MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF THE REV. DAVID | independent details, but above all, for his glowBOGUE, D.D. By James Bennett, D.D. 800.ing friendship. “Verily, he has his reward." pp. 446. 12s. Westley and Davis. In common with the religious public at large, we have been longing for the appearance of this Memoir. Its revered Subject occupied, for many years, a station of great influence in the Christian world, and brought with him to the discharge of its duties, talents, acquirements, and graces, which but rarely fall to the lot of mortals. His praise, as a man of learning, piety, theological knowledge, ardent zeal for the glory of God, and noble decision of character, is in all the churches; and while the London Missionary Society, and its glorious achievements, are remembered, DAVID BOGUE can never be forgotten. We delight to think that his Memoirs have been drawn up by Dr. Bennett, who knew the deceased so intimately, and who sympathized so cordially in most of his opinions, pursuits, and, perhaps we might add, prejudices. It required one that well knew Dr. Bogue, to become his biographer. A mere cursory observer of his character and habits would have been sure to mistake him. By a stranger, his devoutness would have been pronounced austerity, and his immoveable firmness, obstinacy. Happily for the world, his memorial has been sup plied by one who knew him well, and who loved and revered him as a father in Christ. Never, perhaps, did a more cordial intimacy subsist between a theological professor and his pupil. They thought together, they acted together, -they wrote together. They were lovely in their lives, and in the death of one of them they are yet undivided. The Memoir which Dr. Bennett has furnished, is extremely well written, is replete with incident and interest, and is characterized by correct and powerful delineations. We admire, exceedingly, what is said in reference to Dr. Bogue's domestic character; to some, though not to us, it will present him in a new and endearing aspect. Did we not know that firm men are generally, when put to the test, most tender, we should not have been prepared to learn that Dr. Bogue felt to intensity, the soothings and endearments of domestic love; and that he hung with exquisite sensibility upon the smile of an accomplished and beloved wife. Dr. Bennett has divided his Memoir into six chapters. I. From his Birth to the Commencement of his Ministry at Gosport. II. From his Settlement at Gosport to the Formation of the Seminary for the Ministry. III. From that period to the Formation of the Missionary Society. IV. From that period to the Affliction of his latter Days. V. His last Afflictions and Death. VI. His Character and Works. We cannot close a volume which we have read with such uncommon interest, without In another Edition, we would suggest the propriety of an Index or Table of Contents. THE CHRISTIAN POET; or, Selections in Verse, on Sacred Subjects. By James Montgomery, Author of "The World before the Flood," 66 Songs of Zion," ""The Christian Psalmist," &c. With an Introductory Essay. 12mo. pp. 440. 6s. bds. Collins, Glasgow; and Whittaker, London. NOTHING that appears under the sanction of Mr. Montgomery, can be uninteresting to the best portion of the Christian world. The present volume has already received large proofs of public regard. It is a fine collection of pieces, in general but little known, and relating to almost all the varieties of human feeling and Christian experience. Such a work was required from such a pen; and we doubt not it will realize the success it deserves. The Introductory Essay is written in Mr. Montgo mery's best style, and contains an elaborate and triumphant refutation of the opinion of Dr. Johnson, that "faith, thanksgiving, repentance, and supplication," are subjects upon which 'poetry loses its lustre and its power, because it is applied to the decoration of something more excellent than itself." The printing and paper of this volume are of the first order. -- THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY WALK, in Holy SeCURITY AND PEACE. By the Rev. Henry Scudder. With an Introductory Essay, by Thomas Chalmers, D. D., Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of St. Andrew's. 12mo. pp. 440.5s. 6d. Collins, Glasgow; and Whittaker, London. A WORK which more than a century and a half ago received the warm and unhesitating recommendations of such men as Dr. Owen and Richard Baxter, can need no eulogium of ours. When the latter divine wrote his preface, he said, "I take it as a dishonour to our age, that such a book as this should need any man's recommendation to procure its entertainment." If any thing were necessary, in our own day, to give circulation to this admirable exposition of the divine life, the powerful and eloquent introduction of one of the most original theologians of the age will be more than sufficient for this purpose. SCENES OF LIFE, or the Influence of Religion. By Mrs. Barber. Nisbet, Hamilton, Westley. London. 1827. THIS interesting volume is the production of an amiable and enlightened mind, pregnant with celestial fire; equally conversant in the scenes of high and humble life. The fair author has often before amused and instructed the Christian public; but, from diffidence we wise have escaped her observation, and has | THE LIFE OF ULRICUS ZUINGLIUS, the given to her publication that simplicity and practical character which is so valuable in works addressed to the young. We do not know any work, of the class to which this belongs, that we would more cheerfully put into the hands of the young; the incidents are numerous and attractive, the style easy, clear, and elegant; the religious principles, on which it is bottomed, evangelical; the design unique and comprehensive. The following, taken at random, is a specimen of the author's style and manner: "It was not in a time of security, but in a season of trial, that the disciples were exhorted to possess their souls in patience. What need would there be for this virtue, or what room for its exercise, if all things went on just as we would have them? Alas! this censure applies not only to such young Christians, as we are now describing, but to many others, who, to more advanced years, can add also advanced experience. Melancholy, surely, is such a case: well may the profane scoffer ask, 'Where is the boasted difference of character between these expectants of Heaven's bliss and ourselves? in what does it consist?-We see not the distinction or superiority which you claim for them: they are fretted by the same vexations-harassed by the same trials-perplexed by the same difficulties. Where then is that faith, so potent to overcome, and that assurance that all things shall work together for their good: Christians have need, much need, to pray that patience may have her perfect work. When they sink under the discouragements of life, it is because their faith is weak: like the servant of the prophet, their eyes are open to behold the bannered host arrayed against them, but they see not the Lord of hosts upon their side, and thus their weakness gives strength to the foe, while their terror ensures to the enemy a triumph." THE EARLY LIFE OF CHRIST AN EXAMPLE TO THE YOUNG. By Henry March. 12mo. pp. 187. Holdsworth. London. 1827. No man can doubt that the life of Christ furnishes the best example of moral propriety that was ever presented to the world, though it must be confessed that of his early years our knowledge is confined within a narrow compass. Of this the author seems well aware, but with commendable propriety he draws his materials from Luke ii. 40-52, without having recourse to the wild legends of romance, or the uncertainties of probable conjecture. From the information comprised within the above twelve verses, Mr. March has drawn forth a pleasing little manual, which he places before his readers in seven chapters, that he has contrived to render both amusing and instructive. In these he delineates what the youthful character ought to be; and lest any should be led to imagine, from the subject whence he has taken his examples, that the virtues exhibited are too exalted for imitation, it is but inst to obser Reformer, with a Biographical Sket John Ecolampadius. 12mo. pp. 177. milton. London. 1827. THE names of these great men are s mately connected with Calvin, Luther lancthon, and others, that whenever they our views are carried back to the period Reformation. Zuinglius, although a Catholic, was so deeply sensible of the which had crept into the church, and abominations of the clergy, that he ente protest against them, without even k for a considerable time, that any other acting under similar impulses. His pro the one hand exposed him to much p tion, but his being a Catholic caused hi heard with great attention, so that, ever he rendered the Reformation, in this state of things, more essential service, he had openly renounced all connexi the Romish church. The violence wit he was opposed led him to further exam and this, in the result, strengthened his tions, and confirmed his resolutions to vere in stemming the torrent of co with which he found himself surround at last openly to espouse the cause of formation. It was almost exclusively to the exe this man, that Switzerland was inde the Reformation that was introduced cantons. His learning, which was co ble, his piety, which commanded rever courage, which was a stranger to intin together with his zeal and perseveranc knew no intermission, all co-operated mote the cause in which he was enga to ensure that success in which it fi umphed. This great man fell a victi sword of an exasperated soldier, in after being slain in the field of battl forty-third year of his age, his body v as that of a heretic; so that, to use t of Beza, "he was slain for his cour burnt for his religion." His friend, Ecolampadius, who co-operated with Zuinglius, was ill at of his death. This disaster heightend order, and in a short time brought hi the grave. His character is represen ing of the most amiable kind, so tha Sadolet, one of his enemies, observed ing of his death, that he "wished he d fully grieve for his loss." The biographical sketches which w these two great men in this little volu before us the perils they endured, and eventful periods of their lives. They nish a transient view of the commot which Europe was at that time agit lead us with grateful hearts to ack the blessings, which, through the ex our protestant ancestors, we now en price of this little work is only two and we think it well worthy the at our readers. for particular Occasions. 12mo. pp. 96. By George Smith of Liverpool. Westley and Davis. London. 1827. AGAINST forms of prayer, many, who think they need not their assistance, are very forward to raise formidable objections, but these lose a considerable portion of their influence, from being urged with more zeal than liberality, and sometimes dictated by a spirit, on which their extemporaneous addresses to the throne of grace have not stamped every feature of the Christian character. We do not know that this objection merits any other reply than what the author has given in the following words: "It cannot be concealed that many well disposed persons have been deterred from the practice of family worship, in consequence of an inability to offer up an extempore prayer in the presence of others. To remedy this inconvenience, forms of prayer of different degrees of merit have been offered to the public; and though much objection has been raised to employing forms of any kind, yet it must be acknowledged, that it is better to offer up supplications with the assistance of a form, than to live in the total neglect of prayer. It argues great ignorance, or prejudice, or something worse, on the part of persons indiscriminately condemning all who venture to employ forms of prayer, while many excellent Christians, of necessity, and others of choice, use them both in public and private."-(Introductory Observations, p. vii.) be found a useful manual, as it is adapted, by its simplicity, to suit the spiritual wants of Christians of all denominations, and is particularly calculated for youthful readers. RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR A HOLY Life. reprint of an excellent and useful tract by the WE are much pleased with this very neat pious Bishop Leighton. It forms a valuable pocket companion for the young Christian, as its style is simple, and its precepts evangelical, setting in their proper light the character of death, whilst it leads to just and profitable rethe blessed Redeemer, and the merits of his flections on the value of the soul, and the infinite interest of the "things that belong unto our peace." Works of this character cannot be too widely disseminated, or too generally read; and, next in value to the sacred volume itself are such works as, like the present, point out the method of applying its precious doctrines, under the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, to the welfare and salvation of the immortal soul. MISSIONARY GEOGRAPHY; or, the Progress of THE heaven-born cause of Missions is, and plation to Christians of every class, sex, and ever must be, an interesting subject of contemage; and the more it is studied the more in These prayers, though short and simple, are sufficiently comprehensive to embrace the general topics of gratitude, confession, and petition which form the basis of family devotion.teresting it becomes, not only as it displays the They are also offered through the medium that God has appointed, so that those by whom they are used are taught to expect the blessings for which they pray, through the efficacy of an atoning sacrifice, and the influence of the Holy Spirit. We should rejoice to learn that this, or some such manual, found its way into every prayerless family throughout his majesty's dominions. SELF EXAMINATION; or, Three Hundred and Sixty-five Questions, being one for every day in the year, for Christians of all Denominations. Nisbet, 1827. If there be one Christian practice that may be more beneficially followed than another, in moments of leisure from the necessary avocations of life, it is self-examination. Its process is easy, as it may be pursued at times when the mind is not in a frame for connected prayer, or devout meditation; and, if once reduced to a habit, conscience and reason will be constantly suggesting some subjects for its profitable exercise. advantages are great as it mighty power of God in turning "men from darkness to light," but the wonderful operation it has upon human character, by subduing the ferocity of the savage, and by introducing the peaceful arts of life, and the comforts of civilization, making him a worthy and useful member of society. Of this the state of the Sandwich Islands since the introduction of Christianity, may be cited as an illustrious and highly-interesting example. thor, as he informs us in his advertisement, to consider that it might be made a useful means of communicating geographical information, ledge of places, such instruction as would enand that parents might unite, with the knowgage and improve the minds of their children. sionary meeting in Dublin, and, to a compli He, accordingly, threw out this hint at a misance with a wish that he would write on the subject, we owe the present amusing and instructive volume, which, in the attractive form of a family dialogue, traces the history of missions, and the circumstances that befel the labourers in its cause from that These circumstances led the reverend au 190 The work is calculated to do much good, and, † with our cordial commendation, has our best wishes for its success. A DEFENCE OF THE MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH SEA, AND SANDWICH ISLANDS, against the Misrepresentations contained in a late Number of the Quarterly Review, in a Letter to the Editor of that Journal. By William Orme. 8vo. pp. 142. 3s. 6d. THE change which has been effected, by the blessing of God upon missionary labour, in the character of the people inhabiting the South Sea and the Sandwich Islands, is one of the most splendid triumphs of Christianity since the Apostolic age. Before they were visited by Christian Missionaries, they were among the most degraded of the human species; but they have now generally abandoned idolatry, and conform both in spirit and conduct to the requirements of the Gospel, in a manner that puts to shame every European nation. Several attempts, however, have been made to injure the character of the Missionaries, whom God has employed as the instruments of this great and blessed work; and in a late number of the Quarterly Review, various accusations are preferred against them, in a tone of insult and Mr. Ellis, the author of the adlow sarcasm. mirable Missionary Tour in Hawaii, addressed a letter to the Editor of that Journal, correcting the misstatements of the Reviewer; and showing that he had been imposed upon by a communication which professed to be written by one of the native chiefs of Hawaii, but which was manifestly a forgery. This letter the Editor of the Quarterly Review refused to publish; and at the same time declined either to acknowledge the errors into which he had been led, or to soften the calumnies he had sent forth into the world. Under these circumstances, Mr. Orme has written the very able A more triumphant depamphlet before us. fence of a good cause was perhaps never published. The letter is drawn up with all that confidence which truth and a complete knowledge of the subject inspire; and its argumentation is supported by documentary evidence which no sophistry can elude, and which must produce perfect conviction in every candid mind. We sincerely recommend the work, not only to the readers of the Quarterly Review, but to all friends of the Missionary cause. It contains a just and successful vindication of several excellent Missionaries; and supplies authentic information respecting the progress of Christianity, which must gladden the heart of every lover of God and man. THE TRUE USES OF THE LAW; two Sermons, THE subject of these Sermons is most im- 14. held in the Gospel system, is ne portion of his creed. To make, as the L ancestors. THE NORTHERN COTTAGE, or the Effec EXPLANATORY AND PRACTICAL COMM upon ing a Series of short Lectures Testament, designed as an Assista mily Worship, &c. By a Clergym Established Church. Part I. St. price 2s. Dublin, Wm. Curry, Jun WE have no hesitation in recommen work to such of our readers, as desire tant in reading the Scriptures to the the chapters are broken in portions of length for the general purposes of fa practical remarks suited for the ca ship; and the commentary contains servants and children. The present tains the Gospel of St. Matthew, (wi text)-it is printed in a large clear good paper, and in a style which does rable credit to the publisher and pr is intended to be completed in Eight which will not exceed in price 1s. 6d THE PEACEFUL VALLEY, or the In the happy change which was effected by its influence. The little history is related with much simplicity, and enlivened with pleasing anecdotes and incidents, interspersed with many judicious observations on the management of Sunday schools, and the advantages of perseverance. But, after all, we have our fears that the Peaceful Valley lies too near the region of Utopia. LITERARY NOTICES. Apology for the Modern Theology of Protestant Germany, a Review of the Work entitled, "The State of the Protestant Religion in Germany, in a Series of Discourses preached before the University of Cambridge, by the Rev. H. J. Rose, Vicar of Horsham, Sussex." By Dr. Karl Gotlieb Bretschneider. Translated from the German, by the Rev. W. A. Evanson, Lecturer, of St. Luke's, Old-street, London. Aldermanbury; or an Address to Mr. Thomas Phillips of Potter's Fields; containg numerous Anecdotes of the Port of London and Bethel Union Societies during the last Nine Years. By the Rev. G. C. Smith. 1s. 6d. The Christian Warfare: A Treatise showing the Nature and Importance of the Christian's Conflict, and the Means of his Conquest: By the Rev. Richard Waddy. Second Edition. 12mo. A Concise View of the Succession of Sacred Literature, in a Chronological Arrangement of Authors and their Works, from the Invention of Alphabetical Characters to the year 1440: By Adam Clarke, LL.D. Second Volume. 12mo. Anecdotes of the Rev. John Wesley, A. M.: By the Rev. John Reynolds, sen. The Works of the English and Scottish Reformers: Edited by the Rev. Thomas Russell, A. M. An Introduction into the Knowledge of Engraved British Portraits; or, a Priced Catalogue of more than Three Thousand Prints, described in Grainger's Biographical History of England, Bromley's Catalogue of Portraits, &c. By Henry Baynes. An Exposition of the Book of Psalms, Explanatory, Critical, and Devotional; intended to aid Private Christians in the Enlightened Perusal of Compositions in which the National History of the Jews and the Personal Experience of David, are often blended with the Spirit of Prophecy: By the Rev. John Morison, of Chelsea. and Demotic, or Enchorial Characters, and some Explanation relative to their Use: By the Rev. Henry Tattam, M. A. A new Edition of the Egyptian Lexicon of La Croze, Scholtz, and Woide, incorporating Rosii Etymologia Egyptiaca; with Improvements from Recent Discoveries in Egyptian Literature: By the Rev. Henry Tattam, M. A Short Sermons, on Various Important Subjects: By the Rev. Jonathan Edmondson, A. M. Fifth Edition. A Treatise on Self-Government: By the Rev. Jonathan Edmondson, M. A. Second Edition. Museum Theologicum; or, General Collection of Theological Literature; to consist of Reprints of the best Critical Essays published on the Continent; Epitomes of Larger Works; Translations from the various Modern European Languages; and Original Articles, in every Department of Sacred Literature. To be published Quarterly. 8vo. Religion in India; a Voice directed to Chris tian Churches, for Millions in the East. Comprising, "Revealed Truth estimated by a Christian Hindoo; The Victim of Delusion, a Hindoo Widow; The Ordination Service for Isaac David, a Hindoo Evangelist; The Plan of the Mysore Mission College; Zion's Watchman upon her Frontiers; The Gospel Commission, &c. &c. Edited by the Revds. S. L.-, and J. W. M. The Pledge of Friendship; a Christmas Present and New Year's Gift, for 1828. The plan of this publication is entirely altered, and the present volume will consist wholly of original matter, furnished by the respective Authors expressly for the work. There are upwards of Forty highly respectable Contributors. This Volume will be considerably larger than the former; and its embellishments, Ten in number, are entirely original, and executed by some of the most eminent Artists; among whom are 11 Corbould, Wright, Westall, Stothard, Copley, Fielding, Naesinyth, Davenport, Warren, Romney, Ensom, &c. The Second Edition (enlarged) of the Parent's Monitor; or, Narratives, Anecdotes, and Observations, on Religious Education, and Personal Piety. By David Barker: 1 vol. 12mo. Claude's Essay on the Composition of a Sermon. A New Edition. 1 vol. A Sermon on the Death of the Rev. D. M'AIlum, M. D. By J. Crowther. Little Frank, the Irish Boy. Fitful Fancies. By William Kennedy. Tracts by the Rev. Thomas Scott, with an Introductory Essay by Thomas Chalmers, D. D. |