The bulk of the sermons which appear for the first time are on topics of the highest importance; and, we are told, present an average specimen of Payson's much honoured and most efficient ministrations. The volumes illustrate the highest order of American preaching, and are worthy to stand side by side with those of President Davies. The edition is splendidly got up, reflecting great credit on the American press.

Incidents in the Life of an Italian: Priest, Soldier, Refugee. By LUIGI BIANCHI. Nisbet and Co.

THIS volume is full of incident and interest, far surpassing the charms of mere romance. The author has a perfect understanding of Popery. His education was finished in Rome, where he had a full opportunity of scanning the characters of Gregory XVI. and Pius IX., and fairly estimating the Papal system; and the volume shows, that his advantages were not thrown away upon him.

Like many others, our author renounced the Missal for the sword in the Revolution of 1848. The brief hour of the Republic was one of great joy, but sad reverses quickly followed, when our author and all the patriots had to flee for their lives! Our poor refugee went to Athens, where he acquired much fresh knowledge, which goes to enrich the present volume. After not a little knocking about, he arrived in England, visited Edinburgh, and became a preacher of the Gospel to the Italians.

The work eschews politics, but it occasionally enunciates true and noble sentiments, such as: "To be a Papist and a Christian is impossible."-"Can a Papist be a patriot?— Never! The Papacy is the quintessence of tyranny and despotism, both of which we see incarnate in the person of the Pope. From distant ages Popery has been the fountainhead of the calamities of Italy." "A Papist can neither be a Christian, nor a patriot." However these allegations may startle, they are capable of satisfactory proof.

The Life and Labours of the Rev. Daniel Baker, D.D., Pastor and Evangelist. By his Son, W. M. BAKER. Nisbet and Co. THE feelings with which we have laid down this work, differ very materially from those with which we took it up. The biographer is a Presbyterian minister in Texas, and his father spent much of his life in the South. We were, therefore, wholly unprepared for so much excellence in such a quarter. Dr. Baker was one of the ablest, and every way most admirable men of his time. His life was full of incident. The spheres of his labour were various, wide apart, and highly important. His life was one of severe and constant toil, and the results were unusually happy. He was in all respects a great character, remarkably adapted to the circumstances in which he was placed. There is much in the volume fitted to instruct and amuse; the great defect is the utter ignoring of that "sum of all vil

lanies,"-slavery, with which through life he was intimately conversant, and closely identified.

A Consideration of the Sermon on the Mount. By DANIEL H. HILL. Williams and Martien, Philadelphia; and Nisbet and Co., London.

THIS is not an every-day performance: it is the production of a man who knows the world. Mr. Hill was lately a major in the United States army; and he is now superintendent of the North Carolina Military Institute. The character of the man has determined the character of the work. It is wholly free from professionalism; there is nothing abstract in the thought, or technical in the expression; all is clear, simple, and soldierlike. The information is ample and thorough; the composition is clear and careful; and the strain is deeply devout.

Lectures on the First Two Visions of the Book of Daniel. By W. NEWTON. Nisbet and Co. MR. NEWTON is rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, West Chester, Pennsylvania; and the dedication runs thus:To my mother: to whom, under God, I owe all that I am here and hope to be hereafter, these pages are affectionately dedicated by her Son." To our eye, there is great beauty in these words, which highly commend to us both the author and his work. There is nothing, however, either specific or peculiar about the volume. It simply exhibits the common doctrine in language perspicacious and forcible, and so far it is much fitted both to instruct and to edify.

Nuggets from the Oldest Diggings; or, Researches in the Mosaic Creation. Constable and Co.; Hamilton and Co.

THE object of this work is to reconcile Genesis with Geology. Its structure is imperfect, and its execution feeble. Altogether, it contributes little, if anything, to our previous knowledge. Of the perfect truth of the statement of Moses, we have no doubt; and all seeming discrepancies that may be found between him and the geologists must be kept in store till we have more light.

The Religion of Geology and its connected Sciences. By E. HITCHCOCK, D.D., LL.D. James Blackwood.

THIS is a great and commanding subject, worthy of the best and ablest of our Christian scholars; and, as we have already testified, it has here fallen into highly proper hands. We had occasion, several years ago, to enter at some length into the work before us, and to expatiate admiringly on its manifold excellences. The first edition appeared in 1851, and the present bears the date 1859. This, as the preface shows, has been prepared expressly for Mr. Blackwood, and differs from, and surpasses its predecessors in the circumstance, that while the whole has been corrected, and additions made, the author has added a fifteenth lecture, setting forth a brief view of the whole subject as it now lies in his own mind. The work is a mass of solid thought. pervaded throughout by Christian principle.

We have nowhere a volume on geology so copious and so comprehensive, so thoroughly digested, and altogether so fraught with delightful instructions.

The Four Temperaments. Contemplations on Luke ix. 51-62. Delivered on Trinity

Sundays in 1839. By FREDERICK ARNDT. London: Thickbroom, Brothers. NOTWITHSTANDING the smallness of the present volume, its author is one of the greatest of living Germans, and his subject is one of a deeply interesting character. We have here five lectures, which we may designate five human portraits, all sketched with a master's hand, and developing highly important principles. Only a man of genius and of deep reflection, and a keen observer of human society, could have produced the book.

Light in Life's Shadows; or, Hymns for the Sorrowing. London: J. Haddon.

THE object of the present volume is avowedly to furnish a rich supply of the materials which are necessary for true consolation. A considerable number of the compositions are original, while the rest are well selected. It is the largest assortment of its class that has come to our hands, and much suited to serve the purpose of its preparation.

Voices from Calvary; or, the Seven Last Sayings of our Dying Lord. By R. T. JEFFREY, M.D. A. and C. Black.

THE Conception of this volume is alike happy and beautiful. The discourses are entitled to occupy a first place amongst the most pathetic productions of the English tongue. Steeped in feeling, they overflow with consolation. The book, if justice be done to it, will command most extensive popularity.

Sunday Afternoons in the Nursery. By M. L. CHARLESWORTH. Third edition. Seeley and Co.

WE have here nineteen essays, all on interesting subjects, and executed in a manner which is peculiarly adapted to children. . The illustrations are happily conceived, and every way first-rate performances. The only drawback is, the volume is necessarily so dear as to confine it to opulent classes.

A Hand-Book for the Sick. By the Rev. W. B. MACKENZIE, M.A. Seeley and Co. THIS is a very good conception. While the introductory address is excellent, the volume is peculiarly suited to the class for whom it is specially prepared. The selection of Scripture is judiciously made and well arranged, and the type so large that even eyes of fourscore might almost read it without spectacles.

The Pitcher and the Fountain; or, the Wants of Man and the Promises of God. By Rev. J. GRAHAM. Thickbroom.

THIS is a beautiful essay on a very popular

portion of Scripture, in which the eloquent author discourses on the promises, setting forth their origin, character, and design, with great effect, more especially expatiating on the various promises. The appendix of classified promises will be a great accommodation to those especially who desire to make the little volume a vade mecum.

Our World; its Rocks and Fossils. By Mrs. WRIGHT. London: Jarrold and Sons.

THIS is rather a hard subject for the softer sex, but there are ladies with minds cast in a mould so large, and of a texture so masculine, as to fit them for dealing with the "red sandstore," and all above and all beneath it; ladies quite at home amongst earthquakes, volcanoes, slates, limestones, and the manifold elements which comprise the marvellous globe on the surface of which we live and

move.

This little volume is by far the most perfect thing of the kind we have ever seen. It is geology made easy for either old or young. While the text is admirably written, the illustrations, which are all but innumerable, are exquisitely drawn. The volume is the result of immense labour, and in point of simplification it excels all its predecessors.

The Children of Summerbrook. Scenes of Village Life described in Simple Verse. By Mrs. SEWELL. London: Jarrold and Sons. MRS. SEWELL, in this unpretending embodiment of the moral philosophy of humble life, has performed great service to society. The subjects are very numerous and very varied, while a vein of common sense runs through the whole, much fitted to instruct, with an air of pleasantry adapted to attract. It is quite a book for children and the common people.

Sabbath Evening Readings on the New Testament-Colossians and Thessalonians. By the Rev. JOHN CUMMING, D.D., F.R.S.Ă. London: Hall, Virtue and Co.

THE present volume comprises the Epistles to the Colossians and Thessalonians, both the first and the second. We have nothing further to say than that, like all its predecessors, the volume is admirably fitted to impart correction and instruction in righteousness.

The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser. In five volumes. Vol. ÏV. Edinburgh: Nichols. London: Nisbet and Co.

THIS is, perhaps, the heaviest undertaking in the splendid series of Mr. Nichols's Poets. One more volume will complete Spenser, and if Mr. Nichols had done nothing more than produce it, he would have deserved well of the world of letters. This volume completes the "Faerie Queene;" and the "Shepherd's Calender," covering the twelve months of the year, constitutes the rest of the volume.

HOME

ACOCK'S GREEN, NEAR BIRMINGHAM.The ceremony of laying the first stone of the Congregational Chapel, intended to be erected at Acock's Green, was performed by the Rev. J. Angell James, under very favourable and encouraging auspices. A large number of persons from the neighbourhood and from Birmingham were present, it being calculated that not less than 700 persons were on the spot. The building will provide accommodation for 450 persons. The cost of erection will amount to £1,750. The proceedings were commenced by the singing of a hymn, which was followed by the reading of the 134th Psalm, by the Rev. J. Hammond. The Rev. J. A. James, standing near the stone, then addressed the assembly.

BIRMINGHAM.-On the 21st of July a recognition service was held in the Lozells Chapel, on the occasion of the settlement of the Rev. J. T. Feaston, as its minister. The various parts of the service were conducted by the Revs. C. Vince, G. B. Johnson, R. W. Dale, M.A., Professor Barker, J. A. James, R. Ann, P. Sibree, and J. Hammond.

All

BISHOP'S STORTFORD.-A large tea-meeting was held on July 19th, in the grounds of J. B. Johns, Esq. The objects in view were, to add to the funds of the new Congregational Chapel in the course of erection, and to develope social and friendly feelings among the Christian friends engaged in the work. The arrangements were good, the gathering large -amounting to nearly 400 persons. weariness and monotony between the tea and speaking was entirely avoided, the company eagerly breaking up into groups to stroll about the grounds, and to survey the beauty and variety of the scenery. Arrangements were soon made for a meeting on the same charming spot. The speaking was lively and instructive. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. A. Hurndall (minister), H. Gammidge, F. Edwards, J. Wood, Harding, and Beddow. All were highly delighted with the day, the scenery, and the proceedings. The ladies who got up the meeting have a good reason for being satisfied with the result in adding to the funds for the new chapel.

BLACKBURN MILL-HILL CHAPEL.- On Thursday evening, July 14, a public meeting was held in connection with this chapel, and very encouraging reports were presented as to the progress made in the various departments of Christian effort during the year. Joseph Eccles, Esq., occupied the chair, and the meeting was addressed by Rev. Messrs. L. Skinner, J. Cameron, W. G. Tibield, and W. H. Mann; J. Fish, Esq., and Messrs. Woods, Parry, and Wilson. On Lord's day, July 17, sermons were preached to full congregations by the Rev. Messrs. L. Skinner, of Mount-street Chapel, W. H. Mann, pastor of the church, and D. Herbent, M.A., of Darwen. The collections made during the day amounted to £65. A new and beautiful chapel is now in course of erection, where the accommodation

RECORD.

will be more commensurate with the wants of the neighbourhood.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL, LEWISHAM.Midsummer Examination.-"The Latin and Greek classes of the Congregational School were examined this year in the following subjects-The first Latin class in the 6th book of the Eneid, and the first thirty-two chapters of the Jugurthine War. The first Greek class in the 3rd book of the Iliad, and part of the Acts of the Apostles. The second Latin class in books 2, 3, and 4 of Cæsar's Gallic War. The lower classes in Arnold's First and Second Latin Book, and in the Latin and Greek Accidence. The examiners have pleasure in expressing their satisfaction with the general correctness of the translations given by the pupils of the senior classes. Passages for translation were selected by the examiners from different parts of the works which had been read during the year, and in this department the results of the examination showed a degree of excellence quite equal to the average of similar classes. The lower classes were more unequal in their replies. Some of the pupils acquitted themselves most creditably, and gave proof of an ability to prosecute their classical studies with continued success. In respect to others, the examiners content themselves with expressing the hope that present deficiencies will be more than made good by future diligence and attention.

(Signed) "JOSHUA C. HARRISON, "SAMUEL NEWTH, M.A." "The examination was continued in the afternoon, in the presence of a large assembly of the friends of the Institution, and embraced the following subjects:-Geography, English Grammar, English Composition, Natural Philosophy, English and Roman History, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Scriptural Knowledge. Questions were proposed, not only by the Chairman, but by several other gentlemen, which the pupils answered with great readiness and accuracy. Very general satisfaction was felt by those present with the proficiency manifested in the different branches that passed under review, and with the efficient state of the school in general. Corresponding regret was expressed at the retirement of the Head Master, who carries with him the evident affections of his pupils, and the sincere respect of the Committee. May this most valuable Institution receive the support which it so well deserves. (Signed)

"J. C. HARRISON, 'Chairman." CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL, LEWISHAM.Devotional Service.-A devotional service, to inaugurate a new session under new masters, was held in the school-room at Lewisham, on Friday evening last. The masters, the secretary, several members of the committee, and about thirty of the pupils were present. Appropriate hymns were sung, and prayers were offered by Mr. Potter, and the Revs. Messrs.

Mummery and Rose; after which an affectionate and appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Ferguson, who presided, and the meeting closed. It is hoped that the new master (the Rev. Thomas Rudd, B.A.) has before him a long and prosperous course in this important service, and that many of his brethren in the ministry will have to bless him in years to come for the instruction imparted to their children.

STAFFORDSHIRE.

The

ECCLESHALL, eleventh anniversary service, in connection with the pastorate of the Rev. H. Warner, was held at the Tabernacle Chapel, Eccleshall, on the 28th of June. The meeting was presided over by Samuel Asbury, Esq., Cleaveland House, Shelton, and addresses were delivered of an interesting character upon the great subject of religious revivals. The day was extremely wet, which prevented many from coming, but the results of the services were highly satisfactory.

EDEN, NEAR CARRICKFERGUS.-On Tuesday evening, August the 9th, an interesting service was held in the Established Church school-room, by the Rev. W. D. Corken, the Independent minister of Carrickfergus. The spacious building was crowded to the door. He took for his text Acts xvi. 9, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." The sermon, which occupied an hour, was listened to throughout with the deepest interest, by the large and intelligent congregation. At the

close of the service it was proposed, "That the grateful and hearty thanks of the congregation be presented to the Very Reverend George Bull, M.A., Dean of Connor, for his considerate and generous kindness, in granting the use of the building to the Rev. W. D. Corken, for the purpose of conducting a fortnightly service." În these days of "Union," the noble conduct of the Rev. Dean of Connor will be hailed as a living evidence of that largehearted charity, which is the brightest ornameat of our common Christianity.

ILFRACOMBE.-The public recognition of the Rev. George Waterman, A.M., as pastor of the Independent Chapel in this fashionable watering-place, was lately held. The services on this truly interesting occasion commenced at three o'clock in the afternoon, and were attended by the ministers of all the Dissenting congregations in the town, who seemed to vie with each other in their desire to evince their sympathy with the new pastor and his flock. The recognition prayer was offered by the Rev. James Young, of Braunton, after which a lucid and impressive discourse on the relative duties of pastor and people was delivered by the Rev. T. W. Aveling, of Kingsland, London. public tea-meeting was held in the school-room at five o'clock, at which, as well as at the interesting services in the afternoon, many friends from Barnstaple as well as from the neighbouring villages attended. At seven o'clock, a public meeting was held in the chapel, when addresses were delivered by the Revds. W. Tarbotton, of Barnstaple; J. Whiting, of Bideford; E. Hipwood, of Appledore; E. Prout, of the London Missionary Society, London; and T. W. Aveling, of Kingsland. The services were of a truly animated character, and were very well attended.

A

MARKET HARBOROUGH.-DEATH OF REV.

H. TOLLER.We have to record with regret the death of the Rev. H Toller, minister of the Independent Chapel, Market Harborough, which took place on Tuesday morning, August 9th, about three o'clock. The deceased had been very ill for a long time. Last summer his church and congregation granted him leave of absence for three months to visit the sea-coast, to try to recruit his health, and presented him with a substantial proof of their regard. He was much better after this cessation from duty for some time. but he soon began again to feel the effects of his disease, and has continually been sinking. He was very highly and deservedly respected, especially by his church and congregation. As a token of respect on the occasion of his decease, the windows of shops and houses were partly closed. His loss will be deeply felt by his congregation.

SUDBURY.-Under the successful ministry of the Rev. J. Steer (late of Croydon), the former chapel in Friar-street had become too strait for the number of persons wishing to attend; it was, therefore, resolved to enlarge the place, so as to furnish sitting accommodation for 300 more. The enlargement having been completed so as to present a very beautiful building, with a front of white brick in the Italian or Florentine style of architecture, and an interior every way elegant, commodious, and well lighted and ventilated, and capable of seating 1,000 persons, the chapel was re-opened on Friday, the 29th of July, when the Rev. J. Stoughton, of Kensington, preached in the morning, and the Rev. E. Mannering, of London, in the evening, to large and attentive audiences. The Revs. Messrs. Bentley and Sowter, of Sudbury; Steer, of Castle Hedingham; Davies, of Lavenham; and Reeve of Stowmarket, took the devotional parts of the services. Dinner was provided in the assembly-room, to which a crowded party sat down; and tea was subsequently prepared in the Corn Exchange, which was filled to overflowing. The company at both places was addressed by the Rev. J. Steer, Rev. J. Stoughton, Rev. E. Mannering, Rev. S. Steer, Mr. Grey (of Croydon), Mr. Barker (of Sudbury), Rev. Eliezer Jones, Rev. T. Sowter, Rev. W. Bentley, Mr. M. Prentice, Rev. A. Anderson, Rev. J. Rutter, Rev. T. Giles, who severally congratulated the pastor and his people on what they had accomplished, and the attractive appearance of their place of worship, which reflects so much credit on the architect, Mr. Barnes, of Ipswich, and the builder, Mr. Webb, of Sudbury. On the following Sunday, the re-opening services were continued, when the Rev. Eliezer Jones, of Ipswich, preached morning and evening. The attendance, particularly in the evening, was large, and the collections altogether fell little short of £100.

WAKEFIELD.-The Rev. Henry Sanders, of Whitehaven, has accepted a very cordial and unanimous invitation to become pastor of the church and congregation worshipping at Zion Chapel, Wakefield, and will commence his labours there on the first Sabbath in September.

WHITCHURCH.-The Rev. C. J. Evans, late of Pembroke Dock, who has made a very extensive and successful tour through Europe

and the lands of the Bible, has accepted a truly cordial and unanimous invitation from the Congregational Church, Whitchurch, Hants. Mr. Evans resumed the duties of a settled pastorate on Sunday, August the 7th, under very encouraging circumstances.

COLONIAL RECORD.

PRAHRAN INDEPENDENT CHURCH.-The opening services of the New Independent Church, Commercial-road, Prahran, were commenced on Lord's day, April 10th. During the day, three sermons were preached by the Revs. J. L. Poore, D. J. Draper, and James Ballantyne. The church, morning and evening, was crowded. The services were resumed on Lord's day, 17th. The Rev. W. B. Landells preached in the morning, and the Rev. James Taylor in the afternoon. On Tuesday evening, 19th, a public tea-meeting was held, at which between 400 and 500 persons were in attendance. F. Haller, Esq., occupied the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Revs. I. New, H. Thomas, J. P. Sunderland, R. Fletcher, and W. R. Lewis and Mr. Vetch, late of New College, London; and by R. Smith, J. Browning, T. Dickson, G. Rolf, and J. Craven, Esqrs. The Revs. T. James (Wesleyan minister), W. Jarrett, W. B. Landells, James Ballantyne, and G. Divorty were also present. The following is the balancesheet:- Expenditure: Total cost of land, building, fittings, &c., £3,140. Receipts: Obtained by subscriptions and collections, £1,270; mortgage, £1,500; balance, £370. An effort to remove the floating debt, £370, was then made, and the collections, together with promises to collect in three months, amounted to £249, leaving a balance of £121. The meeting closed with the doxology and prayer by the Rev. B. Lemmon. The following is a brief description of the building: Style, Gothic; dimensions in the clearlength, 70 feet; width, 40 feet; height from floor to ridge of open roof, 47 feet. The church will comfortably accommodate 500 persons. The external appearance of the edifice, though unfinished, is exceedingly neat. On the principal elevation there is a large geometrical three-light window, and two octagonal turrets rising to the height of sixty feet. On the east side there is an ornamental porch. When completed, there will be at the north-west angle a tower and broach spire rising to the height of 105 feet.

PORTLAND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.On Lord's day, March 20, the Rev. J. L. Poore preached two excellent sermons this place of worship. The attendance was numerous and the collections liberal. On the 22nd a tea and public meeting was held in the Free Church building, kindly lent for the occasion. A few friends generously gave the tea and all incidental expenses, in aid of the building fund. J. N. M'Leod, Esq., presided at the meeting. After the secretary's brief statement, the Rev. J. Sleigh, in few words, reviewed his labours since his arrival at Portland in January, 1858. The Rev. S. Kelso (Presbyterian) then gave an appropriate address. The Rev. J. L. Poore characterised Congregationalism; stated the efforts made to

supply the spiritual wants of these colonies by the Colonial Missionary Society, London, in conjunction with zealous Christians at Melbourne and throughout Australia. He congratulated Mr. Sleigh and his flock on what had been accomplished, and urged the meeting to wipe off the remaining debt on the building. Thanks to the chairman, and for the use of the room, with prayer, concluded the meeting. The following are the financial particulars, exclusive of the debt on the land:-The cost of the building for the Congregational Church was £303 2s.; and after defraying the incidental expenses of the year, which amounted to £95, the balance was £148 13s. 2d.; the collections on Sunday, together with the profits of the tea and subscriptions promised at the meeting, amount to £123 17s. 9d., leaving a balance of little more than £25.

BALMAIN.-The recognition service in connection with the settlement of the Rev. Thomas Arnold, as the pastor of the above church, was held on Thursday evening, the 7th April. The devotional parts of the service were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Slatyer, Cuthbertson, Beazley, and Kent. The reasons for leaving England and coming to this colony for the purpose of becoming the minister of that place of worship, and his intentions as to the future, were clearly stated by Mr. Arnold. The Rev. Thomas Binney then delivered an address, dividing it into two parts, the first portion being advice and counsel to the minister, founded upon the words of 1 Peter v. 1-4; and the latter to the church and congregation, from Philippians ii. 14-16, defining their duties and obligations. The entire discourse was a truly masculine and apostolic one, and was listened to with intense interest by a large and respectable audience. After this service, a tea-meeting was held in a large marquee tastefully decorated for the occasion, which was followed by a public meeting, presided over by the Rev. Thomas Binney. Speeches were delivered by the chairman, and by the above-named gentlemen. Mr. Mullens laid a statement of the financial condition of the church before the meeting, and propounded a plan, suggested by Mr. Fairfax, by which it was hoped the whole might be paid off. The debt upon the church, amounting to £3,000, was the chief topic of consideration, and, after several gentlemen had spoken specially to the desirableness of its entire liquidation, subscriptions were entered into-the collection for the most part extending over three years-to the amount of nearly £2,400. The residue, it was hoped, would be supplied by friends who were unable to be present.

LONSDALE-STREET,

MELBOURNE. - The ninth anniversary services connected with this church were held on the 10th of April, when suitable and instructive discourses were delivered by the Rev. J. C. M'Michael, of Geelong. On Tuesday, the 12th of April, the annual meeting of the congregation was held in the school-room. The Hon. George Harker was called to the chair. The report, which, was encouraging, was read by R. C. Dunn, Esq., the secretary. From the treasurer's report it appeared that there had been raised by the congregation during the past year, for all objects, £982 4s. 10d. A balance of about £200 was due to the treasurer, chiefly ex