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CRITICAL NOTICES.

The Biblical Repertory and Princeton Review, Oct. 1843. Philadelphia: M. B. Hope.

WHEN We mention that this periodical is under the editorial superintendence of Professor Hodge, and is the understood organ of the old school presbyterian church of the United States, our readers will know what to expect both as to the ability with which the work is conducted, and as to the soundness of its theological character. It is as yet little read in this country compared with other American periodicals of great talent and research, but its merits are such that it is desirable they were better known. The most prominent article in this number, is on the Baconian philosophy. Its object is to show the influence of inductive science on English mind and literature. It is written with great power, though some of its passages are rather turgid. The reviewer is evidently deeply read in English literature, and imbued every inch with an enthusiastic admiration of the genius and intellectual achievements of the mother country. We wish his ardour may not have carried him a little too far. His references to some of the bright names in English literature are eulogistic without due discrimination. We allude to the estimate which a christian scholar should, on high principles of sanctified philosophy, form of such productions as those of Burns and Scott, in which, surely, there is moral tendency and effect to be taken into account, as well as the powers of mind and the fascinations of genius by which their writings are distinguished. An article on Kant, chiefly biographical, possesses the incomparable merit of being neither mystical nor dry. There is a pretty full account of the Westminster Assembly, which, after all that has been lately spoken and written on the subject, will be read with interest. The subject of a right education for the ministry is taken up in an article, which, though short, contains some valuable views and suggestions. Without going more into detail, we reiterate our most cordial wishes for the more extended circulation among us of the "Princeton Review."

The Pulpit Cyclopædia, and Christian Ministers' Companion. Vol. I. London: Houlston & Stoneman. 1844.

THIS work is designed to be an assistant in preparation for the pulpit and in the other branches of ministerial duty. The main portion of the present volume consists of outlines of sermons, many of which show a peculiar talent for neat and perspicuous arrangement. We understand the author has already favoured the church with similar fruits of his pen ; these have met with very general acceptance; and the present, we are persuaded, will be found worthy of the best of its predecessors. As to the value of such helps to the preacher, it is easier to use them than to avoid the abuse of them. To depend on such assistance is one of the worst habits a minister can form. But the utility of sketches may be considerable as specimens, and as suggestive hints, and also as succinct developments of many important, yet not always easy, passages of scripture. We have once or twice observed doctrinal statements which vary a shade from what we consider strictly accurate modes of expression. The latter part of the volume contains a variety of short essays from the works of celebrated writers on subjects connected with the duties of the ministry. They are brief, but all good. We hope well of the subsequent volumes of the Pulpit Cyclopædia.

Introductory Book of the Sciences, adapted for the Use of Schools and Private Students. By JAMES NICOL. Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd. 1844. We do not know any elementary work on science superior to this; we are disposed, indeed, to give it preference to every thing we have seen, for clear and well-arranged information, communicated in a style of perfect simplicity.

An Appeal to Parliament: or, Zion's Plea against Prelacy. Edinburgh : John Johnstone. 1842.

THIS reprint of Leighton's scarce and learned work is worthy of all encouragement. The intrinsic value of the work itself has long been appreciated by those acquainted with the polemics of the eventful period to which it belongs Its present form is neat, cheap, and portable.

The Agency of God in the Separation of Friends by Death. A Sermon preached on occasion of the death of Mrs Agnes Lowrie. By WILLIAM FLEMING, A.M., West Calder. Edinburgh: William Oliphant & Sons.

1844.

THE sudden bereavement on occasion of which this sermon was preached produced, where it was known, and more especially in the immediate neighbourhood, an impression of which it was fitting to make suitable public improvement. Mr Fleming has performed this duty with sound judgment and good feeling. His discourse is full of important sentiments and practical instruction. In the course of the sermon the author alludes to the deceased in a few words, which happily sketch her peculiar excellencies, and that with a total absence of parade, which all who knew her will admit to be in best keeping with the unostentatious but sterling character of this singularly amiable and estimable person. A fuller notice of Mrs L. is given in an appendix. Though deriving a peculiar interest from the occasion of delivery, the sermon is well adapted for general circulation and usefulness.

Lectures upon the Principal Prophecies of the Revelation. By the late ALEXANDER M'LEOD, D.D. of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York. Glasgow: John Keith. 1844.

A VERY neat republication of Lectures that have long enjoyed a high reputation in the United States, and considerable acceptance among the churches of this country, as the work of an author characterised by independent thinking, decided ability, and truly evangelical sentiment. It is written in a bold and ardent style, but with a confidence that occasionally borders on dogmatism. Like other writers on prophetical scripture, the author has some favourite views of his own, from which our readers will probably dissent. The work, however, is entitled to our recommendation, as one that may be read with gratification and with profit. It is introduced by a well-written biographical sketch of the author, and an introductory essay, from the pen of Dr Stewart Bates of Glasgow.

Geneva and Rome: An Address to the Students of the Theological School, Geneva, by Professor GAUSSEN. Edinburgh: John Johnstone. 1844. A SEASONABLE and compendious exhibition of Protestant doctrine, setting forth the scriptural notes of "the beast," with spirit-stirring calls

upon studious youth to be true to the banner of reformation principles. The publisher has our best thanks for the translation and reprint of this Address of Professor Gaussen's.

Nos. I. and II. Edinburgh:

The Sabbath School Teachers' Magazine.
James Gall & Son.

THIS periodical answers to its name. It contains a variety of brief Essays on the all-important business of bible teaching, the duties of churches and students, &c. to take part in the work, together with directions regarding the best mode of conducting it-enlivened by anecdotes, and spiced with occasional criticism. To all engaged in the scriptural training of the young, and to all who wish well to the cause, the Teachers' Magazine will commend itself as at once interesting and instructive.

A Mother in Israel. By the Rev. W. M. HALLEY, Markinch. Kirkcaldy : John Crawford. 1844.

AN address on maternal influence, duties, and responsibilities, characterized by the eloquence of strong feeling and a glowing style, and deserving, for its impressive earnestness, to be read and pondered by every christian mother.

Laws and Regulations of the North of England Free Bible Society; with an Address, by ADAM THOMSON, D.D., Coldstream, Secretary to the Scottish Board for Bible Circulation. Newcastle: 1844.

THIS tract developes a plan which, it is supposed, would, if acted on, not only promote bible circulation, but greatly aid the funds of missionary societies, or other benevolent institutions. We have not room for Dr Thomson's Address, in which the plan is recommended with cordialenergy; but we quote the following regulations of the Newcastle Society, to show the nature of the scheme. :

"I. The sole object of the society shall be the extended circulation of the holy scriptures in the vernacular tongue, at the cheapest possible rate.

"IV. The society shall maintain a General Depot of Bibles and Testaments, from which all congregations and Sunday schools, or auxiliary societies, shall be supplied at the lowest price at which they can, from any quarter, be obtained.

"V. Every person (male or female, young or old) subscribing ONE SHILLING or upwards, shall be a member of the society.

"VII. All the office-bearers of the society shall perform their respective duties gratis, with the exception of the depositary, whose salary shall be paid out of the per centage allowed for ready money by those from whom the bibles are purchased; it being assumed that this allowance will, in all cases, be sufficient.

"XI. All the money collected by the society, or its auxiliaries (and every congregation and Sunday school throughout the country may be an auxiliary), shall go exclusively for the purchase of bibles, the cheapest market always to be preferred; while application shall uniformly, in the first instance, be made to The Scottish Board for Bible Circulation,' as having first led to the late great reduction, and subsequently been the only safeguard against any rise in the price of the holy scrip

tures.

"XII. All the proceeds from the sale of the society's bibles shall be applied primarily to supplying the very indigent with bibles at reduced prices, or even gratis, as the case may require; and while every subscriber shall have the option of getting, for that purpose, for his own use, bibles or testaments of the value of his subscription, any surplus funds in the hands of the society at the end of the year, shall be given to some benevolent object, such as sending bibles gratis to Home or

Foreign Missions; or, even in the case of congregations, for promoting their own pecuniary interests, provided the subscription be sought or given avowedly with that object in view."

We understand that, at public meetings, held at Newcastle, Alnwick, and other places, the proposed plan has been unanimously and zealously approved of.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE,-FOREIGN,

SURVEY OF MISSIONS.-Malta.-In this island the Bible and Tract Societies do much by the circulation of the scriptures, books, and tracts, on behalf of its native population, computed at about 100,000, and all in the most abject subjection to the delusions of Popery, which is the established religion of the island. They have no fewer than 1000 Popish clergy, enjoying church property which produces about one-fourth part of the rental of the island. In such a state of things, it cannot surprise us to find it stated by the Wesleyan Society, who have a missionary on the island, that "the operations of the mission at this place do not extend to the native Maltese. To these little or no access can be gained by a Protestant minister; for they are taught to shun him as a dangerous man. The missionary can only labour among the English and Scotch residents, and the military."

Corfu. There is a missionary from the London Society in this island, who continues English preaching among the military and English residents; but "still feels himself debarred, by the peculiarity of his circumstances, from exercising the ministry of the gospel in the Greek language." The scriptures are largely circulated; and, under the auspices of the British Government, education is in a state of rapid improvement. Besides the general schools, there are female schools in a very satisfactory condition, and two infant schools particularly interesting. Sabbath instruction is also to be introduced into the public schools.

Greece. The American Board has two missionaries in Athens, usefully employed in preaching, in the publication of useful books, and, till recently, in education. One of these missionaries preaches publicly and regularly in Greek, to a congregation of from thirty to a hundred attentive hearers. Public preaching was scarcely known in Greece until a few years back. In 1838 three priests were appointed preachers to the kingdom; and about 1840 four young men were appointed to preach in the churches of Athens. The Greek church, it is well known, is so deplorably corrupted, as to retain scarce a vestige of scriptural purity and simplicity in its constitution, rites, or doctrines; and hence, like all antichristian churches, it must be opposed to the diffusion of scriptural light, which exposes its corruptions, and so far undermines its authority. So that although, by the constitution of the kingdom of Greece, full religious toleration is guaranteed, yet the labours of protestant missionaries have been much counteracted by the jealousy and open opposition of the ecclesiastical authorities. A proclamation was issued by them against the modern Greek version of the Old Testament, the old version of it into ancient Greek being declared to be the only canonical version, and the only one admissible in the eastern church, though not in a language which the people can understand. Happily, however, the people have their liberty, and continue to buy copies of the Old Testament in their vernacular tongue. The ecclesiastical authorities have been more successful in their intrigues against the

purity of education, having obtained from their government an order that the catechisms of the Greek church shall be taught in all the schools, or that the Testament and all religious instruction shall be excluded from them. The missionaries of the American Board, finding that the catechisms enforced upon them contained doctrines which no conscientious protestant could teach, have felt compelled to close their school. In the island of Syra, the Church of England Missionary Society has one missionary, who preaches on the Lord's day, in both English and German, to a very small audience, numbering sometimes from thirty to forty perHis chief sphere of usefulness appears to lie in the schools under his care; which, notwithstanding the efforts made by the authorities to introduce the Greek Church superstitions into them, he appears to have been able to maintain in a satisfactory degree of purity, and to feel unrestrained in communicating religious instruction to the children.

sons.

Turkey. To the Mohammedan population of this empire Christian missionaries have no access,-it being a capital crime under all Moslem governments for a subject to renounce the national religion, and a crime of such magnitude for any one to attempt to seduce them from it, that a foreign missionary found guilty of it would be immediately expelled from the country, if not visited with a higher penalty. Missionaries, however, enjoy considerable freedom of access to the Greek, the Armenian, and the Jewish part of the population, excepting in so far as their pious and unostentatious endeavours arouse the opposition and violence of the religous authorities of these different sects. The American board has missionaries stationed in Constantinople; in Broosa, sixty-three miles south of it; in Smyrna; in Trebisond, on the south-east shore of the Black Sea; and in Erzeroom, 134 miles south-east of it ;-in all about fifteen missionaries. The American Episcopal Missionary Society has three missionaries in Constantinople; the London Jews' Society has two missionaries, and the Church of England Missionary Society one, in Smyrna. The most interesting and hopeful objects of missionary labour in the Turkish empire appear to be the Armenians, who are found very numerously scattered over the rest of the empire, as well as occupying that portion of it which is their original country. It is supposed that there are about 200,000 of them in Constantinople and the adjacent villages. Although the Christian religion, as professed by their nation, is not less corrupted in all its doctrines and institutions than in the Greek Church, yet the Armenians have been less violent in their opposition to the missionaries, and show themselves more susceptible of the impressions of Bible truth and vital religion. There appears to be a greater independence among them of the influence of their ecclesiastical superiors. The election of the officiating clergy is in the hands of the people, and is uniformly exercised by them; and their priests have no fixed income, but depend entirely upon the fees and other perquisites of their office. This must give to the people a habit of thinking and acting in religion for themselves. In Constantinople there is a limited internal jurisdiction allowed them, the exercise of which has hitherto been in the hands of their opulent bankers; but they have now had independence and firmness enough to liberate themselves from this aristocratic tyranny, and to get the management of their internal affairs placed in the hands of a council of twenty-seven, chosen by as many different classes. The American missionaries have for years referred to individual instances of very decided piety appearing among them, although from their ecclesiastical superiors they have had much opposition to encounter. But the more recent statements of the missionaries of the American Board afford satisfactory evidence that a religious awakening of the most hopeful kind is taking place among many of that people

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