3. Discourses upon the existence and attributes of God. By Stephen Charnock, B. D., fellow of New College, Oxford. With his life and character, by William Symington, D. D., in two volumes. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1853.

Every well read divine is familiar with Charnock on the Attributes, as an incomparable production on its appropriate theme. For depth and splendor it has not been surpassed. To great strength of understanding, and the highest literary attainments, he added the charms of a luxuriant imagination, all under the control of evangelical piety. His work has long been a standard, and has afforded, from its well furnished magazine, abundant materials to subsequent theologians. He was one of those sterling Puritan preachers whose profound acquaintance with the Scriptures, and whose vast and comprehensive views have, to a great extent, given stamina to English theology, and who must be studied, if its Sampson-like muscle and sinew be ever appreciated. The only edition which we have seen, previous to the present, was an English one, in a close compacted volume. This is in two large octavos, in type sufficiently clear to make the perusal agreeable. The reproduction of this celebrated work, in this country, will, we hope, meet with that patronage to which it is and always will be entitled. From such fountains we shall draw refreshment and strength. Upon such food we shall grow up to be men in divine knowledge.

4. The Life and Letters of Stephen Olin, D. D., LL. D., late President of the Wesleyan University. In two volumes. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1853.

We noticed, in a preceding number of this journal, "The Works of Dr. Olin," containing his sermons and lectures. Those are the matured fruits of his great mind, and produced, for the most part, on great occasions; fruits whose merits render them worthy of perpetual preservation. But we have, in fact, no less a treasure here, in that insight into his private and inner life which these memoirs afford. They fill up a chasm to those who only know him occasionally and officially, and give a remarkable continuity to the tenor of his greatness. We have been most delightfully surprised at the completeness of the portrait; the success with which his whole character has been depicted. Besides, there is more of varied and striking incident than even his warmest admirers would have anticipated. We must confess to our ignorance of those prominent elements of greatness which he exhibited in his college career, and which are so abundantly attested by his officers and associates. His correspondence was extensive and is exquisitely interesting as a specimen of epistolary composition. Where there are breaks in the narrative, occasioned by the interruption of his letters or his journal, they are ably and eloquently supplied by sketches from distinguished individuals who record their reminiscences of him, generally in a style of cordial admiration. Those from the south will re

vive the reader's recollection of his startling career and its thrilling effect on the public mind, as well as the overshadowing but serene magnificence of his riper manhood. The biography contained in these volumes is a rich bequest, especially to the church of his choice. It is very rare that any of her sons combine so many of the higher qualities of the mind and of the heart reflect so bright and so beauteous a combination of all the virtues which adorn the human character or contribute more to her true elevation, considering the weight of physical infirmity under which he incessantly labored. The delineation is obviously drawn by a competent hand, and the record scrupulously adheres to biographical fidelity. To read will be to profit, nor can we doubt that readers will be wanting. The work can be obtained of the Rev. Dr. Early, at the Methodist Book Concern, Richmond, Va.; or of the Rev. Dr. Stevenson, Louisville, Kentucky.

5. The Life and Death of our Lord. By John Kitto, D. D., F. S. A. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1853.

This is a continuation of the "Daily Bible Illustrations," which the learned author has been publishing for several years, and which he is rapidly bringing to a close. It has been delayed beyond its due time by his protracted illness. The solemnity and importance of the subject have exacted from him an unusual effort to present it in its complete and coherent aspects. It is consequently more consecutive than any of the prece ding volumes, and is replete with those incidental explanations and illustrations of the Redeemer's earthly history, for which his pursuits have so eminently qualified him. Although the plan of the work does not admit of a minute discussion of objections to the gospel narrative, or a solution of its difficulties, it has thrown great light upon them. It is constructed upon the most approved principles of the harmony, evincing the fact that the steady object of the four evangelists was to present a perfect portrait of the Divine Original. Dr. Kitto is exceedingly felicitous in the tasteful simplicity, sober judgment and glowing freshness with which he treats of sacred subjects. If his book is dedicated to the "family circle," it is no less an acquisition to the library of standard biblical literature. The selection, arrangement and treatment of the several weekly topics conduct the reader without tedium and almost without consciousness along the eventful journey to the tragical termination of Christ's incarnate life.

6. On Miracles. By Ralph Wardlaw, D. D. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1853.

We cannot expect from any man, however gifted, an argument totally new on the subject of miracles or any kindred question. Yet it is always possible to present it in a new light, and there are phases of infidelity which require that some undeveloped point of the truth may be made to meet the new emergency. This is the reason which Dr. Wardlaw assigus for the appearance of his book. Besides this, as the author well remarks, each writer has his idiosyncracy, and views and presents the truth in a

manner which may have been overlooked by some other writer, however able. This is one of the peculiarities of the book. If the grand features of the argument cannot be altered, the minor relations may be so adjusted as sensibly to enhance the conclusiveness of the whole process. There are several instances of this additive force in this book. We commend to the reader, especially, the chapter on Drs. Campbell and Chalmers' method of replying to Hume's celebrated argument against the credibility of miracles. The remarks of the author, on their respective faults, shew great discrimi nation and power of analysis. The style of Dr. Wardlaw is not so elegant as that of many divines we could mention, but is very forcible and direct. To give instances of his reasoning would lead us astray from our object, but we may very cordially recommend his treatise as setting this branch of the evidences in a very striking light. He is one of the most influential of the Scotch divines now living.

7. The Preacher and the King; or Bourdalone in the Court of Louis XIV, being an account of the pulpit eloquence of that distinguished era. Translated from the French of L. Bungener, Paris, 12th edition. With an introduction, by the Rev. George Potts, D. D. Boston: Gould and Lincoln. 1853.

This is a work of very considerable merit. Its manifest object is to discuss the eloquence of the Pulpit. The manner in which it is done is a stroke of genius. The principal pulpit orators of the Augustan age of France are grouped together, by a little effort of the imagination, in their proper historical characters and sentiments, and express their opinions freely upon such questions as are related to the duties of the minister of the Gospel. Dialogues are necessarily introduced; in which are displayed the remarkable traits of the author. They are conducted with becoming dignity, vivacity and conversational terseness. The central point of the treatise, is a sermon to be delivered by Bourdalone before the King; in which Bossuet urges him to reprove the licentious monarch for his vices, but which is too great a trial of his courage. Claude, the Protestant, is introduced as dictating the paragraph by which the King is to be reproved, and which, being read in the presence of Bossuet, is approved by him. The anxiety of the preacher, the counsel of the "philosophers," the delivery and the effect of the sermon are treated with consummate skill. The maxims on the eloquence of the pulpit which this scene serves to introduce, are profound, and are inculcated in a manner which gives them the impression and freshness of a spontaneous utterance, while, in fact, they are the maturest deductions of the greatest minds. The mode of treatment is certainly unique but the lessons are invaluable. The artistic skill of the author in drawing the portraits of his characters and in assigning them their parts in his narrative is exceedingly dramatic. It is full of nature and of truth. 8. The Complete works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. With an introductory essay upon his philosophical and theological opinions. Edited by

Professor Shedd. In seven volumes. Vol. V. New York: Harper & Brothers.

1853.

The four preceding volumes of this beautiful edition were recommended in our last issue. To the intelligent reader, nothing is necessary to interest him, on this subject, but the bare announcement. The entire works of so great a celebrity as Coleridge cannot fail to gratify literary men of all classes. The fifth volume, now before us, contains his " literary remains;” his criticisms on a variety of authors and subjects, found mostly in marginal notes in books which he read, and which at the time, were not designed to be published. They were the impromptu effusions of his powerful intellect at the moment of perusal, but exhibit the characteristic features of his vast and restless genius. Mr. Coleridge's mind was powerfully imbued with the religious element. He was bold, independent, and erratic; and therefore not always trustworthy in his speculations, yet there is posi tively a species of oracular sublimity in his utterances which fill the reader with awe, if they do not command his belief. In philosophy and criticism his resources are unbounded, though the principles of the one and the canons of the other frequently transcend the limits of sobriety. His works are a perfect magazine of the higher conceptions of the human mind and will ever command the admiration of the educated classes of society. The edition of the Harpers is a monument of their enterprise.

9. The Mother and Her Offspring. By Stephen Tracy, M. D., formerly a missionary physician of the A. B. C. F. M. to the Chinese. New York: Harper and Brothers. 1853.

So far as we are capable of judging of a production of this character, we do not hesitate to pronounce it of great utility. No one will question the importance of the subject; the only doubt can be as to its treatment. And of this, no doubt will remain after examination. The author is no quack. He is a gentleman of education and experience, to whose mind the necessity of some such treatise was suggested by the isolated condition of wives and mothers in a foreign land. He seeks to supply the information which their welfare and that of their infant children require. His details are full and sufficient, abounding with that strong good sense and practical skill which are so imperative in such cases. The former part of the volume is occupied with those physiological details of the science which prepare the way for that advice which is essential to the healthful development of the laws of the female constitution. We find nothing in this part of the work which may not well meet the eye of all whose condition demands the instructions of the author.

10. Dr. Grant and the Mountain Nestorians. By Rev. Thomas Laurie, surviving associate in that mission. With portrait, map of the country, illustrations, &c. Boston: Gould and Lincoln.

1853.

No portion of the missionary field, in the East, has attracted more attention of late than the Nestorians. They have been objects of great interest

to the Presbyterian Board, who have the honor of restoring to this primitive people a primitive gospel. They are a poor, persecuted race, retaining the mutilated forms and truths of their ancient faith in their mountain fastnesses, amidst oppressive and barbarian neighbors. Dr. Grant was the associate of Dr. Perkins, who yet occupies his useful station in that region. A brief account of his life and labors was published a few years ago, but it was an imperfect sketch of his usefulness. The present is copious and authentic, being a condensation of the voluminous journal of Dr. Grant himself. As in several collateral instances, while we have in these pages a missionary narrative, we have a most important addition to the geography and history of the country. A very excellent map and several striking engravings adorn the volume. Dr. Grant was present when the Kurds committed their fierce ravages upon the Nestorians, and his name has left a savor to both preparatory for the future labors of the church. Although he lived to see but few fruits of his labors amongst the latter, the seed has since brought forth a rich harvest.

11. A Gospel Glass, representing the miscarriages of professors; or a call from heaven to sinners and saints, by repentance and reformation, to meet God. By Lewis Stuckley. New York: Carter and Brothers. 1853. This is the reprint of a treatise two hundred years old. It bears the stamp of that age in its matter and manner. It is a plain unvarnished appeal to the professors of religion in that day, disclosing their sins, and warning them of their danger. The spirit is not that of a censor but of a gospel minister, probing to the quick the moral ulcers of the times with a view to heal them. It is emphatically a glass in which nominal Christians may see their deformity. The faithful, blunt manner of the author strikes at once to the conscience, and makes its republication a useful addition to our practical books. If ministers and members of the present day wish to see a specimen of fearless Christian rebuke without mincing, let them read and profit by the "gospel glass."

12. Physical Geography. By Mary Somerville. A new American, from the third and revised London edition. With notes and a glossary, by W. S. W. Ruschenberger, M. D., U. S. Navy. Philadelphia: Blanchard & Lea.

1853.

The subject and the author of this treatise constitute its commendation. Technical geography, with its arbitrary and political divisions, is a mere matter of memory; physical geography, irrespective of these, treats of the earth, its inhabitants, the sea and air, as one assemblage of beings, in their mutual relations and effects, explanatory of the facts which we witness. It is in reality philosophical geography, and is much more easily understood and remembered than the dry recital of names and localities. It is very little taught, and would introduce a complete revolution in the study. Mrs. Somerville is one of the most distinguished ladies of the age for scientific attainments, and the author of several philosophic works of great merit and reputation. In this instance she has condensed all the recently