Essays on the Preaching required by the times, and the best method of obtaining it; with Reminiscences and Illustrations of Methodist Preaching. By ABEL STEVENS. New York: Carlton & Phillips. 1855. 12mo, pp. 266. We are glad to see this thoughtful and earnest effort to unfold and enforce the true nature and design of preaching the gospel. It is a work applicable to all religious communities, though specially intended for the Methodist Ministry. There has been a tendency of late among preachers of all denominations, to depart from the simplicity of the gospel, in the ministrations of the pulpit. Essays and Lectures have too frequently taken the place of preaching. With many, it is to be feared, the idea of ministerial success has not included the salvation of their hearers, but has embraced little more than mere external prosperity. It is the aim of the author of the work before us to check these evil tendencies in the ministry. We think that his book is adapted to such a result. He clearly points out the defects of modern preaching, shows the cause of the inefficiency of the pulpit in our day, and suggests the proper remedy, and then concludes with notices of some of the early Methodist preachers. The book is written in a remarkably clear and forcible style, and the Methodist especially will read it with much interest.

Japan as it Was and Is. By RICHARD HILDRETH, author of History of the United States. Boston: Phillips, Sampson, & Co. 1855. 12mo, pp. 576. To those who know Mr. Hildreth's character as an author, it is scarcely necessary to say that this volume contains a full and ample account of the interesting country to which it relates. It includes all that is known of the history, government, institutions and people of Japan, with special notices of the efforts of the western nations to open intercourse with them. Mr. Hildreth, with characteristic industry, has grouped together all that the world has hitherto known with reference to that important empire. He has given the most complete history of the Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese relations with Japan to be found in any language, and there is no work in English which gives so full an account of the English and American efforts to open and maintain intercourse with its government and people.

The History of Russia from the Earliest Period to the Present Time. Compiled from the most authentic sources including the works of Karamsin, Tooke, and Ségur. By WALTER K. KELLY. (In 2 volumes. London: H. G. Bohn. New York: Bangs, Brothers & Co. 1855. 12mo, pp. 502, 526.) This compilation of Russian history will be regarded with interest at the present juncture. It is derived from reliable sources, and is written in the clear and animated style for which Mr. Kelly has come to be so well known. These volumes embrace all that general readers will desire concerning the past history and present position of the great northern despotism. They bring the history down to the death of Nicholas I. and the accession of Alexander II.

Lives of the Queens of England of the House of Hanover. By Dr. DORAN, author of "Habits and Men,' "Table Traits," &c. (New York: Redfield.

1855. pp. 420, 377.) Not one of the women commemorated in these volumes either possessed or did anything to deserve a place in history. Ex-. cepting the chance distinction of being a queen, not one of them has a claim to be remembered by posterity, unless it be the unfortunate Queen Caroline, wife of George IV. Yet Dr. Doran has contrived to make a very interesting and not altogether uninstructive record of lives which, for the most part, were uneventful. Many incidents in the history of some of these women, and some traits of their characters, must have appealed irresistibly to the author's love of the ludicrous. As a picture of the domestic life of the Georges, and as containing portraitures of some of the principal personages of their times, these volumes possess considerable interest and importance. Dr. Doran is a sparkling writer, and has succeeded, in more than one instance, in making a very entertaining book out of a very trivial subject.

The Christ of History. An argument grounded in the Facts of His Life on Earth. By JOHN YOUNG, M. A. (New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1855.)

This is a reprint from the London edition of a work, which ought to receive greater attention in this country than it has hitherto secured. We regard it as decidedly the ablest exhibition of the character and claims of Jesus Christ, which has appeared for many years. The argument, though not absolutely new, is yet original in the method of treatment. The author assumes nothing but the simple historical facts in the Life of Christ, such as Strauss or any other sceptical writer would be willing to concede, irrespective of all miraculous claims, and on this ground alone vindicates His supreme divinity. The style of the work is remarkably simple and energetic, being completely free from the glare and tinsel of most of our modern "fine writings," and distinguished by apt and elegant expression. The work breathes also a noble Christian spirit. We trust it will receive an extensive circulation, especially among inquiring minds.

The Contrast between Good and Bad Men, illustrated by the Biography and Truths of the Bible. By GARDINER SPRING, D.D., L L. D., Pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church, New York. (New York: M. W. Dodd. 1855. 2 vols. 12mo. pp. 417, 413.) The design of the venerable author of these beautifully printed volumes is to show the relative value of religion and irreligion by their respective effects in the lives and characters of men as related in the sacred record. It is a very judicious attempt to test the religion of the gospel by its fruits. The author vindicates the wisdom of the Christian by the truths which he receives, the motives which influence him, the duties he performs, the restraints he imposes on himself, the principles which give tone to his character, the hopes which animate him, the life he leads, and the death he dies. Dr. 8pring's style, though not remarkable for vivacity and grace, is yet clear and strong, and is generally the vehicle of good sense and scriptural views.

My Father's House, or the Heaven of the Bible. By JAMES M. MAC

It is

DONALD, D. D. (New York: C. Scribner. 1855. 12mo, pp. 376. impossible, putting aside all curious and merely speculative views, for the Christian to think too much on the subject of his heavenly home. Hence the importance of a work which shall distinctly and soberly state the revelations of the Bible on so great a theme. We have been much gratified in the perusal of Dr. Macdonald's book. It is at once safe and profitable for Christian readers. He confines himself for the most part to the clear revelations of the Scriptures, and rarely branches off into unauthorized speculation. We cheerfully commend this volume to our readers.

ARTICLE VIII.--LITERARY AND THEOLOGICAL INTELLI

GENCE.

UNITED STATES.

THE most noted book which has come into circulation during the past quarter, in theological circles, especially among Baptists, is that of Dr. Sheldon's on Sin and Redemption. It is reviewed in our present number. The first edition was soon exhausted; but its publishers have decided, we understand not to issue a second. The sentiments of Dr. Sheldon respecting the atonement remind us of those recently promulgated in England, and which are giving rise to some concern. We allude to those contained in the Commentaries of Rev. B. Jewett, Regius Professor of Greek, Oxford, on the Epistles to the Romans, Galatians, and Thessalonians.

The two new volumes of Macaulay's History have been issued in this country since our last. It has been issued by several houses, and in more varied editions than houses. Their reception gave rise to great enterprise on the part of publishers. Philips, Sampson & Co. had their edition set up, stereotyped, printed, bound, in seven days. The sale of this history has been unprecedented, both in the United States and England. A brief notice of these volumes will be found on a preceding page: a more extended article on both these and the former may be given in a future number of this journal. A fifth volume may be expected very soon: it is said to be in press.

Among biographies, that of Amos Lawrence (which was issued about the time our January number went to press), has been deservedly popular. An octavo and duodecimo have been published, and several thousands of each sold.

The Song of Hiawatha, by Longfellow, is enjoying an extensive sale. 20,000 have been issued, and the demand continues. The critics differ widely in their opinions respecting it. It undoubtedly displays great poetic talent. All the world is reading it; its effect is charming. It is republished in London. Apropos, Messrs. J. B. Lippincott & Co. announce The Myth of Hiawatha, and other Oral, Mythological and Allegorical Legends of the North American Indians. By Henry R. Schoolcraft, LL.D.

The American Journal of Education and College Review, which consisted

of the fusion of two educational works, and which began the year as a monthly, has since separated again. The American Journal of Education, edited by Henry Barnard, LL.D., Hartford, is to appear henceforth bimonthly. March number is in circulation: the next will be issued in May. The position of the College Review we have not learned.

Mr. C. B. Norton will not issue his list of new books published in the United States during the year 1855 until May next. We have seen a specimen copy, and, from a rough estimate, judge that about 2,000 volumes were published. Mr. Norton proposes to continue this useful work annually.

The Hebrews have decided to found a University in Cincinnati.

Efforts have recently been made to unite the Theological Schools of Yale College and East Windsor.

The Smithsonian Institution has received as a present from the University of Jena, a copy of the original work of Otto de Eeurick-inventor of the air-pump-folio; 1672. It contains an engraving illustrating the celebrated experiment of the Magdeburg hemispheres.

The third volume of the Life of Washington, by Mr. Irving, is nearly ready. It will be followed by certainly another. Material has accumulated on the author's hands far beyond his expectations. Some of it has recently been discovered.

Seventeen hundred subscribers have been obtained for Agassiz's great work, Contributions to the Natural History of the United States. The number of subscribers is limited to 2,000. The success of the enterprise is considered complete. The first volume will be ready in June.

Crocker & Brewster announce a new edition of Robinson's great standard work, Biblical Researches in Palestine, Mount Sinai, and Arabia Petræa. The three volumes of the former edition will be compressed into two, and a volume of entirely new matter added.

Messers. Ticknor & Fields have issued a second edition of Dr. Warren's great work, The Mastodon Giganteus of North America. The former edition was not offered for sale, but was distributed among universities. learned societies and individuals, in this country and other parts of the world.

The January number of Brownson's Quarterly contains an article in review of one in our issue of October last-Transcendental Road to Rome. We saw it too late to give it anything more than a cursory glance.

The Memoirs of Dr. Cone, by his sons, are nearly ready.

Harper & Brothers will publish the twelfth and concluding volume of Grote's History of Greece, as soon as they can obtain a good portrait of the distinguished author. This is the best Grecian history extant.

The same house also announces the History of Europe, from the fall of Napoleon in 1815, to the accession of Louis Napoleon in 1852, by Sir Archibald Allison. The fifth volume of this work, bringing the history of France down to 1837, of England to 1834, of Germany to 1848, and of Turkey and Greece to 1841, has just been published in London.

'A new work is announced by Appleton & Co. from the pen of the author of the " Wide, Wide World," entitled The Hills of the Shatemuc.

A History and Repository of Pulpit Eloquence, by Henry Clay Fish, is announced by M. W. Dodd.

An edition of Cicero de Senectute et de Amicitia, by Professor Lincoln, is announced by Appleton & Co.

Phillips, Sampson & Co. announce The Earnest Man: a Life of Dr. Judson. By M. Conant. This is to be a smaller work than that of Dr. Wayland. It will meet a want which has long been felt. It has the approbation of Dr. Wayland: and the profits will be devoted to the benefit of the family.

Mr. Conant has been engaged also, for some time, on a Popular History of English Bible Translations. It will soon be issued by Messrs. Sheldon Blakeman & Co.

The Commentaries of Olshausen, edited by Professor Kendrick, of Rochester University, and so long announced, will, it is said, soon go to press. The first volume may be expected early in the Summer. Messrs. Sheldon, Blakeman & Co. are to be the publishers.

The Sermons of the Rev Mr. Spurge, (a young man who is now creating considerable sensation in London), with a sketch of his life, will soon be issued by the same house.

Several other works of interest have been issued or announced during the past quarter by various houses. Some of them, we hope, will receive more extended notice in our next. We have only space to add the titles of a few which have met our eye: Lives of J. M. Mason, Kitto, Taleyrand, and Dr. Scudder. The Suffering Saviour: by Krummacher. Cyclopædia of Biography by F. L. Hawks. Philosophy of History: by W. E. T. Shedd. Liddell's History of Rome. Benton's Thirty Years in the United States Senate. A new Latin Dictionary, from the press of Messrs. Lippincott & Co. Hayne's History of the Baptist Denomination. Dean Milman's History of Latin Christianity.

Appleton's Cyclopædia of Biography has been received. A notice of this excellent work will appear in our next issue.

ENGLAND.

Considerable stir has been occasioned in England, owing to the rumored heterodoxy of the Queen. The true solution of the uproar appears to be, that her Majesty thinks with Archbishop Tillotson, that charity is above rubrics. The occasion of this stir is hinted in a notice, given in another part of this number, of a sermon by Dr. Caird.

Since our last issue, Samuel Rogers the well known banker and poet, and long a patron of learning and literary men has died. He leaves, it is said, five volumes of memoirs. Recollections of his Table Talk have been published by Rev. A. Dyce, and are already reprinted in the United States. Josiah Conder, for twenty-three years editor of the Patriot, and proprietor of the Eclectic Review has also recently deceased.

A new review has been projected to be carried on by the members of Cambridge and Oxford Universities and by others.

Several American books have been recently reprinted in England. Among these are W. H. Prescott's History of Philip the Second; History of Ruth, by Dr. Tyng; Illustrations of Scripture, by H. B. Hackett; Oliver Cromwell, by F. L. Hawks; God revealed in creation and in Christ, by J. B. Walker; and the first volume of Princeton Essays. The latter are received with great favor.

Paleairo's famous work on the benefits of Christ's death, supposed, under