kept in store, become of great value and importance, when unlocked and used aright. To know the Holy Scriptures, in the case of youth it is necessary that the words be understood in the sense they bear-and especially as regards fulfilled prophecy, that the prediction, and the narrative of its accomplishment, be placed before the mind at once. In this way the tender mind may become impressed with just views of the omniscience of the great Creator, as developed in the pages of prophetic revelation. And shameful indeed it is to find a lad busy over night with his Virgil, or Ovid, or Xenophon-elaborating his "version" (many a one will have their early associations awakened by this word,) by the aid of dictionaries and other rudimentary tomes, who cannot tell the meaning of the most common words in the New Testament-or explain the nature of the allusions to physical phenomena, or local customs, made in that blessed book. Parents or guardians have much to answer for, where this most unseemly ignorance exists. Perish the classics, we would say, rather than sink the Bible. But the knowledge of both may be obtained --and we only wish that our youth were required as diligently to study the

Volume of Inspiration, as the authors of Greece and Rome. The labour, which is so proper and necessary in the case of the young Christian, may be greatly facilitated by appropriate manuals, and we know few better than that of Mr. Greig. The prophecies respecting the Messiah, so magnificently accomplished, are ranged in one column, and the passages expressing their fulfilment, or illustrating its circumstances and meaning, are ranged in another, so that both may be taken in at once and learnt together. Beneath, words are interpreted and allusions explained. Lists of appropriate questions, too, are set down. The miracles and parables of the Saviour are arranged chronologically. References are given as to the public and occasional discourses of our Saviour. The Scripture names and titles of the Saviour are exhibited, and the passages named where they occur. A vocabulary of the proper names in the Manual concludes the work. We have seldom seen a more useful little book, and warmly recommend it to all concerned in the godly upbringing of youth.

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

The Queen has been pleased to constitute and appoint the Right Honourable Robert Montgomery, Lord Belhaven, to be Her Majesty's High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Presentation.-The Earl of Fife has presented the Rev. James Adam, M.A., to the Church and Parish of Monquhitter, in the Presbytery of Turriff, and County of Aberdeen, vacant by the death of the Rev. James Smith. The presentee is a son of Mr. Adam, the able editor of the Aberdeen Herald, and is highly spoken of.

The West Church, Inverness.—On Friday, the Rev. Mr. M'Gregor, late of Edinburgh, was inducted by the Presbytery of Inverness to the pastoral charge of this Church and Congregation, the Rev. Mr. Fraser of Petty presiding.

Parish of Campbeltown.-The Rev. Alexander Stewart of Bowmore, Islay,

has received the presentation to the vacant first, or Highland charge of Campbeltown. The presentation has been made at the unanimous request of the kirk-session and congregation, and with the hearty concurrence of the Presbytery.

Died, at Montrose, on the 13th inst., the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith. The deceased was 65 years of age, and was understood to be labouring under an affection of the heart. He was to have proceeded to Edinburgh, to be present at the meeting of the General Assembly, of which he was a member.

Died, at Kincurdy, on the 7th inst., the Rev. R. Milne Miller, of Kincurdy, Minister of Aboyne, in the seventysecond year of his age, and forty-third of his ministry.

Died, at Wamphray Manse, on the 10th inst., the Rev. Charles Dickson, minister of the parish.

MACPHAIL'S

EDINBURGH ECCLESIASTICAL JOURNAL.

No. XC.

JULY 1853.

WELLINGTON LITERATURE.

Ir is surprising how unceasing the stream of what we denominate "Wellington Literature," has been since the great Duke's death, and with what fulness of volume it still continues to flow on! It may truly be styled "Wellington Literature," for in point of extent, it would form a very imposing library, and in point of variety, a very entertaining and instructive miscellany. We are receiving, in rapid succession, contributions of historical narratives of the great deeds of his eventful career, eulogia upon his character, lyrical effusions in celebration of his high fame, and other productions distinguished by the same purpose and spirit. Some of these must be viewed as singularly unfortunate, and very unworthy the interest of their theme. Others are of a higher cast, and bid fair to outlive the passing day, and the rapid submergence beneath the wave of time of the countless volumes which float for a moment like bubbles on the water, and then disappear for ever.

To some of these productions we mean to advert, not with any methodical arrangement of them according to the order of their publication or comparative merit, but simply to bring before our readers a fair specimen of the literature which the death of a great man has brought suddenly into existence. Some of the publications to which we will direct attention are sent forth to the world under the seal of names well-known to the reading public, and not more known than honoured, while others are sent out as the ventures of untried genius, encouraged by a crisis of public feeling and great expectation. attempts have succeeded, we shall endeavour humbly to determine. How far these praiseworthy We shall, as a befitting tribute to religion, begin with the productions of the pulpit; for the pulpit has not been behind the times in celebrating the high achievements and lofty character of the great captain. Many of the sermons preached on the death of Wellington have been published, either at the urgent request of friends, or at the impulse

The

of unsolicited ambition; and as might have been anticipated, they are not always of a very elevated type of excellence. It is, however, difficult to determine to which portion of the British kingdom belongs the honour of the best productions, or the discredit of the worst. English pulpit vies with the Scotch for both, and most people are of opinion, that it has fairly won the palm. In both parts of the island, sometimes a too fervent animation disturbs the balance of the judgment, and leads to extravagant parallels and indiscreet panegyric. The feeling of sacredness associated with scriptural names, is violated by unwarrantable contrasts; and the feeling of respectful homage universally yielded to the name of Wellington, is also shocked by indiscreet and ludicrous analogies.

More than one preacher in the Southern Church have instituted an elaborate parallel between the Iron Duke and David, king of Judah. The ingenuity of fanciful contrast is amusing, though we are aware the preachers never intended, and never anticipated, exciting any emotion approximating to levity. They seem profoundly in earnest, and penetrated with the most sincere, although not a very wise feeling of admiration for their subject. Indeed, so lofty is the character of the English hero in their eyes, and so forcibly are they hurried onward by their feelings, that in squaring accounts between him and David the king, the balance is struck in favour of the former. The qualities of character which shone conspicuous in the ancient hero, and rendered him an object of admiration to all subsequent times, are just the qualities which they single out as finding their counterpart in the modern, and rendering the modern a fit and illustrious rival. Nay, the parallels which they run between the two are only such as bear upon the brighter side of David's character; and they are conducted in such a way as to imply, if not to express, a contrast in other respects to his disparagement. The Duke rivals the King in all the attributes for which the King merits praise; but surpasses him, it may be fairly presumed, in points for which the King has been universally and justly condemned. Thus, by a ridiculous misapplication of fancy, and an ill judged selection of a "counterfeit presentment," the memory of the great Duke is held up to admiration at the cost of shocking our sense of propriety, and our feeling of sacredness.

Another preacher-and we are not sorry that he too belongs to the Southern Church-is equally ingenious in tracing resemblances between the late Duke and Joshua. Joshua was remarkable for coolness of judgment; so was the Duke. Joshua was a man of great courage, moral as well as physical; much more was the Duke. Joshua was raised up by Divine Providence to achieve a great work; so was the Duke. Joshua was elevated to the chief command of an army, in consequence of his remarkable military talent; so was the Duke. Joshua gained battles; so did the Duke; and Joshua led his victorious host into the heart of the enemies' country; and did not the Duke also, when he planted the British standard on the walls of Paris. What did Joshua accomplish, which Wellington did not, and that in many respects with a tone and spirit, and feeling of courteous chivalry, which it would be unreasonable to