We have now the pleasure of introducing to our readers a very small book of unpretending character, the object of which is to bring the contents of each chapter in the gospels, at a glance, before the eye; pointing out, at the same time, the parallel passages in other chapters. A single page is devoted to each, sometimes containing only two lines, sometimes ten, over against which are placed the parallels in smaller type. We will take for the specimen page 69, which gives the first chapter of Saint John's gospel.

Introduction, on the divinity of Christ. The mission and preaching of John' the Baptist.

His account of Christ's Baptism.

The call of some of the apostles. }

Matt. iii. Mark i.

Luke iii.

Matt. iv. Mark i.
Luke v.

By committing a page to memory daily, with actual reference to the portion of scripture, even children may soon acquire that readiness in turning to any particular passage, with its parallels, without which our knowledge of God's word must be comparatively imperfect, and our manner of handling it ineffective, at least as regards others. It is not enough that the two-edged sword be committed to us. We must learn to draw it from the scabbard with ease and expedition; and we must acquire those movements whereby it can be wielded with the best effect. We prefer this gospel manual to any thing of the kind that we have yet seen; and heartily desire to see it in general use. It would be valuable as a summary, to bind up with our pocket testaments, if printed to correspond with the various editions.

THE FAITHFUL FRIEND, or Two Conversations on Worldly Intercourse and Family Duties. With a short Memoir of the Writer. By a Brother. Nisbet.

THIS is a practical little book, written by a practical Christian. The author was one whose life and conversation displayed, in an eminent degree, the beauty of holiness. In the memoir prefixed, her brother has been more solicitous to win souls, by a clear setting forth of the glory and beauty of Christ and his gospel, than to say all that he might have said concerning her, who, in the fulness of joy, now rests as far beyond the praises of her attached survivors, as she is above their griefs. Yet enough is said, so to bring us acquainted with the writer, as to enhance the value of what she has left for the instruction of others. The dialogues are brief, but comprehensive; and well adapted to confirm those who are halting between two opinions; while they furnish the decided, but less experienced believer, with weapons for that trying warfare which must needs be known, unless where a whole household are united, either in the service of God or of Satan.

The style of these conversations is very sweet: they breathe a spirit of tenderness and delicacy, characteristic of her who penned them-and that is saying a good deal. We heartily desire the multiplication of such books; particularly from female hands. Divinity is engrossing the attention of so many pious and learned men, that we, in general, may safely leave to them the handling of doctrinal points, and profitably take up the more humble, but

G

equally needful task of practically applying what they teach us, to our own daily walk and conversation. How many a "faithful friend' might thus be found in the compass of a small volume, for the help and guidance of poor trembling young Christians, who, with fightings without, and fears within, know not where to apply for direction in those comparatively minor points, which are, nevertheless, of vast importance to them, in the midst of ungodly and gainsaying families.

We cannot close, without expressing our deep thankfulness in perusing the striking little Memoir prefixed to this book: knowing the Brother' to be a member of the British senate-house-that the work before us was accomplished during the intervals of that really great and fearful battle which Christ's servants have to encounter in that place which was once, and long, the citadel of Protestantism, but which has now cast off even the badge of Christianity, opening its doors as well to those who spurn at the crucified Nazarene, as to those who fall down and worship a bit of bread in his name. Alas for the glory of our British Israel! it is departed and gone. And, proportioned to the grief with which we view these astounding desecrations of what was once, collectively and professedly, holy unto the Lord, is our deep sense of his great mercy in permitting a few faithful men still to stand forth in his name; for "except the Lord had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah." That such a remnant is left, we may take as a token for good, and humbly claim for our country the promise made to Israel of old. "I will turn my hand upon

thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin; and I will restore thy judges, as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning."

SERMONS, &c. by the late Rev. W. Howels, Minister of Long Acre Episcopal Chapel. With a Memoir, by Charles Bowdler. 2 vols. Hatchard, and Hamilton and Co. £1. 2s. 6d.

REMAINS of the Rev. William Howels, &c. being a Collection of Extracts from his Sermons, taken down when preached. By William Prior Moore, A.B. T. C. D. Curry, Nisbet, &c. 6s.

THERE are few men of whom it is more difficult to form a just estimate, without a personal acquaintance both with their ministerial labours and private character, than the subject of these two books. The respective authors knew him well; so did we; and to know William Howels well, was to reverence and love him, in no common degree. He was, indeed, a burning and a shining light, in which we all rejoiced, for which we had abundant cause to bless God, and by the clear light of which we were shown many a perilous snare, laid for unwary feet. The time whereat he blazed with meridian lustre, was a crisis of fearful moment to the cause of the gospel, in defence of which he was most emphatically set: and we hesitate not to affirm, that the deep workings of his sensitive mind, as he looked upon the coming sword, and warned a heedless generation of its sure

approach, tended to the-we dare not say untimely but-lamented going down of that luminary, while, in the course of nature, it was yet day with him.

Mr. Bowdler's prefatory memoir is a beautiful piece of biography, presenting, without any undue partiality, much of the loveliness of Mr. Howels' character; satisfactorily explaining a good deal that drew upon him the censure of some who knew him not; and well nigh doing justice to the powers of a mind, which was, in truth, gigantic. He has also given us two large volumes of regular sermons, and the substance of sermons, with some shorter passages, culled from the abundance with which Long Acre chapel overflowed.

Mr. Moore's work is much smaller, consisting altogether of the latter class-brief extracts, highly characteristic of the preacher and the man. Compared with the larger volumes, it may indeed be called a gathering up of fragments; but then they are the fragments of a feast which the Lord himself provided, sanctified by his blessing, and furnishing the seven baskets full, that might compete with many an unbroken loaf of man's kneading.

This brings to mind a circumstance in which we were personally concerned. Having overtaken Mr. Howels, when he was striding towards his chapel, on a Sunday morning, and pulled him by the cloak, he turned round, in some surprise, at seeing a friend whom he supposed to be at a distance. This short dialogue ensued.

'Do you know, dear pastor, that I have walked thirteen miles, an unladylike exploit, to be fed by you this Sabbath day?'

With a look of deep thought, mixed, as it seemed,