REVIEW.CANON OF SCRIPTURE. have been given to him by the Father. 3. It is argued from the connexion between the atonement of Christ and his intercession. 4. This position is maintained, on the ground of the connexion between the gift of the Son, and the gift of the Spirit. 5. It is argued from the infinite love of Christ to those for whom he died. 6. This doctrine is maintained, from the nature of Christ's suretiship. 7. From Christ having merited faith, holiness, and eternal life, for those for whom he died."-p. 386. Yet, strange as it may appear, Dr. Dewar, in a subsequent page, notwithstanding the preceding restrictions, thus argues for the universal offer and universal acceptance of Christ for salvation. "The language of scripture abundantly proves that God commandeth all men every where to repent; and that all men, without any exception or limitation, are enjoined to believe in Christ for acceptance and eternal life. This may justly be considered as the first and the great commandment which God issues to sinful men by the gospel; and obedience to this is indispensably necessary, on their part, to prove their disposition to return to God. To refuse obedience to this, is to remain unreconciled to God, and to be chargeable with that unbelief which is represented in scripture as the special ground of condemnation. He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. "This express warrant to every member of the family of man to believe on Christ for salvation is in perfect accordance with what the gospel requires mankind to believe. What, then, does the revelation of mercy require those to whom it is addressed to believe? Is it not that all have come short of the glory of God; that their salvation is not to be found in themselves; and that they cannot be accepted or justified by their services? Are they not commanded to rest in Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour, who is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him, and to bear the burden of the weary and the heavy-laden? Is not each required to believe the infinite value and efficacy of the blood of Christ to make him free, humbly trusting to it, from all condemnation, and to cleanse him from all unrighteousness?"-p. 392. On the preceding passages we will offer no other remark than what is expressed in the following quotation, from the late celebrated and candid Robert Hall; in a letter to a friend : "I do think you have steered a happy medium between the rigidity of Calvinism, and the laxness of Arminianism, and have succeeded in the solution of the grand difficulty-the consistency betwixt general offers and invitations, and the speciality of divine grace. This interesting question is handled with masterly ability. On this point, the representation of Calvinists has long appeared to me very defective, and that, fettered by their system, they have by no means gone so far in encouraging and urging sinners to the use of prayer, reading the scriptures, self-examination, &c. as the scriptures justify. Here the Arininians, such of them as are evangelical, have had greatly the advantage of the Calvinists in pleading with sinners. I lent your book to B., who is much pleased with it, and only wishes you had expressed yourself more fully in favour of the general extent of Christ's death. I think you have asserted it by implication, though I wish you had asserted it unequivocally; because On a Leaving, however, the theological sentiments of Dr. Dewar, as to the extent of the atonement in its application, we readily admit, that, on the atonement itself, he has subject that has been so frequently handled, produced an admirable treatise. it is not to be supposed that original matter of others he has readily availed himself, is exclusively introduced. Of the writings and arguments that have seen much service he has re-enlisted. To these he has added many judicious observations of his own, the whole of which he has so arranged, as to give to his treatise an aspect of originality, and to invest the great subject on which he has employed his talents and his pen, with a character and importance, and a blaze of light, which nothing but the Sun of righteousness could impart. That the atonement of Christ is a doctrine of scripture, whoever reads this volume with attention must be fully convinced. Avowing this conviction, we most heartily concur in the sentiment of Soame Jenyns, lowing paragraph, that occurs in his prewhich the author has expressed in the folface; and with this quotation we must take our leave of Dr. Dewar and his volume. "That Christ suffered and died as an atonement for the sins of mankind, is a doctrine so constantly and so strongly enforced throughout every part of the New Testament, that whoever will seriously peruse these writings, and deny that it is there, may, with as much reason and truth, after reading the works of Thucydides and Livy, assert, that in them no mention is made of any facts relative to the histories of Greece and Rome." REVIEW.-The Canon of the Old and New Testament ascertained, or the Bible complete without the Apocrypha and unwritten Traditions. By Archi bald Alexander, D.D. With Introductory Remarks, by John Morison, D.D. 12mo. pp. 430. Miller, London, 1831. THE professed object of this work conveys an idea of its importance. Unless the ed, faith is without a resting-place, and canon of scripture can be clearly ascertainpractice without a guide. By learned christian divines this point has indeed long since been examined and decided; but the learned languages to which they constantly refer, and the irrelevant matter with which the investigations stand connected, have I am fully persuaded that it is a doctrine of scrip- placed the benefit of these disquisitions be ture, and that it forms the only consistent basis of unlimited invitation. I think that the most enlightened Calvinists are too reserved on this head, and that their refusal to declare, with the concurrent testimony of scripture, that Christ died for all men, tends to confirm the prejudices of the Methodists and others against election and special grace."-Imperial Magazine for May, 1831, p. 216. yond the reach of general readers. To detach the evidence on which the authenticity of the canon of scripture rests from all foreign matter, to concentrate its essence, to bring the whole within a narrow compass, and to render it intelligible to common capacities, is one great object that Mr. Alexander has had in view. Another is, to shew that the Bible is complete, containing all things necessary to guide the faith and practice of every sincere christian; and that the church is in possession of no other revelation, but what is recorded in these sacred books. Mr. Alexander informs us, in his preface, that a considerable portion of the materials used in composing this treatise, have been derived from others; and, in a subsequent paragraph, he gives the names of several authors, to whose works he acknowledges himself to be indebted. These selected materials, in connexion with his own observations, he has wrought into their present form, and thus given completion to a volume, which cannot fail to prove highly acceptable to every christian reader. Dr. Alexander is professor of theology, in Prince-town College, New Jersey, in America, in which country this work first emanated from the press, and obtained a circulation. Time brought it across the Atlantic, and under the auspices of Dr. Morison, a new edition, in England, is just brought before the public. In contending for the all-sufficiency and exclusive authority of scripture, the author sternly sets his face against Jewish traditions under the old testament, and the dictates of all churches under the new, and argues, that no pretence to infallibility can sanction any community to teach for doctrines the commandments of men. On these points, his reasonings are clear and convincing. His premises appear founded on a rock of adamant, his inductions are firmly linked, and his conclusions are irresistible. In discriminating between the canonical books of scripture, and such as are apocryphal, whether those bound up with the Old Testament, or others with whose names we are less familiar, the author adduces all the evidence that can be expected, and the reasons which he assigns why, among the candidates for acceptance, some were received while others were rejected, are sufficient to satisfy the inquiries of every intelligent mind. Under all such circumstances, claims lead to examination, and this in the present case has led to a decision, which nothing but infidelity and scepticism will dare to impugn. The canon of the Old Testament Mr. Alexander fixes on the basis of Ezra, who, under the influence of plenary inspiration, established an era in the history of the sacred books, which relieves inquiry from all anxiety respecting their previous vicissi tudes and manner of descent. The reference made to these books by Christ and his apostles, shews the exalted rank which they sustained in their estimation. Our Lord and his followers would never have appealed to an authority as divine, which they must have known to be spurious, upon a supposition that their authors had not been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Respecting the canon of the New Testament, nearly the same method is employed, as that to which we have adverted in reference to the Old. The books which compose the New Testament were received as genuine in the days of the apostles, and the concurrent testimonies and appeals of christian writers in every succeeding age, carry onward the links in this chain of evidence, till it is connected with the present day. These successive links Dr. Alexander has adduced in consecutive order; and, in connexion with the internal evidence which the books afford, they place them on a foundation which never can be removed, until all confidence in every species of historical testimony shall be finally banished from the world. The objections to which various passages and occurrences, both in the Old Testament and the New, are liable, the author distinctly notices, and fairly meets. Much force is concentrated in his reasonings, and brought to bear upon his imbodied evidence; and, in the confidence which integrity inspires, he submits the result of his researches and testimonials to the judgment of an impartial public; from whom, we are fully persuaded, he may expect a favourable decision. REVIEW. The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland. By John Knox. To which are appended several other pieces of his Writings. By William M'Gavin, Esq. Complete in 1 vol. 8vo. pp. 650, Blackie and Co., Edinburgh. 1831. WHILE Scotland lives, the name of John Knox will never die. The fame of this man is so blended with the history of his country, that the renown of its most celebrated kings, philosophers, and heroes, is not more secure of immortality. On the pedestal of the Reformation, John Knox occupies one of the most conspicuous stations; and so deeply are the characters engraven, in which his name is written, that time will never be able to hide them from posterity. The works of this extraor dinary man are so well known, and so duly appreciated, throughout the British empire, that every foe to papal tyranny must rejoice to see them transmitted to future generations. His stern integrity, inflexibility of principle, and unconquerable zeal, were adapted to the times in which he lived; and to his memory they have erected a monument formed of more durable materials, than that which his grateful countrymen have reared in the city of Glasgow. We know not what futurity may evolve. Prognostics sometimes appear, which tell us, that the period is not remote, when the active integrity of Knox will again be required. His name and character, therefore, being hung on high, may operate as a bright example in seasons of future peril. Some future Knox may catch his mantle and his spirit, and, imitating his great exploits, perpetuate his deeds in a newly imbodied form. In the present edition of this work, is included the first book of discipline complete, and the dispute of Knox with the Abbot of Crossraguel, which have not hitherto been connected with the history of the reformation of religion in Scotland. An advertisement, prefixed to this volume, informs us that "The introduction, written by Mr. M'Gavin, contains an historical sketch of the state of religion in Scotland, from the introduction of Christianity, till the time when Knox's history commences, comprising a period of twelve centuries; and, although the materials of history, during this dark period, are but scanty, there is enough to show, that ori ginally the church of Scotland was independent of any foreign jurisdiction; that her ritual was comparatively simple and unostentatious, and how she became gradually affected by the errors of popery, and then subject to the See of Rome. The editor has also subjoined notes to the history, for explanation or elucidation; and occasional biographical notices of eminent characters, whose names occur in the text." This prefatory matter is not mere profession. What the editor has promised, he has fully performed. The sketch which he has drawn is luminous and comprehensive, and although" shadows, clouds, and darkness rest upon" some portions of the periods through which the preliminary history is traced, a sufficiency remains, to mark the progress of events, and to connect incidents which sometimes appear to have nothing more than an isolated existence. The biography of Knox, which follows the introduction, though brief, is full of interest. It embraces the principal events and vicissitudes of his life, follows him from the pulpit to the galley, and from an exile in a foreign country, to an influence in his own, before which the power of cardinals and of bishops trembled, and was glad to retreat. The life of this wonderful man was passed in a state of almost incessant excitement; alarm and danger constantly surrounded his dwelling, and frequently pursued him when he had not where to lay his head. Yet, through every trouble, his Almighty Father preserved him, so that, after passing even through fire and water, through perils both at home and abroad, and escaping both the faggot and the sword, at the age of sixtyseven, he ended his days in peace, in the year 1572. The laying the foundation stone of a monument erected in Glasgow, to the memory of this extraordinary man, must have been an imposing spectacle. Of this solemn ceremony, a detailed account is given in this volume. A description of the process, and a record of the speeches delivered on the occasion, and in connexion with it, furnish decisive evidence, that the great principles of the Reformation are still retained in Scotland, and surveyed with the most profound veneration. Could the ancestors of the present generation witness their spirit and their deeds, they would find no occasion to mourn over a degenerate offspring. Of the work itself, "The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland," little need be said. It is replete with valuable matter, and is so marked by the local incidents and occurrences with which it is interspersed, that the entertainment it affords can only be rivalled by the important information which it communicates. But the merits of this work are too well known to require either elucidation or eulogium. The letters at the close of the volume, which passed between Mr. Quentin and John Knox, are written with much acuteness; and in the disputation which is recorded, all the auditors must have been deeply interested. Even to the present moment, after a lapse of centuries, and notwithstanding the great changes that have taken place in church and state, the reasonings retain a considerable portion of their pristine vigour. To the cause which the intrepid reformer defended, with so much ability, we feel, when reading these disputations, an increased attachment, and seem to share in the triumphs which he achieved. To us, indeed, they appear at present as matters of history; but of the arguments employed so successfully, we never ought to lose sight. Occasions may arise, when it will be neces sary to call them again into operation; and no generation should disregard the reasonings employed to establish momentous propositions, from a conviction of their being true. While popery has defenders, the works of John Knox should never be consigned to oblivion: and the present edition is calculated to invest them with renewed vigour. REVIEW. The History of the Church of WE hardly know whether it be more In the preface to this volume, Mr. Scott vindicates Calvin from the charge of causing the death of Servetus; but the defence appears less powerful than the accusation. To what extent the great reformer was accessary to the burning of this unhappy victim of relentless and malicious bigotry, we presume not to determine. The accounts transmitted to us are conflicting and contradictory, and no means of ascertaining the actual truth are now within our reach. The death of Servetus is, however, a blot which has adhered to the character of Calvin through all generations, since the event took place, and no human efforts can now efface the stain. Entering on the great subjects of his work, Mr. Scott traces the progress of the Reformation on the continent from state to state, adverts to the difficulties it had to encounter, and marks its perseverance and ultimate triumphs. Many of the distinguished individuals who bore their part on the great theatre of action, are brought before us, and, from numerous quotations selected from their works, we may perceive the doctrines which they taught, the disputes in which they engaged, and the manner in which they employed their talents and their pens. In quoting the epistles of Zwingle, and analyzing their contents, the following observations occur, respecting infants and heathens. "Having discussed the disease, he comes to consider the remedy, which is to be found in Christ alone. And he believes it certainly to extend to all who are born under the Christian covenant, so that none shall perish without their own actual transgression. He trusts also, that this blessing extends to infants universally. For the former conclusion he argues from the covenant originally made with Abraham and his seed, and now extended to Christians. I connect this freedom of infants from the condemnation of original sin, And here he faithfulness of an electing God.' In this paper he also introduces his sentiment, elsewhere more fully stated, concerning the vir tuous beathen. He speaks of the faith of Seneca, and quotes, as an instance of it, the well-known sentence-We ought so to live, as if some one could look into our hearts; and indeed there is ONE who can do it.' Who,' he asks, first implanted this faith in Seneca's heart ? and he argues in support of his opinion, from such men shewing the work of the law written in their hearts, Rom. ii. The sentiment which be thus maintains, he says, does not supersede Christ, but, on the contrary, extends his glory; as it is through him alone that their (supposed) faith is implanted, and that they themselves are accepted, though they know him not."-p. 143. That so much liberality should exist in any mind at the period to which we are referred, is rather a matter of surprise than of expectation. Intolerance was the order of the day; and but few were thought sound in the faith, who did not piously anathematize all who happened to differ from them. The liberal sentiments of nineteenth century; for, on the quotations Zwingle seems almost too much for the we have given, Mr. Scott makes the following observations. "On this subject I refer the reader to Dr. Milner's remarks: only adding an expression of deeply painful regret, that there should appear, in point of fact, so little to support the conclusion, that the moral virtue of the class of persons referred to, was such, or sprang from such a principle, as might constitute it, in any sense, the obedience of faith; and arguing, from the case of these heathen philosophers, to whom the gospel was offered, so little to countenance the idea that they had any such faith as was ready to receive the gospel when proposed to it."-p. 145. But, notwithstanding the liberality displayed by Zwingle in the preceding extract, he was not a dissenter from the good old orthodoxy of the times, as the following short passage will most decidedly evince. "Predestination must be irrespective of human works, performed or foreseen, otherwise the determinations of the Creator are made dependent on the actions of the creature; and we vainly imagine ourselves to be, or to become, something of ourselves, before God could decide anything concerning us."-p. 223. Here it is but just to state, that Mr. Scott most decidedly differs from the passage above quoted. He pronounces it to be a conclusion repugnant, not only to all our notions of justice and goodness, but to all those views which the scriptures lead us to take of the divine proceedings, and contradictory to their statements at large. Why these dogmas of polemic sectarianism should be mixed up with what is professedly a Continuation of Milner's Church History, may well become a subject of inquiry. Even the passive-power hypothesis of the late Dr. Williams has found its way into a note, the introduction of which we cannot but think exceedingly irrelevant. This appears still more remarkable when, on turning to the preface, the author, on referring to the opinions entertained respecting Calvin, observes"It is needless to say, that I take my station with neither party. In such a diversity of opinion, one only course is open, the course of honesty and independence, which I would aim every where to pursue." To the quantity of valuable matter incorporated in this volume, we can hardly assign any measure or limits. It lays open the arcana of the Reformation; and, touching those springs of action which were so powerful in their effects, brings before us those venerable characters who, in the hand of God, were rendered instrumental in breaking the fetters of papal tyranny. On looking through the whole, surveying the power and prejudice to be opposed and overcome, and the apparently inefficient means by which the mighty revolution was to be effected, we cannot but behold the finger of God working, through human agency, in delivering a faithful and zealous people from a pretended infallible church, that by its enormities had become the curse of the christian world. REVIEW.-The Life and Times of " Eng land's Patriot King," William IV. With a Brief Memoir of Her Majesty Queen Adelaide. By John Watkins, LL.D. Fisher, Son, and Jackson, London, 1831. No monarch, perhaps, ever ascended the throne of his ancestors with more sincere gratulations from his people than William IV.; and since the sceptre has been in his hands, the enthusiasm of the people has been unbounded. The frankness of his manners, and the popularity of his measures, will form a new era in the biography of kings, and hold him out as a bright example for his successors to imitate. Of this very popular monarch, the work before us delineates the life, and bids fair to share in the triumphs of patriotism which it records. It is being published in numbers and parts, and is rendered doubly interesting, by adverting to the events which were associated with his Majesty's early years. So far as this work has proceeded, we follow Prince William-Henry through his education, his novitiate while holding a subordinate station in the navy, his progressive gradation, the service he has seen, the conflicts in which he was engaged, his travels and voyages, and final advancement to the command which his naval abilities merited. Advanced to the honour of Lord High Admiral, events full of interest respecting his Majesty will thicken round the biographer's pen, and every step from that station to the elevated pinnacle on which he sits, will render all his actions momentous, both to us and to posterity. Before the able biographer can overtake his Majesty in his career through life, the new Parliament recently formed will have assembled, and, with such a monarch at their head, and ministers of the first abilities, the issues which may be brought about, baffle all calculation. At all events, the discussions and enactments, that are on the eve of bursting upon us, will give a zest to this memorial, which, from what we have already seen, and what may be expected, promises, independently of the plates with which it will be embellished, to be one of the most popular works of the present day. REVIEW.-Oxford, a Poem. By Robert Montgomery. 8vo. pp. 258. Whittaker, London, 1831. THE several masterly poems which this author has sent into the world, have so far extended his fame, and excited public expectation, that Oxford must be an extraordinary production indeed, if, on its appearance, his readers felt no disappointment. The and the greater the genius which it displays, more highly any composition is finished, the more strongly solicitude is awakened, when, from the same pen, any thing new is about to appear; and no one seems satisfied, unless the last shall excel all that have preceded it, how excellent soever they may have been. We seem to think no limits can be set to the human powers, that they always ascend in progression, towards a zenith of ideal perfection, of which no one presumes to give a definition. Such is precisely the relation in which Mr. Montgomery stands with the public. They had noticed his capabilities, and learning that he was again about to pay them a visit, hastened before him to the most elevated mount that lay within the range of their conception, to wait his arrival, and behold him soaring so far above all his former productions, as those productions had originally exceeded their |