Christ The Holy Spirit-Repentance-Christian GracesRelative Duties-Self-denial-Prayer-The Scriptures-Christian Joy. Christ is the centre of all-his atonement the grand means of holiness as well as the only ground of a sinner's pardon.

2.-Notes, Critical and Practical, on the Book of Leviticus: designed as a general Help to Biblical Reading and Instruction. By George Bush, Prof. of Heb. and Orient. Lit. N. Y. City University. New-York: Dayton and Newman.

pp. 282.

1843.

Professor Bush is doing a good service to the church, in publishing brief commentaries on the books of the Old Testament, in volumes of a convenient manual size. Those, which have appeared prior to the present, have met with a favorable reception, and this on Leviticus is equally worthy the attention of Sabbath School teachers, members of Bible classes, and others who are interested in the study of God's word. It is the best study on earth, and our gratitude is due to the man, who devotes his days and nights to its elucidation, making God's revelation plainer to the common mind, and placing before the reader such facts and suggestions as enable him readily to apprehend what otherwise might be obscure.

The author has in this volume given the view of the scapegoat, which he had before published in the Am. Bib. Repository. He also enters, at some length, into the discussion of the question of marrying the sister of a deceased wife, and on the whole entertains the opinion that it is not unscriptural.

We commend the book to the attention of those who would make themselves familiar with the Levitical rites and ceremonies, and can promise them a clear and generally satisfactory interpretation of the laws recorde d in this part of the Old Testament.

3.-The Sacred Seal; or the Wanderer Restored; a Poem. By Rev. N. Emmons Johnston. New-York: John S. Taylor & Co. 1843. pp. 80.

Those who love poetry will here find some verses worthy of the name; and we are glad to see the poetic Muse summoned away for a little while from brooding over scenes of love and folly, to inspire one who consecrates his gifts to so holy a subject as that of the seal of the covenant.

NEW SERIES, VOL. IX. NO. I. 27

Nor is there any attempt here, to throw a sombre shade of holy awe and reverence around the mere uncommanded rites of our religion; to win the sympathies of tender hearts towards that external pomp which is adapted to strike the imagination, but poetry is consecrated to a great practical subject, the powerful influence of early instructions around the fireside, as connected with the simple ordinances of the Gospel.

The author selects a young man piously educated for his hero; permits him to break away from the holy restraints of home, follows him to the gambling-table, the infidel-club, the havoc of war ;-in all the scenes through which he passes, unable still to drown the voice of conscience and of God, until he at last bows his stubborn will and proud heart, and returns a lost one found, to the bosom and embrace of his parents, brothers and sisters, coming in silently upon them, just as the good old man is kneeling in family prayer, and pouring out his whole soul, in believing, submissive supplication for the wandering son. This scene is well and touchingly described. We quote a part of it:

"The group was silent, as the eldest son

The story of the Prodigal begun :

Sobbing, went through the room. The patriarch bowed;
And there, before his Saviour wept aloud:

At last, composed, his quivering accents fell,

Like genial dews upon the flowery dell.

He thanked his covenant God, whose grace had made
At night his sunshine, and at noon his shade.

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While he spoke,

(And one sweet voice beside him, said amen,)
Silent a stranger entered, and unseen,
Knelt on the vacant chair with humble mien ;
And as the patriarch ended, once again

Broke forth in stronger tone that word, Amen!
That circle started-from their knees they sprung,-
'Twas LINCOLN GRAY that o'er his father hung;
Poured his warm tears amidst the whitened hair,
And raptures mingled more than hearts could bear."

4.-The Lost Sister of Wyoming. An Authentic Narrative. By Rev. John Todd. Northampton: J. H. Butler. New-York: Dayton & Newman. 1842. pp. 160.

The Rev. John Todd, author of this simple and beautiful story, is well known to possess qualifications for interesting

the young and, we doubt not, many a youth has before this time read this entertaining little volume. To any who have not, we can safely recommend it. It contains some good descriptions of scenery, especially in the Wyoming valley on the beautiful Susquehanna; some entertaining historical incidents in the early settlement of that celebrated vale, and some excellent reflections on the providence and care of God.

Among other interesting events, we find here a particular account of the capture, by the Indians, of little Frances Slocum, in 1778, when five years old, and her recent discovery by her friends, among the Miami tribe in Indiana.

5.-HARPERS' FAMILY LIBRARY, 156. Education. Part I. History of Education, Ancient and Modern. Part II. A Plan of Culture and Instruction, based on Christian Principles, and designed to aid in the right education of Youth, physically, intellectually, and morally. By H. J. Smith, A. M., Prof. of Mod. Languages in the Penna. College, and of German Language and Lit. in the Theolog. Seminary at Gettysburg, Penna. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1842. pp. 340.

We are pleased to see the above work. It gives us a history of education from the beginning of time down to the present day, and brings within a small compass, valuable information on this subject, in respect to the Hebrews, Chinese, Babylonians, Egyptians, Grecians, Romans, etc.

The second part, 'Plan of Culture and Instruction,' embraces important considerations on physical, intellectual and moral education. The plans proposed we think excellent, and could they be carried out in the family circle would make more healthy and better children in every respect. Until some such principles are generally acted on, we shall not have the stamina requisite for sustaining our republican government, nor for conducting the great benevolent movements of the age.

Under physical culture, we find some admirable suggestions for the improvement of the senses, of sight, hearing, etc., and for the proper cultivation of the voice to various and distinct intonations and under moral, excellent modes of training the juvenile heart in those lovely dispositions, which will assimilate it to the divine pattern of moral beauty exhibited by the Lord Jesus Christ.

6.-Encyclopædia of Science, Literature and Art; comprising the History, Description and Scientific Principles of every branch of Human Knowledge; with the Derivation and Definition of all the Terms in use. Illustrated by Engravings on Wood. General Editor, W. T. F. Brande, F. R. S. L. & E. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1842.

This work is to be completed in twelve parts, of 112 pages each, and to be sold at 25 cents a number. We have received Parts I. and II. The type is of course small, but clear and good, and will answer better for a book of reference like this, than for one requiring continuous reading. We have already expressed our opinion of the work, and confidently expect, from the talent displayed in it, that it will become a standard work of its kind.

7.-History of Europe from the commencement of the French Revolution in 1789, to the Restoration of the Bourbons in 1815. By Archibald Alison, F. R. S. E., Advocate. In four volumes. Vol. I. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This is another of the Harpers' publications to be issued in parts, and completed in 16 numbers, making four volumes of about 600 pages each. The execution of the first part is good, and promises well for the work. Alison's is undoubtedly one of the most elegant histories of the day, and will be extensively read. It is not free from errors, however, both of language and fact. In respect to the United States, so gross are the mistakes of the learned author, that it might be well to correct them in the American edition, by appending suitable notes, if not in the text.

The part before us embraces six chapters, treating of Progress of Freedom in France and England-Causes in France which predisposed to Revolution-Constituent Assembly-From Revolt at Versailles to the conclusion of the Consti tuent Assembly-From the Legislative Assembly to the Fall of the Monarch-French Republic, from the dethronement to the death of Louis.

8.-A Pictorial History of France. For Schools. By S. G. Goodrich, Author of Peter Parley's Tales. Philadelphia: Samuel Agnew. 1842. pp. 347.

A good school book is a good thing, and rather rarely

to be met with. It ought to contain truth, facts; and for juvenile pupils should be attractive. Peter Parley has af forded much instruction and entertainment to the young, for many years, and has been very successful in the preparation of some of his school books. His Common School History, especially, has been very extensively adopted as a text-book: and where histories of particular countries are subjects of study in a school, we should think this pictorial history of France would be well adapted to the purpose. It presents a clear and brief account of that interesting country, and carries its history down to the existing state of things under the reign of Louis Philippe. At the close we have tables of the Bourbon, Bonaparte and Orleans-Bourbon families.

The History of France is to be followed by pictorial histories of the United States, England, Rome and Greece, by the same author.

9.-The Church's Best State; or Constant Revivals of Religion. By Rev. Simeon W. Harkey. Baltimore: Publication Rooms; Boston: Tappan & Dennett, and Crocker & Brewster; New York: D. Appleton & Co. and Dayton & Newman; Cincinnati: E. Lucas; Pittsburg: C. H. Kay. 1842. pp. 172.

This book emanates from a minister of the Lutheran Church; is written in an excellent spirit, under a high sense of responsibility, and with the intent to benefit that portion of Zion, to which the author belongs, by promoting revivals of pure and undefiled religion. The subject is treated under the following chapters. 1. What is true religion? 2. What is a genuine revival of religion, considered negatively? 3. What is it, considered affirmatively? 4. Are genuine revivals the Church's best state? 5. Constant revivals possible. 6. 'New Measures' -'Old Measures;' Means to be employed for the promotion of revivals. 7. How to conduct revivals. 8. Conclusion and application of the whole subject.

We are much pleased with the author's views as expressed on these several topics; and while he is careful to guard against fanaticism and undue excitement, and the injudicious and untimely resort to protracted meetings, he is not unfriendly to these meetings at proper times and properly conducted. On this subject much must be left to the judgment of pastors of the churches. There are doubtless seasons, when to withhold extra efforts would be sinful, because the Spirit of God evidently leads the way. Then they are always safe, conducted in the spirit of the gospel.