tice this second edition of the "Essay," chiefly for the purpose of stating, that its value is greatly enhanced by the addition of a series of gems, relating to the early Gnostics, in the illustration of which Dr. W. has displayed considerable research, and has brought together much curious information. The work is embellished with 39 lithographic plates of gems, coins, and medals, and, from the limits of an Essay, which first appeared in one of our Annuals," it is now extended to a volume, which, for its general respectability, deserves a place on the shelves of all ecclesiastical antiquarians.

It is to be regretted, that the copy of the Hebrew inscription, which is given in the letter-press, is miserably

incorrect.

MY EARLY YEARS, FOR THOSE IN EARLY LIFE. 12mo. 3s. Holdsworth and Ball.--What good gentleman is this, who obliges us with the history of his early years? Is this account no fiction? or is it half fiction? or is it altogether a manufacture of Fancy's loom? We have no data from which to shape a satisfactory answer to these queries. The story, as it breaks out without preface, or preliminary notice, presents to us a proud, irritable, head-strong youth, who, under the benign influence of an intelligent and pious clerical friend, is gradually softened down and reclaimed. the book are several short poems, one of which, entitled the Palace of the Passions, is an exquisite little allegory, constructed and managed with great ingenuity and skill. must be admitted, that many sound maxims, and good counsels are found in the work; but as we are not very partial to tales, we should have liked them better in almost any other form than that in which they are here given.

In

It

DEEP THINGS OF GOD; or Milk and Strong Meat for the Babes, Young Men, and Fathers in Christ. By Sir Richard Hill, Bart. M. P. 12mo. Price 2s. 6d. -This is a reprint of a well-known work. The serious Christian will find in it much in accordance with his own experience; and we believe the author meant to point out both the danger of Armenian pride, and Anti

unto you all the council of God,' and to warn sinners of their guilt and danger." We hope this volume will not only prove an acceptable present to those who heard the sermons, but also to many who are entire strangers to the author.

SERMONS ON PRACTICAL SUBJECTS, by the Rev. Edward Craig, M.A. of St. Edmund's Hall, Oxon, and Minister of St. James's Chapel, Edinburgh. 12mo. 5s. 6d.-Those who have read Mr. Craig's excellent Discourses on Regeneration, will welcome the volume before us. The grand doctrines of the Gospel are here brought prominently forward, and established by clear and appropriate testimonies from the Sacred Volume. Yet the cast of the preacher's mind is not speculative or controversial; every principle laid down by him is pursued to its practical results. We feel, as we read these sermons, the kindling ardour of a devotional spirit. The first discourse, entitled, a Warrant for Prayer, will furnish to every pious reader proof of what is here affirmed. On the words of Christ, "Knock and it shall be opened," we quote the following passage.

"We can easily conceive of a state of nearness to the light of God's countenance-a joyful sense of the warming and cheering influence of its beams. To have attained any degree of this communion and nearness, is something gained upon our former state of exclusion. But still, whatever measure of sin, or sinfulness, remains, presents a barrier remaining to be overcome. There is still an interior

chamber for nearer and happier worship,

that we would desire to enter. There is still another inclosure that we would de

sire to have opened, and within whose limits we would wish to dwell. As in the temple, there was the court of the Gentiles and its gates; the court of the priests and its sacred precincts and hangings; the holy place, with its curtained door; and the holy of holies, with its veil, the way into which was not then manifest; so, in communion with God, to which divine grace restores the soul, there are successive degrees of privilege after which we are to labour, before the soul can be satisfied. We never can feel that there is nothing left to ask, till we acquire all that knowledge of God, and that sense of nearness to him, which shall clearly manifest our state to be a perfect state, and N. S. No. 45.

such as a holy God approves and takes delight to contemplate."

The language of our author is more distinguished by vigour and energy, than by perspicuity; we think, too, he is not happy in the titles he has given to some of the discourses. The work is calculated to be useful, in promoting experimental and practical religion, and we sincerely wish it a wide circulation.

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE; or, A Guide to the Perplexed. By R. Philip. London: Westley and Davis. 18mo. 3s. pp. 220.-It is well known to those who are practically acquainted with the state of "the religious world," that there is to be found a large class of serious but " perplexed" disciples, who, from unscriptural or distorted views of truth, manifold temptations, or a morbid temperament, are the subjects of a depression, which deeply afflicts their own minds, and operates most injuriously on the minds of others.

a

The members of this class are more accessible in the parlour than in the pew, and may be even more assisted by the press than the pulpit. Mr. Philip, in the discharge of his pastoral duties, has had frequent conversations with such, and the excellent little volume before us contains a series of Essays, in a familiar style, which, as he informs us in his preface, embodies "the substance of actual conversations” with those mental sufferers. We are happy that sentiments so simple and sc scriptural will, by this means, have far wider circulation, connected, as they are, with many interesting questions in experimental Christianity. The following are the subjects which Mr. P. has discussed with a clearness and force which cannot fail to arrest the attention, and impress the minds of serious readers. 1. The Work of the Law upon the Conscience; 2. The Work of the Spirit on the Heart; 3. The Witness of the Spirit; 4. The Special Fruits of the Spirit; 5. Justification by Faith; 6. Fellowship with God and the Lamb; 7. The Hope of Salvation the best Safeguard of the Understanding against Error, and of the Heart against Sin; 8. Devotional Self-Examination; 9. The Temptations and Fiery Darts of Satan; 10. The Fluctuations of Religious 3 S

Feeling and Enjoyment; 11. Causes of Backsliding; 12. Sanctified Afflictions; 13. Experimental Maxims.

Perhaps the best commendation we can give to this little volume, is to state, that we have already known several instances in which its perusal has afforded spiritual consolation to very interesting but deeply distressed Christians.

MEMORIALS OF SANCTIFIED AFFLICTION; being Extracts from Let.. ters written by the late Benjamin Lawson, who died 20th of August, 1826, aged 28. Price 8d.- It is stated by the editor, that the writer of these Letters endured very heavy bodily affliction for about twelve years. His painful and severe trials seem to have been greatly blessed to him. The following notes will enable the reader to form some idea of his character.

"The Burden Lost.-After many conflicts 1 have had under distress, concerning the state of my soul, and trying every thing I could to get relief to my guilty conscience, but finding all in vain; feeling

too that the law of God extended to

secret thoughts of the heart, I prostrated myself, as a guilty perishing sinner before God, acknowledging my transgressions and my sin. I felt encouraged by his kind invitation, Matt. xi. 28., have received comfort from his precious promises, and now enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.' John vi. 37."

The Letters throughout breathe the spirit of piety and contentment; they evince, in a striking manner, the power of the Gospel, in sustaining the mind under the pressure of adversity. The statement here given of the suffer. ings and enjoyments of Benjamin Lawson, furnishes an example well deserving of imitation; and we are persuaded this cheap and homely pamphlet is calculated to do more good than many costly and splendid volumes, which treat on religious topics either in cold abstract theories, or in elegant and high wrought fictions.

CONVERSATIONS ON THE PARA

BLES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, for

the Use of Children. 18mo. Nisbet.It is deeply to be regretted, that parents and teachers do not more assiduously labour to instil the principles of Christianity into the opening and

susceptive minds of youth, in free familiar discourses on the Holy Scriptures. The little book before us unfolds and explains the parables of Christ in a pleasing and impressive manner. It is calculated not only to improve children, but also to assist parents.

WORKS PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

The Rev. Dr. Hamilton, of Strathblane, has in the press, A Defence of the Scripture Doctrine respecting the Second Advent of Christ, from the erroneous Representations of Modern Millenarians. It will appear early in September.--Fortyfive Expository and Practical Lectures on our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, by J E. Good. -The Grammatical and Pronouncing Spelling-Book. By Ingram Cobbin, A. M. Author of "Elements of English Grammar," &c. -The Motherless Family; or Maternal Influence Displayed. By Esther Copley, (late Hewlett,) Author of "Cottage Comforts," &c.--The Schoolfellows, a new Edition. By Mrs. Copley, in 18mo. Price 8d.--The Dissertation on the Priest

new

hood of Christ. By the Rev. John Wilson, of Montrose, Scotland.--A Edition of the Memoirs of the Life and Character of Mrs. Sarah Savage, eldest daughter of the Rev. P. Henry, A.M. with additions. By J. B. Williams, Esq. F. S. A. and a Recommendatory Preface

by the Rev. W. Jay, of Bath, in 12mo.-

A Sermon, preached in the open air, near the Red Barn, at Polsted, and at Boxford Meeting-House, Suffolk, on Sunday afternoon and evening, August 17, 1828, on occasion of the Execution of William Cor

der, for the Murder of Maria Marten; containing a detailed Account of his early Life and general Habits, never before published. By Charles Hyatt, of Shadwell, London. We understand that The Amulet for the year 1829 will be published early in November, with attractions, both literary and pictorial, greatly exceeding either of its predecessors, and will contain articles from a number of the most distinguished writers of the age. Its illustrations will be of the highest order of art, both with reference to the productions of the painter and the engraver; and there will be several other improvements of a novel and important character.--A Refutation of the Doctrines of the Hypostatical Union of the two Natures in Jesus

Christ, and of his Eternal Sonship; as both those doctrines are advocated by the Rev. Richard Watson, and the former by Dr. Adam Clarke: in a Series of Letters addressed to the President of the Wesleyan Conference. By Samuel Tucker, V.D.M.

miniature painter. With the money she had made in England, she came out to Italy. She travelled alone and unprotected, but by her own innocence, and by what she seemed to have got great pride in, her religion. She is quite a theological disputant, and entered Rome with books and arguments in battle array, determined to take by storm the holy city, and to bring it under the dominion of John Knox, and his renowned successors. Poor girl! she came in her own strength, and consequently has fallen. I am not exactly acquainted with all the circumstances of the history of her conversion; but I know, she has been publicly received into the communion of the most Holy Church, after having repented of, and renounced, all the errors which had been taught her by her venerable and truly pious father. Miss Tis a girl who has no half-measures in any thing, and I fully expect she will be challenging the Synod of the Kirk of Scotland to public discussion, unless she should expend her energies by the establishing a new order of English nuns, and presiding over their spiritual welfare. Miss T is young, handsome, and full of liveliness and spirit.

STATE OF RELIGIOUS OPINIONS IN NOVA

Meeting, an address of congratulation to the Marquis of Anglesey, on his accession to the Viceroyship of Ireland, in which they express themselves "duly sensible of the great blessings of civil and religious liberty, which they amply enjoy under the auspicious reign of our gracious Sovereign."

The Lord Lieutenant, in his answer, remarks

"The expressions of your attachment to the constitution, your grateful sense of the ample share of civil and religious liberty, that has been secured to you under this auspicious reign, the fruits of wise and steady perseverance on your part, in constitutional measures for the attainment of the object of your wishes, will be duly appreciated in the benign heart of our gracious Sovereign."

ADDRESS OF THE HOME MISSIONARY

SOCIETY.

When the great cause of "Missions to the Heathen," began, about thirty years ago, to excite the attention and call forth the energies of the Christian world, one of the most common objections to its support was founded on the moral necessities of our own country. The best refutation of that objection was soon provided in the beneficial reaction of the Missionary spirit at home. The extension of the Sabbath School system,--the establishment of va rious associations for the support of village preaching,--and the increased attention that was devoted to all the means

of promoting the spiritual interests of our own land, proved, that the force of Christian zeal, when once roused by the sublimity and grandeur of an object, that regards the universal dissemination of Christianity, would be naturally and necessarily directed to the wants of a nearer and a more accessible population. In many parts of our country systematic efforts were commenced, for uniting the exertions of Christian churches; and it is not too much to assert, that more has been effected for the religious instruction of the poor and ignorant of our own land, within the last thirty years, than during any preceding century of its history since Christianity was introduced into Britain. Still the efforts of ministers and societies were inadequate to its growing necessities and rapidly-advancing population; and, in many districts, from the paucity of suitable instruments, and the limitation of public resources, it became desirable to form an Institution, which, without interfering with any existing societies of a more local and restricted character, might prove a rallying-point for Home Evangelization in every part of our country.

In these convictions and principles, THE HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY originated. It was established in the year 1819, and the record of its progress and its operations, forms the best illustration of its character, and the most satisfactory defence of its claims. It has succeeded in introducing or perpetuating the means of Christian instruction to thousands of the poor, who, but for its instrumentality, might still have been in a state of spiritual darkness. From thirty to forty agents are regularly employed in village preaching, amidst a population of 140,000, and have 20,000 hearers. Many pastors of churches are assisted in their itinerating labours. Nearly 60 Sunday Schools are established, under the instruction of 380 teachers; while more than 3,000 children are every Sabbath-day brought under their superintendance. In numerous instances, places of worship have been erected, and Christian churches have been formed. It has been uniformly an object of solicitude with the Committee of the Society, to avoid as much as possible whatever might evince a sectarian spirit, or interfere with the beneficial labours of Christian ministers of various denominations. On the principle of an enlarged and comprehensive liberality, it has been their anxious desire to be regarded as co-operating with all the friends of the Redeemer, in diffusing the knowledge of "the common salvation," and advancing the interests of "pure and undefiled religion."

The formation of similar societies, on more limited and specific grounds, is a practical testimony to the importance of the general principles on which "the Home Missionary Society has acted." The adoption of their peculiar designation, is a proof that whatever might be the fears or the objections, excited by its first appropriation, it is a title which the feelings of men at once appreciate. In America, a Society of a still more congenial spirit and character has been established. The movements of our Transatlantic brethren, seem as mighty and gigantic as the scale of their mountains and their rivers. Their religion and their benevolence partake of the character of their legislation; and, unfettered by the restrictions and the prejudices which narrow the range of co-operation, even in this land of liberty, they can most effectively unite for great general purposes. The American Home Missionary Society is but in the infancy of its existence, and yet nearly Two Hundred Missionaries are already acting under its patronage and direction; above Two Hundred Congregations are aided by its operations, and its annual income exceeds Twenty Thousand Dollars!

It is surely of the highest importance