now on its trial before the civilized world, | their laws and institutions, than most whether it will "do justly and love visitors from this side the Atlantic; and, mercy," or whether, like the colossal with the single exception of slavery, gives image which the king of Babylon saw, glowing descriptions of the country and though having a golden head and silver the people. But upon this "domestic body, yet supported by legs and feet of institution" he pronounces a strong conbase and incongruous materials, a stone demnation, viewing it both morally and from the mountain-side should fall upon politically. The following passage will show his views upon this subject, and gratify the friends of the slave. it and crush it into dust and ruin. "Allusion is made to her domestic institution,' as it is called-to her slavery -that monstrous plague-spot upon her social and moral greatness,—that disgrace and scourge of her southern provinces. While the roar of her cannon on any anniversary of her independence is heard from a thousand hills, and the air is filled with her shouts and huzzas for liberty, three millions of her subjects are denied the precious boon, and doomed, themselves and their posterity, to drag out their lives in perpetual bondage. Though Congress have solemnly declared, in the face of the world, and before the God of heaven, that freedom is the rightful in In a purely secular view, the growth and prosperity of these United States may be considered a great success; yet, in all that constitutes true national dignity and honour, or the progress of a state in civilization, humanity, and morality, our cousins are still lagging far behind the rest of Christendom. Slavery is the blot upon their escutcheon, the beam in their eye, the clog upon the wheels of their state progress, and the apple of discord in their halls of legislation. What but slavery could produce here each session scenes of violence that would disgrace and break up the lowest debating club? The fugitive slave law may be pronounced the most monstrous triumph of inhumanity, and vilest opprobrium of legisla-heritance of every son and daughter of tion which modern history can supply. Happily for the unfortunate sufferers, the people of the North have so combined as to render it almost impossible to enforce this law in their presence. But what must be the state of a country in which law can be set at defiance, and ought to be so, by the people,-the law so inhuman that the popular conscience refuses submission, and the executive is too weak to enforce it? But we must terminate these general remarks, and call the attention of our readers to the very interesting volume before us. Mr. Phillippo has comprised within the compass of 476 pages a mass of information respecting the United States and Cuba scarcely to be found in any other single volume. Upon the general subject of American progress Mr. Phillippo supplies ample evidence, supported by statistics of various kinds, and, we think, the Americans themselves cannot but be fully satisfied with his work. He is more favourable in his descriptions of the people, their manners and customs, Adam, yet they continue in the true spirit of pagan tyranny to withhold it from those upon whom the wickedness of their remote ancestors riveted the fetters of slavery. "Between three and four millions of men, of the same common origin, of the same form and delineation of feature with themselves, because clothed with a darker skin, are robbed of their whole rights as human beings, and doomed by their rulers to cruel, ignominious, and interminable bondage. The institution of slavery is at the bottom of everything questionable in the policy of the government. Everything wicked, everything foolish, everything impolitic, everything mischievous, done by the Congress of the United States for a long course of years, every political change, every unaccountable new law, should be studied by the baleful light of this institution, and all will be intelligible. It is an institution in itself a disastrous remnant of barbarism, that makes the whole nation barbarous in many of its aspects. Apart from that, the national testimony of England and the free states of Europe have ever | complete the production. The critical been fully and freely borne to the prin- students of the Sacred Scriptures are under ciples of political liberty and justice in very deep obligations to Messrs. Clark ; the United States. but we question whether any commen 'Americans! plead for the rights of mankind, tary they have published since the begin For the bondman as well as the free; 'Neath the shade of your liberty-tree.' "But your vassals, goaded to a fastcoming crisis by the Fugitive Slave Law, and by your insatiate ambition of increased slave domination in attempting to add two other slave states (Kansas and Nebraska) to the number of your Stripes and Stars, begin to plead their own cause. Let us hear them. 'We owe allegiance to the state, To the sympathies that God hath set Our country owns our fealty; Great Nature made us men. God works for all. Ye cannot hem If man, before his duty, With listless spirit stands, Takes the work from out his hands."" The portion of the work devoted to Cuba is deeply interesting, though the description of the moral and political state of the island is disgusting and painful in the highest degree. Slavery there is a fatal canker, whose crisis cannot be far off. ning of their enterprise has, on the whole, surpassed the present. Even to those who possess and read the original, the version before us will not be without its value; for, as the editor remarks, 'many readers of ordinary scholarship often meet in the Latin gnomon sentences, which, in order to be understood, require more patience and thought than they have time to bestow." Of course, it is impossible for us, in our limited space, to enter on anything approaching to a review of the original book. In many passages we should adopt a different interpretation from Bengel's. While his religious views were eminently evangelical, his theology as a Lutheran would lay his opinions open to objection from most English divines; and at the same time his explanations of prophecy are not such as to secure the approval of many amongst us. In reference to his calculation of prophetic dates, we quite agree with his friend Marthius of Presburg, who said to him, "Periods thus defined have no effect in increasing my spiritual vigilance; they are either too obscure for me, or too remote. The cry in Matt. xxv. 6, arouses me more. Surely, my dear friend, your own precious time may be far more advantageously employed in what is of greater certainty and importance." But, with all abatements, Bengel's commentary must still be held as among the most precious contributions to sacred critical literature. His design and his general principles of interpretation are so well expressed in the following passage of his life by the editor, that we beg to insert it :— plicity of the word of God; its unsearch- wonderful amount of what is suggestive able depth; its felicitous concinnity; and in his remarks. His sentences are reits adaptation to all practical uses. My markably germinant. His words, pregannotations,' says he, are so far from nant with life, are ever sprouting in the being intended to preclude the reader mind careful to take them in, with a from increased research, that I wish reflective understanding. The present rather to put him upon investigation of edition is enhanced by brief notes of the the text itself, by merely showing him editor, pointing out shades of difference how to set about it. My design is also in synonymous terms,-a department of to refute those expositors who put upon criticism to us most profitable, and which isolated passages of Scriptures their own we are glad to find is winning increased forced (mystical) construction, in order attention. The following we insert as a to grasp at impressiveness. Instead of specimen. The distinction has often this, I mean to insist upon the full and struck us. John xvi. ver. 23, "In that comprehensive force of Scripture in its day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, whole connexion.' Separate thoughts of verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall each writer must be determined as to ask the Father in my name, he will give their sense, according to grammatical and it you." The original words regarded by historical laws; but this in constant re- our translators as strictly synonymous ference to the totality of the faith, and to are clearly distinguishable. "The Engrevelation as a whole. Put nothing into lish version confounds the distinction the Scriptures, but draw everything from between paraú and aired. There is no them, and suffer nothing to remain hidden contrast drawn between asking the Son, that is really in them.' Though each which shall cease, and asking the Father, inspired writer has his own manner and which shall begin; but the first half of style, one and the same spirit breathes the verse promises one blessing, that they through all, one grand idea pervades all.' shall have no longer need to question Every divine communication carries Him, for by the Spirit they shall know (like the diamond) its own light with it, all these things; and the second half of thus showing whence it comes; no touch- the verse promises a distinct blessing in stone is required to discriminate it.' the granting of all that they ask (or reThe true commentator will fasten his quest) the Father in the Son's name." primary attention on the letter (literal meaning), but never forget that the spirit must equally accompany him; at the same time we must never devise a more spiritual meaning for Scripture passages than the Holy Spirit intended.' historical matters of Scripture, both narrative and prophecy, constitute, as it were, the bones of its system, whereas the spiritual matters are as its muscles, bloodvessels, and nerves. As the bones are necessary to the human system, so Scripture must have its historical matters. The expositor who nullifies the historical groundwork of Scripture for the sake of finding only spiritual truths everywhere, brings death on all correct interpretation. Those expositions are the safest which keep closest to the text.'" The › With regard to Bengel's commentary, we may add in general, that, owing to its peculiar condensation of style, there is a VOL. XXXVI. OF TWELVE LECTURES TO THE MEN London: Partridge and Co. One cannot help feeling, when perusing this little volume, that Mr. Brown is often merely lopping at the branches, when he should be striking at the root. We do not object either to the lopping at the branches, or to the minute dissection of the fruits of sin; but we should like, in N N connexion with this, a more earnest attempt to get at the seat of the disease, and there to apply the only remedy. Far be it from us to charge Mr. Brown either with overlooking the remedy, or neglecting to direct attention to it; but certainly it has not its due place in these lectures. The apostle's words should not be forgotten by those engaged in the same great work-"I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." We are sure that Mr. Brown's efforts among the working classes would secure happier results, and be more satisfactory to himself, as well as to many of his brethren whose judgment e cannot but respect, were he to keep his more fully in view. His lectures would lose nothing in attractiveness, by having the gospel more fully exhibited in them, while they would gain vastly as to real power and permanent useful ness. DISCOURSES BY THE LATE REV. DAVID YOUNG, D.D., Perth. With a Memoir of his Life, by the Rev. W. MARSHALL, Coupar, Angus. Perth: Thomas Richardson. Ir might have been expected that "a general and earnest desire would be expressed for some memorial of the life and ministry of the late Dr. Young." He was one of the ablest and most influential ministers of the United Presbyterian Church. To this position he rose "from the ranks," for his parentage was humble, and he was, to a great extent, a self-educated man. We find that, in early life, he was apprenticed to a weaver, and that afterwards he was employed in a paper-mill. It was not till he had been married for some years that the way was opened for him to study for the ministry. The difficulties before him were great, but his earnestness and perseverance overcame them all. The following scene in the paper-mill at Keir will remind the reader of a similar one in the cotton-mill at Blantyre, in which Livingstone once wrought. "From the roof of the building in which he toiled, he suspended a board for holding his classic, in such a position that his eye could catch a glimpse of a line, or part of a line of his lesson, between every sheet of paper which he moulded, and thus, lesson after lesson was mastered.”—p. v.) After passing through the usual term of study at Glasgow University, Mr. Young settled at Perth, where he continued to labour amid universal esteem, till called, at the age of 73, to his rest and reward in heaven. His name is well known and will be long remembered in Scotland, and many of our English readers will remember him as the writer of several of the introductory essays to Collins' series of "Select Christian Authors.” This memoir of him is well written, and will be read with great interest. It contains one of the few instances on record of a man beginning the work of the ministry late in life, he was 37 years of age when he settled at Perth,and yet attaining to great eminence and extensive usefulness. The lectures and discourses are such as might be expected from the pen of Dr. Young. GOD'S ACRE; or, Historical Notices relating to Churchyards. By MRS. STONE. London: Parker. To those who are as partial to antiquarian researches as we are, and who like to see the result presented in s modern, attractive dress-poetry and religious sentiment being blended with the fruit of careful study-will welcome this volume, and read it with special gratification, as we have done. A great deal of information is here collected,touching places, rites, and modes of burial; and a number of curious historical facts and anecdotes add to the interest of the volume. Not, indeed, that there is much original research, or that the fair author. ess has widely travelled and gathered from personal observation a knowledge of the funeral customs of other countries,— in this respect we think the volume defective,-but, from sources not generally accessible, because contained in scarce and learned works, she certainly has contrived to produce a book which is intelligent, instructive, and thoughtful, and fitted to improve the heart. We could, for the sake of a fuller treatment of the ways of sepulture in other times and other lands, have dispensed with the chapter on "Flowers," "Sanctuary," and "Ministering Spirits," as but remotely connected with the subject. As to the last, some of the speculations do not coincide with our views; but still in these will be found many touching allusions and useful facts and sentiments, adapted to raise the thoughts to a higher world, where death is left behind, conquered. We cordially thank Mrs. Stone for this contribution. BRIEF NOTICES OF RECENT PUBLICATIONS. FOSTERIANA: Consisting of Thoughts, Reflections, THE BOY'S BOOK OF INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION. and Criticisms of John Foster. Edited by H. G. BOHN, London. Illustrated. By Rev. T. MILNER. Tract Society. THE first of these volumes is rich in inter THE volume consists almost exclusively of OUR HOME ISLANDS their Productive Industry. extracts made from such of Mr. Foster's contributions to the Eclectic Review as have not already been published in the "Critical Essays." What was of mere temporary interest in such contributions is passed over, and the really substantial thoughts are selected and arranged under appropriate heads with much judgment. We value what Mr. Bohn has here accomplished, and give him our hearty thanks. This volume is to be followed by others, which will form a complete edition of the works of one of England's most original essayists. TH ANNIVERSARIES: Poems in Commemoration of Great Men and Great Events. By THOMAS H. GILL. Cambridge: Macmillan. esting descriptions of natural and manufac tured products-processes of art and tradetogether with apparatus, machinery, and engineering-the plates serving well to explain the letter-press. The second volume is exceedingly well written, and abounds in the results of thoughtful study. The work appears to be one of sterling merit, such as might be expected from Mr. Milner's pen, and worthy of a place in the Tract Society's catalogue. LIFE OF THE REV. S. MARSDEN, Senior Chaplain of New South Wales. By the Rev. J. B. MARS DEN. Tract Society. THE well-told story of a man of power, who, during a lifetime of remarkable incidents, held on in his appointed path of usefulness with love and firmness, through evil report and good report. This is no common book of memoirs. We have read this book with rare pleasure, for it presents a noble contrast to many attempts at versification, which, sent to us for review, have ofttimes sorely tried our patience and provoked our censure. Mr. Gill has a right to publish what he has written, and to ask people to read it, because he will repay them amply for the buying and perusal of his little volume. There is a manly tone of patriotism and Christian feeling in these effusions, PRAYERS FOR INQUIRERS OF ALL CLASSES. By full of refreshment. EVANGELICAL MEDITATIONS. By the late Rev. ALEXANDER VINET, D.D., Edinburgh. Translated by Professor MASSON. DR. VINET could not write anything that would be destitute of thoughtful eloquence, after the manner of the most illustrious French preachers. There is considerable originality in some parts of these Meditations, and a rich unction pervades all of them; but on the whole we must pronounce them inferior to those published some years ago, which we read with the warmest admiration. MY FIRST VOYAGE. A Book for Youth. By London: Simpkin & Co. est. E. W. MYLNE. THESE prayers are simple, thoughtful, earn The idea of providing prayers for dif ferent states of mind is a good one. They will who may not use them formally in private serve as devout suggestive meditations to those worship. THE LEVIATHAN; or, The Works of Man, and the Ways of God. By the Rev. T. AVELING. London: Judd and Glass. A DISCOURSE full of striking thoughts, forci bly expressed, in which one of the wonders of our age passes under review, and is turned to practical account; the author justly remarking in the introduction, that "no apology was necessary for seizing hold of prominent public vient to the purposes of soleinn and lofty inincidents or objects, and making them subserstruction: for thus did the Master; and Him the servant cannot do wrong to imitate." We wish for this interesting and instructive dis course the wide circulation it so well merits. |