vices and none of the virtues of his species, would develope itself in all its hideousness, and wreak its vengeance in atrocities that cannot be thought of without horror. While, as often elated with success, and dazzled with the pomp and consequence of station, it would again seek repose in brutal indulgence, or sanguinary persecutions. And how much better was ancient Greece, or Gaul, or Germany, or Britain? How much better are the modern nations of paganism, where the power of Christian lands does not restrain their ferocity?

Just in the measure in which the influence of the Bible has been extended to the nations have these evils been diminished or entirely removed. "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me," says the anointed king of Israel, "and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God: and he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain." The relation existing between the State and its citizens, the Bible recognizes as of divine appointment. The foundation of civil government is the will of God. Life, liberty, and property, peace and order, public morals and religion, have never been left by the benevolent Author of our social existence, to chance, or anarchy, or the social compact. Government is an ordinance of heaven. "The powers that be are ordained of God," not for their own honour and aggrandizement, but for the good of their subjects-not to gratify the pride, minister to the lusts, and subserve the ambition of rulers, but for the tranquillity, virtue, and prosperity of those they govern. Where, in pagan and Mahometan lands, are rulers taught this important and salutary lesson from any such sources as make them feel its authority, or constrain them to respect the rights of the people? Or where, except in lands illumined by the light of supernatural revelation, do the people, on the one hand, know and feel that they have rights, and are themselves clothed with the authority to see that they are respected; or on the other, know and feel that government is an institution of heaven? Christian princes, it is true, have not always exerted the happy influence which the God of nations requires them to exert. Nor have Christian nations always respected their rulers, or asserted their own rights with firmness, and with the meekness of wisdom. But where have antichristian and pagan princes done it? And where have pagan nations, in a single instance, been influenced by any other motive than the restive, factious determination to put down one despot for the sake of elevating another? But look through Christian lands, and see how often the prerogative of the prince has been limited, and the rights of man asserted by a free and virtuous people. Witness the condition of England from the time of Alfred to the present hour. Witness the condition of France, though more often scourged by severe persecutions, from the reign of Clovis to the accession of Louis Phillippe. Witness the triumph of Germany over Leo X. and Charles V. And witness our own memorable revolution. What had been the condition of this brave and high-minded people in those days of peril but for the Bible? And what had been our condition at many a fearful crises of our public affairs since that period had these American States not been restrained and governed by the spirit of that holy book? Our obligations to the religion of the Bible are not always in this respect duly appreciated. Why is it, that at every popular election, instead of some petty broil, we are not involved in oceans of blood? It is because there is found through the blessing of Almighty God, a mass of public virtue, a weight of moral principle founded on the word of God,—that subdues and restrains the "wrath of man." Why is it, that with every calamitous and disastrous measure of our government, we do not witness the scenes that were exhibited in Rome, under the reigns of Tiberius and Nero? It is because we have been taught from the lips of the divine Saviour himself, to "render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and unto God the things that are God's." It is because his holy apostles have given us the injunctions: "Let every soul be subject to the

higher powers; submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake." It is because we have been taught to respect, and reverence, and pray for our rulers, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty; knowing that this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour." Such a spirit constitutes a virtuous community; and with such a spirit no people can promote discord and revolution, until "patience has had its perfect work," and the last limits of Christian forbearance have been far exceeded. Who does not see with how much more benevolence the Scriptures control the relation between the state and its citizens, than any other book, or any other set of opinions, or any other maxims, however high their authority, or however extensively received? Who does not see that the crimes and sufferings so long attendant on the administration of human governments, would soon be unknown, and the contentions, revolutions, and blood which have so long desolated the earth soon disappear, if the Scriptures, were once duly honoured, and the voice of God regarded in preference to the seductive influence of aspiring, designing, and corrupting men ?

The preceding extract may be taken as a fair sample of the general contents of the volume. It is, on the whole, a work of great merit, affording correct and comprehensive views of most of the important subjects brought under consideration, exhibiting them in the clearest light, and describing them in a most instructive, convincing, and eloquent manner.

THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AND COURT OF ROME: From the Establishment of Christianity under Constantine to the present time. By the Rev. H. C. DONNOUGHUE, A.M. In two Volumes. Vol. I. 8vo. 365 pp. S. THORNE, Shebbear.

ROMANISM, as a system, we regard with abhorrence; and we consider the enormities with which its history abounds as more than sufficient to cause all intelligent, reflecting, and well intentioned persons to set themselves to expose the fallacy of its lofty and unholy pretensions, and energetically to oppose its progress. We are willing to acknowledge that there have been many excellent and pious persons who have been members of the Romish church! and we believe that there are now some such in its communion. Such persons however must have found much occasion to mourn over the evils perpetrated by and existing in the papal church; that is, if they have paid any attention to its history, or compared its arrogant pretensions, doctrines, discipline, and practices with the teachings of God's holy word. Indeed we regard it as an astonishing illustration of the power of educational prepossessions, and religious or superstitious prejudice-that any such persons neglect to avail themselves of opportunities of renouncing their communion with so corrupt, apostate, and persecuting a church,

To prevent the spread of popery, we regard it important that the history of Romanism should be extensively known. For this reason we are well pleased with the publication of the volume now before us. It contains, a brief, but, comprehensive account of, what are designated, "the eighteen General Councils" of the rise of the papacy-of the infamous means by which the power of the Romish church has been acquired and maintained-a chronological list of the popes of Rome, and instructive sketches of their characters. We do not remember any other work which contains so condensed and complete a history of Romanism; it is desirable that a copy of it should be in the library of every sabbath-school, and that it should have a very extensive circulation.

THE TRUE End of EduCATION, and the Means adapted to it. In a Series of Letters to a Lady entering on the Duties of her profession as Private Governess. By MARGARET THORNLEY. Royal 18mo. 342 pp. HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO; AND T. AND T. CLARK, Edinburgh.

INCALCULABLE advantages would result to the present and future generations, if our youth of both sexes were placed under the instruction of preceptors, who would guide their studies by such wise counsels as are given in the work now before us. They would thus have their minds well stored with important knowledge, their mental and moral powers wisely disciplined, and be brought into the possession of the richest intellectual and spiritual enjoyments, which would dignify their characters, and eminently qualify them for the discharge of all relative, social, and public duties.

From the contents of this volume, it is obvious, that its author possesses a mind richly stored with useful knowledge, a sound judgment, comprehensive acquaintance with the nature of scholastic duties, and is admirably qualified to advise as to the most beneficial studies, and the best modes of pursuing them. It is a work of sterling value, which richly deserves to be carefully read and studied. Enlightened parents must rejoice if they have the happiness of knowing that their children are under the tuition of a teacher guided by such wise counsels as it contains. We heartily recommend this volume to all who are engaged in the work of tuition, or who are seeking the improvement of their own intellectual powers.

VITAL CHRISTIANITY; Essays and Discourses on the Religion of Man and the Religion of God. By ALEXANDER VINET, D.D. Professor of Theology in Lausanne, Switzerland. 12mo. 323 pp. WILLIAM COLLINS.

THIS is a work of extraordinary excellence. We apprehend, however, that it is too good that is, too highly intellectual-to become decidedly popular. Nevertheless thinking persons of a cultivated taste, who know how to appreciate a work which contains a large amount of mental energy,y-manifested in unusual tracks of profound thought, producing original and powerful reasonings, exhibiting evangelical sentiments in new and beautiful aspects, accompanied with well conceived and striking illustrations of Divine truth-will enjoy a rich treat in the perusal of this masterly production. Its author is evidently, a profound Christian philosopher, who by the exercise of a masculine and fertile intellect, explains, illustrates, and enforces the truths of Christianity in a manner which is orginal, true, forcible, beautiful, and impressive.

THE LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN WILLIAMS, Missionary to Polynesia. By EBENEZER PROUT. Royal 8vo. 171 pp. JOHN SNow.

The

WE hail the publication of a cheap edition of this excellent work. history of the life of the Martyr of Erromanga ought to be familiar to Christians of all denominations; it ought to be possessed by all Christian families, who can afford its purchase; we, therefore, rejoice that now it can be obtained for the very moderate cost of three shillings. This edition is well printed with a clear type on good paper, and contains an excellent frontispiece likeness of the apostle of Polynesia, also an engraving of Raiatea, which is now the refuge of Pomare, queen of Tahiti, who has been compelled by French aggression, oppression, and cruelty to flee from her own island. This edition is uniform with the excellent cheap editions of William's Missionary Enterprises and Moffat's Labours and Scenes in South Africa.

SERMONS Preached in the Tabernacle and Tottenham Court Road Chapel, London. By REV. JOHN CAMPBELL, D.D., and REV. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. Royal 18mo. 170 pp. JOHN SNOW.

THIS Volume contains a series of Discourses on the following important

topics Self-examination; Self-deception; Self-approval; Self-condemnation ; Self-denial; Self-indulgence; Self-distrust; Self-confidence; Self-preservation; Self-destruction. We can most heartily recommend these Discourses to the attention of all our readers. They are searching, faithful, luminous and energetic. The dignostics of most of the diseases of that over indulgent and complacent being “self,” are here accurately described, and the means of cure and self-improvement clearly pointed out. We will only add, that those who least suspect that they require such instruction as is contained in this work, may derive much advantage from its perusal.

THE EXCELLENT WOMAN, as described in the Book of Proverbs xxxi. 10-31. 16mo. 158 pp. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

An elegant volume, containing twenty-three beautiful illustrative engravings, and a judicious exposition of the finished description of superior female excellency given in the last chapter of the book of Proverbs. It is enriched with many references to oriental customs which throw light on the meaning of this highly interesting portion of divine truth.

THE HOLY BIBLE, according to the Authorized Version; Arranged in Paragraphs and Parallelisms. With an entirely New Selection of References to Parallel and Illustrative Passages, Prefaces to the several Books, and numerous Notes. Genesis to Esther. 18mo. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

DECIDED advantanges are realized by reading the Scriptures, as printed in unbroken paragraphs, which are, as in the work before us, arranged so as to correctly express the meaning intended to be conveyed. The divisions into chapters and verses as contained in our common Bibles, are in many instances grossly erroneous, and very much obscures the sense. This part of the paragraph Bible is a beautiful specimen of typography, and contains two excellent maps. It is also published at a remarkably low price. It is a work deserving of high commendation.

ANCIENT JERUSALEM. 18mo. 192 pp. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. ANOTHER of the Monthly Series of useful and cheap publications issued by the Tract Society. It is very instructive volume, affording considerable information concerning the distinguished city which is most connected with the history and facts of the holy Scriptures.

THE CHRISTIAN ALMANACK for the Year 1847. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

THIS is an excellent publication, containing a large amount of useful general information.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION MAGAZINE. Vol. III. 1846. 12mo. 528 pp. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

A very instructive and useful work; which is specially designed for circulating among Sabbath-school conductors and teachers. It is a monthly publica tion, which is well deserving of their support.

NOTES ON THE SCRIPTURE LESSONS. For 1846. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

12mo. 144 pp.

HIGHLY useful to aid Sunday-school teachers in explaining the Scriptures to their classes. The work is published in monthly parts, each part specifying the lessons for the month, and containing explanatory, doctrinal, and practical remarks.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S CLASS REGISTER AND DIARY for 1847.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S CLASS REGISTER. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

EVERY Sunday-school teacher ought to be supplied with a copy of the Class Register, at the expense of the funds of the school; we should make the same remark as to the Register and Diary united, but fear the expense would be greater than the funds of many of the Schools could afford. Those teachers who can afford its purchase will find the larger work exceedingly useful.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR for 1847. Congregational Union. JACKSON and WALFORD.

Published for the

THE price of this valuable work is now reduced to sixpence. Dissenters, who value their principles should support this publication. It is an excellent calendar, and contains much important information, relative to the different sections of dissenters, which cannot be found in any other similar work,

THE CHILD'S OWN BOOK, 1846. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
A very instructive and interesting work.

EDITOR'S TABLE.

Missions in Western Africa, among the Soosoos, Bulloms, &c. Being the first undertaken by the Church Missionary Society for Africa and the East. By the Rev. Samuel Walker, A.M.

An Address to Parents inviting them to send their Children to a Sunday-school. Letter from a Superintendent to a Sunday-school Teacher, on late attendance.

The Northern Counties Journal, and Temperance Intelligencer. November and December, 1846. Miatt, South Shields.

ON DIVERSITY OF OPINIONS AMONG CHRISTIANS.

THE different sentiments concerning religion, entertained by those who acknowledge the Bible as a Divine revelation, have often been brought forward as an objection to Christianity. The question has again and again been asked with an air of triumph, "Can that religion be true, about which those who profess to regard the Bible as their common rule of faith and practice, so greatly differ ?" There is a plausibility and speciousness, an apparent force and strength, in this implied objection, which may awaken doubts in the minds of the weak and timid, and which may lead them to suspect, that they have "followed cunningly devised fables." But in common with all the other objections urged against our holy religion, a close and calm examination will suffice to destroy all its plausibility, and to demonstrate its utter invalidity.

If we enquire into the nature of things about which Christians are found to differ, we shall generally find them to be minor points, rather than great principles; matters of detail, rather than the essentials of Christianity. In the latter respect, the differences among evangelical Christians, are neither so many nor so formidable as has sometimes been supposed, or as this objection would lead us to infer.

That different sentiments concerning some of the doctrines of the Gospel are to be found among Christians, we have no wish to deny; the differences, however, are few, and but of small importance, when compared with the points on which they are fully agreed. This fact has been clearly evinced by the “Evangelical Alliance." It has, at least, shewn that there is an extensive field of