(19.) "Sinfulness of American Slavery, by Rev. CHARLES ELLIOTT, D. D.” (Cincinnati Swormstedt & Power, 1850; 2 vols., 12mo.) By some mishap this book has not reached our table till a very late period; so that our tardiness in noticing it is not our own fault. The author was appointed by the General Conference of 1848, to write the History of the Church for the preceding four years-a requirement which obviously involved a survey of the subject of slavery. His resources for this survey are ample; indeed, few libraries can be so rich in the literature of the subject as Dr. Elliott's, if we may judge from the full list of authorities appended to the second volume; and no man could be more patient and diligent in the study of authorities. Dr. Elliott never undertakes the investigation of a subject that he does not sift thoroughly. No book, pamphlet, or even newspaper article of value, can escape his ever-watchful vigilance. So it has been in the case before us. These two volumes are a complete repertory of facts on the subject of Slavery in its relations to the moral law. Another volume, on "Servitude and Slavery," is in preparation; and the three are intended to show that the "Scripture neither sanctions nor tolerates slavery: that the regulations of the Mosaic code referred to servitude, so as to prevent it from running into slavery." The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1844 to 1848 will follow the third volume. The work before us is divided into six parts, of which Part I. treats of "American Slavery and the African Slave trade," and shows that in principle the two are identical. Dr. Elliott, however, is careful to discriminate between guilty and innocent slaveholders:— "Some may become the legal owners of slaves by will or inheritance. Others, though convinced of the sinfulness of the system, may not have it in their power to set their slaves free, for the present, and they hold them in order to do them the greatest good possible. Such, certainly, cannot be placed in the list of transgressors or sinners: otherwise, one person, by his act, can make another a sinner; or one can be made a sinner by the act of another-which is absurd. Such employ the mere legal tenure to emancipate the slave, and prevent him from becoming a slave for life, and his posterity after him; or he employs this legal tenure to do the slave all the good he can, although he cannot set him free. "There are others who love slavery and the laws which authorize and protect it. They daily strive to render that law more stringent. They use their power over the slave for their own benefit, without regard to the rights of man or the law of God; and they resist the annulment of slave laws." Part II. shows that slavery deprives men of their natural rights, personal liberty, property, education, religious privileges, marriage, &c. Part III. exhibits, in strong colours, the injuries inflicted by slavery. Part IV. treats of its contrariety to the Christian Scriptures: Part V. of its effects on the master, the slave, and the community: and Part VI. offers a number of observations on the duty and practicability of emancipation. It will be seen from this brief statement, that in the volumes before us, and in those that are to follow, Dr. Elliott proposes an extensive survey of the whole subject, which, like his great work on Romanism, will afford in itself a treasury of facts and arguments on the matter of which it treats. (20.) "The Iliad of Homer, with Notes for the use of Schools and Colleges, by JOHN I. OWEN, D. D." (New-York: Leavitt & Co., 1851; 12mo., pp. 740.) The text is reprinted from Wolf's, with occasional variations. In the preparation of the notes Professor Owen has in this, as in all his text-books, consulted the real wants of students, preserving a just mean between the two extremes of meagreness and prolixity. Prefixed to the text is a summary of each book, affording the student a general view of the plan of the poem. A brief grammatical Index, and a more copious historical one, add greatly to the value of the edition for the use of students. The type is of the beautiful Porsonian cut-and the whole getting up of the work is admirable. (21.) AMONG many indications of evil to the Church, the demand for works of practical religion is one of the most hopeful signs of the times. "A Wreath Around the Cross, by Rev. A. MORTON BROWN," (Boston: Gould & Lincoln, 18mo., pp. 313,) is intended to exhibit Scripture doctrine through the medium of Scripture facts" to elevate the Cross above all, and to plead with all classes to look to Jesus." It is accompanied by a recommendatory preface from Rev. J. A. James. (22.) THE "True Practice of Religion, from the Dutch Shorter Doctrine of Practice, by Rev. EWALDUS KIST, D. D." (New-Orleans: John Ball, 12mo., pp. 448.) of the writer of this book we know nothing, except that he wrote some volumes of sermons, besides this manual of practical religion, which has long enjoyed an extensive circulation in Holland. It would be a most excellent vade-mecum for Christians of all classes, were it less Calvinistic in its groundwork. (23.) MR. LAYARD has done a most excellent service to that large portion of the reading public which was precluded from purchasing his "Nineveh and its Remains," by its high price, in preparing "A Popular Account of Discoveries at Nineveh, abridged by the author from his larger work." (New-York: Harper & Brothers, 1852; 12mo., pp. 360.) The plan pursued in the abridgment has been to omit the second part of the original work, and to introduce the principal Biblical and historical illustrations into the body of the narrative. This last is a great improvement, and makes the abridgment a better book for general readers than the original. The work is beautifully got up, and profusely illustrated, and is yet sold at a remarkably low price. (24.) "Wesley and Methodism, by ISAAC TAYLOR." (New-York: Harper & Brothers, 12mo., pp. 328.) In this work Mr. Taylor abandons the line of spiritual pathology, and takes to that of criticism and prophecy. An extended review will be offered as soon as possible. (25.) "Lectures on the History of France, by the Right Hon. Sir JAMES STEPHENS, Professor of Modern History, in the University of Cambridge." (New-York: Harper & Brothers, 1852; 8vo., pp. 710.) In publishing this volume, Sir James Stephens disclaims any pretence of entitling himself to a place in that small and illustrious company of historical writers to which Mr. Macaulay and Mr. Hallam belong. Indeed, it is only a wonder that he would put before the public, under any circumstances, a work so rapidly executed as to be necessarily imperfect. But it is a course of lectures, not a history, and as such it is to be judged. Appointed to his professorship in 1849, Sir James delivered the first twelve lectures in this volume in the spring of 1850, and the remaining twelve in the summer of 1851. They are printed, because, strange to say, no other introduction to the History of France, worthy of the name, or fitted to accompany young students in listening to a lecturer, exists in our language. And for general readers they possess all the attractions which have made the author's contributions to the Edinburgh Review so popular-viz., breadth of view, clearness of statement, and animation of style. The book, large as it is, and abounding in discussion as well as narrative, is everywhere readable. In view of all its qualities, it is worthy of a place in every library. (26.) "The Successful Merchant: Sketches of the Life of Mr. Samuel Budgett, by WILLIAM ARTHUR, A. M." (New-York: Lane & Scott, 16mo., pp. 420.) This is the biography of a man who commenced trade at ten years of age by picking up a horse-shoe and selling it for a penny-and ended at fifty-six, as one of the largest merchants of the West of England. The book is full of attraction: the reader who takes it up will hardly be inclined to lay it down till he has finished its perusal. Mr. Arthur is known as the author of "A Mission to Mysore," in which he showed great power of description and capacity for clear and pleasant narrative; and these qualities are strikingly displayed in the work before us. The book is valuable, not only as a narrative, but also for its valuable reflections on commercial morals, a subject prolific of interest in all times, and which never needed thorough discussion more than now. A large number of notices are necessarily omitted. ART. IX-LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Theological. EUROPEAN. We have received the third volume of "Davidson's Introduction to the New Testament," completing the work. (London: Bagsters, 8vo., 656 pp.) It will, as the author modestly hopes, prove acceptable to the growing class of theological students who are alive to the tendencies of the age, as “a contribution towards a full understanding of the questions connected with the department of Introduction." Dr. Davidson has not that highest skill of authorship-the selection of just the points on which perspicuity and completeness depend, and the apt subordination of all others to these FOURTH SERIES, VOL. IV.-20 but he works laboriously and faithfully, and puts his readers in the way of forming independent judgments on many questions, which, without his aid, it would require the study of many books to master. We hope the work will soon be reprinted in America. THE Wesleyan agitation in England has given rise to many discussions of mere transient interest, but it has also called forth some writings of more permanent value. Among these are "The Polity of Wesleyan Methodism, exhibited and defended by GEORGE SMITH, F. A. S., (author of the Patriarchal Age, the Hebrew People, &c.,) which consists of two lectures, giving a historical review of the rise, progress, and present state of Wesleyan Methodism, and a careful comparison of all its leading peculiarities with the teaching of Holy Scripture. Mr. Smith has also published a treatise on "The Doctrine of the Pastorate, considered with special reference to Wesleyan Methodism." (8vo., 123 pp.) The work treats of the Divine Institution, the Reli gious Responsibilities and the Scriptural Claims of the Christian Ministry; and although it was suggested by the controversies of the times, it avoids polemics as much as possible, aiming rather to present a portable summary of Christian teaching on the subject of the ministry. A MANUSCRIPT of Wiclif's in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, has been recently published under the title of Three Treatises of John Wiclif, D. D.,-I. On the Church and her Members: II. On the Apostasy of the Church: III. On Antichrist." (Dublin:) The work is edited with notes and a glossary by J. H. Todd, D. D. THAT veteran writer, Faber, who has kept his pen at work with restless activity for half a century, has just offered to the world what he calls his "last, and perhaps his dying, performance" in the " Many Mansions of the House of our Father, spiritually discussed and practically considered," in which he maintains that this earth from first to last is the exclusive theatre of all which concerns the human race. PROF. JACOBI has published, in Berlin, a volume of " Wissenschaftliche Abhandlungen, von Dr. A. NEANDER," (268 pp.,8vo.,) containing a number of addresses and essays, theological, moral, and historical. Yet in "A Brief History of the Wesleyan Missions on the Western Coast of Africa, by William Fox," (London, 1851,) is a handsome 8vo. volume of 624 pages. Why it should be called a "brief history," we are at a loss to imagine: for a more wearisomely prolix book we have rarely seen. spite of this grave fault the book abounds in interest. It contains a full account of the slave-trade, past and present, a description of the principal European settlements on the African coast, a sketch of all that has been done by the Wesleyan Missions there, with biographical accounts of all the Missionaries (Wesleyan) who have died in that important field of labour. As the author was himself two years in this perilous service, he is well acquainted with the coast, and has penetrated farther into the interior than any European now living; he is well entitled to speak on the subject, and we bespeak for him an attentive and favourable hearing. ULLMANN's "Gregory of Nazianzum " has been translated by G. V. Cox, M. A., and published in a neat 12mo.volume by Parker, London. (318 pp.) We regret to say that it does not include the dogmatic part, or the statement and examination of Gregory's theological opinions; but it is yet a most interesting and instructive biography, furnishing a valuable contribution to the ec clesiastical history of the fourth century. We have repeatedly spoken of the excellence, in its peculiar line, of the "Journal of Sacred Literature," (London: R. B. Black ader,) edited by John Kitto, D. D., and are now glad to announce to our readers that arrangements have been made for its regular distribution in this country, at a comparatively low price. Messrs. Crosby, Nichols & Co., Boston, have been appointed general agents for the work, and will supply it at $1 25 per number, or at $5 00 per annum. Subscriptions are also received by C. S. Francis & Co., New-York. The following statement of the contents of the number for January, 1852, will give an idea of the general scope and aims of the Journal. Art. I. treats of the "Relative authority of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures of the Old Testament," and gives a high, yet wellsustained estimate of the value of the Septuagint version-not indeed as inspired, but as of use to correct the Hebrew original whenever there is good ground to believe it is corrupted. The writer carefully investigates all the citations of the Old Testament in the New, and gives us the following result: Of the 225 quotations contained in the New Testament Scriptures, there are,1. Quotations agreeing verbatim with the Septuagint, and agreeing also with the Hebrew..... 2. Quotations agreeing with the Septuagint verbatim, except that a synonymous word occurs once in two or three lines; or some other equally trifling variation exists....... 3. Quotations agreeing, either verbatim, or nearly so with the Septuagint, but differing in sense, more or less, from the Hebrew..... 129 39 22 27 8 4. Quotations agreeing neither with the Hebrew nor the Greek............................... 5. Quotations agreeing with the Hebrew, but not with the Septuagint... Art. II. on "the Ministry of Angels," reviews in order the principal passages of Scripture relating to the subject. Art. III. 'Solomon's Song," is reprinted from an article by Prof. Stowe in the American Biblical Repository for April, 1847. Art. IV. is a candid examination (in fact the only intelligent and candid one that we have seen) of Mr. Forster's book on the Sinaitic Inscriptions, (" The one primeval language, &c., by Rev. C. Forster.") Art. V. discusses the "Serpent" of Genesis, and endeavours to show that it is to be regarded as a name of Satan, and not as descriptive of the creature in whose form he appeared, or which he used as an instrument in the temptation. Art. VI. is the conclusion of an elaborate and erudite article on the "Rephaim," commenced in the October number of the Journal. Art. VII. treats of the "Characteristics of Miracles," with special reference to the claims of the Popish Miracles, (so called.) Art. VIII. is a review of Ferguson's "Palaces of Nineveh and Persepolis restored;" and Art. IX. of Fairbairn's Exposition of Ezekiel. Art. X. is a critical examination of Matt. v, 21, 22. The number closes with Correspondence, Notices of Books, and a large amount of valuable literary and theological intelligence. THE thirty-third volume of the "Library of the Fathers, translated by members of the English Church," (London: J. H. Parker,) contains the first part of Chrysostom on the Acts; and the thirty-fourth volume gives Chrysostom's Homilies on St. Matthew, Part III. "Poor's Annotations on the Holy Bible" (in three volumes imperial octavo) has heretofore been sold at three guineas; but the publishers announce an edition to be ready early in June, equal in all respects to that now on sale, for one guinea and a half to all purchasers who shall apply before the first of May, (R. B. Blackader, 13 Paternoster Row, London.) WE have received a copy of " The Chronological New Testament, in which the Text of the Authorized Version is newly divided into Paragraphs and Sections, with the Dates and Places of Transactions marked, the Marginal Renderings of the Translators, many parallel illustrative Passages printed at length, a brief Introduction to each Book, and a running Analysis of the Epistles." (London: R. B. Blackader, 13 Paternoster Row.) The project of issuing such an edition had its origin in a conviction that something could be done to make our invaluable English version more intelligible to devout students of the word of God, by helps in arrangement and printing. The divisions into chapters and verses (being entirely of human origin) have, in this edition, been retained solely for the purpose of reference, -custom having sanctioned their use; but they have been made subordinate to another arrangement into paragraphs and sections, according to the subject-matter; and these sections have, by means of figures placed over each, been put into chronological order. An index is supplied at the end showing where any section is to be found. Quotations from the Old Testament have been distinguished by being printed in capitals, and speeches have been denoted by inverted commas. MR. T. K. ARNOLD has just issued a "First Hebrew Book," (London, Rivington, 12mo., 250 pp.,) which has many good points to recommend it to the use of beginners in Hebrew. Another book (which, however, we have not seen) gives promise of utility to students, viz. :" An Analysis and Critical Interpretation of the Hebrew Text of the Book of Genesis, preceded by a Hebrew Grammar and Dissertations on the Genuineness of the Pentateuch and on the Structure of the Hebrew Language. By the Rev. W. Paul, A. M." Svo., 520 pp. DR. ROBINSON'S "Greek Lexicon to the New Testament " has been reprinted in England-and has also been abridged there 'for the use of schools and students." WE have noticed Mr. Conant's excellent translations of Neander's Practical Exposition of Philippians and James, and now observe that both have been translated, at the same time, in Edinburgh, by Rev. Alexander Napier. DR. JAMES THOMSON'S Expository Lectures on St. Luke are now completed in three volumes, 8vo. (Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black.) THE third volume of Clark's "Foreign Theological Library" (Edinburgh) for 1851, has Olshausen and Wiesinger's Commentary on Philippians, Titus, and 1st Timothy. The fourth volume has Hengstenberg on |