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which needs no explanation, and ad- ligious sentiment." This theory, if it

mits none.

be taken alone, and applied either to morals or to religion, has clearly a tendency to foster extremes as pernicious as the sensuism of Condillac and Paley. In morals it produced the sublime mysticism of Cudworth and More, and in religion it produces the self-sufficient exaltation of human nature, and depreciation of the bible, which characterize so much of our modern speculation. . . . It is a curious illustration of the importance of this question of the origin of ideas, that an Irish bishop proved, on what was supposed to be Locke's theory, the non-existence of an external world. while on the same theory David Hume "proved" that man can conclude nothing from creation in favour of a Creator, for "power" and "causation" and worldsub-making are things man never felt, or heard, or touched, or saw, and therefore he can know nothing of them.

At first sight it seems difficult to connect such speculations with religion or morality; but in truth they are closely connected with both. Take, for example, Condillac's view of the system of Locke, and apply it to morality. All ideas, he maintains, are gathered from outward things through the senses. Whence, then, do we gather our idea of virtue? By what sense? From what objects? And Paley and Bentham answer him :-From the seen tendency of certain acts to produce happiness, personal or general. This answer may be varied, but so long as we are shut up to the senses for our definition of virtue, it is impossible to define it otherwise than in earthly and degraded terms. The answer will remain stantially the same.

Applied to religion, this theory has been attended with several advantages. By throwing doubt on the existence of all innate conceptions of religious truth it has exalted the bible. Men have thus learnt a double lesson-to distrust themselves and to honour the scriptures. But on the other hand, as error is always on the long run mischievous, so here, these advantages have been largely counterbalanced by corresponding evils. Some have learnt to deny, as Paley does, the existence of a natural conscience; and others, through the force of re-action, not only question the truth of scripture, but seek the living among the dead, and profess to find in themselves all that is really true in scripture. Such is Sensuism in its religious and moral results.

Look again at the system of idealism, as framed by Plato, and as advocated by some of the Schoolmen. Men are born with ideas of the true and the just. Hence the uniformity of human judgments on questions of ethics. Hence also the universality of what men would call the "re

We say pointedly "what was supposed to be Locke's theory." For there is evidence to show that Locke himself recognized the existence of truths all but intuitive, and so agreed with the more sober of the Scotch metaphysicians. His honoured name has, in fact, unjustly suffered through its connection with Condillac in France, and with some of his expositors at home. Had he lived in our time, he would in all probability have occupied that middle path on these questions where we believe that truth will ultimately be found. Whether by Cousin, or by writers of his school, may be doubted. The whole subject is so deeply affected by considerations both moral and religious, that it may be questioned whether any man will settle it who does not carefully survey the whole field, under the light and teaching of a higher wisdom, alas! than Cousin professes to have received. Whence come our ideas, is in part at least a moral and religious question, to be settled therefore only on principles

admitted by really moral and religious men. Nevertheless, as a work that views this question from an intellectual stand-point, these lectures contribute essential help to the student. Other topics are also discussed; but the greater part of the volumes is devoted to the opinions that have prevailed on this prime question, and to the bearing of those opinions on various systems of philosophy and ethics.

To the unlettered Christian, and to the lettered Christian who regards these metaphysical studies with indifference or distrust, we have a word of admonition and of encouragement. This book, like all of its kind, is nothing else than philosophy undoing its own puzzles, correcting its own mistakes, or now and then attempting to grasp itself. Do not despise such studies. Not much, perhaps, is to come of such studies in our present state. The mind of man is too profound a mystery ever to be fully comprehended here. But such studies have their importance, and error needs to be rebuked. Do not fear them. The gospel is safe. The man who understands most profoundly the questions which psychology has to discuss will be the first to recognize in psychology the hand-maid of religion. Hitherto she has been well-nigh an empty-handed worshipper; but in the end she will come and present on the altar, as each science has in part done, large incense and a pure offering.

No Condemnation in Christ Jesus. As unfolded in the Eighth Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. By OCTAVIUS WINSLOW, D.D. Author of "Glory of the Redeemer in his Person and Work," " Inner Life," &c., &c. London: J. F. Shaw. 1852. 12mo. pp.

404.

THE eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans has always been a choice portion of divine truth with all devout

Christians. Perhaps it contains a fuller exposition of gospel doctrine-a more explicit statement of the believer's privileges-and a richer array of argument in favour of his present and ultimate security than can be found in any other similar division of the word of God. At the same time there are passages in it encompassed with serious difficulties. To the biblical critic therefore, as well as the experienced Christian, it presents a suitable field for research and thought. For ourselves, we regret that in the volume before us there is not somewhat more of the critical element. The author scarcely professes to deal with any of the grammatical or logical difficulties of the apostle; so that the reader who takes up this exposition expecting to find a comparison of various readings and conflicting interpretations, or consecutive and conclusive argumentation, will soon put it aside in disappointment. Nevertheless, as a doctrinal and an experimental treatise, it possesses a high and permanent value. In reading it, we have been frequently reminded of our older divines. The rich vein of evangelical truth which runs throughout; the accurate acquaintance with the human heart which is everywhere manifest; and the pointed, antithetical style in which several parts are written, lead us back to the seventeenth century. There is moreover a beauty of expression which the writers of that age lack, and which cannot fail to charm many who stumble at the homely phraseology of our fathers. We should have liked to have given our readers two or three specimens of the mode of exposition before us; but our space forbids.

To any who bewail the loss of friends that "sleep in Jesus;" or who are in bondage "through fear of death," we commend a perusal of the chapter entitled "The Resurrection of the Christian."

To persons who are perplexed by the doctrine of election, we direct special attention to the chapter which has for its motto "Divine Predestination." It contains a scriptural and lucid representation of the truth that God has chosen his people in Christ to everlasting life; and shows that while this truth is most precious to the believer, it relieves the sinner from none of his responsibility, and need be no stumbling stone in the way of the penitent's approach to the cross. We are not surprised to hear that while the excellent author has received from persons of all ranks, numerous letters expressive of the profit derived from a perusal of the whole work, especial reference has been made to this and the following chapter

on

"Effectual Calling." These the Spirit seems to have pre-eminently blessed.

Here and there throughout the work there are opinions expressed from which we feel called to dissent. The writer's views of our Lord's second advent, and other sentiments akin to these, are not in agreement with our own; but such views are very sparingly introduced. The volume has our hearty commendation. To thousands of God's people it cannot fail to prove a rich blessing.

We must not forget to say that it is the substance of a course of sermons preached to the author's own church at

Leamington. Expository preaching, we regret, has to a great extent fallen into disuse; partly from a false taste which our people have acquired, and partly we are convinced from the inefficient way in which some have executed the task. Every preacher who has paid any proper attention to this department of ministerial labour knows that it is vastly more difficult to expound clearly and judiciously an epistle or a chapter than it is to compose a topical discourse on some scripture motto. In the former case you have to bring out the meaning of the Divine Word. In the latter case you take a text and bring from all quarters everything to it that serves your purpose. There are two things which every expositor must avoid;minute criticism and loose comment. There should be just criticism enough to give a correct view of the passage, and a style sufficiently easy to keep up the hearer's attention. For the good of our churches and our ministers too, we hope soon to find a larger amount of this scripture exposition. We are glad there are men who still adhere to the custom of our ancestors, and very much in their way. May Dr. Winslow long be spared, first to preach, and then to publish many more such expositions as that we have now introduced to our readers!

BRIEF NOTICE S.

Two Prize Essays on The Past Biblical History of the Jews. London: Wesley. 5612. 1852. 16mo., pp. 220.

Some time ago the proprietor of the Jewish Chronicle offered prizes for two essays-one of them on the History of the Jews from the time at which the Old Testament records terminate. The sum mentioned was too small to excite emulation, or even to remunerate the successful

competitor for his labour; and it was found when the appointed time was at hand that no progress towards the desired consummation had been made. Laudable nationality, however, induced the authors of the two essays before us to come forward, and with the sanction of Dr. Alder the chief rabbi and other Jewish gentlemen this small volume is published. We have read both essays with great interest, and think them highly honourable to the writers. They

look at the transactions to which they have to
advert of course from the Jewish point of view,
but they have treated of them candidly and
with much good sense.
The authorities to
which they appeal are principally those to
which Christian writers would resort for a
similar purpose. The indignation which they
express at the oppressions and persecutions to
which their race have been subjected from
nominal Christians is no more than we feel,
and they honourably distinguish between the
spirit of the pretended Christian and the spirit
of Jesus by whose name he is unworthily called.
"Against Christianity itself as it now stands
in the book called the New Testament,'" says
one of them, "I have no animosity." He gives
moreover a truly Pauline representation of the
dislike engendered between the professors of the
two creeds, when he accounts for it thus:-"On
the part of the Jews, 1. Because Christianity
denied them that proud and distinguished
honour of being for ever the only chosen and
peculiar people of God." "As concerning the
gospel," said our apostle, writing to Gentile
converts, "they are enemies for your sakes."
We shall be glad that this book should have an
extensive circulation; it is adapted to promote
mutual good-will between the descendants of
Abraham according to the flesh, and those who
are according to our persuasion, "the children
of God through faith in the Messiah, Jesus,"
to whom also it is said, "And if ye be Messiah's
then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs accord-
ing to the promise."

Review of Dr. Wardlaw's Lectures on the
Abrahamic Covenant and Infant Baptism,
&c., &c. By ARCHIBALD M'LEAN, One of
the Pastors of the Baptist Church, Edinburgh.
With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev.
Alexander Anderson, Aberdeen. Elgin:
Peter M Donald. London: Longman and
Co. 1852. 12mo, pp. xlix. 408.

It

Students of scriptural theology are greatly indebted to Mr. M'Donald of Elgin for rendering accessible at so low a price the valuable works of Archibald M'Lean. This is the seventh volume of a series of which we have had many previous occasions to speak approvingly. Though there are statements in Mr. M'Lean's writings to which we should demur, we should find it difficult to point out a man who has written as largely in defence of evangelical truth, without mingling with his instructions an equal proportion of error. was from the apostolic writings that he had drawn his system; in scriptural phraseology he explained it, and by scriptural arguments he was able to support its fundamental principles. We earnestly commend to all young ministers the careful perusal of these volumes. That now before us relates chiefly to the Abrahamic covenant and its supposed connexion with Christian baptism, and it is introduced by an able essay on the subject by Mr. Anderson, which will add to its usefulness. The possessors of the octavo edition will find here the chief portion of their third volume and part of the second. The present series comprehends now all the pieces published in 1823 by Mr. Jones, with the exception of four, which are not of much intrinsic value.

The Martyrs, Heroes, and Bards of the Scottish
Covenant. By GEORGE GILFILLAN, MA.
London: Albert Cockshaw, 41, Ludgate
Hill. 1852. 12mo. pp. 256.

"The purpose of this volume is to present a
succinct and impartial account of the history of
the Scottish Covenant, an unbiassed estimate
of the character of its principal actors, and
some general deductions applicable to the great
questions of the present day." The writer has
accomplished his purpose and produced a book
which does justice to his theme, reflects credit to
himself, and cannot fail to do good service to the
cause of religious freedom. He has introduced
to this age a race of men, and women too, who
with all their errors and extravagancies were
some of the noblest specimens of humanity-who
followed the Lamb through evil report as well
as good-and who now walk with him in white,
having been counted worthy. Such a book as
this before us has long been required. Wood-
row's pages, “ Naphtali," and "The Cloud of
Witnesses" possess few attractions for the
majority of readers. Howie's "Scottish
Worthies is delightful reading, but it blends
too much fiction with its facts. Pollock's tales
are meagre. The poetry of Scotland has never
risen to the height of this great argument. Here,
however, we have at last (thanks to the Anti-
State Church Association and Mr. Gilfillan) a
history written in a style which must secure a
general perusal, with a candour which all must
admire, and a truthfulness on which all may
rely. We trust the book will circulate by
thousands among the youth of our country;
and hope its success may induce the author
to attempt a similar undertaking on a larger
scale. The religious history of Scotland is
a noble subject. We think Mr. Gilfillan could
paint it with a master-hand; and from a hint
given in the present volume expect on some
future day to see the picture.

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The Foreign Evangelical Review, November, 1852. No. III. Contents: I. Life and Writings of John Foster. II. Ecolampadius-The Reformation at Basle. III. The Theology of the Intellect and that of the Feelings. IV. The Origin and Progress of Mormonism. V. Trench on the Study of Words. VI. Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord; A Gospel Harmony. VII J. Gould's Edition of Owen. VIII. Strauss's Life of Jesus. IX. Sources of the American Population. Title and Contents for Vol. I., with names of Writers, &c. Price 2s. 6d. London and Edinburgh. 8vo. pp. xii. 214.

This busy month it is impossible for us to indulge our appetite among these tempting luxuries, but we can see at a glance that if we could afford time to do so we should be highly gratified. It is evident that the provision spread out this quarter is, to say the least, quite equal to that furnished in May and August. An alteration of the plan is however announced; which we must mention, though we are not sure that it is an improvement. Succeeding numbers are to contain original matter in addition to the articles derived from American and Continental sources, and the price of each portion is to be raised from half a

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A cheap but respectable reprint of a volume which was characterized and commended to the attention of the readers of the Baptist Magazine in September, 1848. It includes devout and experimental meditations on every chapter in the New Testament, written by the justly celebrated author in his last days for his own private use.

Four Months in England. By a West Indian, the Rev. JOHN HORSFORD, Wesleyan Missionary, St. Vincent's. London: Partridge and Oakey. 1852. Pp. 232.

Amusing gossip by one, every hair of whose head and every joint of whose toes is thoroughly Wesleyan.

Visit to the Holy Land, Egypt, and Italy, by MADAME IDA PFEIFFER, Author of "A Woman's Journey Round the World," " Visit to Iceland," &c. Translated from the German by H. W. Dulcken. With Eight Tinted Engravings. London: Ingram, Cooke, and Co. 12mo. Pp. xvi. 336.

A pleasing simplicity pervades this lady's narrative, but her remarks do not indicate much familiarity with scripture.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS,

Approved.

[It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works enumerated, not of course extending to every particular, but an approbation of their general character and tendency.]

The Scripture Pocket Book for 1853: containing an Almanack; also a Passage of Scripture for every Day, with an arrangement by which the Bible may be read in the course of the Year; and a Variety of Useful Information. London: R. T. S. Price 28. Roan tuck.

The Christian Almanack for the Year 1853. London: R. T. S. Price 18. Pp. 76.

The Baptist Almanack for 1853: containing. besides all the useful Almanack Statistics and Information, Baptist Directory, a Guide to all the Baptist Chapels in London, with the Minister's Name and Address; also Chronological Record of Recent Events, and a List of the Metropolitan Independent and Congregational Ministers, and the Chapels where they officiate. London: Price 1d.

Charles Knight's Imperial Cyclopædia Dedicated by Permission to Her Majesty. The Cyclopædia of the British Empire. Part XIII. Partick-Sligo. London. 4to., pp. 221. Price 28. 6d.

Excursions to Arran, Ailsacraig, and the two Cumbraes, with reference to the Natural History of these Islands; to which are added Directions for laying out Sea-weeds, and preparing them for the Herbarium. Second series. By Rev. DAVID LANDSBOROUGH, D.D., A.L.S, M.W.S., M R.S.S., and author of "A Popular History of British Seaweeds." Edinburgh: Johnstone and Hunter. 8vo., pp. 196.

Moral and Religious Anecdotes, with others of a more general description. By JOHN WHITECROSS, author of "Anecdotes illustrative of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism," "Sabbath Evening Lessons." Edinburgh: Johnstone and Hunter. 8vo., pp. 257.

Principles of Elocution; containing Numerous Rules, Observations, and Exercises on Pronuncia tion, Pauses, Inflections, Accent, and Emphasis; also Copious Extracts in Prose and Poetry, calenlated to Assist the Teacher, and to improve the Pupil in Reading and Recitation. By THOMAS Thoroughly Revised and greatly Improved. By EWING, Author of "A System of Geography," &c., &c. F. B. Calvert, A. M., of the New College, Edinburgh, &c. Thirtieth Edition. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd, 12mo., pp. 412.

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The Foundation, Construction, and Eternity of Character. A Lecture delivered before the Young Men's Christian Association. By the Rev. JoHN ANGELL JAMES, in the Town Hall, Birmingham, Jan. 9th, 1852. The Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe in the Chair. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. Pp. 32.

Simple Poems for National and Sunday Schools. By ANNA H. POTTS. Cambridge: pp. 36.

Massillon on the Deity of Jesus Christ. A new translation from the Original French. By the Rev. JOHN STOCK. Leeds: J. Heaton. 18mo. Pp. 40.

The Great Want of the Age: or, Education as it ought to be. Particularly with reference to Public and Day Schools, and the Duties of Parents in relation to the same. A Discourse delivered by Rev. T. B. BARKER, Principal of the Pestalozzian School, on Wednesday, June 16, 1852. London: B. L. Green. 18mo. Pp. 24.

Wellington as Warrior, Senator, and Man. By T. BINNEY. Third Thousand. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 16mo. Pp. 100.

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