We can hardly suppose, the committee of the Pastoral Aid Society, would sanction such an unfair collocation of names. Was it necessary

to drag in dissenters, and associate them with papists and infidels? Who are farthest from the papists now? Is it English churchmen, or English dissenters? Who reject tradition, and keep by the Bible, as the only authority in matters of faith and practice, declaring the sufficiency of religion to sustain itself, instead of depending for its support and propagation on the arm of the law?

Modesty, if not a regard for justice and Christian charity, should have prevented this clergyman from writing as he does.

We write these things in sorrow. We had hoped that many parts of our country, which dissenters or methodists could not reach, would have been benefited by the efforts of the Pastoral Aid Society, in sending good men into those districts. But can such expectations be realized, if the Society, in seeking to act canonically, gives up the Christian's right to send the Gospel, where it is most needed? Can it do real good to England, if it even appears to unite with the enemies of evangelical religion in considering the benevolent attempts of dissenters as equally dangerous with the designs of infidels and papists? We know it is exceedingly difficult for the committee of the Society to steer clear of charges brought against them by high-churchmen who dislike their own evangelical brethren, as much as they do dissenters. But we know also, that nothing can be gained for any party, by departing from the spirit of Christian charity; or by questioning the right of other denominations to preach the Gospel. The jealousy felt against dissenters, by those who dislike spiritual religion, has no need to be strengthened by those who love it. If the best men in the endowed church, are giving up their catholic spirit, and separating more widely than before, from other denominations, on the ground of being superior to them, and having spiritual rights peculiar to themselves-what are we to expect from men of another class? "If these things be done in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"

We make no invidious distinctions; but there is one fact which cannot be concealed. We have a Home Missionary Society which knows nothing of canon law, and which is bound by no rule that would prevent it (if funds were adequate) from carrying the Gospel into any part of England. Its managers wish to act through the county associations; but if these, in any case, should be unable or unwilling to co-operate, in sending the Gospel into destitute districts, the Society is perfectly free to act independently of them. "The field is the realm of England," and it is open to its agents. What opposition they meet with, in nine cases out of ten, arises from the church, but little is offered by the people themselves. If there are difficulties to be overcome, they have been chiefly thrown in the way by those who presume to dictate to the people what they are to do. They have taught them

to substitute the assumptions of human authority, for the just claims of God. They are endeavouring to frighten them into compliance with clerical demands, by imaginary terrors, as unreal as the figures reflected by a magic lantern. The old, corrupt, and withal foolish claim, of superior authority on the ground of apostolic succession, is set up in many districts of our country. But if the men who claim this sacerdotal virtue could show no better title to tithes, a jury of twelve honest men belonging to their own church would quickly give a verdict against them. The real enemies of the established church-the men who would betray her into the arms of popery-are those who advance such arrogant pretensions, and would gladly bring back, if they could, the days of ecclesiastical domination.

We have said enough to show, that we object only to the aid given to a party in the endowed church, that seeks to trample on the rights of other denominations-not to the "aid" given to pastors who desire, above all things, the salvation of men. We do not complain of what the Society has done in its attempts to benefit the populous districtsour regret is, that it is so fettered that it cannot aid those who, unhappily for England, occupy the pulpits of a vast majority of its parishes, and whose erroneous teaching requires the counteraction of an evangelical ministry, and that it does not appear friendly to other deminations who preach the same Gospel, and seek to promote the same object-the salvation of men. We cannot but feel respect for men who conscientiously think they are doing right while in reality they are cementing more closely the union between church and state; but we must at the same time express our deep regret that such a system, injurious alike to our country and offensive to God, should have the sanction of some of the best men in the endowed church. We rejoice, however, that light is spreading on this subject, and cannot but reach those who sincerely seek, in this important matter, to know the will of Christ.

CURSORY NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

It gives us pleasure to notice the pamphlet of a Wesleyan missionary, the Rev. R. Spencer Hardy, entitled, "The British Government and the Idolatry of Ceylon," in which he boldly assails the time-serving policy which has been adopted in reference to Budhism, the national religion of Ceylon. Instead of manfully saying, as Christian conquerors ought to have done, on the subjugation of the ancient kingdom of Kandy, We cannot honour your religion, but we will protect you in its observance, our commanders, by the treaty of 2d of March, 1815, declared that "the religion of Budhoo is inviolable, and its rights, ministers, and places of worship are to be maintained and protected." To fulfil this stipulation, "the British government of Ceylon appoints the principal Budhist priests of the interior province-confirms in their appointments the priests of the palace of Kandy-appoints the lay chiefs of the principal temples dedicated to the worship of the Hindoo deities-incurs the annual expense of the parahara at Kandy-pays the expenses of other heathen festivals, and sanctions devil-dances and invocations to evil spirits, (a ceremony banished from his

palace by a heathen monarch,) in the name of our sovereign lady the queen.”—p. 35. We wish Mr. Hardy had erased some passages in which he attempts fine writing, to which he is not equal, especially as inflated paragraphs only impede the force of the facts he has with great industry collected, and which deserve the attention of the whole Christian public.

"The Book of Quadrupeds; or, Outlines of a Popular History of the Class Mammalia with a particular notice of those mentioned in Scripture,"-is a medium octavo work, illustrated by upwards of eighty engravings, from the Tract Society press, and is a very beautiful and cheap publication. To justify that Society in issuing a scientific work, it is only fair to state, that infidel perversions of scientific facts are exposed, Scriptural allusions to the habits of quadrupeds are illustrated, and the wisdom, power, and goodness of the Creator impressively set forth.

Amongst the other "Tracts for the Times" which have recently issued from the press, no attentive observer can overlook those from the pen of the Rev. Thomas Spencer, M.A., perpetual curate of Hinton Charter House, and formerly Fellow of St. John's, Cambridge. They are entitled-1. The Pillars of the Church of England. 2. The Prayer Book opposed to the Corn Laws. 3. Religion and Politics. 4. Practical Suggestions on Church Reform. 5. Remarks on National Education. And, 6. Clerical Conformity and Church Property. Each of these pamphlets weighs, with an envelope, less than half an ounce, and we know that very liberal use has been made of the penny post to extend their circulation to all parts of the kingdom. The last is a full and faithful confession of the state of things in the church, and which compels Mr. Spencer to justify his continued conformity. Upon the question, "Whether Clergymen who dissent from the formularies of the church are justified in remaining among its ministers?" Sir Culling Eardley Smith, Bart. has joined issue with him, and in “A Letter of Expostulation," entitled, "Nonconformity within the Church." The worthy baronet shows, with much candour and gentleness, that Mr. Spencer's "contemplated and well-intentioned reforms are perfectly hopeless ;" and that, if they were not so, still it is not "right and consistent" with his views to remain as "an episcopalian clergyman of the established church of England." Sir Culling delicately alludes to the progress of Nonconformist opinions in his own mind, and makes a strong case against Mr. Spencer's conformity. Both pamphlets are sold at a penny, contain much instructive matter, and deserve to be widely circulated.

Mr. G. Tradescant Lay, late resident at Canton, and formerly in the service of the Bible Society, has published an unostentaceous but deeply interesting volume, entitled, "The Chinese as they are; their Moral, Social, and Literary character; a new analysis of the language; with succinct views of their principal arts and sciences." It consists of thirty-six chapters, which are devoted to the most interesting topics connected with social and spiritual condition of the Chinese. The book is written in an agreeable style, and abounds with pleasing anecdotes and illustrations of those subjects which are most likely to interest a Christian reader. We can with confidence recommend this instructive volume to the notice of those who wish to be informed on the present position of the Chinese empire.

Many of our readers have doubtless smiled at the title of a valuable book with the fantastic name of " Antipopopriestian," which though its learned author explained and vindicated in the volume, was necessarily inexplicable to those who did not see it, nor understood Greek. We are happy to announce, a new edition, altered and amended," under the title of "Anti-Popery: or Popery Unreasonable, Unscriptural, and Novel. By John Rogers." This is a learned and powerful book, which proves with brevity, but with great perspicuity and force, the threefold proposition of its title. We recommend its introduction to all our Reading Societies and Vestry Libraries, and much regret that our crowded pages will not, at present at least, permit us to exhibit its merits in a formal review.

We have read "My Life, By an Ex-Dissenter," from the title page to the imprint, and hesitate not to pronounce it a most contemptable effort to impose upon the credulity of the public. It contains abundant internal evidence that it is a fiction, without the talent which generally characterises works of that order. We hope to find an opportunity of establishing these allegations; but in the mean time it is due to our readers to say, that it is a dear book, and will in no way repay them for its purchase. "The Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities," which we noticed on the appearance of its first part, continues to advance in monthly numbers, published at a shilling each, and more than to justify the opinion we expressed in its favour. When completed it will form a volume of unequalled value upon classical antiquities, which will be necessary in every well-selected library, as its articles are obviously penned by able scholars, and its graphic illustrations give additional clearness to their perspicuous descriptions.

Mr. David Ford, of Lymington, has published a third edition of his spirit-stirring essay-"Decapolis; or, the Individual Obligation of Christians to save souls from death"-with many valuable additions. We have already expressed a favourable opinion of this excellent little book.

Messrs. Knight, & Co., have published the 5th and concluding volume of "The Illustrated Commentary on the Old and New Testament"-a work eminently adapted to strengthen the faith of young persons in the Holy Scriptures, containing, as it does, a rich store of geographical, scientific, antiquarian, and critical knowledge that is made to illucidate and confirm the statements of the inspired writings. More than six hundred and sixty wood engravings illustrate the entire work, which should be found in the library of every intelligent Christian.

Mr. William Hazlitt is editing "The works of De Foe," which are published in monthly parts. Part xvii of the Polemical Series has been sent to us, and we notice it because it contains those cultivated tracts of that multifarious writer on "Occasional Conformity" and "The Shortest way with the Dissenters," &c. The notes and introductions of the editor display much research, and add to the value of the work.

THE EDITOR'S TABLE.

Letters to Young Ladies. By Mrs. Sigourney. A new edition, with Two Letters never before published. London: Jackson and Walford. 12mo.

The Antiquities of Egypt, with a particular Notice of those that Illustrate the Sacred Scriptures. London: Religious Tract Society. 8vo.

18mo.

Ann; or the Conflict and Triumph of Faith. By Thomas Spalding; Introduction by the Rev. H. Townley. London: Fisher, Son, and Co. Historic Illustrations of the Bible. Parts 5 to 10. Co. 4to.

London: Fisher, Son, and

Family Secrets; or Hints to those who would make Home Happy. By Mrs. Ellis, Author of "The Women of England." Parts 1 and 2. London: Fisher, Son, and Co. 8vo.

The Rhine, Italy, and Greece Illustrated, in a Series of Views taken on the Spot, by W. L. Leitch, Esq. &c. &c. Descriptions by the Rev. G. N. Wright, M.A. Parts 1, 2, 3. London: Fisher, Son, and Co. 4to.

Rev. T. Scott's Commentary on the Bible. With Explanatory Notes, &c. Parts 1, 2, 3. London: Fisher, Son, and Co. 4to.

The Chinese as they are: their Moral, Social, and Literary Character. By G. Tradescant Lay, Esq. London: W. Ball and Co. 8vo.

The Tamworth Reading Room. Letters addressed to Sir R. Peel, Bart. M.P. on the Establishment of a Reading Room at Tamworth. By Catholicus. London: John Mortimer. 8vo.

The Jewish Passover. By B. J. Bettelheim, M.D. London: Nisbet and Co. 12mo.

Counsels and Cautions to Young Men. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 12mo. Essays towards a Right Interpretation of the Last Prophecy of our Lord concerning the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the present World. By the Rev. H.. Highton, M.A. Michel-Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford. London: Hatchard and Son. 8vo.

Helen Fleetwood. By Charlotte Elizabeth. London: J. and G. Seeley. 12mo. Family Worship; a Series of Prayers, with Doctrinal and Practical Remarks on Passages of Sacred Scripture, for every Morning and Evening throughout the Year. By One Hundred and Eighty Clergymen of the Church of Scotland. London: Blackie and Son. 8vo.

Observations on the Religious Delusions of Insane Persons, and on the Practicability, Safety, and Expediency of imparting to them Religious Instruction. By Nathaniel Bingham. London: J. Hatchard and Son.

8vo.

The Moral Government of God Elucidated and Enforced. By Thomas Kerns, M.D. London: Simpkin and Marshall. 12mo.

Anti-Popery; or Popery Unreasonable, Unscriptural, and Novel. By John Rogers. A new edition, enlarged. London: Simpkin and Marshall. 12mo.

The Wanderer Welcomed Home. Second edition, enlarged. T. Ward and Co. 32mo.

John Huss; a Memoir, Illustrating some of the Workings of Popery in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries. Translated from the German by M. Anne Wyatt. London: R. B. Seeley and W. Burnside. 12mo.

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. In Monthly Parts. Parts 14 and 15. London: Taylor and Walton. 8vo.

A Letter to Viscount Melbourne, on the Present State of British Connexion with Idolatry in India. By the Rev. James Peggs, late Missionary. London : G. Wightman. 8vo. A Letter to the Clergy of Various Denominations, and to the Slave-holding Planters in the Southern Parts of the United States of America. By Thomas Clarkson. London: Johnson and Barrett. 8vo.

The Moral Dignity of the Missionary Enterprise. A Sermon, by the Rev. F. Wayland, D.D., President of Brown University, Rhode Island. London: Ward and Co. 12mo.

Blossoms and Fruit; or Conversations on the Lives of Christians eminent for Early Piety. London: Religious Tract Society. 32mo. Ward's Library of Standard Divinity. No. 27.

Christ Set Forth; Tenderness of

Christ's Heart; and Encouragements to Faith. By T. Goodwin, D.D.

T. Ward and Co.. 8vo.

London:

Popery Unchanged; or Persecutions in Saltzburg and Zillerthal, in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. London: Religious Tract Society.

12mo.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

Mr. J. E. Ryland's translation of Neander's History of the Church in the Apostolic Age, announced in a former number as preparing for publication, will contain the alterations made in the third edition of the original work now in the press, which Dr. Neander has kindly engaged to communicate to the translator.

In the press, and to appear on the 1st of May, Homilies for the Times; or, Rome and her New Allies: including Thoughts on Private Judgment, the Rule of Faith, Justification, the Church, the Sacraments, and the Duties of Protestants at the Present Crisis. By John Morison, D.D. 8vo.

It affords us much pleasure to announce, that the Rev. S. Davidson, LL.D., author of the popular Lectures on Biblical Criticism, and Professor of Biblical Criticism in the Royal College of Belfast, is preparing for press his promised volume, to be entitled, Sacred Hermeneutics Developed and Applied.