Nisan; and whatever objection may be raised against the season of what was called the latter rain, this explanation proves, that with Jonathan, Nisan was the first month of the year.

Having already extended our observations so far, we feel compelled to suppress any further consideration of other subjects referred to in these elaborate volumes; and we are the more disposed to do so, by observing that another of our fraternity has pointed out some instances of critical incorrectness which will undoubtedly pass under our author's eye. That Mr. Horne has bestowed great pains and much time on his work, and that his labour has been already repaid in a considerable degree by its accompanying pleasures, and will be more so by a wide circulation, we cannot for a moment doubt. It is precisely that book of general reference which the student of the sacred pages requires, and to which he will naturally resort for information, upon every principal subject of biblical enquiry; and although it contains some instances of misconception and mistake, some proofs of superficial knowledge, or restricted research in particular cases, and a few evidences of the imperfections incident to all human compositions, it is on the whole a most valuable compilation. In fact, we know not where else to find, in so concentrated a form, and under (generally speaking) so judicious an arrangement, so vast an accumulation of important materials and instructive discussion. Dr. Johnson has somewhere intimated, that the true eritic is distinguishable rather by his ready detection, and clear elucidation of beauties, than of faults; and though we have taken leave to deviate a little from this course, to the disparagement, possibly, of our own merit and sagacity, in the examination of the present work, we have willingly done so; not, and for this we are certain the author will give us credit, to indulge a mere caprice, much less in any feeling of personal disinclination, where we entertain sentiments directly the reverse; but from a consideration of the importance of those particular topics at which we have hinted; an impression, that the candid author will give them a little more of his attention previously to the publi cation of another edition; and an assurance, that the building is in itself so substantially constructed, that the assaults even of a more violent criticism than we are inclined to employ, instead of shaking its foundation, impairing its beauty, or diminishing its permanent fame, would only tend to rub off its irregularities, and excite a beneficial notice of its minor blemishes.

Domestic Religion, or an Exposition of the Precepts of Christianity, regarding the Duties of Domestic Life. By William Innes, Minister of the Gospel, 12mo. Edinburgh, 1821. Waugh and Innes. pp. 206.

"WE live in an age in which there is undoubtedly much more exhibition connected with religion than in that which preceded it. It will not, we trust, be for a moment suspected, that by making this remark we do not cordially rejoice in all the measures which have been adopted of late for the diffusion of the knowledge of divine truth both at home and abroad. To all who are engaged in these benevolent exertions, whether in the form of Bible, Missionary, Tract, or Sabbath School Societies, we heartily say God speed, and we consider it one of the most cheering symptoms of the times, when we hear of such institutions increasing either in number, or in the vigour and success of their operations. But it must, in candour, be admitted, that while there is something very captivating, especially to the young, in the bustle and display of a public society, especially with its appendages of President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary, along with speeches delivered to listening at least, if not always admiring multitudes, there is some danger of overlooking the less noisy and shewy, though not the less important and effective way of promoting the interests of true religion around us, by the silent but powerful influence of consistency of character in domestic life." [pp. iv-v.]

We fully agree with Mr. Innes, in this statement of the case, as it regards the present posture, of what is called the religious world, and rejoice exceedingly at the appearance of his judicious, affectionate, and well-timed publicationA word spoken in season, though it be but a word, how good it is-and when the word of admonition is delivered with mildness, gentleness, and from an evident desire to promote the best interests of the parties to whom it is addressed, it is an excellent oil, that instead of irritating, insinuates and heals, and calls down blessings upon him that poured it forth. In this light, we regard the wholesome and important admonitions addressed by Mr. Innes to the religious professors of the present day; and while some may deem it an infringement on their gospel liberty to shackle themselves with the minutiae of Christian morals, as accurately pointed out and powerfully enforced in this little volume-and others may deem themselves too much engaged in the great and

mighty operations which they are carrying on for the conversion of the world, to divert their attention to the retired and unostentatious duties, to which they are here invited, there are many, we doubt not, who will peruse the treatise with advantage, for we consider it, under the blessing of God, calculated to do much good.

The following are the subjects of this little volume, and the order in which they are treated:-The duties of husbands and wives-of children-of parents-of servants, and of masters-to which the author has added, extracts from president Dwight's sermons, on the duty of educating children religiously, by way of appendix.

Under the first of these divisions, Mr. Innes clearly shews, that both the letter and spirit of the New Testament forbid a christian to intermarry with one who does not give satisfactory evidence of being so; and points out, what he conceives to be the duty of an individual, who, having formed and avowed an attachment, and given and received pledges of fidelity, while both the parties were strangers to vital godliness, has been made to feel its power, previous to the marriage actually taking place.

"It has been asked, What does a regard to Christian duty in this case require? We confess we cannot here recommend a line of conduct of which some have approved, that of at once violating any engagement previously made, on the ground of its having been made in ignorance. We could not quote the authority of Scripture for the breach of a direct engagement, where the happiness, or the supposed happiness, of another is involved. But we should think it most proper for a Christian, so situated, fairly to state the change in his sentiments that has taken place, and how little probability there was that an union in such circumstances would be conducive to mutual happiness. I knew one instance in which this measure was adopted with the happiest effect. After an engagement of some standing, the gentleman's attention was directed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and while he felt the absolute necessity of an interest in its blessings to his own happiness, he was, of course, convinced that it was not less necessary to the happiness of others. But as the object of his affections was a stranger to similar sentiments, he candidly stated the change he had experienced. The lady, however, was so shocked at the idea of Methodism, that she voluntarily relinquished the match, and thus at once absolved him from any obligation. Such an explicit statement, in every case similar to that here alluded to, must appear to every one, not only altogether unobjectionable, but what candour and honour expressly require." [pp. 18-19.]

Mr. Innes next meets the case of the individual, who is

called to the knowledge of the truth after marriage, the other party still remaining in an unconverted state, and ably illustrates and enforces the directions given by the Apostle Paul, on this subject, in 1 Corinthians vii. 12.-He then states the duties inculcated in Scripture, on those who are united in marriage, where each is under the influence of divine truth, and, in this part of his work, thus handles what some may consider a delicate point.

"We have already had occasion to observe, that a wife is not called to submit to the authority of her husband, if he should require her to do what is contrary to the will of God. But a case, which may be considered at least somewhat allied to this part of our subject, deserves to be here stated. It sometimes happens, that where both parties are Christians, there may be, on some points, a difference of sentiment; and, where this occurs, the husband may expect, that where this difference relates to a subject of perhaps confessedly inferior moment, his wife should surrender her own opinion to his. It shews great ignorance, however, of the law of Christ, and of what is necessary to Christian obedience, if he make such a demand, or even intimate that he expects such a concession. Here it ought never to be forgotten, that religion is a personal concern with every individual; that every one at last must bear his own burden; that it is essential to Christian obedience that every one be persuaded in his own mind; and that if a wife change any religious observance, (we cannot in this case say she changes her sentiments,) not from conviction, but merely to comply with the wishes of her husband, she admits a human authority on a point where it is altogether illegitimate-where nothing whatever should be allowed to interfere with the authority of Jesus Christ. Though no other argument ought to be here necessary, in addition to that which we have already stated,-nay, though none other will be necessary to those who have any correct views of Christian principle, and of what is essential to Christian obedience, we may remark, that it argues very little knowledge of human nature to suppose that requiring a compliance in any thing connected with religion, beyond the point to which conviction goes, is the most likely way to attain it. The very urgency which is employed to obtain this compliance, often imparts in the minds of those from whom it is expected, an additional and perhaps imaginary importance to the difference in question. It is apt to make those whom we would wish to persuade, more decided in maintaining their sentiments, from the very apprehension of admitting a false influence on what ought to be a subject of personal conviction. It thus places the prospect of unity of sentiment at a far greater distance than if a spirit of complete forbearance on both sides were maintained. In short, as no profession of unity can be desirable to an enlightened mind, but that which is the result of conviction, it should never be forgotten, that

this can only be attained by a clear scriptural statement of divine truth, and a steady but temperate appeal to the authority of the word of God." [pp. 31-33.]

In treating of the duties of children to their parents, our author uses the word children, "not to denote those who are literally in a state of childhood, but merely to indicate the relation in which they stand, to those who gave them birth :" he observes, that it is not the duty of such, as have arrived at years of discretion, to obey their parents, in those things which are clearly contrary to the revealed will of God; as for instance, to attend places of sinful amusement, or where the gospel is not faithfully preached.-"To act in these cases," he says, "in compliance with the wishes of a parent, though in opposition to the dictates of conscience,. would very plainly incur the guilt of loving father or mother more than Him who claims the supreme homage of those who profess to be his followers." Mr. Innes treats this very important, though indeed painful subject, at considerable length, and in conclusion reminds those young persons who may be placed under the distressing necessity of opposing the wishes of a parent, from the imperative call to submit in matters of religion to a still higher authority, that such opposition should always be accompanied, if possible, with a double respect to the commands of a parent, when they are not inconsistent with the will of God." In that honour and obedience which children owe to their parents, he includes the following particulars :-Children should treat their parents with every external mark of respect should do them every act of service which lies in their power-should submit to their reproof-listen to their instruction support them in old age-and be willing to consult them in any important step they may take in life. In the conclusion of this part of his treatise, he thus states, and illustrates the effect which Christianity ought to have on the mind and conduct of a child, who being himself brought to a saving acquaintance with the gospel, perceives that his parents are strangers to it.

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"What then is the effect which Christianity ought to produce on the mind and conduct of a child in such circumstances? He ought, in the first place, never to forget the relation in which he stands to those who gave him birth. This change of sentiment on his part, does not infringe upon the parental authority. Nay, as a child in such a situation must feel the deepest concern about the spiritual interests and future happiness of his parents, he will most