of implications found or sought in what may be called incidental expressions of Scripture, or of the passages dubiously cited in favor of final, universal restitution. It is the moral argument, as it may be named, that presses irresistibly on my mind-that which comes in the stupendous idea of eternity."-Vol. ii, p. 263. Was ever a great mind so palpably at fault in its processes? He does not ask "what saith the Scriptures," but what is the result of "the moral argument." We should exceedingly like to examine at length this "moral argument," but our space will not allow. We also intended to present many fine specimens of elevated thought and sentiment, which we had marked for the purpose; but for the same reason we must omit them. In conclusion, we must say we have seldom read a book with such mingled emotions of pleasure and pain. Of course the reader will by this time conclude that we are prepared to recommend the work with reserve. This is true. It is a pot of most excellent "ointment," but the "dead flies" in it well nigh give the whole an offensive odor. ART. VIII.-CRITICAL NOTICES. 1. Witness of the Spirit: a Treatise on the Evidence of the Believer's Adoption. By DANIEL WALTON. 18mo., pp. 228. New-York: Lane & Tippett. THE author of this work is a distinguished minister of the Wesleyan connection. The subject is one of great importance, and yet one upon which evangelical Christians still differ in opinion. The author brings to his aid, in its discussion, candor, ingenuousness, acuteness, and learning. He rests his argument upon the word of God; but in its illustration he draws upon the experience and observations of wise and pious men. We see in a contemporary Review, a work upon this subject noticed, which professes to show that the doctrine, "as taught by the Rev. John Wesley," is unscriptural, false, fanatical, and of mischievous tendency." And the reviewer thinks this work is wanted to correct "a very mischievous error, and to open the eyes of the Christian public to the leaven of fanaticism which entered into the original composition of Methodism, and which," he seriously thinks, "it is to be feared is by no means purged out." We will send a copy of Mr. Walton's work to our brother; and we hope he will look a little further into the subject before he gives up the Methodists as incurable fanatics. The doctrine has been maintained by many learned and pious Calvinists, as all who are read in the theology of the Puritans, of Old and New England, very well know. Every Methodist family especially should have this little book. 2. Resurrection of the Dead: a Vindication of the literal Resurrection of the human Body; in Opposition to the Work of Professor Bush. By CALVIN KINGSLEY. 18mo., pp. 159. New-York: Lane & Tippett. THE doctrine of the resurrection from the dead has ever been regarded, by orthodox Christians, as a doctrine of the Bible, and as vital to Christianity. Infidels and semi-infidels have always denied it as wholly "incredible." Some, who repudiate both the above characters, have fallen into their modes of reasoning upon the subject with much apparent honesty, Among these Professor Bush has lately become enrolled. His book upon the subject has done much harm, and is likely to do much more. The answer by Professor Kingsley, of Allegany College, is an admirable specimen of fair, manly argument; and, we hesitate not to say, a complete refutation of the learned effort which Professor Bush has put forth to bring into doubt and discredit a plain doctrine of God's holy and blessed word. We need not attempt to analyze this work, as its size, and the intrinsic importance of the subject of which it treats, will suggest to all who see this notice the importance of procuring and reading it for themselves. We have seldom read an argument upon any theological subject with which we have been so entirely pleased. Let every family wishing to preserve the purity and simplicity of the Christian faith free from the admixture of a vain philosophy, immediately procure this little volume, and keep it constantly at hand. 3. A General History of the World, briefly sketched, upon Scriptural Principles. By the Rev. C. Barth, D. D. 12mo., pp. 374. New-York: Lane & Tippett. THE following, from the editor's preface, will give the reader a correct view of the character and importance of this work:-"This work is a brief universal history, sketched upon Scriptural principles. It was written by the Rev. Dr. Barth, of Wirtemburg, in the German language, and translated into English by Rev. R. F. Walker, A. M., for the use of the Religious Tract Society of London. By that institution the work has been extensively circulated in Great Britain, and even published in other languages. "The want of such a book has been felt in this country, and we take pleasure in offering to the public a carefully revised edition. "It is designed to serve two important purposes connected with the reading and study of history. 1. It will answer for beginners, as a useful introduction to more detailed and voluminous works. 2. It will scarcely be found less valuable as a summary of historical events, to which the extensive reader of history may resort for a review of his studies, and for a well-digested analysis of the leading events which have transpired in our world. "The importance of historical knowledge is universally admitted, and the time has come when we may reasonably expect it to be more extensively cultivated among sabbath-school scholars and teachers. To contribute to this end is the special object of the present issue, while it will be found equally valuable for every other appropriate use." 4. Incidental Benefits of Denominational Divisions; an Argument for Christian Union. By B. P. AYDELOTT, D. D. 18mo., pp. 135. Cincinnati: 1846. THIS is a work for the times. A portion of its title would seem to promise "an argument" against "Christian union;" but the scope of the author, as the whole title-page taken together intimates, is directly the reverse. The author admits the differences of the church to be in themselves evils, but maintains that there are great incidental and providential advantages resulting from them. In this we fully agree with him. And we also agree with him in maintaining, that, under existing circumstances, the amalgamation of the evangelical churches would not be safe or desirable. This object is wholly disclaimed by the Evangelical Alliance, and constitutes no part of the object of the great movement in favor of union now in progress. The distinction made by our author between “denominational division and denominational difference" is an important one. He says," By the former is intended not merely a separation in the church, but such a separation as leads multitudes to seek their own peculiar denominational interests mainly, if not entirely, instead of keeping an eye single to the glory of God in the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. "By denominational difference we understand all that distinguishes from each other the various denominations professing the same essential truths of the gospel. While the spirit of division is always wrong, attachment to denominational differences is not necessarily so, because it may be entertained consistently with the exercise of the most enlarged charity." In view of this distinction and definition, would not the title of the book be more in harmony with the scope of the author's argument if it were, instead of "incidental benefits of denominational division," &c., incidental benefits of denominational differ ence? He tells us that "wherever this spirit of division exists, it necessarily dwarfs the soul of man. His piety is but of a weak, sickly growth at best." Surely, it is difficult to see how division, if such be its effects, can be beneficial to the church. We merely suggest this difficulty as, at least in appearance, somewhat marring the harmony of the book, while we award to the spirit and general scope of it the highest praise. We hail Dr. Aydelott as an able colaborer in the great and blessed cause of real Christian union, and most cordially recommend his work to our readers. 5. Cyclopædia of English Literature: a Selection of the choicest Productions of English Authors, from the earliest to the present Time; connected by a critical and biographical History. Elegantly illustrated. Edited by ROBERT CHAMBERS, editor of the "Edinburgh Journal," "Information for the People," &c. In two vols., royal octavo, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4. Boston: Gould, Kendall, & Lincoln. NewYork: Burgess, Stringer, & Co. THIS work is described as "a concentration of the best productions of English intellect, from the earliest Anglo-Saxon to the present times, in the various departments headed by Chaucer, Shakspeare, Milton; by More, Bacon, Locke; by Hooker, Taylor, Barrow; by Addison, Johnson, Goldsmith; by Thorne, Robertson, Gibbon,-set in a biographical and critical history of the literature itself." The work is issued semi-monthly in numbers, and will form two volumes of 700 pages each. The plan is admirably calculated to provide those who have not access to large libraries with an introduction to the great masters of English literature. The work is got up in a style creditable to the enterprising house from which it emanates, and is entitled to a large public patronage. 6. A Universal Pronouncing Gazetteer; containing topographical, statistical, and other Information of all the more important Places in the known World, from the most recent and authentic Sources. With a Map. By THOMAS BALDWIN, assisted by several other gentlemen. 8vo., pp. 544. Philadelphia: Lindsay and Blackstone. We are highly gratified with this work. Its principal peculiarity is the pronunciation of the names of all the places. To teachers, and public speakers, and indeed, any class of scholars, this feature of the work is highly important. There are many names of places which few know how to pronounce correctly, who have not had access to the sources of information which Mr. Baldwin has, with great industry, Bought out. We most heartily recommend the work to our literary friends. 7. Hooper's Physician's Vade-Mecum; or, a Manual of the Principles and Practice of Physic: considerably enlarged and improved, with an Outline of General Pathology and Therapeutics. By Wm. A. Guy, M. B., &c., with Additions by JAMES STEWART, M. D. Harper & Brothers. THIS work addresses itself primarily to our medical friends; and as an acknowledged authority in professional matters, will commend itself at once as invaluable to practitioners and chemists, as well as to students. The American editor says of it: "No better evidence can exist of the great practical utility of Hooper's VadeMecum, than the many editions of it which have been published in Great Britain. The distinguished Dr. Guy has greatly enlarged and improved the original treatise by adding an outline of the advances made in medical science, at the present day, and but little more is left for the American editor than the additions of such facts as appeared to him most interesting to the American practitioner. 8. The Use of the Body in Relation to the Mind. By GEORGE MOORE, M. D. New-York: Harper & Brothers. THIS work has received, as it undoubtedly deserves, the universal commendation of the press. The author exhibits an excellent spirit in the management of his subject, and we predict that no work on this important topic will confer so much practical good on the community as this. The treatise is prepared for the popular reader, and on every page we find some useful hint or valuable fact, which, if it is not new, is presented to us in so striking an aspect, as cannot fail to enlist our interest, and enrich our stores of knowledge. In some of his views, the author is as original as the most curious reader could desire; yet his aim is evidently to benefit his readers, both as regards their bodies and their spirits-their temporal as well as their eternal interests. The work is well worthy a place in every library. 9. The Treatment of Insanity. By JOHN M. GALT, M. D., Superintendent and Physician of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, Virginia, &c. New-York: Harper & Brothers. DR. GALT has achieved a valuable service to physicians, and especially those who devote themselves primarily to the study and cure of that most dire of human woes-insanity. He has brought together at one view the best opinions and experience of the writers and practitioners of about a century on this important subject,adduced under every variety of circumstance, and therefore exhibiting every condition and modification of mental disease. To the popular reader there will be found a vast amount of very affecting and interesting matter: to the student the work must become exceedingly valuable as a guide in all contingencies that may arise. In a country like our own where insanity is so sadly prevalent, the utility of a work like the above cannot fail of being apparent to every one; and as prevention is better than cure, especially in a matter so momentous, we hope the fullest advantages will accrue from the circulation of this work. 10. The Philosophy of Magic, Prodigies, and Apparent Miracles. From the French of Eusebe Salverte: with Notes illustrative, explanatory, and critical. By AnTHONY THOMPSON, M. D. In two vols. New-York: Harper & Brothers. THIS work has long been regarded in the original as a production of high merit. The theory which the author aims to establish is, that the improbability of the prodigies and assumed miracles related by the ancients is not sufficient to authorize their being regarded as fabulous, “if that improbability be proved to be only apparent." The reasons by which this hypothesis is sustained are ably managed; and are founded in the fact that the degree of scientific knowledge was greater than is usually supposed in early times, although confined to the cells, and cloisters, and temples of the "initiated few." The translator has added many valuable notes and expositions, which render the author more safe as well as more lucid upon the subject of miracles. The two volumes combine a rare collection of curious facts and phenomena, which cannot but be read with deep interest, and not without advantage also. 11. The Farmer's Library. Vol. I. Petzholdt's Chemistry. Thuïr's Agriculture. 8vo., pp. 551. New-York: Greely & M'Elrath. 1846. Monthly Journal of Agriculture. Vol. I. JOHN S. SKINNER, Editor. 8vo., pp. 612. New-York: Greely & M'Elrath. 1846. THE two important volumes above were issued in monthly numbers, in connec tion, and are now bound in separate volumes, and constitute a noble beginning of a complete library for farmers. We have also received several numbers of the work for the present year. Each number contains a portion of Stephens' "Book of the Farm, with explanatory Notes, by J. S. Skinner," which is designed to be bound by itself at the close of the year. The publishers are really laying the agriculturists of our great and rising country under great obligations-obligations which, we trust, will be duly appreciated and discharged by a liberal patronage. The agricultural interests of our country are constantly and rapidly rising in importance. Our farmers need more scientific knowledge-they want the best books upon the various branches of agriculture, and, so far as we are able to judge, they cannot do better than to furnish themselves with Greely & M'Elrath's series. The work is well got up, and illustrated with numerous plates, in the best taste and style. With a 12. Sermons of Christmas Evans. A new Translation from the Welsh. Memoir and Portraiture of the Author. By Rev. Joseph Cross. 8vo., pp. 302. Philadelphia: J. Harmstead. 1846. In THE fervid eloquence of the native Welsh preachers has often called forth the highest commendations. This, however, is comparatively a small matter. The moral effects of this eloquence, inspired and sanctioned by the divine Spirit, upon the hardy inhabitants of their native mountains and valleys is what stamps it with its highest importance. Evans is the author of the famous "Specimen of Welsh Preaching" which has been so often quoted and admired. The volume before us is well executed, and will constitute a valuable accession to any man's library. the "Advertisement" Mr. Cross says:-"The writer does not wish to be held responsible for the theological views put forth, either in the extracts alluded to, or in the sermons. Christmas Evans was a Calvinistic Baptist, and several of his sermons inculcate, to some extent, the peculiar doctrines of that denomination; though they are generally free from sectarian bias, and may be read with advantage by spiritual Christians of all evangelical creeds." 13. The Pictorial History of England: being a History of the People, as well as a History of the Kingdom. Illustrated with several hundred wood cuts. By G. L. CRAIK and CHARLES MACFARLANE, assisted by several other Contributors. Vol. I: pp. 857. Royal 8vo. Harper & Brothers. THIS History of Great Britain is one of the most important and valuable issues of the American press. It presents numerous features of attraction and novelty, besides being the most accurate and complete portraiture of the people, as well as the progressive civilization and governmental acts and records of the kingdom. Emanating under the auspices of the "Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge," of which Lord Brougham was the head, it comes before the world as an accredited and authentic work; its several departments being deputed to persons eminently qualified for their discussion. It is, in fact, the first instance of the kind, with which we are acquainted, in which the history of the people, and their daily life, combined with their civil and military operations, are made to form the staple of the history of a nation. This is the true idea of a history, and no other model can be adopted to give a correct notion of the rise, progress, and power of an empire. In the work in review, each book, or period, is, accordingly, divided into seven chapters, mbracing a detailed account of: 1st. Civil and military transactions. 2d. History of religion. 3d. Government, constitution, and laws. 4th. History of national industry-a very valuable and interesting chapter. 5th. Literature, science, and the fine arts-full of valuable and curious matter, and a treasure to the scholar, antiquarian, and historical student. 6th. The manners and customs, costume, furniture, and domestic life of the people. 7th. The condition of the people; embracing what could not well be inserted under the other heads; as the national civilization of the period; statistics of vice and crime; punishments; health of the people, &c. The illustrations are of singular value, being fac-similes of curious relics and monumental remains, coins, costumes, portraits of princes and distinguished personages, remarkable events, and historic scenes, etc., in many instances copied from ancient MSS. in the British Museum, &c. As a work for private and family use, it is truly a desirable book, and unlike the numerous issues of the modern press, there is an intrinsic and permanent value as well as interest in its contents. 14. History of the Thirty Years' War. Translated from the German of Frederick |