us, "is to present a clear and comprehensive outline of the general system of Bible theology in a smaller compass, and a form less intricate and perplexing to private members, young ministers, and students in divinity, than the more critical and voluminous works heretofore published on the subject admit." Such a work was undoubtedly wanted, and the effort of the author promises to meet the desideratum. The reasoning is clear and conclusive, and the style of composition well suited to the theme. To those who want a concise system of divinity we have no hesitation in recommending this work. 15. Memorials of the Introduction of Methodism into the Eastern States; comprising Biographical Notices of its Early Preachers, Sketches of its First Churches, and Reminiscences of its Early Struggles and Successes. By Rev. ABEL STEVENS, A. M. Boston: Charles H. Peirce, Binney & Otheman. New-York: Lane & Tippett. Cincinnati Swormstedt & Mitchell. 1848. THIS is a pleasant and an instructive volume. It consists of such historical notices, incidents, and personal adventures connected with the early history of Methodism in New-England, as will be read with interest and pleasure, especially by Methodists. The scenes and events are sketched with no little beauty and vigor. The history of the labors of our pioneers in different parts of this country ought to be wrested from oblivion while it may. The time will very soon come when original information will be out of the question. Our fathers should be encouraged to write their history, and, where this cannot be done, their children should take down their story from their mouths, and put it into such a form as will enable the church to see what God has wrought, and as will furnish materials for a full and accurate history of the great revival of religion in this country through the instrumentality of the Methodist preachers. The mechanical part of this work is beautifully executed in two forms, 12mo. and 8vo., with large margin. We hope the author and publisher may meet with ample encouragement. 16. Η ΚΑΙΝΗ ΔΙΑΘΗΚΗ. By The Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, in Greek. With English Notes, Critical, Philological, and Exegetical; Maps, Indexes, &c., together with the Epistles and Apocalypse. The whole forming the complete Text of the New Testament. For the Use of Schools, Colleges, and Theological Seminaries. Rev. J. A. SPENCER, A. M., Author of the "Christian Instructed,” "History of the English Reformation," &c. Tò Kaλòv kȧyalóv. New-York: Harper & Brothers. Large 12mo., pp. 612. 1847. AN American edition of the Greek Testament, suited to the use of schools and colleges, has long been a desideratum. The present issue promises fair. We have had it upon our table but a short period, and have consequently only had time to read the editor's preface, and to examine the "Notes" upon a few select passages. He informs us that "the text is that of the learned and accurate Dr. Mill, printed at Oxford, in 1707, at the same university in 1828 and 1830, and finally under the care of Dr. Burton, by whom it was adopted in his edition with notes, Oxford, 1831." He has followed "the division into verses," rather against his "preference," by "the urgent request of the publishers." In this we think "the publishers" right. But to carry out his arrangement so far as might be, he begins each paragraph with the word in capitals, and each sentence with the first letter a capital. This arrangement is admirable. The mechanical execution of the work is in the best style of the house. The type, of both text and notes, is large and free, and the paper fine. We wish the enterprise the largest success. And if furnishing this beautiful edition of the Greek Testament in any measure contributes to the desirable object of introducing it into our academies and colleges as a text book, the publishers will have contributed to one of the greatest and noblest objects. If we find occasion, or judge it useful, we shall probably resume the subject and treat it more at large. 17. A Memorial of the Ministerial Life of the Rev. Gideon Ouseley, Irish Missionary. Comprising Sketches of the Mission in Connection with which he labored, under the Direction of the Wesleyan Conference; with Notices of some of the most distinguished Irish Methodist Missionaries. By WILLIAM REILLY. New-York: Lane & Tippett. 1848. THE subject of this Memorial was one of the most extraordinary men of his age. He devoted the greater part of a long and active life to the work of a missionary among the Irish Catholics, preaching in both the English and Irish languages wherever he could raise a congregationoften in the streets and markets-and his labors were, by the divine blessing, crowned with large and glorious success. The whole book constitutes one of the strongest practical arguments against Romanism we ever read. It also furnishes abundant proof that the poor deluded victims of a ghostly despotism are, under some circumstances at least, perfectly accessible. Multitudes listened to the ministry of Mr. Ouseley in spite of the priests, and many were powerfully converted from the error of their ways. The fruits of his labors which still remain are abundant, some of them now adorn the Irish and English Conferences. Every one ought to read the Memorial of Ouseley as soon as it comes within reach. The author was long a colleague and intimate personal friend of Mr. Ouseley, and was well qualified to do justice to his subject. 18. Artist-life: or, Sketches of American Painters. BY HENRY H TUCKERMAN, Author of " Thoughts on the Poets," &c. 12mo., pp 237. New-York: Appleton & Co. 1847. THIS book is made up of graphic sketches of twenty-three American artists, beginning with Benjamin West and ending with G. L. Brown. The author brings out the peculiar excellences and defects of his subjects as artists with the skill of a master. The book is as fascinating as it is instructive. SUNDAY-SCHOOL BOOKS Published by Lane and Tippett, for the Sunday-School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Some months have passed since we have been able to even glance at what is doing in our Sunday-school department of publication. Attention to the subject has now convinced us that, unless something is lacking besides good books in sufficient quantities, tastefully gotten up and cheaply furnished, the Sunday-school cause must triumph. Indeed, we find before us not only new books, but whole libraries, that have been published since we formally noticed the issues of this department. The editor is prosecuting his plans with commendable zeal and with marked success, and every friend of the sabbath-school cause cannot but be cheered with a constant accumulation of books of the right stamp which constitute the result of his talents and industry. There is no longer any necessity for a deficiency of suitable books in this department:-only let the want appear, and the supply will be forthcoming. We would call special attention to the CHILDREN'S LIBRARY,-SERIES A AND SERIES B. Of the first series of this library there are already seventy-five volumes, which, for cheapness, elegance of appearance, and adaptation to the wants and taste of young children, are probably unexcelled by any Sunday-school library extant. It is really enough to make one wish he were young again to see the shining red covers, the speaking pictures, the large, clear type, and the short and sparkling sentences which this library presents to the eye. But its highest excellence consists in the pious and evangelical sentiment that is contained in every book. Series B now numbers fifty volumes of a larger size and of a slightly more elevated character, although quite within the range of small children. We learn that it is the intention of the editor to enlarge the above library until each series shall number one hundred volumes, and that several choice works are now in press for this object. To the regular YOUTH'S LIBRARY not less than thirty new volumes have been added since our former notice, of which we subjoin abbreviated titles in 379 Benevolent Traveler 380 The Ball we live on 381 The Early Dead their numerical order : 396 Life of Cyrus 397 William, the Converted Romanist 398 Indian Archipelago, vol. 1 We regret that our space does not admit of our noticing the above works severally, according to their merits. We may say of them without exception, that a critical examination will prove them to be far more valuable than many volumes of far greater pretensions. We hope to give a full notice of some of the above works in our next. |