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know a single game at cards; but I think Mr. Platt must often have found occasion to weep, as I have done, over the inconsistencies of Christians at home, on these points, or at least of many, who make a visible profession, and who are even found on the platforms of our religious meetings. I know that a worldly mind is to be condemned wherever it is found; yet, in judging of each other, I conceive that much allowance ought to be made for our continental brethren, on the ground of their National and educational prejudices, and the thicker moral atmosphere that surrounds them. I at least have witnessed many freedoms on the continent with respect to the Lord's-day, and other matters, with surprise and sorrow, even on the part of some, whose deep and sincere piety are unquestionable. But when I know that the celebrated actor was no other than the late Mr. Kemble, whom I never saw, but whose tomb I visited when at Lausanne, a man, as I have understood, of acknowledged character and considerable attainments, I can conceive of it as Mo other than an act of courtesy, when the Professor introduced Mr. Platt to one whom he considered as perhaps the most distinguished countryman of his then at Lausanne.

When Mr. Platt, however, insinuates, from circumstances like these, the unsound character of the Lausanne Bible Society, and holds it up as a specimen of all other continental societies, I must demur. When at Lausanne, I had the pleasure of hearing two of the pastors of the church there, who are connected with its Bible Society, and I have seldom listened to more faithful exhibitions of Christian truth. There were also given to me the

last four reports of the society, or rather one of the canton de Vaud, and three of its Lausanne Auxiliary. The one meeting appears to have been conducted like our own anniversary; but each meeting of the Auxiliary was commenced and closed with prayer; three of the prayers were concluded with the Lord's Prayer, two with the usual reference to our Lord's mediation, and one with as strong and pointed a doxology to the sacred Three as could be wished. Throughout the speeches I find a distinct recognition of some of the principal doctrines of the gospel, and sentiments which would delight any Christian assembly. It may be that some former report was headed with a quotation from Rousseau; and the Rev. Daniel Wilson, too, (if I recollect, for I have not the volume at hand,) has introduced into his lectures a long passage from the same author with considerable effect; so has Rev. H. Horne, in his invaluable work in illustration of the character of Christ and the morality of his gospel; than which there are few pieces more to the point or more beautiful, and the testimony so much the stronger, as coming from an avowed infidel. The motto attached to the report before me is at least unexceptionable:"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God."

I have trespassed already too long on your valuable pages, or I had several other topics to notice; but trusting that what I have said will tend in some degree to settle the minds of many in the country, and in Wales particularly, who have little opportunity of reading the various pamphlets on the subject,

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

A MEMEER OF A WELSH AUXILIARY.

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PSALM II.

Why are Jews and Gentiles raging,

To effect one vain design?

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Why, against the Lord engaging,
Do their rulers thus combine?
Madly aiming

His anointed to destroy !

God, from heaven, his habitation,
All their impious plots discerns;
In his righteous indignation,
He their counsels overturns,
And his purpose,

To their terror, thus he speaks :

"Christ my king have I appointed;
He shall reign, whoe'er oppose;
Thee, my Son, my dear anointed,
Now I own before thy foes.
Take thy station;
Reign on Zion's holy hill.

"Ask of me, and lo! 'tis given ;
All the heathen lands are thine:
Every nation under heaven
To thy sway I now assign.
All who hate thee
Thou shalt utterly destroy."

Hear, ye kings, Jehovah's sentence,
And dispute his will no more;
At his feet, in deep repentance,
All ye realms of earth adore :
Fearing, trembling-
Yet in hope may you rejoice.

PSALM XCIII.

The Lord, with endless glories crown'd,
In majesty transcendent reigns;
With strength he girds himself around,
His word of power the world sustains.

Eternal God! thy lofty throne
Stood firmly fix'd in years of old;
From everlasting, thou alone

Hast sway'd thy sceptre uncontroll❜d.

Thy foes in vain against thee rise,

And dare dispute thy sovereign will, Like floods, whose waves assault the skies, Thou canst with ease their tumult still. The ocean's mightiest waves may roar, But thou art mightier far than they; Thee, O most High! let men adore, Whom winds and waves, and seas obey!

Thy promises, O Lord, are sure,

And just thy laws, let all confess; Thy worship must be ever pure-Thy house th' abode of holiness. Essex.

J. B.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

THE HISTORY AND CHARACTER OF AME-
RICAN REVIVALS. By the Rev. CALVIN
COLTON.

12mo. Westley and Davis.

NONE but an American could have written this volume; because none but an American thoroughly understands the subject of which it treats. Having devoted several anxious and, we trust, unprejudiced hours to its perusal, we are driven to the conclusion that little is known in this country of the genuine character and happy results of an American revival. We are thankful to the amiable Foreigner who has landed upon our shores, and who has placed before the Christian mind of this country so much valuable intelligence;-intelligence extending to the whole subject of revivals-their causes, their phenomena, and their influences on the state of society and the destinies of mankind. We had always, since we read the life of President Edwards, been disposed to rate American revivals at a very high value; but we are now settled down in the conviction, that

where they do not exist it is because the full efficiency of Christianity has not been legitimately tried. There may be peculiarities in the great religious excitements of America, arising out of the elements which compose the state of society in that country; but the general facts and reasonings of this volume may be regarded as having a direct bearing on the condition of any community where the religion of the cross has asserted its undisputed sway.

It would be next to impossible to convey to our readers any just impression of the extreme interest of a volume which, with a vigour of thought, and a force of expression, seldom to be met with in the present age, fully enters into every question, direct or collateral, which the subject of American revivals might suggest. The author has furnished us with a correct definition of the true nature of a revival, which he considers to be the concentrated power of religion over a community of minds, when the Spirit of God awakens Christians to special faith and effort, and brings sinners to repentance. He has well

described those peculiarities of society in the United States which may be in a high degree favourable to revivals, and has strikingly distinguished between insulated conversions and those which take place in a revival. He has shown upon what grounds the sympathetic economy of revivals is consistent with the scriptural doctrine of Divine influence; and has vividly pourtrayed the rise, decline, reappearance, and present state of those movements of the public mind in the American churches at the present moment. These details he has followed up with some valuable hints as to the best means of originating and promoting a revival of religion, which cannot be read by ministers or churches without producing an oppressive conviction of the very inefficient way in which we go to work in this country, in our endeavours to pluck sinners as brands from the burning. Our author deals with great honesty, and points out what is indispensably necessary to any thing worthy the name of revival, and what, at the same time, will tend most painfully to repress it. Nor has he shrunk from the manly avowal of those incidental evils and extravagances which have sprung up, through the obvious infirmity of human nature, in the train of revivals; though he has said enough historically to prove that it is as absurd to object to a revival of the vital energy of Christianity on their account, as it would be to object to Christianity itself, because it has been the innocent occasion of wars, and bloodshed, and endless cruelties and persecutions. In fact, he has shown that more than nine-tenths of all the discouraging accounts of revivals which have been given to the world, have been the product of avowed enemies to the cause of truth, or the malignant offspring of lukewarm professors of religion, "twice dead, plucked up by the roots." We should be thankful for this treatise, were it only for the able demonstration it supplies of the fact, that the public opinion of the world is now on the side of Christianity, and that the disciples of Christ are responsible for the right use of this new facility in all their efforts to revive the interests of true piety, and to extend the limits of the visible church. To those who imagine that revivals are indigenous to the American soil, and who regard it as next to absurd to endeavour to transplant them into another region, our author has furnished a triumphant reply; while, on the other hand, he has thrown out many remarks well calculated to guard ministers and churches against the adoption of any methods of operation, so foreign to the habits of particular communities, as to be calculated to shock public prejudice, and thereby to depreciate the value of their agency in producing a revival. We agree with the author in thinking it highly probable that the spirit of American revivals, connected with several other mighty revolu

tions of the public mind, may be the destined agency of Divine Providence for the regeneration of the world; and we see nothing in the phenomena of revivals, contemplated in this light, which does not fall in with the just notion of what is aptly termed by the author," the philosophy of religion." Those who would throw any thing like a shade over the doctrine of sudden conversions will do well to read this volume, as it will teach them that it is alike unphilosophical and unscriptural to do so; but especially will they do well to ponder the facts which he has accumulated on this subject, which we are mistaken if any one can examine without deep emotion. His appeal to British Christians on the subject of revivals is at once eloquent and conclusive. May it prove, by God's blessing, irresistible! In one chapter Mr. C. has defined, somewhat at large, the American method of dealing with awakened sinners. We are not quite sure if we think with the author's countrymen on this subject; but we are ready to concede that the opinions and practices of men who have been so eminently blessed of God deserve to be well weighed ere they are rejected.

We must now take leave of this powerful and unusually interesting volume, by laying before our readers a specimen or two of the author's style and method of treating his subject. After dividing the American revivals into two distinct classes-those in which the instruments have not been apparent, and those in which the instrumentality has been obvioushe makes the following very forcible remarks:

"That common apology for indolence, which clothes itself with the sanctity of resignation to the Divine will-"We must wait God's time"-has been too often and too long employed in the United States, in application to the coming of Revivals of Religion. But it is now getting to be more generally understood, that to wait God's time, in this matter, is not to wait at all; and that sitting still, or standing still, is not the submission of piety, but an expression of the sloth and recklessness of unbelief. Revivals of Religion now at least to some extent-are not simply regarded as things to be believed in, as possible with God, and then resigned to God, as though man had nothing to do with them; but they are laid out as fields of labour, in which it is expected man will be a co-worker with God. They are made matters of human calculation, by the arithmetic of faith in God's engagements.

"But is not this second class of revivals more like the work of man than the first? Yes; and there is actually more of the work of man in them-and not the less genuine for all that. In the first class, God works in spite of and against the want of human instrumentality; he works against all the opposing tendencies of the prayerlessness,

and the inactivity, and the very counterworkings of his people-and of his ministers even. 'He is found of them who seek him not, and who call not after him.' He works as a sovereign, executing, not more than he has decreed, but more than he has promised. In the second class, also, he works as a sovereign; because it is one part of his sovereignty (a part too often overlooked), to meet his own engagements, to fulfil his promisesto work when his people work, and to work with them. God often does more of good than he promises, but he never does less. In the former revivals, the visitations of God were more awful, because he seemed to come alone, and in all the mightiness of his power. Men stood still and wondered, as his conquering chariot rolled along. All heard the sound, and witnessed the thronging of the multitudes in the way. And the fruit of these visitations has been, that multitudes of perishing souls, as the Saviour passed by, have lifted up their voice, and cried, 'Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on us!' and have been heard, and forgiven, and sanctified."—pp. 5—7.

Speaking of the founders of New England, Mr. C. says,

"The pilgrims are not to be judged by common rules; they were above the common order, as if born and trained for more than common purposes, which, indeed, was the fact. God raised them up for the special exigency which they occupied and filled out, viz. to lay the foundations of a new social edifice, to assort and throw into form the elements of a new empire. And the religious care and faith with which they undertook and carried on, and achieved their work, have been alike a subject of ridicule among the profane, and of approving admiration among those who knew how to appreciate their character. And they did actually erect, not only a civil, but a religious empire-guaranty ing equally the rights of man in relation to man, and the duties of conscience in the relations of man to God. The spirit of religion was infused throughout, pervaded, and characterised all their institutions. Not that religion was imposed, but tolerated, patronised, recommended, exemplified-made the chief ingredient of the moral structure-the leaven of the mass-welcomed cordially, cultivated assiduously."-pp. 39, 40.

We should be happy in multiplying quotations, but our limits forbid. The volume must be read, and read generally, as it is fitted, and, we trust, destined, to produce an electrical impression upon the public mind. The narratives of revivals which it contains are most touching; and no one of feeling can read them without tears. They have all the excitement of a novel, without any of its vitiating tendency. Could we persuade ten members of each Christian church throughout the land to read and digest this book, the

VOL. Xa

elements of a national revival of religion would thereby be generated. We say to all, read, pray, act, and God will not be wanting on his part.

ETERNITY REALIZED; or, a Guide to the Thoughtful. By ROBERT PHILIP, of Maberly Chapel.

Westley and Davis.

We

ALTHOUGH an intelligent reader of the New Testament must observe in the religion of the first Christians a general correspondence with the experience of believers in every age; yet he cannot resist the conviction that there was much in primitive Christianity which is now but seldom, if ever, attained. In nothing, perhaps, is this deficiency so manifest as in a comparative estimate of the energy and influence of the hope of immortality. Our prayers resemble those of the early converts. have the same, or similar, groanings of the Spirit, the same assurance of faith,-the same love to the Saviour,-the same spiritual conflicts and divine supports. But how seldom do we hear an expression of feeling at all corresponding with their high and ardent hopes of eternal happiness! How little do we know of the desire to depart and be with Christ, of the looking for and husting unto the coming of the Lord Jesus! Whether, in the present state of society, we have more earthly attachments, or our public services present less powerful inducements to contemplate the eternal world,-whether the reasoning of the age has induced us to look more to the present than to the future, or an Antinomian spirit, not content with excluding the notion of merit which ought not to be indulged, has with it banished the expectation of reward which ought to be cherished ;-it is to be feared that Christian hope is much too feeble to sustain the rejoicing in tribulation and triumph in death, by which the apostles and martyrs were eminently distinguished.

Believing that there is a serious deficiency in this department of experimental religion, which requires to be treated with a skilful hand, we were much gratified on hearing that Mr. Philip had prepared a series of essays on "Eternity Realized." The importance and difficulty of the subject called for the best attention of such a writer as had already studied the various aspects of Christian character, and accurately observed the emotions of the renewed heart. Mr. Philip is well known as the author of two most valuable works on experimental and devotional subjects. As the third of the series is of peculiar interest, so it has engaged a large share of the author's careful consideration, and will more than justify the high expectations of such as have been delighted with his preceding works.

As admirers of the "Saints' Everlasting

L

Rest," and who that has read that blessed book can think of heaven without being reminded of it? we confess we had some difficulty in supposing that the subject of eternity could be successfully treated after another manner. But Mr. Philip has succeeded. In some respects no two books can be more unlike. There is not a single point of resemblance in the plan or execution; yet, for the future, we shall class them together, as eminently calculated to excite, by different means, that glorious hope which was once the possession, but is now rather the desire of the church on earth. For this valuable manual, with its chastened feeling and spiritual unction, not less than for the older volume, with its glowing and impassioned eloquence, Baxter may furnish a description in the title of his fourth and finest part-" A Directory for the getting and keeping of the Heart in Heaven by the diligent Practice of that excellent unknown Duty of Heavenly Meditation."

1. Two LETTERS addressed to a Friend in Wales, on some prevalent Misconceptions relative to the Constitution and Proceedings of the British and Foreign Bible Society. By C. S. DUDLEY." The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way."

2. THE COMPARATIVE CLAIMS of the British and Foreign Bible Society and the Trinitarian Bible Society calmly discussed. By the Rev. JOHN KING, M.A., Minister of Christ Church, Hull.

Hatchard, Holdsworth, Seeley, and Duncan.

We wish to deal in no vituperations of those who may differ from us on the controversy respecting the Bible Society; and, therefore, we simply but earnestly entreat every impartial person, whose eye may meet this notice, to read these conclusive and temperate pamphlets. In point of argument they leave not an inch of ground on which our opponents can stand; and in point of Christian feeling they are models worthy of their close imitation. We hope our dear Welsh friends, who may have been shaken in their attachment to the Bible Society, will read Mr. Dudley's most Christian and conclusive ap peal.

SERMONS preached in Howard Street Chapel, Sheffield. By THOMAS RAWSON TAYLOR. 12mo.

Hamilton and Adams.

THE amiable author of these sermons has done well in giving them to his former flock and to the public. They are plain, nervous, correct exhibitions of the distinguishing peculiarities of the gospel. Few compositions we have yet read of the class to which they belong are more adapted to family and village reading. They are eminently free from all

obscurities both in style and sentiment; and are, moreover, so baptized in the spirit of love and faithfulness, that they cannot fail to be received with more than usual satisfaction by all who know and value "the truth as it is in Jesus." The ministry of the gospel-the people whose God is the Lord-Christ the way to the Father-human and Divine agency in the work of salvation-regeneration—the necessity of promptitude and diligence in attending to religious duty-death considered as an object of desire-declension in religious affections and zeal-the causes of a depressed state of religion, and the means of revival— the missionary spirit-the nature, object, and effects of Sabbath-school instruction-and an address to the young-are the important themes which occupy this excellent volume.

THE BOW IN STRENGTH; or, A Practical Dissertation on the History of Joseph, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. By CHARLES LAROM, Sheffield. 12mo. 3s. 6d.

THE narrative of Joseph's history is placed in these pages in a variety of striking lights, and the moral lessons with which it is fraught But few writers, comparatively, have the art are well and powerfully brought forth to view. of sketching character, or of marking the peculiarities of its development. We regard the author of this volume as one of the few who understand the minutiae of human feelings and actions, and who know how to connect them with the workings of that inscrutable Providence who overrules all things for the good of the church.

1. MORAL FABLES AND PARABLES. BY INGRAM COBBIN, M.A. 32mo. pp. 167.

2. THE CLASSICAL ENGLISH VOCABULARY; containing a selection of Words commonly used by the best Writers, with their Pronunciation and Derivation, terms of Science, words of similar import, and other articles essential to the attainment of a correct knowledge of the English Language: to which are appended Lutin and French phrases in general use, and names of distinguished persons. Intended as a Supplement to the Grammatical and Pronouncing Spelling-book; for the assistance of the higher classes in schools, and of youth in their private studies. By INGRAM COBBIN, A. M. 12mo. pp. 222. THE active energy of Mr. Cobbin's mind is a very remarkable quality. His works expressly for the young, and for the purposes of assisting in their education, are now very numerous and deservedly popular. He knows how to write simply and with interest. His Classical English Vocabulary is a work of great labour and utility, and is entitled to a high rank among books for schools. The little volume of Fables is ingeniously written, and is well calculated to engage the attention, and to rouse the moral and reli

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