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says:-"If I have explained any doctrine, or given the sense of any Scripture, in a way somewhat different from what is commonly received, I have never done it out of the least affectation of singularity, or taken pleasure in going out of the beaten path; but have had as great a regard to the footsteps of the flock, as is consistent with that liberty of thinking and reasoning which we are allowed to use, who conclude nothing to be an infallible rule of faith, but the inspired writings."

The theology of Dr. Ridgeley is by no means antiquated; and divinity students may find, in his comprehensive and clear views of doctrine, valuable instruction, though enjoying the tuition of the best of living Lecturers.

Napoleon at St. Helena: or Interesting Anecdotes and Remarkable Conversa-
tions of the Emperor, during the five and a half years of his captivity. By
JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. New York: Harper & Brothers. Royal 8vo. pp. 662.
New Haven: E. Downes,

Sir Archibald Alison speaks of the Emperor Napoleon as "equal to Alexander in military achievement, superior to Justinian in legal information, sometimes second only to Bacon in political sagacity, possessing at the same time, the inexhaustible resources of Hannibal, and the administrative powers of Caesar." A Frenchman of whom an Englishman can thus speak, must have far greater claims to our attention than is suggested by the above testimony; especially as this particular Frenchman, more than any other, has been the object of vulgar abuse and calumny on the part of the British Government and people. Mr. Abbott has here skillfully compiled from many volumes, the remarkable conversations of the Emperor, during his captivity. And certainly the free expression of his thoughts on his own wonderful course, and his unjust imprisonment, and on moral and political subjects, is well fitted to awaken the interest of the reader. The perusal of these pages will be likely to elicit much sympathy for the great sufferer, while subjected to the gross insults of an ungenerous foe.

Mexico and its Religion. By ROBERT A. WILSON. With Illustrations. New
York: Harper & Brothers. 1855. New Haven: E. Downes.

This book is not merely the details of a traveler's adventures and experience, but embraces also many facts of Mexican history, from the Conquest to the present time. As Mr. Wilson dedicates his work to "The American Party," it was necessary that a good portion of it should relate to Romish Priests, Monasteries, Monks, &c. The general influence of Romanism there, as in all countries, where that religion is dominant, is unquestionably evil,-impoverishing the people, and debasing them in mind and morals. The moral and religious state of Mexico, as herein depicted, could not well be worse.

Mr. Wilson's views of the rebellion in Texas, and its annexation to the United States, are wholly unsatisfactory. The most southern 12th Section Know-Nothing could not more carefully conceal the real object of that disgraceful affair. All the world knows, if anything is known, that the extension of slavery was the controlling question from first to

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last. Not content with ignoring the subject of slavery, in this relation, Mr. W. asserts, against the rights of Mexico, a claim to Texas on the part of the United States, resting on "the necessity for more land, on which to settle her rapidly augmenting population." In the spirit of a young fillibuster, who has tasted blood, he adds,-"Once in ten years she (the United States) requires a portion of the wild land nominally belonging to Mexico, and once in ten years she must take it."

The book as a whole is interesting and instructive.

The Works of Charles Lamb, with a Sketch of his Life and Final Memorials. By Sir THOMAS NOON TALFOURD. 2 vols. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1855. New Haven: E. Downes.

These volumes, embracing the Letters of Charles Lamb, the Essays of "Elia," and various other productions of that singular genius, are certainly among the most readable and entertaining of English books. Though Lamb had enemies enough who spoke lightly of his literary attainments, some who derided him, and some who despised him-yet he had many fast and loving friends, who understood his character, and appreciated his talents; whose names linked with his in the English classics, will perpetuate his fame in distinguished company. George Dyer, Godwin, Bernard Barton, William Hazlitt, Leigh Hunt, Thomas Barnes, Cary, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Southey, Talfourd, all men of genius and various talent, were the literary companions and familiar friends of Lamb.

His writings are for the most part of a healthful and agreeable character; full of strange conceits, and of the earnest wit, and marked by a wonderful felicity of quaint expression. His style is peculiarly his own, at variance from all acknowledged models, yet exceedingly pleasant in its singularity. He was a great stutterer, but "no one ever stammered out such fine, piquant, deep, eloquent things." He was a humorist of the highest order, a wit in some respects, superior to Sydney Smith. His quaint, grotesque expressions have often an intense meaning; and they do not lose their significancy by repetition, or by distance from the surroundings in which they originated.

One of the most ludicrous incidents of Lamb's life, was his conduct at Drury Lane, when the fate of his farce (Mr. H.) was decided. He sat in the front of the pit, and joined in the applause with which the farce began and when the audience became uneasy, and showed signs of resentment, he gave way to the common feeling and hissed and hooted as loudly as any of his neighbors. Writing to Manning, he says of his treatment at the Theatre, "Hang 'em, how they hissed! it was not a hiss neither, but a sort of frantic yell, like a congregation of mad geese, with roaring sometimes like bears, mows and mops like apes, sometimes snakes, that hissed me into madness. "Twas like St. Anthony's temptations. Mercy on us, that God should give his favorite children, men, mouths to speak with, to discourse rationally, to promise smoothly, to flatter agreeably, to encourage warmly, to counsel wisely, to sing with, to drink with, and to kiss with, and that they should turn them

into mouths of adders, bears, wolves, hyenas, and whistles like tempests, and emit breath through them like distillations of aspic poison, to asperse and vilify the innocent labors of their fellow-creatures who are desirous to please them! Heaven be pleased to make the teeth rot out of them all, therefore!"

India-Ancient and Modern, Geographical, Historical, Political, Social, and Religious; with a particular account of the State and Prospects of Christianity. By DAVID O. ALLEN, D. D. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 1856. 8vo. pp. 618. New Haven: T. H. Pease.

Nearly thirty years ago, the writer of this book went to India, as a Missionary of the American Board. Impaired health obliged him to return home in 1853; since which time, he has been most usefully employed in preparing a history of that interesting country and people. It is evidently the result, not only of great research, but of careful observation, and familiar acquaintance with the people of India, during a quarter of a century. By his protracted residence in the country, his occupation, and facilities for intercourse with the people, he was abundantly qualified to speak of their customs and institutions, and impart the most reliable information concerning their present condition and prospects. In all respects the book is of great value, and will find its place among standard historical works.

The subjects of which it treats are presented in the following order: Ancient India, or the Hindu Period; the Mohammedan Period; the European Period; the English Government of India; the Religious Customs and Manners of the Inhabitants; the History of Christianity, and its Present State and Prospects.

The Parabolic Teaching of Christ: or the Engravings of the New Testament.
By Rev. D. T. K. DRUMMOND, Edinburgh. Robert Carter & Brothers, New
York.
1855. 8vo. pp. 440. Price $1.50.

Mr. Drummond includes in his idea of Parable, all the imagery of the New Testament as found in the teachings of our Lord, whether called more exactly, allegory, or proverb, or parable. His principle of interpretation as applied to the parables, is that suggested by Tholuck, which presumes that there is import in every single point, and only desists from seeking it, when either it does not result without forcing, or when we can clearly see that this or that circumstance was merely added for the sake of giving intuitiveness to the narrative. Parables which relate to the same subject are gathered together in the following order those which relate to the Kingdom of darkness, its ruler and subjects; those which illustrate the person and character of Christ; those which refer to the experimental work of grace in the heart; those which describe the reception and progress of the Gospel in the world; and those which refer to the second coming of our Lord. A thoroughly evangelical spirit pervades this work; and it has evidently been written with the earnest wish that it might add to the religious knowledge, and spiritual life of the reader. It is certainly well adapted to

secure this result, and will be welcomed as a valuable commentary on some of the most interesting portions of the New Testament.

Dreams and Realities in the life of a Pastor and Teacher. By the author of Rolling Ridge, The Parish Side, etc. New York: J. C. Derby, 119 Nassau street. This volume describes the experience of a faithful and industrious minister of Christ, who combined the arduous labor of a New England Pastor, with the tasks of an Instructor. The narrative is pleasantly told, and contains many instructive pictures of life and character, while the sentiment is sound and healthful. The friends of the author will readily perceive the correctness of his delineations, which are scarcely concealed by the thin veil of fiction. We can recommend the book to parents as safe, interesting, and instructive for young people, and no one can read its pages without a sincere regard for the cheerful patience, and courage, which has sustained the disciple of Jesus, among manifold trials, and temptations.

Sunlight and Hearthlight, or Fidelity and other Poems. By SYLVANUS DRYDEN PHELPS. New York: Sheldon, Lamport & Blakeman. Boston: Gould & Lincoln.

The author of this unpretending book is a distinguished and talented preacher of the Baptist persuasion. The volume contains the poetry, which has been composed during the years of an arduous and successful ministry, and deserves publication. Dr. Phelps has the art of smooth and sweet versification, and possesses a manly sympathy with truth and virtue. He has embalmed many precious thoughts in the clear amber of his verse, which will attract the notice of minds that might otherwise avoid or neglect these important truths.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

The Priest, The Puritan, and the Preacher. By the Rev. J. C. RYLE. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1855. Price 75 cents.

By Rev. J. GRAEFF BARNew Haven: E. Downes.

An Outline of the General Principles of Grammar.
TON, A. M. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1855.
Sabbath Evening Readings of the New Testament. St. John. By Rev. JOHN
CUMMING, D. D., London. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. pp. 464. New
Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

The Christ of History: an Argument grounded in the facts of his Life on Earth. By JOHN YOUNG, M. A. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1855. Price 75 cents.

A Dictionary of Congregational Usages and Principles, according to Ancient and Modern Authors. By Rev. PRESTON CUMMINGS. Boston: S. K. Whipple & Co. 1855. pp. 432.

A Geography of the Chief Places mentioned in the Bible, and the Principal Events connected with them, adapted to Parental, Sabbath School and Bible Class Instruction. Illustrated with Maps. By CHARLES A. GOODRICH. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1856. pp. 194. Price 25 cents.

The Bible History of Prayer. With Practical Reflections. By CHARLES A. GOODRICH. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 1856. pp. 384. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

The Communion Sabbath. By Rev. NEHEMIAH ADAMS, D. D. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 1856. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

Sabbath Talks with the Little Children about Jesus. By the Author of “The Mothers of the Bible." Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 1856. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

Evenings with the Romanists; with an Introductory Chapter on the Moral Results of the Romish System. By Rev. M. HOBART SEYMOUR, M. A. With Introductory Notice, by Stephen H. Tyng, D. D. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1855. pp. 479. Price $1.00.

The Heathen Religion in its Popular and Symbolic Development. By Rev. Joseph B. Gross. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 1856. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

Lily, a Novel. By the author of "The Busy Moments of an Idle Woman." New York: Harper & Brothers. 1855. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

Zaidee: a Romance from Blackwood's Magazine. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 1856. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

One Word More: an Appeal to the Reasoning and Thoughtful among Unbelievers. By John Neal. Second Edition. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1856. New Haven: F. T. Jarman, S. S. Depository.

The Eventful Nights of August 20th and 21st, 1854; and how Judge Edmonds was hocussed: or Fallibility of Spiritualism Exposed. By F. C. Ewer. New York: Samuel Hueston. 1855.

Self-Interpreting Grammatical Primer; or an Introduction to English Grammar. By R. W. CUSHMAN, A. M. Principal of Mount Vernon Ladies' School,

Boston.

American Female Education. A Lecture by R. W. CUSHMAN. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

The Lamplighter Picture Book. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

Ancient Harmony Revived; being a selection of Choice Music, for Divine Worship. Fourth Edition. Boston: S. K. Whipple.

The Pennsylvania Journal of Prison Discipline and Philanthropy. January, 1856. Philadelphia: Edward C. and John Biddle. We commend this Journal to the patronage of statesmen and philanthropists.

Spring Time of Life, or Advice to Youth. By Rev. DAVID MAGIE, D. D. American Tract Society, 150 Nassau street, N. Y.

The Progress of Religious Ideas, through successive ages. By L. MARIA CHILD.
3 vols. New York: C. S. Francis & Co. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.
A Child's History of the United States. By JOHN BONNER. 2 vols. New
York: Harper & Brothers. 1855. New Haven: E. Downes.

The Refugee: or the Narratives of Fugitive Slaves in Canada. Related by themselves. By BENJ. DREW. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 1856. New Haven: Thomas H. Pease.

We have received the third and fourth volumes of Macaulay's History of England, and can only say that the Messrs. Harper offer to the reading public three different editions of this magnificent work, viz: a Library Edition for $1.50 a volume; a 12mo. Edition for 624 cents a volume, and an 8vo. Edition in paper covers for 25 cents a volume. New Haven: E. Downes.

We have received several Tracts on the use of Tobacco, from Rev. GEO. TRASK, Fitchburgh, Mass. We wish him much success-more than we dare hope for.

Several notices of new publications have been crowded out of this number, which will be inserted in the next.

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