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approbation of the wise and good. Woman needs a higher education to show of what she is capable, and to enable her to become a better wife and mother. And the time is come when her "non-existence," in some important civil respects, ought to cease. But the adjustment of her rights is a large question, and needs much consideration. Like every other question, it has two sides; and woman's original and scriptural position, and her natural weakness, give her a proper sense of dependence, and just claims for protection and help. Much is equitably yielded to her; and in proportion to the progress of civilization, or rather of Christianity,-the parent of true civilization,-the position of woman is improved. But our authoress abnegates Christianity, rather than opposes it. Human nature in the "Christ-child' only needs to be cultivated, and all needful virtues may be produced, and society raised to the required level. This is our gravest objection,that the book is without principles, and practically ignores Christianity. Such books do immense mischief, by habituating the minds of readers to the exclusion of the greatest moral forces in the greatest of moral questions. A misty atmosphere is created, where there can be no clear outline of truth, no moral perspective, no proportion, no true colouring. Nothing is taught, nothing is realized; but human nature is left to yearn after some undefined good; and, without any Divine help, or objective truth, is left to feel its way through important duties, having a vital connexion with morals and a life to come; yet without a motive from Christianity, or a reference to its obligations and final recompenses. We are wearied of it; and prefer, infinitely, the philosophy of common-sense, and the plain truths of the Bible. Our English taste requires, on behalf of woman, a different class of books; and we may challenge all countries to show more practical regard to woman, in her rights and influence, her heart and power than among us. England is the paradise of women," after all; and that because we love facts and plain sense, and prefer Christianity to "philosophy and science, falsely so called."

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A Summary of the Evidence of the Existence of the Deity; Abstract, and from the Works of Nature: with an Answer to the more usual Objections against Natural, but especially against Revealed, Religion. By the Rev. J. Taylor, M. D. London: Longmans. 1855.

GENERALLY speaking, inquiries and researches like those before us are unpopular with the bulk of readers, because they are not well written, but very dry, without charm in the style, and devoid of interest in the course of thought and illustration. Many, indeed, assume that the discussion is superfluous; but surely to the Christian reader it cannot be uninteresting or unprofitable; for objective religion is the knowledge of God; and the various modes in which, besides the primary and supreme one, God reveals Himself, clearly show His purpose, that men should study the various revelations for their instruction and delight,-to improve their religion, and to enhance their devotion.

It is difficult to construct the à priori argument for the existence of God, so as to give satisfaction to a dozen acute metaphysicians;

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yet we venture to express our conviction that Mr. Taylor's is logically consecutive and equitable, a fair and sound argument. The evidence à posteriori is very full and satisfactory. But this argument is cumulative; and to the end of time will expand and grow. All remarks, especially in natural science, augment the proofs; and new books will always be written by those who gather and skilfully arrange the materials which others, without intending to illustrate natural theology, have accumulated. Mr. Taylor has done this with great judgment and acuteness; and we trust his book will be largely read by those for whom it is especially intended, those middle classes, who are, after all, the people who can fully appreciate an intelligent book, giving the results of considerable reading and close thought. His volume may not attain to the wide acceptance and success of Archdeacon Paley's; but it will grow into fame, or we greatly mistake its value.

The Monarchy of France: its Rise, Progress, and Fall. By William Tooke, F.R.S. London: Sampson Low. 1855. MR. TOOKE'S volume is not a consecutive history of France; neither is it a series of historical pictures. To the student of history it will prove more valuable than either. It is in the form of annals, and embodies information not readily found elsewhere. The tabular matter is extensive and interesting, and is particularly rich respecting the Revolutionary period. We may mention the "Alphabetical List of Deputies to the States-General," the "New French Calendar adjusted to the Old," as well as the account of the style and duration of the several Governments, Directorial, Consular, Imperial, and then, again, Royal, Provisional, Republican, and Imperial, which have prevailed in France since the dissolution of the National Convention. Natural Goodness: or, Honour to whom Honour is Due.

Suggestions towards an appreciative View of Moral Men, the Philosophy of the present System of Morality, and the Relation of Natural Virtue to Religion. By the Rev. T. F. Randolph Mercein, M.A. New York: Carlton and Phillips. 1855.

LET no hyper-orthodox reader be alarmed at the above title. We at once assure him that our author is sound in the faith, notwithstanding his blazoning what might be deemed such a doubful titlepage. It is a capital book, written in sound English, with deep earnestness and just discrimination. Forsaking alike the beaten. path of sermonizing, the flowery one of technical phrases of religious experience, and the thorny one of systematic theology, he proposes to meet one particular class of intelligent persons, enjoying Christian advantages, those who possess a considerable measure of comparative goodness, yet are unconscious of their utterly depraved nature and personal guilt. The operation of that law of Divine Providence by which the virtues most beneficial to society are most beneficial to the individual, brings upon them many temporal blessings; and this, with the consciousness of possessing a high degree of social morality and rectitude, furnishes presumptions against all notions of

deep guiltiness. These are dealt with as a class clearly to be distinguished from gross sinners, but as truly needing personal repentance, faith in the great Atonement, and spiritual regeneration. The true principle of morality is shown to be religion, or the love of God, resulting, by a Divine and gracious appointment, from faith in the one sacrifice for sin. We thank Mr. Mercein for a volume which treats on a topic which but few writers in our own country, except Dr. Chalmers, have treated specifically; our author has dealt with it boldly and yet tenderly,-with equal fidelity and skill.

The Life and Times of Oliver Goldsmith. By John Forster, Barrister-at-Law, Author of "Lives of Statesmen of the Commonwealth." A New Edition. With Forty Woodcuts after Designs by C. Stanfield, R.A., D. Maclise, R.A., John Leech, &c. London: Bradbury and Evans. 1855. THIS is an abridged edition of Mr. Forster's former two volumes. Although we think so highly of the merits of the work that we would recommend its perusal after each reading of Boswell's "Life of Johnson," if one wou'd obtain a complete view of the circle which revolved round that great man, we could still have desired some further curtailment. Mr. Forster interrupts the narrative too often by his own reflections. He might have shown more confidence in his reader's ability to draw his own conclusions; and he might have remembered the opinion of Goldsmith's uncouth but noble-hearted friend, as given by himself: "The man who tells the world shortly what it wants to know, will, with his plain, full narrative, please again and again; while the more cumbrous writer, still interposing himself before what you wish to know, is crushed with his own weight, and buried under his own ornaments." We also observe a tone of querulousness, and a degree of self-assertion, very characteristic of a certain literary clique of the metropolis, which are by no means pleasant. Having thus expressed our opinion of the defects of the volume, we conclude by recommending our readers to invest sevenand-sixpence in its purchase. The woodcuts are admirable.

Controversial Correspondence between the Rev. Paul M'Lachlan, Roman Catholic Priest in Falkirk, and R. W. Kennard, Esq., of Grahamston, N. B., and Upper Thames Street, London. London: Partridge, Oakey, and Co. 1855.

THIS Correspondence was carried on in the "Britannia," and the "Glasgow Free Newspaper," during a period extending from December, 1853, to May, 1855, and comprehending sixty-nine letters, written at such length as to occupy nearly seven hundred pages. Many of the points on which Protestants and Papists differ from each other are largely canvassed and disputed, and with apparently as much good temper on each side as could reasonably be expected. But, after some time, the controversy is brought to an abrupt termination by Mr. M'Lachlan's suddenly discovering, that it had been evident that, in contending with such an opponent as Mr. Kennard, he was, in a great measure, losing his time;-no doubt!—and that a victory over

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him, however decisive, could bring him neither literary honour, nor religious merit, nor even

"That stern joy which warriors feel

In foemen worthy of their steel."

The discovery was made-fortunately, we may believe, for Mr. M'Lachlan, since he gave up the field at the time-just when the controversialists were about to enter on the peculiar doctrines of the Romish Church. Such controversies often originate in accidental circumstances; but that does not diminish, nay, it often enhances, their claim to be regarded as possessing a permanent interest and value. The value is greatly increased, in the present instance, by the addition of a very copious Index. For this reason, as well as for the ability displayed on our side of the question, we recommend our readers to place it among their books of reference.

The Suffering Saviour: or, Meditations of the Last Days of Christ on Earth. By the Rev. Frederick W. Krummacher, D.D., Chaplain to His Majesty the King of Prussia. Translated, under the express Sanction of the Author, by Samuel Jackson. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 1856.

THE design of the Author of these Meditations is, to "display to his readers, at least, a portion of those riches which are contained in the inexhaustible treasury of our Saviour's sufferings;" and which are considered under the separate heads of the "Outer Court," the "Holy Place," and the "Most Holy Place," for the purpose of marking out the different stages of those sufferings, from their commencement to their close. The work appeared originally in a series of Discourses; but, in order to render it more generally acceptable and useful, the translator has moulded it into a form more appropriate to its title; although, here and there, the original form of discourse is clearly retained. A name so well established as that of Krummacher among evangelical writers, will now give currency to every thing he publishes; but this work may well stand on its own merits, apart from the prestige which it gathers from Dr. Krummacher's former publications. We are under no obligation to adopt certain views on certain points; and we may take leave to think, that some of his descriptions-considering the mysteries with which they are connected—are rather too closely descriptive. But the theology of the work is not spoiled by philosophy, which, for a continental writer on biblical subjects, we hold to be great praise; and he writes in a spirit which can hardly fail to leave upon the minds of his readers a good impression.

Sermons for the Times. By Charles Kingsley.

Parker. 1855.

London:

A NEW thing in the earth,—a volume of Sermons without Preface, explanation, apology, or petition! Several of these Discourses have reference to the "Church Catechism," and uphold that controverted type of a Christian's faith as most sound and unquestionable, and to

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be received with most hearty faith and dutiful submission. Even its omissions are represented as most commendable points. The teaching of the volume is in accordance with these views; it is very general, and the author glories in it. It justly reverences the memory of England's greatest worthies, the martyrs for the doctrine of justification by faith; but we take leave to say, that if they had not had more definite and scriptural views of the doctrine than are here exhibited, they would not have found in it the motive and strength for such terrible sufferings. It is not correct to say, that 'they taught the children simply about God; who He was, and what He had done for them and all mankind; that so they might learn to love Him, and look up to Him in faith, and trust utterly to Him, and so remain justified and right, saved and safe for ever." They sent every one to Christ for salvation, and declared that justification might be forfeited and lost, and could only be restored and recovered by "turning again to God unfeignedly," to be again "washed by this sacrifice from their sins." They taught that it is essential to our justification that, "on Christ's part, there should be the satisfaction of God's justice, or the price of our redemption, by the offering of His body and shedding of His blood; and, upon our part, true and lively faith in the merits of Jesus Christ; which yet is not ours, but by God's working in us." They taught the people, many of whom were but children in understanding, these and cognate truths, as the guide and support of faith. They did not teach that the Church Catechism will make children good, "giving them an honest, frank, sober, English temper of mind;" and that the failures arose "from the Catechism being neglected for the sake of cramming the children's brains with scholarship, or because the Catechism has not been honestly taught." The volume is pervaded by these errors; and children of the Church by baptism are thus taught to look upon God as their Father, and to rest there.

We do not like the teaching of this volume, for we believe it to be seriously erroneous and mischievous; but the style is admirable. It is dogmatic, earnest, sensible, plain, and colloquial, without being offensive. It is the style which the pulpit greatly needs,—earnest talk on subjects well thought out, and in this respect we greatly commend the volume.

Philips's Atlas of Classical, Historical, and Scriptural Geography, comprehensively illustrating the various Countries, Ĉonquests, Kingdoms, and Distribution of Races, from the remotest Ages of the World; with Topographical Details of the celebrated Localities, Battle-fields, Sieges, &c., of Antiquity, affording a comparative View of Ancient and Modern Geography. Liverpool. 1855.

WE have quoted the title of this splendid Atlas at length, in order to exhibit its contents. The volume has several novel features; and throughout, as far as we have been able to examine it, gives evidence of great research and accuracy. The obscure geography of the primitive Greeks, and afterwards of Herodotus, Ptolemy, and Strabo, form a suitable prelude to the more perfect attainments of the

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