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which show much critical ability and learning, and give promise that the student who relies upon Pickering for all the purposes of a school dictionary, as well as for higher reading, will not be disappointed. For the uses of the highest criticism, the mature scholar would, of course, wish to consult for himself the original sources.

3. Lectures on Mental Philosophy and Theology. By JAMES RICH-
ARDS, D. D.
With a Sketch of his Life. By SAMUEL GRIDLEY.
New York. M. W. Dodd. 501 pp. 8vo. 1846.

The biographical sketch of Dr. Richards in this volume occupies about one hundred pages. He was born in Connecticut, Oct. 1767. His early youth was distinguished by great fondness for study. The maturity of his attainments may be inferred from the fact that he taught a common district school at the age of thirteen years with entire success, and was solicited to accept the same situation the succeeding winter. He was apprenticed, at a suitable age, to a mechanical occupation; but becoming hopefully pious, and convinced of his duty to devote himself to the work of the ministry, he relinquished his employment and devoted himself to study, and in 1789 entered Yale College. He was unavoidably prevented from completing a regular course of liberal study; but so great was his proficiency under private instruction, and through the energy of his own efforts, that in 1795, at the instance of President Dwight, he received the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1793, he obtained license as a minister of the gospel, and was ordained pastor of the Presbyterian church at Morristown, N. J., in May 1797. After spending fifteen years in that place, as licentiate and pastor, he removed to Newark, N. J., and became the successor of the late Dr. Griffin. Here he spent fifteen years more, as an able, faithful and successful pastor, and won for himself a distinguished reputation among his brethren. Many young men resorted to him for instruction in Christian theology, and thus, in the providence of God, a direction was given to his studies and pursuits, adapting him to the office of a theological teacher, and pointing him out as a suitable person to fill such a sphere. A professorship was offered him in the Auburn Theological Seminary, (N. Y.) at its foundation in 1820, which he saw fit to decline. In 1823, he was 1eëlected, and accepted the place. Here he lived and labored, in the midst of many discouragements, but with gratifying success, for the space of twenty years. During this period, western New York was the scene of those injurious religious excitements and fanatical proceedings which followed in the train of an unscriptural evangelism. Dr. Richards, for a time, stood forth almost alone, their determined opponent. The progress of years has proved his wisdom, and gained for his name unmingled respect, where for a time it was treated with scorn. The false doctrines inculcated in that period and the pernicious measures growing out of them, probably led him to a more thorough examination of the topics embraced in these Lectures. He died in 1843, in the vigor of his usefulness; as he had desired to do, in his own words, "with his armor on, and at the head of his troops." These Lectures-twenty-two in number, are on topics suited to test severely the power of the mind, to show the extent of his thinking and the accuracy of his knowledge. They

evince acute discrimination, grasp of intellect, and the ability of nice analysis. With unusual talent for the management of abstruse themes, he has both set forth his own arguments and examined the arguments of others, like a man perfectly at home in his employment. The subjects treated are, the Will, Creation, Second Causes, the Fall of Man, Native Depravity, the Extent of Atonement, Election, Effectual Calling, Justification, the Prayer of Faith, Apostacy, and Ability and Inability. It is easy to see that instead of avoiding certain topics because they are difficult or obscure, he rather chose them, that he might gratify his own mind, and subserve the cause of truth and the welfare of religion by their elucidation. He discusses these subjects with the pen of a master, and comes to results which we believe to be in harmony with the word of God. In a superficial age, it is delightful to meet a few books like this, and the Princeton Essays, entering into the marrow of sound theology. If these works shall meet a ready sale, which they richly merit, (and we hope this will be the case,) it will be a saving argument for the character of the times-a proof that we are not wholly degenerate-that the pulse of spiritual life still beats, and that there are minds in the community, yearning after strength and truth.

4.

Theological Essays reprinted from the Princeton Review. New York. WILEY & PUTNAM. 705 pp. 8 vo.

1846.

Much of the most substantial and the richest literature, both of this and of other countries, is comprised in the various Reviews. It is in these that the strongest and best writers embody and send forth to the world their strongest and best thoughts. Mature men, who have the fruits of refined thought and long experience to communicate, but who do not feel called upon to publish small books on great themes, lest the smallness of the book should seem to degrade the theme,-choose the Reviews, as receptacles of their thoughts, and sustain and honor them by their ability, scholarship, taste and learning. Hence in a series of years, the volumes of a well conducted Review become one of the most valuable libraries, not only for their critical judgments on the books that are floating by them,-mostly on their way to the sea of forgetfulness, but especially for the masterly discussion of important topics, and for the maintenance of sound principles. Like a lighthouse on a rock at sea, they remain stationary while all is moving around them, and send forth a salutary light to guide the mariner on his way. Hence, the republication, from time to time, of some of the most important essays contained in them, after the manner of the present volume, furnishes the best kind of contributions to our standard literature. The essays before us are on topics of great importance. Every minister needs a manual containing the clearest and best things that have been written concerning them; and, considering the sources from which the several articles emanated,-that they are from the pens of distinguished ministers and professors of theology in the Presbyterian church, we hazard nothing in saying that they will here be edified and aided by substantial truth. On most of the topics, we can safely rest on the judgments here given, as exhibiting the exact spirit of the word of God. The subjects of the essays are, The Rule of Faith, Sonship of Christ-Decrees of God-Early History of Pelagianism-Original

Sin-Doctrine of Imputation (three essays)-Melancthon on the Nature of Sin-Doctrines of the Early Socinians-Power of Contrary Choice-Inability of Sinners-New Divinity tried-Beman on the Atonement-Sacerdotal Absolution-Regeneration - SanctificationTransubstantiation-Sunday Mails-Bodily Effects of Religious Excitement Tholuck's History of Theology - Transcendentalism— Cause and Effect. This circle is quite extensive, and embraces many of the most important points in a course of Christian theology, discussed with learning, ability and discretion. We commend the project and this volume most cordially, and bespeak for it a favorable reception.

5.

Preacher's Manual: Lectures on Preaching, furnishing rules and examples of every kind of Pulpit Address. By Rev. S. T. STURTEVANT. New York. J. C. RIKER. 1846. 624 pp. Svo.

The portly octavo of Mr. Sturtevant, though entitled a "Preacher's Manual," makes no reference to any of the preacher's duties, except those which relate to the construction of sermons. From the size of the book, it may easily be inferred that the whole subject of sermon making is here thoroughly discussed. That so heavy an exhibition of the topic is not the most judicious, we cannot doubt. Very few young preachers have the time or the spirit to wade through such a sea of instruction and illustration, teaching and example. The author in his preface alludes to the influence of Claude's Essay on the French, English and Scotch pulpit, and speaks with approbation of the principles it embraces; but complains that he left some points evidently unfinished, which need expansion; and, following at a distance in the steps of Simeon, who "published twenty-two thick volumes of closely printed skeletons of sermons to exemplify its principles," he furnishes us the present corpulent work on Homiletics. His plan is to state the principles of Claude and Simeon, and to illustrate them by examples drawn from various distinguished preachers. The chief point in which he perceives deficiency in Claude, is in reference to subdivisions; but here, all that was wanting in Claude is amply atoned for, as any one may see by examining the table of contents. The Lectures, of which there are thirty-two, lack simplicity and clearness; and the confusion arising from the innumerable subdivisions is increased by the introduction of illustrative skeletons and remarks upon them, into the body of every Lecture. The volume contains much that is good, and true, and useful; but it is so presented that few, we suspect, will reap much benefit from it.

6.

The Bible Manual; comprising Selections of Scripture arranged for occasions of Private and Public Worship, both special and ordinary. Together with Scripture Expressions of Prayer, abridged from MATTHEW HENRY. With an Appendix, consisting of a copious Classification of Scripture Texts, presenting a systematic view of the Doctrines and Duties of Revelation. By W. W. EVERTS. New York. Lewis Colby & Co. 1846. pp. 343. 12mo.

This volume contains, as the title intimates, three parts. The first is a highly judicious selection of Scripture texts adapted to different oc

casions, and presenting the Biblical view of a variety of topics. The selections are of a moderate length, and printed in full, in a clear and readable type. The second part, by the eminent Matthew Henry, speaks for itself. It is an example of that most impressive form of prayer, the words of Scripture wrought into petition. The third part was originally printed by the London Tract Society, for circulation in Ireland, and in a few years has found a sale of thirty thousand copies. The plan and execution of the work are very laudable, and have secured the praise of distinguished clergymen of various denominations. In seeking for proof texts on any point, or for portions of Scripture on the same topic arranged together, its aid will be invaluable. The Appendix is also printed by itself, and issued in a cheap pamphlet form for general circulation.

7. The Elements of Theology, or, the Leading Topics of Christian Theology; plainly and Scripturally set forth, with the principal Evidences of Divine Revelation concisely stated, with Questions ; for the use of Families, Bible Classes and Seminaries of Learning. By DANIEL HASCALL, A. M. New York. L. Colby & Co. 1846. pp. 261. 18mo.

In a brief compass this little book presents a synopsis of Christian Theology; brief and imperfect it must be, necessarily, however much it be condensed; for bodies of divinity cannot be shut up in a nutshell. Each topic is discussed, as it were, in a brief sermon, the most natural and easy views are exhibited, the most pertinent Scriptures are cited under each head, and a series of questions closes each section, by which the reader may examine himself as to his knowledge of the several topics. The views of doctrinal truth which it contains are sound, and the method popular. It is worthy to be put into the hands of the young inquirer after truth. It will, however, sharpen, rather than satisfy the appetite of the earnest inquirer, so extremely narrow is the space allotted in it to the successive topics.

8. The Method of Grace, in the Holy Spirit's applying to the souls of men the eternal Redemption contrived by the Father and accomplished by the Son. A Sequel to "The Fountain of Life." First American Edition. American Tract Society. pp. 560. 12mo.

Mr. Flavel, the author of this Treatise, died in 1691. It is no small commendation of his work, that an edition of it is brought out with the prospect of sale by one of our most important and sagacious publishing establishments, after the lapse of 155 years from his death. It is a volume of sterling value, rich in the wealth of sound, scriptural divinity. It is destitute of modern superficialism, flippancy, and the comminution of truth to meet the demands of those who love neither to think nor to learn; but it proceeds with vigor of style, argument and exhortation, like a giant, rejoicing to run a race. The profound classical scholar would be gratified by the many classical allusions designated in the marginal notes of the folio edition of Flavel's Complete Works; but for the uses of general circulation, it is better that they should be omitted. The Society have done well in adding 53*

VOL. XI.-NO. XLIV.

this Method of Grace to its predecessor, “The Fountain of Life," and, we trust an intelligent and religious public will convince the Directors that they have not misjudged.

9.

Christian Baptism. A Sermon on Christian Baptism, with many Quotations from Pedobaptist Authors. To which are added a Letter to the Church in Plymouth, Mass., and an Address on the Mode of Baptizing. By ADONIRAM JUDSON, Jr., A. M. Fifth American Edition, Revised and Enlarged by the Author. Boston. Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 1846. 116 pp. 16mo.

The first edition of this sermon was printed at Calcutta, in November, 1812. An edition soon after appeared in America, and it has been reprinted several times since. It originated, as is well known, in the change of the author's views in respect to the subject of baptism, which resulted in the transferral of his connection to the Baptist denomination, and the foundation of the American Baptist missions. The discourse" was preached in Calcutta on Lord's day, September 27, 1812, previous to the administration of the ordinance of baptism.” It is a clear, calm and convincing view of the futility of the distinguishing points of Pedobaptism, and a rational and scriptural defence of the baptism of persons of suitable age and qualifications, and in the manner prescribed in the New Testament. The recent visit of the beloved and revered author to his native land will impart a special interest to the volume, and commend it to multitudes who have had an opportunity to see him during his brief sojourn among us. He showed the strength of the principles here exhibited by voluntarily forsaking, in a distant land, every thing that was dear to him in the denomination to which he formerly belonged, that he might embrace them; and they have become confirmed in his mind by the growing convictions of a third of a century. We recommend the work with great pleasure for its true merit; it is suitable to be put into the hands of an inquirer. It is a cause of gratulation that it is now printed in a small, neat, bound volume, and not in the evanescent manner of a pamphlet.

10. The Works of Henry Ware, Jr., D. D. 2 vols. 370, 412. Boston. James Munroe & Co. 1846.

12mo. pp.

These volumes are composed of selections from the published and unpublished writings of the late Dr. Ware, many of which will be read with much interest. Volume first contains a number of sketches, designed to inculcate right views of life, and a proper attention to personal and social duties, both moral and religious; a lecture on the poetry of mathematics, which is full of interesting memoranda of distinguished mathematicians; and about one hundred and sixty pages of poetical effusions, several of which have never before been published. Volume second embraces biographical sketches and miscellaneous writings, with the exception of sermons, which are reserved for a future volume. Some of these pieces are of a controversial character, e. g. his letters on the genuineness of the celebrated passage on the three heavenly witnesses (1 John 5 : 7), his letter to Mr. Adams, and his

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