The Truths of Religion

MR. DOUGLAS, the author of the following work, resides on his paternal estate, at Cavers, about forty miles from Edinburgh, Scotland. The extensive wealth which he inherits from his ancestors, is cheerfully expended in promoting those great objects of benevolence, which he has so eloquently illustrated and enforced by his writings. We were recently informed, by a gentleman from Scotland, that he supports, entirely from his own funds, several domestic missionaries, in the destitute places in his own country. As a testimonial of his interest in the well-being of the United States, he transmitted, not long since, through the hands of a friend, £25 to our more important benevolent societies.

Mr. Douglas, though a young man, has published several volumes, which indicate extensive powers of mind, and which are destined to exert a very beneficial influence.

His first work, which was republished in Boston, in 1823, was the "Hints on Missions." In the views

contained in this book, though confessedly imperfect, and though some of them are expressed in unguarded language, we find the germs of the rich fruits which have followed. He first describes the three periods of success which Christianity has enjoyed-the time of the apostles and their successors, the reformation, and the spreading of Christian colonies in America. He then states the principal causes of the want of success in the modern missionary efforts. Following that, is a sketch of the prospects which are opening on the friends of Christ, in regard to the further extension of Christianity, with an enumeration of the principal moral divisions of the earth. He closes with some general remarks on the "second reformation," which is now awaking the minds of men, and changing the very elements of society. "Like the temple of Solomon, it is rising silently, without the din of hammers, or the note of previous preparation; but notwithstanding, it will not be less complete in all its parts, nor less able to resist the injuries of time.”

Not long after, the "Advancement of Society in Knowledge and Religion," appeared in Edinburgh. Our attention was first drawn to the work, by an excellent Review of it, in the Christian Spectator, written, as we have since understood, by the lamented. Matthias Bruen, of New York. Three or four editions have appeared in Great Britain. It was not, however, till very recently, that the reading public in this country was favored with a reprint.

Seventy pages are devoted to a consideration of the past state of society, the early condition of mankind, the rise and fall of the great monarchies, the causes of

the slow progress in the movement of society, the removal of impediments, &c. The second part is devoted to a consideration of the new era of society which is commencing-the new powers which are beginning to operate-voluntary associations-scientific travellers-improved elements of science-the influence of a general literary and philanthropic society, &c. The third part is occupied with the consideration of religion at home-Jews and Christians-the subjects of district division, general correspondence, newspapers, reviews, schools, libraries, home missions, bible society. gion abroad, is the subject of the fourth part. A brief view of the unevangelized world is given. England is considered to be the centre of evangelical action. Some excellent remarks follow, on the importance of system, economy, superintendence, native agency, education, English language, translations, colonies. The fifth part contains a general estimate of the tendencies of this age. A most animated description of the last and glorious triumphs of Christianity, concludes this able work.

Reli

Within a few months, a third volume has appeared, entitled, "Errors Regarding Religion," with a small Tract on the Importance of Prayer at the present time.* This is a philosophical and comprehensive classification of the various errors which have divided and disgraced the church. It gives the most comprehensive and lucid analysis of this subject, of any work within our knowledge. The author thinks that all important errors will soon vanish away, under the influence of the

* This Tract was originally published separately.

inductive philosophy, applied to the various branches of knowledge, the universal diffusion of the Scriptures, and the more abundant dispensation of the Holy Spirit. The "Thoughts on Prayer," are an earnest appeal to Christians to seek for the influence of the Spirit, as the one thing to be desired.

This work indicates very extensive research, and an unfettered style of thinking, together with admirable powers of generalization. Some will probably

regard it as the most useful of all his publications.

The fourth work which Mr. Douglas has published, and which we now present to the reading community, is the Truths of Religion." We think that it will be as useful and acceptable as its predecessors. Mr. Douglas has brought to the undertaking the same richness of illustration, and command of appropriate language, and comprehensiveness of view, which characterized his former works. The subject, indeed, does not admit of much variety. The Truths of Religion do not invite the unhallowed labors of the speculatist. It is not the field for mere taste and genius to cultivate. Nevertheless, every mind views the same topics in a different light from any other mind. Every passing year, too, is giving new force to the Evidences of Christianity, and multiplying the sources of apposite illustration, and clothing the whole subject in new forms of interest and beauty. We rejoice, and bless God, that such a mind as that of Mr. Douglas is deeply interested in the Christian religion. It would be narrowed and degraded by any other theme. Such an intellect is at home in the contemplations of God and of eternity. We are accustomed to speak of

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