attributed to its true cause, as falls to the lot of but few men." *

To the justness of the principle which these excellent remarks embody, every intelligent reader will promptly subscribe.

Yet the mode of instruction which has been so indiscreetly managed, and which certainly requires no small degree of ability and circumspection, may be cultivated by judicious and devout men with peculiar advantage. What are the practical applications which form so essential a part of sermons, and without which every sermon must be seriously defective, but reflections and inferences drawn from the body of scriptural truth which has been previously stated, explained, and defended? Examples too of the successful employment of this plan in general scripture exposition are not rare. How just, as well as devotional and useful, are the reflections, or, to use his own term, "improvements," of Doddridge on the New Testament, and, though not perhaps always in an equal degree, of Orton on the Old! We do not hesitate to say that from what Dr. Clarke has sup. plied of this kind, though he modestly declines giving these parts of his work a definite name, might be collected a beautiful volume of me

ditations on Scripture, which would prove an important addition to the strictly practical divinity of the age.

Common justice requires us to say that, in this department, our author greatly excels. His reflections are deduced from the portion of Scripture which comes under his review; they contain many admirable maxims clearly expressed, and strongly applied; they form a series of meditations founded on truth, guarded by the purest morality, and rich in spiritual wisdom; and they often rise into strains of devotion, which cannot fail to expand and elevate every heart in any degree seasoned with piety, and familiar with anticipations of future happiness. They may be read, in private and in the family circle, with singular profit; and will doubtless often cheer and refresh, as well as instruct and warn, the serious and Christian reader.

The first volume of this work, extending to the end of the book of Isaiah, is now before the public; and it is hoped that the second volume, embracing the remaining books of the Scriptures, will be published with all convenient speed. We cordially recommend that part of it which has come into our hands to the attention of our readers; and we doubt not that the subsequent General Preface to his Commentary, part will be equally worthy of their page 26, first edition.

regard.

SELECT LIST OF BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED, CHIEFLY

RELIGIOUS,

With occasional Characteristic Notices.

[The insertion of any article in this List is not to be considered as pledging us to the approbation of its contents, unless it be accompanied by some express notice of our favourable opinion Nor is the omission of any such notice to be regarded as indicating a contrary opinion; as our limits, and other reasons, impose on us the necessity of selection and brevity.]

The Character and Tendency of the Principles and Opinions of Infidel and Deistical Writers considered with reference to the Doctrines und Evidences of Revealed Religion: being the Christian Advocate's Publication for the year 1834. By George Pearson, B. D., Christian Advocate in the University of Cambridge, Rector of Castle-Camps, Cambridgeshire, and late Fellow of St. John's College. 8vo., pp. 115. 5s. 6d. Parker.-"By

the will of Mr. Hulse," we are informed, "the Christian Advocate," in the University of Cambridge, "is required," during the year in which he holds this responsible office, "in the first place, to direct his attention to any works of modern date, containing any errors, either in doctrine or practice, which appear to militate against the great and acknowledged principles of religion. In the absence of any work of this description,

of sufficient importance to require especial notice," the author of this volume states that he thought "he would be acting in perfect conformity with the spirit of the Founder's intentions, if he directed his attention to what appears to him to be one of the prevailing errors of the present day, the attempt to remedy the evils arising from the present divided state of the religious world, not so much by caltivating that spirit of moderation and charity, which all might learn from the common faith, as by the suppression and compromise of those great principles on which the very existence itself of religion must depend." In accordance with this statement Mr. Pearson has produced an Essay on the general character and tendency of infidel principles: a subject of deep importance at all times, and especially in the present day, when a spurious liberality would sacrifice all that is vital and saving in Christianity upon the shrine of a superficial philosophy. The Essay commences with some just and pertinent remarks respecting infidel writings in general, and especially those of Hume and Gibbon; and then goes on to show that Arianism and Socinianism are only particular modifications of infidelity, inasmuch as they originate in the same causes, and tend to the same results. Perhaps the volume does not contain much that is strictly new; but many of the points which it discusses are placed in a very striking light; and the copious notes point out to the less experienced student the most valuable sources of information. The Essay is well written, and is especially suited to young persons of education. The author appears to have very strong and just views of the extreme danger of giving up the absolute authority of holy Scripture, on all theological questions, and of departing, in the slightest degree, from "the faith once delivered to the saints."

A Memoir of Annie M'Donald Christie, a self-taught Cottager, chiefly in her own Words; With Extracts from her Letters and Meditations. By the Rev. J. Brodie, Monimail. Second Edition. 24mo. pp. 175. 2s. Hamilton.

The Poetical Souvenir, a Selection of Moral and Religious Poetry. 32mo. pp. 304. 3s. 6d. Relf and Fletcher.A beautiful and varied selection from the works of our best modern poets.

Missionary Records, China, Burmah, Ceylon, &c., &c. 24mo. pp. 292. Religious Tract Society.

Essay on the habitual Exercise of Love to Gol, considered as a Prepara, tion for Heaven. By Joseph John Gur

9

ney. 12mo. pp. 165. 2s. 6d. Seeley and Burnside.—Mr. Gurney has long been well known as a leading and influential member of the Society of Friends. He is withal a zealous philanthropist, an able apologist of Revelation, and a learned and orthodox advocate of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity. His Essays on the Evidences of Revelation, and his Notes and Dissertations on the Deity of Christ, are worthy of being classed among the best theological productions of modern times. In the volume before us he appears as a devotional writer, inculcating personal piety. Love to God is the substance of true religion; it is the principle of all holiness, and acceptable obedience; a participation of the divine nature, communicated by the Holy Spirit to every believer; who is bound to stir up within himself that blessed gift, and to aspire after a perfect resemblance to his God and Saviour, who has especially made himself known as the God of love. Such are substantially the views of Mr. Gurney, who derives his principal motives for divine love from redemption, with its endless train of benefits and blessings. His work on this important subject will be read with edification by sincere Christians of every class.

Lessons on Words and Objects, with easy and amusing Experiments, for the Parlour or School. By John Smith, Lecturer on Smith and Dolier's Plans of Instruction. 12mo. pp. 140. Simpkin and Marshall.

The British Almanac of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, for the Year 1835. 12mo. pp. 96. The Companion to the Almanac; or, YearBook of General Information for the Year 1835. 12mo. pp. 263. 4s. Knight. -In consequence of the removal of the duty upon almanacs, publications of this kind have increased beyond all former precedent, many of which, being prepared in great haste, and by incompetent persons, are scandalously inaccurate. That which is now before us, we presume, may be relied upon for correctness; and, with the Companion, contains a vast mass of useful information, on almost all subjects relating to general business, literature, and science.

Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God. By Stephen Charnock, B.D. Vol. 1. Reprinted from the Edition of 1684. 12mo. pp. 781. Religious Tract Society.-Charnock was one of the most profound and powerful writers of his age; and his discourses on the existence and attributes of God form the most valuable part of his works.

year, and the lessons appointed by the Calendar to be read on every Sabbath. It is judiciously compiled, and neatly printed. Illustrations of the Bible, from Original Paintings, made expressly by Richard Westall, Esq., R. A., and John Martin, Esq.; with Descriptions by the Rev. Hobart Caunter, B. D. Parts VIII. and IX. 8vo. 1s. each. Churton.-Each of these parts contains eight engravings on wood, beautifully executed, from the designs of the eminent artists whose names are mentioned in the title. The descriptions are judiciously written, and the en

tire work will form an interesting accompaniment to the holy Scriptures.

Essays on the Church. By a Layman. Second Edition, revised, and considerably enlarged. 18mo. pp. 296. Seeley and Burnside. An earnest and able defence of the Church of England, adapted to the present times. Some of its statements, however, are neither true nor candid.

The Little Villager's Verse-Book. By the Rev. W. L. Bowles. 24mo. pp. 36. 1s. A charming little volume for children, rich in beautiful imagery and pious sentiment.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

LETTER FROM THE PETERBOROUGH CIRCUIT. To the Editor of the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine. METHODISM in the city of Peterborough as is yet comparatively in its infancy. About the year 1800 the Itinerant Preachers from Kettering, which is about thirty miles distant, came to Peterborough, once a fortnight, and preached in a cottage. A small society of seven or eight members was soon formed. After the lapse of three or four years, there was an objection to the continuance of the service in this place, when the General Baptist Minister kindly permitted the Methodists to preach in his chapel; which they did for several years. They had, however, no service on the Sabbath, except a prayer-meeting, or class-meeting, in a private house, until the year 1813, when another cottage was procured and licensed. This house becoming insufficient to contain the hearers, application was made to the late Earl Fitzwilliam for a piece of ground on which to erect a chapel, which was readily granted by that nobleman for a lease of sixty years, at a ground-rent of £4 per year; and this charge was afterwards reduced to £2. This first chapel was thirty-two feet in length, and twenty four in breadth, inside; cost near £400; and was opened on the 24th of January, 1817.

in contemplation to secure a more eligible situation the first opportunity.

At the commencement of the year 1833, a friend, in company with the writer of this article, waited on the present Earl Fitzwilliam, to inquire whether his Lordship had any ground or premises, more favourably situated, with which he could accommodate us for the erection of a new chapel, when it might be deemed necessary. His Lordship was very kind during a lengthened interview; and

From this time Methodism gradually rose in the city and neighbourhood, until 1825, when the Stamford Circuit was divided, and Peterborough was made the head of the new Circuit, with two Preachers. At this time the number of members in the city was under forty. In the year 1830 it became necessary to enlarge the chapel ten feet in width, with an additional gallery. This chapel stood at one extremity of the city, in a very secluded and unfavourable spot; on which account the friends for some time had it

stated he was not aware that he had at that time; but should any ground which appeared to us desirable, be disposable, he would allow us to mention the subject to him. Shortly after it became known that his Lordship was about to form a new street in Peterborough, in a part of the city which would be exceedingly desirable for our purpose. His Lordship's steward was waited upon; and a piece of ground was mentioned, which he was desired to request his Lordship to grant

us.

His Lordship soon after, in conjunction with his steward and architect, fixed on a spot fronting one part of the new street, which was certainly preferable to the situation we desired. Collectors were immediately appointed, to solicit weekly contributions, and larger subscriptions. Earl Fitzwilliam, besides granting us the ground on a longer lease than he is accustomed to do, at a moderate annual ground-rent, and taking the old chapel off the hands of the Trustees, at a fair valuation, headed the subscription-list with £25; and Lord Milton, his son, promised £5. One of the Members of Parliament, for the city, J. N. Fazakerley, Esq., gave £15; two of our friends, £50 each; and another £25. Thus we proceeded, until we had on our list between four and five hundred pounds, when we

considered ourselves justified in making preparations for building. The sanction of the Building Committee was obtained, and the new chapel was begun in the month of June last. It is fifty-two feet six inches, by forty-four feet, outside; the estimated expense was £910; besides which some extras will probably raise it to upwards of £950. With the exception of the cathedral and parish church, it is the most neat and handsome public building in the city.

The days of opening were Thursday, the 6th, and Sunday, the 9th, of November. The Rev. Messrs. Robert Newton, and Theophilus Lessey, and Mr. William Dawson, preached on the first day; and so large was the attendance, that it was necessary to have service in the old chapel at the same times. On the Sunday the Rev. A. E. Farrar, and the Rev. William Smith, were the Preachers; and although the day throughout was very rainy, the chapel was crowded in the afternoon and evening. The collections amounted to upwards £100. But the best of all is, a gracious influence attended the word; souls were converted to God; and the good work still continues. The congregations regularly are very good; and there is scarcely a vacant seat on a Sunday evening. Most of the sittings are let. Our stipulation with the Building Committee was, that there should not be more than £400 debt upon the chapel; and although the expense will be more than at that time we expected, yet our subscriptions also amount to more than

we anticipated, so that the debt will be rather below than above that sum. Great credit is due to Mr. T. Pilkinton, the architect, who rendered his services gratuitously; and to Messrs. Bullen, Sawyer, and Edwards, for their liberality and indefatigable exertions in this good cause.

In the month of October, 1833, a new chapel was opened by the Rev. T. Cocking, at Dogsthorpe, a hamlet in the parish of Peterborough, a mile and a half distant, where the population is considerable, and there was no other place of worship; it cost £152, including £15 for the purchase of land; towards which £112 was raised by subscriptions, and collections at the opening. The erection of this chapel is principally owing to the liberality and perseverance of Mr. Thomas Parker, who, together with his family, subscribed nearly £25.

During the nine years that Peterborough has existed as a Circuit, the friends have erected six new chapels, not one of which is so much in debt, as to be a burden to the Trustees; and we are now preparing for the erection of a new one at Werrington, where the Lord has graciously poured out his Spirit, so that the number of persons in society has been more than doubled since the last Conference; and the place we now occupy will scarcely contain half the persons who are desirous of hearing the word. We have peace in our borders, and in several places prosperity. "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." Dec. 6th, 1834.

LETTER FROM THE BATH CIRCUIT. To the Editor of the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine. ON Friday, November 28th, a third Wesleyan chapel was opened in Bath. The Rev. A. E. Farrar, from London, preached in the morning and afternoon, and the Rev. William Jay at night. On the following Sunday, the Rev. William Atherton preached in the morning, and the Rev. John Smith, from Bristol, in the afternoon and evening. The congregations were large and attentive; the discourses peculiarly adapted to the occasion; and the collections very liberal. Many of the people were deeply affected with the important truths which they heard; it is hoped that the impressions then made will be lasting; and that this interesting occasion will long be remembered with gratitude to God.

The parish of Widcombe, in which this chapel is situated, is very populous, and contains a vast majority of the middle and lower classes of society. In the

J. BROWN.

midst of a dense population, this neat and commodious place of worship, which will contain seven or eight hundred people, was built twelve or thirteen years ago, by some gentlemen of the Independent denomination. The Minister for whom it was first intended disappointed the hopes of his friends, and the chapel fell into other hands. It has been successively occupied by Ministers of different creeds, and modes of worship; but has never had a fixed or permanent congregation. This chapel, having again become vacant, was offered by the proprietors at a moderate rent to the Wesleyan Metho. dists; who, considering the circumstance providential, availed themselves of the offer without delay.

The occupation of this chapel by us appears the more desirable, as we have had for some time two small and incon. venient preaching-places in the neigh.