had been differently expressed, well knowing the use to which the most undesigned admissions are tortured. The Bishop of course does not intend to fasten a charge of perjury on his episcopal brethren; but his language will seem to many to involve such an imputation, and therefore, however undesignedly, cannot fail to prove a mischievous weapon if it should fall into the hands of the enemies of our church. A Sermon preached in the Chapel of Farnham Castle, at the General Ordination, held by the Lord Bishop of Winchester, July 7th, 1839. By the Rev. EDWARD M'ALL, M.A. Rector of Winnal, Hants. Second Edition. Winchester: Jacob and Johnson. London Rivington and Hatchard. 1840. Pp. 30. THIS is an excellent Sermon, preached on a very interesting and important occasion, and is evidently the work of no ordinary man. As a grain will tell the nature of the corn, so even from a simple discourse can we judge in some measure of the character of the writer. The following extract, taken at random, is as fair a specimen as we can select. A more forlorn situation can scarcely be conceived than that of a clergyman, young in years, and necessarily deficient in experience, when placed in charge of, it may be, an extensive parish. His duties immediately find him out. They are occasional, and they are stated; but between them they occupy his time, and leave him but too little leisure duly to prepare for the pulpit. His sermons testify that his studies are intermitted; and he feels that instead of being a well instructed scribe, who brings forth things new and old, he is drawing so extensively on his original supply, that before what was once new has had time to become old, it must be reproduced, at first in another, and then in the identical form. With no one perhaps at hand to advise him-and feeling discouraged, if not disgraced-there is danger either that he will sink under his exertions; or, abandoning all exertion in despair, that he will settle down into an apathetic state of mind, callous of public opinion, and offering to God and his people the labours of others which cost him nothing. That such has been the sad career of many, who did or who might have run well, there is too little room to doubt, and an ingenuous mind, struggling against this snare, presents an object for the deepest commiseration of us all. There may, indeed, be a morbid incapacitating sense of deficiency, which reflects on the allotments of Him who divides to every man severally as he will: but a salutary apprehension of coming short of our duty is one of the best incitements to discharge it. To such a mind, trusting indeed that it has done what it could, but lamenting that circumstances have not admitted of more, how often must the exhortation to sponsors in the Baptismal Service-That this child may know these things the better, ye shall call upon it to hear sermons-" my sermons-such a one as I have just read or am about to deliver"-how often must this prove a practical and self-inflicted imputation! "Am I a master in Israel, having to teach these things to others, and myself so sadly unacquainted with them? To whom could the disciples go but to Christ, seeing he had the words of eternal life? To whom can these come but to me, whose lips should keep knowledge, that the people might seek the law at my mouth? Should they perish for lack of the counsel which I should impart, their blood will be required at my hands." Such communings with the heart, though they may arise out of discouragement and a sense of deficiency, nay, because they thus arise, must lead to beneficial results. If they induce greater activity, greater distrust of self, and more simple dependence on the assistance of God, without whom the wisest would teach, and the most skilful would plant and water in vain; they are the forerunners of blessings on himself and flock. Reduced to meekness he shall be guided in judgment- feeling himself, as it were, a fool, God shall make him wise.-Pp. 14-16. The Florist's Journal. Nos. 1 to 6. London: Hayward and Moore. 1840. THE almost innumerable periodical publications which are monthly issuing from the press on matters connected with the culture of flowers, prove incontestably that this delightful pursuit is rapidly extending in every part of the country; • Mal. ii. 7. 4 Q VOL. XXII. NO. XI. and we cannot but consider the fact as indicative of an increasingly healthy tone and feeling in the public mind. Surely the cultivation of a taste so pure and simple, associated too with so much that is most beautiful and elegant in the works of the Creator, cannot but be favourable to the development of the finer feelings of our nature, and can scarcely co-exist with the corruption of the grosser species of vice, or with the turbulence of political agitation. It is with this impression that we are disposed to hail as a contribution to the general good, the appearance of a work such as the present, which, from its very moderate price, and the general usefulness of its contents, is calculated to assist the middling classes particularly, in multiplying and improving the means of procuring so rational and delightful an enjoyment. The information conveyed in this work is thoroughly practical, and in most cases well and clearly enunciated. The portion in each number, headed, " Visits to Nurseries," forms a very useful feature; and the account of the Royal Gardens at Kew is calculated to render the advantages of that fine establishment more available to the public than they have hitherto been. The illustrations consist of a coloured engraving in each number, of which the first is by far the best executed. A Natural History of Quadrupeds, &c. By W. C. L. MARTIN, F. L. S. Parts 4 to 9. London: G. Whitehead. 1840. THE Continuation of this beautiful work amply fulfils the promise which its early numbers had given, and which called forth at that time our unqualified approbation, and our confident anticipations of its subsequent well-doing. Mr. Martin has now advanced sufficiently far into the descriptive portion of his work, to enable us to judge of his method of treating this important branch of zoological science. Every one who had read his previous production in the form of papers in the Transactions and Proceedings of the Zoological Society, must have observed that he possesses much of the caution which is so essential in conducting investigations of this nature; and he has availed himself effectually of all the means and appliances to boot, which could be brought to bear upon his extensive object. After a very satisfactory and sufficiently ample detail of anatomical structure, and a valuable analysis of the most important methods of arrangement, the author proceeds to give a long and laborious digest of the natural and social history of the human species, and of the different races of mankind. We have not at present either time or space for an analysis of this portion of his book, treating as it does of a subject perhaps the most difficult, and delicate too, that can be found within the sphere of natural, moral or theological investigation. It is enough to say, that we consider this as perhaps a not more confused and unsatisfactory account of a subject, which is never either lucid or satisfactory, than most others; and it is illustrated by numerous outlines of crania, and especially by many really splendid heads from the spirited pencil of Harvey. In the sixth part this subject is concluded, and the quadrumane are commenced, and the ample manner in which these are treated of, and consequently the completeness of the future portions of the work, may be judged of by the space occupied (more than 150 pages) by the generalities of the order, and the detailed description of the genera troglodytes, pithecus, hylobates, and semnopithecus. These details are drawn from every available source, and bespeak extensive research, and no less discrimination and judgment. The figures, many of them at least, are really beyond all praise; and the tinted skies, added, we imagine, at considerable expense, contribute greatly to the effect of the larger illustrations. They are certainly amongst the most beautiful specimens of the art of wood-engraving. Remarks on the Confessions of Courvoisier, intended for distribution among Domestic Servants. By a Clergyman of the Church of England. Brighton: Francis. London Nisbet. Hertford: Cobb. 1840. Pp. 30. We do not much admire this tract, either in its conception or its execution. It appears to us too much like a dead set at servants, to address it so pointedly to them; and therefore ill calculated to obtain from them a favourable reception. It is based too upon a confession which was disbelieved by many, and was, if we remember rightly, disavowed afterwards by the unhappy criminal himself. And it exacts from servants an observance of many duties which some of the best disposed are often prevented from attending to by the thoughtlessness or unreasonableness of their masters. The tract ought at least to be accompanied with some further remarks intended for distribution among masters of families. Gospel Extracts for Young Children. London: Rivington. 1840. Pp. 122. We perfectly agree with the editor of this little book "in thinking that the Scripture narrative is best conveyed even to young children in Scripture language." There are many works compiled with the very best intentions, which have ever appeared to us objectionable from the attempts which have been made by their writers to popularize-if not to secularize the history of our Saviour. It is, we believe, a question with some, whether it is desirable to make extracts from Scripture at all, although the selection of lessons, and epistles, and gospels by our church, would seem to show her opinion pretty clearly. The present is, however, one of the best works we have seen of the kind. It is printed in a clear type, and consists of portions of convenient length, without division of verses. Indeed nothing is wanting, unless some persons should desiderate pictorial illustrations. Proper Lessons to be read at Morning and Evening Prayer on the Sundays and other Holydays throughout the Year; with a short Practical Commentary and Explanatory Notes, by JOHN JAMES, D.D. Prebendary of Peterborough, and Author of a "Comment upon the Collects," and "Christian Watchfulness." London Rivington. 1840. Pp. 920. THE Commentary of Dr. James upon the Collects is well known, and very generally and most deservedly approved; and if we do not think he has been equally successful in the present work, it is from a failure in its design rather than its execution. Dr. James, as it appears to us, has aimed at too little or too much. The work is not full enough to be of any material use in the closet; and we cannot think that any one ought to be employed in consulting even the shortest notes or exposition at church. The Church Scholar's Reading Book. 3 Vols. London: Parker. 1840. THE advertisement informs us that "this selection has been made in compliance with the request of a Diocesan Church Education Society," (we believe that of Down and Connor,) "whose Committee were not acquainted with a publication exactly suited to their views." Our readers may at once estimate its character, for ability and principle, when they learn that the articles have been selected and arranged from the Saturday Magazine. The work appears to be well calculated to interest and instruct the children of the poor; and we sincerely hope that it will have as extensive a circulation as it deserves. Sermons on Miscellaneous Subjects, with Notes and Appendix. By WILLIAM J. E. BENNETT, M.A. late Student of Christ Church, Oxford; and Minister of Portman Chapel, St. Marylebone. Volume the Second. London: Cleaver. 1840. Pp. 508. It is one thing to preach a sermon, and another to publish it. It might perhaps be wished, indeed, that every discourse delivered from the pulpit were composed with sufficient care to fit it for the press; but this can hardly be expected from clergy engaged with a superabundance of pastoral and parochial duties. But to publish sermons is a voluntary act, and demands from the writer a careful and laborious revision; the proofs of which are too frequently wanting in the volumes which issue almost weekly from the printer's hands. We the rather append these remarks to the discourses before us, because, with not a few instances of carelessness, they number many able passages, and some most valuable sermons. Second thoughts, therefore, we believe, would have led Mr. Bennett to make several alterations and omissions. The first sermon, for instance, entitled "The Messenger and the Message," is preached from the text, Judges iii. 20, "I have a message from God unto thee;"-words spoken by Ehud to Eglon, king of Moab, when he freed his country by the death of that oppressor. This text is treated thus: We purpose not to consider the action, but the words used on the occasion of the action; and we purpose to turn them from the message of wrath and bloodshed, which they contained in the case of Ehud, to that message of love and mercy which is contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The first thing we shall have to consider is this; who the messenger is, and the duties which attach to him. The second thing will be, who those persons are to whom the message is sent, and the duties which attach to them. 1. The messengers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, are of course the clergy, &c. Surely there is not even the most fanciful analogy between the case of Ehud executing the wrath of God upon the enemy of his people, and the minister of the gospel bearing the message of reconciliation to perishing sinners. To use the words of inspiration as mere mottoes, can scarcely consist with the reverence which is due to them, and tends to induce a habit of vague and incorrect thinking upon sacred matters, little favourable to the cause of truth. This fault is not peculiar to Mr. Bennett. Again we do not clearly understand the following: Thus it is that truth is the christian soldier's girdle. It is that which sits closely round him, keeping all else in its right place. It prevents him from going too far in advance. It prevents him from any cowardly retreat.-Pp. 208, 29. We had marked several other passages for observation,-(e. g. "It is said in Scripture, that they (Ananias and Sapphira) thereby lied unto the Holy Ghost, and that blasphemy and sin is pronounced by our Lord to be unpardonable;" as if the sin of Ananias and Sapphira were the sin against the Holy Ghost,)—but we are weary of the ungrateful task of pointing out flaws, which, we can assure Mr. Bennett, we have been induced to do, because there is so much in his volume to show that, with a little more care, he might be one of the most useful writers, as he is, we believe, one of the most popular and effective preachers of the present day. Guy Fawkes; or the Gunpowder Treason, a.d. 1605; with a Developement of the Principles of the Conspirators, and an Appendix on the Anonymous Letter. By the Rev. THOMAS LATHBURY, M.A. Second Edition, enlarged. London: Parker. 1840. 12mo. THE author has increased the value of his history of the Gunpowder Treason, by various additions: among which we may notice a fuller account of the traitor Garnet, and of the pretended miraculous straw; and a fac-simile of the memorable letter addressed to Lord Monteagle, which led to the detection of the conspiracy. In the Appendix, Mr. Lathbury has gone fully into a discussion of the much litigated question respecting the writer of this letter, which has been variously ascribed to Tresham, to Mrs. Abington, and to Anne Vaux. He does not, however, venture to determine the question. The volume closes with the Act of Parliament for the observance of the fifth of November, which, we believe, is no longer extant in a separate form. The whole Works of RICHARD GRAVES, D.D. late Dean of Ardagh, and Regius volume he has given a memoir of the Dean's life, which, while it makes us acquainted with all his habits and sentiments, places him in a most advantageous point of view, as having consecrated his distinguished learning and talents to the glory of God, and the spiritual welfare of man. As Dr. Graves's works have long since received the approbation of the most eminent scholars and theologians of our country, they do not need our commendation. Vol. I. contains the memoir, and the essay on the character of the Apostles and Evangelists, to show that they were not enthusiasts. Vol. II. the lectures on the last four books of the Pentateuch. Vol. III. the first prælection; select proofs of the Trinity; and fifteen discourses on absolute predestination, compared with the Scripture statement of the justice of God. These discourses were deservedly admired at the time of their publication, for the meek and devout spirit with which the inquiry was conducted. And Vol. IV. contains sermons on various occasions, many of which have never before been published. We may perhaps recur to these volumes on a future occasion, and invite the attention of our readers to some of the lessons of christian piety and wisdom, which they contain. In the meantime, we would express a hope that those who can afford it, will give the works of Dean Graves a place in their library. Sermons on various Subjects. By the Rev. H. W. B. DAUBENEY, B.A. Perpetual Curate of St. Matthew, Cainscross; dedicated, by permission, to His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. London: Burns. Bath: Pocock. 1840. Pp. xx. 291. THERE is a want of distinctness both of arrangement and doctrinal statement in these sermons, which must detract from their usefulness, and which renders it difficult to pass a decided opinion on them. The first eight discourses are on Rom. v. 1-5; and the writer seems to treat his subject as if St. Paul had written, "Therefore being justified at baptism, we have peace with God," &c. He must have great confidence in the sincerity or discrimination of his hearers, to venture on such a substitution without careful and serious explanation of his meaning. Bible Manners and Customs, illustrated in a plain and familiar manner, from the Observations of Travellers in the East. Designed chiefly for the Young and for the Middling Classes. By E. MALTBY. London: Rivington. 1839-40. Pp. 318. THIS little work contains much information, carefully collected, and put together in a simple and pleasing manner. It will be found a useful and interesting present for young persons. The Case of St. Paul, and the Necessity of Appointment to the Ministerial Office: considered in a Sermon, preached in the Church of Witney, at the Visitation of the Rev. C. C. CLERKE, B.D. Archdeacon of Oxford, June 22d, 1840. By the Rev. THOMAS FARLEY, B.D. late Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, and Rector of Ducklington-cum-Hardwick. London: Burns. Oxford: Parker. 1840. Pp. 31. AN able defence of the necessity of a lawful call to the work of the ministry by those who have authority to send labourers into the Lord's vineyard; with an impressive address on the duties of those who are thus called and sent. Plain Sermons, preached to Country Congregations. By FRANCIS FOREMAN CLARK, A.B. Head Master of the Grammar School, Newcastle-under-Lyne, and lately Minister of Christchurch, Coseley. London: Hatchard. 1840 Pp. 301. THESE are animated and impressive sermons, and well calculated for the purpose for which they were composed. They abound in illustration, and the diction is sufficiently plain. They treat chiefly of the broad principles of Chris |