language which the Apostle has employed. Considering the comparative disadvantages under which our author laboured, we are of opinion that he has performed this part of his task with most praiseworthy industry and ability. He says, in the Preface to his Exposition, "I shall not need to give an account of my method: it is only that which is familiar and common amongst expositors who faithfully endeavour to bring the mind of God into a clear light out of the obscurity of those Scriptures which they undertake to expound, partly by a narrow searching into the scope and context from place to place; partly by a diligent examination of the different senses or significations of words, and choosing that which is most accommodate and proper for the place; partly also by considering the Scripture dialect and phrase; partly again by disencumbering the sense given of such objections and difficulties as seem to lie against it; and, lastly, by establishing and avouching the sense given, by showing a perfect harmony between this and other passages of Scripture. My witness is in heaven, and my record on high,' (Job xvi. 19,) that throughout my Exposition I have not willingly wrested, or adulterously forced, any phrase, word, syllable, or letter; but have, with all simplicity of heart, and as in the sight of God, without turning aside either to the right hand or to the left, followed the most genuine ducture of the context and scope from place to place, consulting, without partiality, all circumstances which occurred, and which I could think of, in order to a due steerage of my judgment in everything." (Pp. 14, 15.) To the Exposition, along with three other Tables, the author has subjoined, "A Table of some General Rules for Interpretation of Scripture, mentioned in the preceding Exposition." These may still be of great and extensive use in the study of holy writ. Upon the whole, while we cannot permit ourselves to be answerable for the minute accuracy of every expression and illustration which the author has advanced, it is our decided judgment that he has clearly apprehended the Apostle's chief design; that he has ably traced that design through the entire series of argumentation which the Apostle pursues; and that he has faithfully interpreted particular words and phrases, consistently with Scripture usage, and with the constant tenor and scope of the whole chapter. In our notice of the two remaining tracts we shall be studiously observant of brevity. One of these is, "The Banner of Justification Displayed;" or, as the author more fully describes it, "A discourse concerning the deep and important mystery of the justification of a sinner: wherein the several various, are, from the first to the last, causes thereof, being both numerous and diligently inquired after, and their several contributions towards so great and assigned to their proper causes, respechappy a work clearly distinguished, and tively. And more particularly is showed, decree of God, how the sovereign authohow God, how the grace of God, how the rity of God, how Christ, how the active obedience of Christ, how the passive obedience of Christ, how the resurrection of Christ, how the knowledge of Christ, how the Spirit of God, how faith, how repentance, how works, how remission of sins, how the word, how the Minister of the word, how the person himself which is justified, may all truly, though upon se veral accounts, and after different manners, be said to justify." The title now recited contains an outline of the whole work. If any farther information of a general kind were necessary, it is supplied by the author in his preface" to the reader." He says, "Concerning the sequel of the papers now in thy hand, the argument or subject-matter of it is an essay or endeavour to make, 1. A discovery of all the causes, from the first to the last, as far as they are either held forth or insinuated in the Scriptures, of that mysterious and weighty business, justification. 2. To assign unto every of these causes respectively their appropriate interests, interposures, and contributions, in, and about, and towards, this great and happy state of a sinner." (Page 379.) tions of the term "justification," it displays their admirable congruity in the astonishing scheme of human recovery, and, notwithstanding its conciseness, embodies the elements and substance of a most complete scheme of truth. To the productions of some bountiful writers the Greek proverb has been not unaptly applied, Aégewv μèv Toтapós, võv dè saλayμòs, “A river of words indeed, but a drop of sense." With respect to this piece of Goodwin, however, the proverb may be fairly reversed. As the " Exposition" contains a beautiful specimen of the manner in which a lengthened discourse should be examined, so this tractate exemplifies the acuteness and skill with which the meaning of a particular term may be unfolded in its several Scriptural acceptations, which often cause perplexity and doubt to less industrious or less cautious inquirers. The other tract is styled Eighvoμáxia, a compound word by which the author intended to express the co-existence of peace and war; or, as he interprets it himself, "The Agreement and Distance," that is, difference or disagreement, "of Brethren." It contains, in other words, "A brief survey of the judgment of Mr. John Goodwin, and the church of God walking with him, touching these important heads of doctrine: I. Election and Reprobation: II. The Death of Christ: III. The Grace of God in and about Conversion: IV. The Liberty or Power of the Will, or of the Creature Man: V. The Perseverance of the Saints. Truly and plainly declaring the particulars, as well agreed upon as dissented in, between them and their Christian brethren of opposite judgment to them in some things about the said doctrines. Together with a short touch of some of the principal grounds and reasons upon which the said Pastor and church cannot consent in judgment with their brethren about these particulars, relating to the said heads of doctrine, wherein the disagreement standeth." The plan which the author pursues under each doctrine is, first, to enumerate the "particulars of agreement" between him, with the church under his direction, and his brethren of a contrary belief in other respects; next, to name the "particulars of dissent;" and, lastly, to assign the reasons of dissent" entertained by him and his church. Many works have been written on what are called "the five points;" but few of them are superior, or even equal, to this. It is very distinct and orderly in its arrangement,-comprehensive and full in its statements, and, in its temper, remarkably calm, kindly, and Christian. The author extends the olive-branch of peace to "all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity;" and, though firm to his own principles, evidently longs to be of "one mind" with his Christian brethren of every persuasion. Encouragement, it is hoped, will be given to the re-publication, in the same commodious form, of other works from the pen of this justly esteemed writer. Many of his smaller pieces richly merit such a distinction. We would, however, more particularly mention his "Divine Authority of the Scriptures Asserted," a work of singular power and eloquence; and, above all, his capital and masterly performance, quaintly but significantly entitled, "Redemption Redeemed." A word, in conclusion, may perhaps be indulged us concerning our author's style. It is acknowledged that, like many others who rank among the best writers of his age, he often employs long and involved periods, and that he also abounds in words and phrases which are now fallen into comparative or entire disuse. These are blemishes, however, which, in the present day, can do the student little or no injury. A sure corrective is always at band in the more free and simple modes of writing and discourse which now generally prevail. But the style of Goodwin, amidst these imperfections, is rich, copious, and forceful; it is crowded with thought, adorned with well-selected metaphors and allusions, and removed to the greatest possible distance from the puerile inanity which disgraces much modern composition. As we peruse his pages, we are not unfrequently struck with the wonderful beauty and aptness of particular expressions, which, like gems fitly set, seem to shed light over a whole paragraph. It is by addicting himself to the use of such authors that the student is not only improved in a sound knowledge of Scriptural theology, closely investigated and powerfully applied, but is also imperceptibly led to acquire a style lively, nervous, impressive, and calculated, by the blessing of God, to convey divine instruction in all its native perspicuity and energy to the understanding and the heart. 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 Church Member's Catechism; or, Conversations concerning the Duties and Privileges of Christian Churches. By R. Treffry. 12mo. pp. 52. 9d. Mason. -This is an age in which clamours for what is called liberty are loud and urgent. But to many of the most noisy of its advocates the words of Milton, used in reference to the democratic revolutionists of his day, are justly applicable : "Licence they mean when they call liberty." Their object is to place themselves above all law, and to trample upon the rights of other men. We have seen Political Unions formed, to overawe the civil power by a menacing display of physical force; and Trades' Unions, established upon the same principle, that servants might control and govern their masters. The same spirit of defiance and insubordination has risen up in the church of Christ, and greatly afflicted some of the Wesleyan societies, to the serious obstruction of the work of God, and the ruin of many souls. Under these circumstances, the devout and conscientious Christian, desirous to preserve a pure conscience, and to secure his own personal salvation, will anxiously inquire what is the order of God, and will cheerfully submit to that order, however it may be opposed to the spirit and maxims of the world. To answer this inquiry is the laudable design of Mr. Treffry in the excellent and seasonable pamphlet now before us. He shows that as union with the church of God is a divinely-appointed means of spiritual improvement, and of preservation from evil, so the people who enjoy this signal advantage are laid under special obligations, and owe many duties to one another, and to those who are over them in the Lord. By the ordination of Christ the government of the church devolves upon his Ministers, not for the gratification of selfishness, or of personal ambition, but for the maintenance of a godly discipline, and the edification of believers. To all those members of the Wesleyan societies who desire to know the mind and will of the Lord, as specified in his own word,-the word according to which they must be judged, we sincerely recommend this publication. It is based upon the New Testament; the spirit which pervades it is truly Christian; and, like all the other productions of the author's pen, it is written with admirable simplicity, clearness, and force. Not angry controversialists, who cannot command their own temper,-nor the feeble and gentle spirits that would betray the cause of Christ rather than give themselves any trouble, or offend bad men,-but those who "speak the TRUTH," and speak it "in LOVE," are the "peacemakers" to whom the honour of being "called the sons of God" will be awarded. On the Power, Wisdom, and Goodness of God, as manifested in the Creation of Animals, and in their History, Habits, and Instincts. By the Rev. William Kirby, A. M., F.R. S., &c., Rector of Barham. In Two Volumes, 8vo. pp. 406, 542. Pickering. First Impressions: a Series of Letters from France, Switzerland, and Savoy, written in 1833-4, and addressed to the Rev. H. Raikes, M.A., Chancellor of Chester. By John Davies, B. D., Rector of St. Pancras, Chichester, and Author of "An Estimate of the Human Mind." Small 8vo. pp. 330. Seeley and Burnside. The very intelligent writer of this volume, having visited some of the principal towns in France and Switzerland, has related, for the benefit of his countrymen, the impressions made upon his mind by the persons and objects which were brought before him. The book is valuable, not so much from original descriptions of natural scenery, ecclesiastical architecture, and the manners and habits of the people, as from the sound views which it presents of Popery, and of its practical influence, as the fruitful parent of infidelity, scepticism, and licentiousness. It contains also some interesting notices of the agencies which are now in active and successful operation on the Continent, to extend the knowledge of Christianity in its scriptural and primitive form; as well as of the heterodoxy, lukewarmness, and formality of several of the Protestant churches in both countries. The volume is well written, and abounds with sound principles, both in regard to religion and government. The writer is advantageously known by some other excellent publications, especially his "Estimate of the Human Mind;" a work of great power and eloquence, though we think the author's views of experimental religion somewhat defective. Commentaries on the Affairs of the Christians before the Time of Constantine the Great; or, an enlarged View of the Ecclesiastical History of the First Three Centuries. Accompanied with copious illustrative Notes and Refer ences. Translated from the Latin of John Lawrence Mosheim, D.D., late Chancellor of the University of Gottingen. By Robert Studley Vidal, Esq., F. S. A. Vol. III. 8vo. pp. 307. Rivington. Memorials of the Sea. By the Rev. William Scoresby, B.D., Incumbent of Bedford Episcopal Chapel, Exeter; Fellow of the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh; Corresponding Member of the Institute of France, &c. 12mo. pp. 393. Nisbet.-Mr. Scoresby was formerly engaged in the Greenland Fishery, and is now an exemplary and devoted Clergyman of the established Church. When employed with his hardy and daring companions in the capture of whales, he experienced, as might be supposed, many narrow escapes and providential deliverances; and he met with many temptations to violate the Sabbath, by attacking those monsters of the deep on that sacred day. Those temptations he resolutely withstood; and one leading object of his present publication is to show that, independent of the spiritual good to be derived from the religious observance of the Lord's day, the course which he pursued was attended by temporal advantages; the sanctification of the Sabbath, amidst temptations to violate it, being generally rewarded, during the ensuing week, by unusual success in his hazardous calling. The volume contains many interesting facts illustrative of the perils connected with a sea-faring life, and of the benefits of Christian piety. Testimonies of the Fathers of the First Four Centuries to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England, as set forth in the Thirty-nine Articles. By the Rev. Henry Carey, M. A., of Worcester College, Oxford, 8vo. pp. 402. Talboys, Oxford. The Great Teacher: Characteristics of our Lord's Ministry. By the Rev. John Harris. 12mo. pp. 397. Ward. Gleanings in Natural History. Third and last Series. To which are added Notices of some of the Royal Parks and Residences. By Edward Jesse, Esq., Surveyor of His Majesty's Parks, Palaces, &c. Small 8vo. pp. 310. 10s. 6d. Murray. Mr. Jesse is an ardent lover of natural history, and an intelligent observer of the habits and instincts of animals. Many of the facts which he has collected, and placed upon record in the three volumes, of which this is the last, are singularly curious and valuable. They are related in a popular style; and while they interest the lovers of nature, will greatly serve the cause of humanity. Discourses on the Lord's Supper, preached in Margaret Chapel, Maryle bone. By William Dodsworth, M.A., Minister. 12mo. pp. 116. Burns. Some Account of the Writings and Opinions of Clement of Alexandria. By John, Bishop of Lincoln. 8vo. pp. 476. 12s. Rivington.—According to Jerome, Clement was a Presbyter of the Church of Alexandria, and master of the catechetical school in that city; where he had the honour of numbering the great Origen among his scholars. He flourished during the reigns of Severus and Caracalla; that is, between the years of Christ 192 and 217. Only fragments of some of his works remain; others of them have been transmitted to us nearly entire, and, as might be supposed, throw considerable light upon the doctrine and discipline of the church in those early times. The information which they contain on these interesting subjects is pointed out with great care and accuracy by the learned Prelate in this elaborate work. Every intelligent student of ecclesiastical history will gladly avail himself of the Bishop's very useful researches; and the general reader will derive from them considerable advantage. It is interesting in a high degree to know what were the views of Christian truth and order entertained by men who lived so near the apostolic times. The Theological and Poetical ClassBook, or School-Boy's Companion to the Bible: designed for Schools and Families in general, and for Sunday-Schools in particular: consisting of Elegant Extracts, both in Prose and Poetry, on all the essential and fundamental Doctrines of Christianity, with appropriate Questions for the Examination of the Reader. By B. Firth. 12mo. pp. 477. 58. Richard Baynes.-A large body of important truth is here presented to the youthful reader, in an elegant and inviting form; calculated at once to create a correct taste in composition, and to convey the most useful instruction to the mind. The Fulfilling of the Scripture, for confirming of Believers, and convincing of Unbelievers. By Robert Fleming. Abridged from the third Edition, A. D. 1681. 24mo. pp. 358. Tract Society. Mailland not authorized to censure Milner. By John King, M. A., Incumbent of Christ's Church, Hull. 8vo. pp. 83. Seeley. ing man, and which man is taught to cxercise in firm dependence on his aid. The volume is also prepared in a manner which reflects no small credit on the Editor's judgment, as well as on his pious affection for the memory of his father. He asks the literary reader's indulgence for the plainness and simplicity of the style; a request which appears to us to have been scarcely necessary. The style is clear and forcible; it accords admirably with the character and habits of the venerable writer; and considering that, "at the advanced age of sixty-five, he had never written a single sentence," it is really surprising for its general excellence. To the unlettered Christian it is singu larly adapted; and to the more cultivated and improved, whose taste has not been corrupted by frivolous and meretricious decorations, it cannot be offensive. We recommend the work with sincere cordiality. A careful perusal of it will, we trust, lead many to aspire after the inestimable blessings which are so strongly represented and enforced in its pages. Memoirs of the Rev. G. T. Bedell, D. D., Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia. By Stephen H. Tyng. With a recommendatory Preface, by the Rev. Thomas Snow. B. A., Rector of St. Dunstan's in the West, London. Small 8vo. pp. 276. Seeley and Burnside.— Dr. Bedell was an American Clergyman, of delicate health, but of most exemplary piety and zeal. He was successful in the conversion of many souls to God, and in building them up in holiness. He was a means of collecting together some thousands of children in Sunday-schools, and watched over them with true parental solicitude; a strenuous advocate of public institutions, designed to extend the know. ledge of Christ in the world; and a friend to all Christian people, among whom he laboured to promote harmony and brotherly love. The Life of such a man cannot be too extensively read, either by Ministers or private Christians. The Great Efficacy of simple Faith in the Atonement of Christ, exemplified in a Memoir of Mr. William Carvosso, sixty years a Class-Leader in the Wesleyan-Methodist Connexion. Written by Himself, and edited by his Son. London. Pp. xxxii., 304. 3s. Mason.-This beautiful little volume recommends itself to the attention of the reader by many powerful claims. It contains the personal narrative of a man who, for a long series of years, uniformly exemplified the graces and virtues of the Christian life in their rise, progress, and rich maturity, and who at length descended to the grave happy, loved, and honoured, "an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile." It also records an extraordinary number of memorable in stances, in which, by the agency and blessing of God, he was made the chosen instrument of great spiritual good to unawakened sinners, penitent seekers of salvation, and Christian believers. While we peruse its wonderful communications, we scem to be carried back to some of the earlier periods of Methodism, which were distinguished by the most remarkable effusions of divine influence. It may further be justly said to embody a large portion of sound theological truth, placed in the most striking light, and constantly associated with the privileges and obligations of Christian experience and practice; and it especially displays the mighty efficacy of that faith which God's Holy Spirit creates in the heart of humble and prayVOL. XIV. Third Series. OCTOBER, 1835. Records of a Route through France and Italy; with Sketches of Catholicism. By William Rae Wilson, F.A.S., A.S.R., Author of "Travels in the Holy Land, Egypt," &c. 8vo. pp. 472. Longman The most distinguished feature of this work is, a strong and decided hostility to the system of Popery, the peculiarities of which often came under the author's observation during his travels through France and Italy. He has a deep conviction of the evil character and tendency of that flagrant corruption of Christianity, of which, in the true spirit of Protestantism, he gives his readers 3 F |