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from being adapted to the wants of a guilty rebel against Jehovah's throne. The discourses undoubtedly inculcate a beautiful morality, derived from the philosophico-preceptive portions of the word of God, except that they leave the sinful soul of man, without that powerful incentive to holiness and goodness, which is found in the love of a crucified Redeemer, bleeding for the guilt of man and in order to his redemption. The heart-broken, agonized sinner, would look in vain to this volume, for that healing balm which should soothe his troubled spirit.

8.-Comfort in Affliction: A Series of Meditations. By James Buchanan, D. D. High Church, Edinburgh.-First American from the ninth Edinburgh edition. New York and Brooklyn Robert Carter. 1842. pp. 254.

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This Dr. Buchanan, minister of the High Church, Edinburgh, is not of the high church, in the sense in which it is commonly used in our own country, as designating that portion of the church which has little sympathy with the spirit of revivals, and makes the beauty of holiness to consist, rather in external rites than internal judgments and affections: he is of the Presbyterian denomination, pastor of a particular church, distinguished as the High Church of Edinburgh.

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The volume before us is well worthy the reputation the Doctor has acquired. It is written in an uncommonly pure, chaste style, easy and flowing, and might well serve as a model of good composition-and to the afflicted, and consequently to all in this vale of tears, it is a rich treasure. thoughts are embodied in twelve meditations, founded on as many appropriate passages of the word of God, and he who reads the whole with a right spirit, will bless God that he put it into the heart of his servant to write this book for the heavy laden. The first two meditations, built on the texts, "the Lord reigneth," and "he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men," are lucid and striking exhibitions of the government of God over his people, and must satisfy the tried pilgrim on these waste deserts, that he doeth all things well.

9.-A Mother's Tribute to a beloved Daughter; or Memoir of Malvina Forman Smith. New York: M. W. Dodd. 1842. pp. 198.

The subject of this memoir is a grand daughter of the Rev. Dr. Griffin. In early life she enjoyed the benefit of his

counsels, and in his last days she watched over his sickness and death, in her father's house, which he had made his home for several months. The volume is, in a great measure, composed of the letters of friends addressed to Malvina, in the different stages of her life and education, and evinces, what it is primarily intended to show, we presume, the importance of making the conversion of their children, the paramount aim of parents. Whilst there is nothing remarkable in the experience or piety of the youthful subject of the Memoir, it may, on that account, be the more useful, because the more imitatable, and the more likely to be the aim of others.

10.-History of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, compiled chiefly from the published and unpublished documents of the Board. By Joseph Tracy. Second edition, carefully revised and enlarged. New York: M.

W. Dodd. 1842. pp. 452.

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The subsequent recommendation of this work by the Secretaries of the Board, will probably be more effectual than any thing we could say "The History of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, by the Rev. J. Tracy,' is far from being a mere abstract of the Annual Reports of the Board. The civil year, to which he has reduced his facts, does not correspond to the financial year, embraced in those Reports. This made it necessary for the author to consult the original documents, which he did with laborious and accurate research. The plan of his history, if not so well adapted as some others to continuous reading and popular effect, is admirably fitted for reference, and for aiding those on whom it may devolve to give instruction concerning missions at the Monthly Concert and elsewhere. What we say is of course not designed to imply, that the Board is in any way responsible for the correctness of the facts or opinions embodied in this work; but we may express our own conviction, that it will not soon be superseded by a history more comprehensive more concise, more clear and accurate, or more worthy of occupying a place in the libraries of ministers of the gospel, and intelligent laymen." We only add, that those interested in the history of Missions, will find some details in this volume, not published in the Missionary Herald; and we cherish the hope, that Christian families generally will give it a place not only in their libraries, but in their reading. This second edition is confined to the history of the Missions of the American Board

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11.-Thirty-four Letters to a Son in the Ministry, by Rev. Heman Humphrey, President of Amherst College. Amherst J. S. & C. Adams. New York: Dayton & Newman. Boston Crocker & Brewster. : 1842. pp. 352.

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The name of the author of this volume is a sufficient recommendation of its contents. Dr. Humphrey always writes well for the public, and his thoughts are seldom common place. We know of no better "Pastor's Manual" than this. The young minister will here find the reflections of a matured and observant mind, on almost all subjects connected with his relations to the church and the world. We cannot but hope that every licentiate will possess a copy of a book so especially adapted to his wants, and so admirably filling a place hitherto comparatively a void. Here are the results of the Doctor's own experience, in valuable suggestions on,-Preaching as a Candidate-Settlement - First Sermons after SettlementDoctrinal and Practical Preaching-Objects of PreachingStudy and Writing of Sermons-Different Kinds of SermonsDelivery of Sermons-Public Prayer-Exchanges-Travelling on Sabbath to Exchange-Pastoral Visiting-FuneralsCatechising, Sabbath Schools, Bible Classes-Attending Ecclesiastical Bodies-Revivals of Religion--Ministerial Example-Miscellaneous Reading, Health, etc. etc. On all these topics, the remarks are eminently practical, and we think judicious. The letters on Revivals are particularly worthy of careful perusal by all who exercise the office of the ministry. We cannot but think, that the views expressed on the impropriety of encouraging a class of Revival-Evangelists, if we may use the term, and on the better way of calling in the aid of neighboring pastors, when there is such special attention to the interests of the soul, as to demand extra preaching and labor, are those of a sound, christian discretion. The proper conduct of revivals of religion is intimately connected with the best permanent interests of the church, and ought to secure the close attention of all who are likely to be interested in measures to promote them.

12.--The Works of the Right Rev. Father in God, Joseph Butler, D. C. L., late Lord Bishop of Durham. To which is prefixed an Account of the Character and Writings of the Author. By Samuel Halifax, D. D., lale Lord Bishop of Gloucester. New York: Robert Carter. 1842. pp. 303. The publisher has here offered to the religious and philosophical community, the complete works of Bishop Butler, so

well known as the author of "The Analogy of Religion." That part of his labors has long been before the public, and will doubtless be demanded, whilst man loves to think. Had the Bishop written nothing else, he had immortalized himself; and indeed little more is left us, the remainder of the volume being occupied by his brief "Personal Identity," essays on and on "Human Virtue," six Sermons, a Charge to the Clergy, and his Correspondence with Dr. Samuel Clarke. The whole is embraced in a large octavo volume, printed in a good, clear type of such size that the eyes will not be impaired by reading it; and we should be glad that more persons would try their eyes and their intellects in perusing and pondering such essays as the "Analogy." Analogy." We promise them as a compensation, better eye-sight, it may be of the mind.

13.-Sermons and Sketches of Sermons. By the Rev. John Summerfield, A. M., late a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. With an Introduction by the Rev. Thomas Bond, M. D. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1842. pp. 437.

This is a handsome octavo volume of sketches of sermons, by one whose memory is precious to the saints, and must be especially dear to our Methodist brethren. We do not wonder that they desire thus to embalm him in their hearts. These Sermons show that Mr. Summerfield was not idle whilst he lived, and that, with his beautiful genius and creative powers, he did not deem it useless to spend time and thought on his preparations for the sacred desk. And we hope that these skeletons will be valued only as mementos of Summerfield, and not be a resort for lazy preachers, like Simeon's and some others.

It is evident from these sketches, that Mr. Summerfield was in the habit of studying his subjects well, and thoroughly imbuing his mind with them prior to his entering the pulpit. He knew beforehand what he was going to say, and when he came to say it, it was with fullness of illustration, and beauty of diction and manner. In our youth, we heard him preach from the vision of Isaiah, of which we find a sketch in this volume, and we shall never forget the impression left on us by his whole manner, and by the strikingly beautiful representation of the vision, especially of the seraph flying and taking the live coal from off the altar. It was graphic. We seemed to be transported bodily to the presence of the throne, and there to behold with our eyes the seraph, the altar, the sacrifice.

14.-A Dictionary of Science, Literature, and Art. Comprising, the History, Description, and Scientific Principles of every branch of Human Knowledge; with the derivation and definition of all the terms in general use. Illustrated by Engravings on Wood. Edited by M. T. Brande, F. R. S. L. & E. New York: Wiley & Putnam, pp. 1500.

The work is to be published in twenty-four semi-monthly parts, of fifty-six pages each, and, when completed, will make two large octavo volumes, in small type, though clear, containing an invaluable fund of information on the encyclopedia of Science, Literature, and Art. The whole circle of knowledge is divided into ten sections, each entrusted to one of the most celebrated scholars of the age, in his particular depart ment to such men as Brande, Lindley, Loudon, McCulloch, Owen, etc. These names are a sufficient guaranty for the proper execution of the work, and we confidently expect this to be the best Dictionary or Cyclopedia, of its kind, in the English language. We cannot but regret that the typographical execution of the Greek words is not better. The accents are seldom introduced, yet sufficiently often to destroy uniformity.

15.-The Twin Sisters; A Tale for Youth. By Mrs. Sandham. From the twentieth London Edition. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1842. pp. 176.

This little volume seems to have commended itself to the English public, as they have called for the twentieth edition; and we presume it will find favor on this side the water. The tale is told in a simple style, and is intended to illustrate "the benefits of devotion, in the lives of two very young persons." They were twin sisters, who were early placed under the influence of a pious aunt, and thus led, by a blessing on her efforts, to walk in ways of righteousness and peace. The story will be interesting to youth, and the book is perhaps one of the safest of this description that can be put into their hands.

16.-The Daughters of England; their Position in Society, Char

acter, and Responsibilities. By Mrs. Ellis, Author of "The Women of England," etc. etc, New York: D. Ap. pleton & Co., 1842. pp. 280.

Mrs. Ellis, the amiable authoress of this volume, is already favorably known to us by her " Women of England," "Hints

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