subjects; or in a father's exhortation to his children to cherish affection, cultivate obedience, or live pure and holy lives? Is not the incongruity of fine writing, or of anything more than words adapted to convey the thoughts and impart the feelings of the speaker from the pulpit equally great? A sermon will be none the less powerful for being natural and simple. Its force is in the truth it conveys and not in its adornments. Truth is most lovely and mighty in its native simplicity, and is only disfigured and weakened by the colouring and drapery of poetry. No man in his senses would preach a sermon in rhyme or blank verse. The incongruity of such a thing is palpable to everybody. In proportion, then, as a sermon approaches poetry, unless it be the natural, spontaneous utterances of a poetical and earnest soul, it approaches the incongruous. may be attractive to some persons, but not to devout Christians and it is very doubtful whether it will exert any, except a prejudicial influence on the spiritual in man. It appeals only to the psychical, and must, therefore, we think, be in another way injurious. It is calculated to induce a regard for the aesthetic or sensuous, instead of the spiritual, and a desire for fine music, as well as beautiful composition, by which many are eventually landed in High Churchism, or the Church of

It

Rome. The correctness of these re

marks may be illustrated by a quotation from an article in "The Freeman" on the late lamentable and unparallelled catastrophe in the Roman Catholic Cathedral at St. Santiago; where, on the altar of the sensuous, in the name of Christianity, 2,000 lives were, in a brief quarter of an hour,

sacrificed :

"Still looking at these poor sufferers as our fellow-creatures, we can but place ourselves morally along side them. Different, indeed, are the modes in which the same feeling displays itself; still but few are content with worship simply and for its own sake. Even the Protestant Dissenter, and

Presbyterian will add music and eloquence,

architecture and robes. The Churchman will magnify these additions, and add yet more.

Puseyism and Popery witness that Englishmen are not insensible to attractions kindred with those which became the funeral pile of the living victims at Santiago. It thus becomes, after all, a question of degree; and none of those who seek intellectual or sensuous pleasure as an accompaniment to the

worship of God, can, in the sight of the righteous Judge, first cast a stone at the sufferers of Santiago. They went to see a grand religious show; and probably nearly all of them deemed the show religion: but which of us is guiltless of having shared in some grand religious entertainment in which the spiritual and the entertaining almost strove for mastery? If, however, we must take a lenient view of the moral and religious sentiments of the visitors," &c., &c.

There is truth in this paragraph; but it is not all true. Many a Christian is satisfied with worship for its own sake, and yet finds himself aided by music in singing the praises of God. Many a Christian loves Bible truth, and yet desires the minister who presents that truth to be possessed of intelligence and intellectual power. There are, however, many professing Christians who are not content with worship simply for its own sake. UNSANCTIFIED human nature does "seek sensuous or intellectual pleasure as an accompaniment to the worship of God;" and the more it is gratified the greater are its demands; and he who determines to gratify it will be led eventually into all the extravagances of the display at Santiago. The apology for the seekers of sensuous gratification in the worship of God, contained in the foregoing extract from "The Freeman" is, we think, a mistake. In their conduct may be traced the germs of idolatry, popery, and every corruption of Christianity. The grand distinguishing feature of the religion of the New Testament, is its complete spirituality-its worship of God in spirit and in truth. It is this spirituality of worship the natural man receives not, and to which he is opposed. Every attempt, therefore, by a sensuous clothing to render Christianity attractive, or to enable a man, who is not content with worship simply, and for its own sake, to find pleasure in the worship of God, is both delusive and mischievous.

It

cheats him into a belief that he is worshipping God when he is only worshipping the sensuous, and helps him with the idolator to feed on ashes and be blind to the lie in his right hand. Let Protestant Dissenters, and above all Baptists, see to it that they become not helpers of the God of this world in leading men to substitute the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, for the simple and spiritual service of God. What, then, it may be asked, constitutes good preaching ? This is a question more easily asked than answered, and more easily an

swered than illustrated. A clear, natural, outspoken exposition of Divine truth, in its application to human circumstances and necessities, illustrated by the works of God, and events of every-day life, and faithfully, and earnestly, and in evident sincerity, applied to the heart and conscience is, we believe, the preaching which God has appointed to heal the soul, lighten the woes, and elevate the condition, of the human race, so that it may glorify Him here and enjoy him for ever in heaven.

Sweet Childhood, and its Helpers in Heathen Lands; being a Record of Church Missionary Work among the Young, in Africa, the East, and Prince Rupert's Land. By M. A. S. BARBER. London: James Nisbet and Co., 1864; pp. 324.From a letter written by an African missionary, and published in the "Children's Missionary Magazine," sprang a fund called the "Coral Fund," from which many schools and native catechists have been supported in connection with the Church Missionary Society. To this fund contributions come from children in private families, ladies' schools and Sunday schools; and by means of a small periodical, "The Coral Missionary Magazine," communications are maintained with the contributors. This volume contains narratives of the results, descriptions of missionary life and labour, accounts of children who have been led to Christ in the missions the fund has assisted, in the countries named above. The authoress has given the detail in a manner very attractive, and fitted both to awaken and sustain interest in missionary work in the young. Numerous well-executed woodcuts add to the charm of the volume. We should be glad to see similar volumes published descriptive of the Baptist missions. They are greatly needed for the young people of our schools and families.

The Eclectic and Congregational Review. February, 1864. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.-The contents of the present number are but of ayerage merit. The article on "Noses : what they mean, and how to use them," is very long, and very little to our taste. It would find a fitter place in “Bentley's Miscellany," than it has in a Congregational review. The paper on the Pauline conception of the word “Law," has some excellent thoughts, but expressed in language too quaint and mystic to be as useful as they might be. The editor's remarks on the Bishop of Oxford's recent charge have our entire approval.

The Critical School and Jesus Christ: a Reply to M. Renan's Life of Jesus. By EDMOND PRESSENSE, pastor of the French Evangelical Church, &c. Translated by C. Corkran. London: Eliot Stock.

As M. Renan's Life of Jesus has been translated into English, it will, no doubt, be useful for our friends to know where they may find satisfactory refutations of its misstatements. We have no misgiving as to its effect upon our countrymen. Even those amongst them who unhappily do not believe in Christ, have consciences which must feel the outrage perpetrated in M. Renan's exposition of the History of our Lord. They will be impatient of a theory which acknow

ledges Christ to have been the best of men-for M. Renan says, “In Him is condensed all that is good and exalted in our nature"-and then declares Him to have been a dissembler who merely "transformed the Utopias of His age into exalted truths." They will demand consistency, at least in any writer who seeks to account for the rise of Chris tianity whilst repudiating its Divine origin. M. Renan's book will, therefore, be scorned, as it deserves, by those whom he would gladly welcome as allies.

Brands plucked from the Burning, and how they were Saved; with Analogies and Examples of Christian Life and Character. By the Rev. J. H. WILSON, author of "Our Moral Wastes and How to Reclaim Them;" "The late Prince Consort, &c." London: John Snow, 35, Paternoster Row. 1864.-An interesting amount of the origin and progress of Ragged Schools, Territorial Missions and Ragged Kirks; also of recent revivals and special services at theatres and other places. It is well calculated to awaken Christians to effort for the spiritual welfare of perishing sinners.

"Truths for the Day of Life, and the Hour of Death." By the author of "God is Love;" "Our Heavenly Home;" "Grace and Glory:" etc. London: Virtue, Brothers, and Co., 1, Amen Corner, Paternoster Row. 1864. This book is a fine illustration of how many pages a very few thoughts may be made to cover; and may be useful to those who, with scanty materials, are anxious to publish a large book. It reminded us of the saying, that it is very difficult for a preacher who has nothing to say, to preach a short sermon. If the two hundred pages on Assurance of faith were condensed into about twenty pages, and the characters clearly defined for whom the various remarks were intended, a useful tract might be the result.

Meliora: a Quarterly Review of Social Science, in its Critical, Economical, Political, and Ameliorative Aspects. No. 24. January, 1864. London: S. W. Partridge. -The articles on Co-operation and Benefit Societies are instructive and useful; but the first paper on the Moral Unity of Humanity is very dry. The influence of drink in fostering and largely promoting the "social evil," is pointed out in the second article in a very striking and truthful way.

Morning on the Mountains; or, Woman and her Saviour in Persia. By a Returned Missionary. London: Nisbet and Co., 1864; pp. 303. Second edition.-Although Persia is the scene of the missionary work here described, the volume relates almost entirely to the Nestorians, and to the greatly blessed labours of Miss Fisk among their females. The missions of our American brethren have enjoyed very superior female agency, and this has especially been the case in Persia. We hope this book will find its way into the hands of many missionaries' wives. It is full of instruction and encouragement for them. The following remarks of the experienced writer are very striking:-"Missionaries may be in danger of staying too long and doing too much for a people, rather than of leaving them too soon after the Gospel has taken root among them. Native pastors came into being at Tahiti, simply because the French drove off the missionaries. They were not ordained before, but at once proved themselves equal to the work that Providence assigned them. Twenty years ago the European shepherds were driven from Madagascar, and a few lambs left in the midst of wolves! but God raised up native pastors, and instead of tens of Christians under Europeans, there are now hundreds, yea, thousands under these natives. Those missionaries are wise who aim constantly at results like these," p. 46.

66

Counsel and Comfort spoken from a City Pulpit. By the author of the Recreations of a County Parson." London: Strahan & Co., 1863; pp. 304, 12mo. While reading this volume we have thought ourselves carried back to days long gone by, when we stood with reverent gaze by the side of our grandfather's arm-chair, and heard the old grey-haired man, in words of wild wis dom, pour forth his experiences of life, and his admonitions to seek after the life to come. They were gentle words; yet they had a power to charm our youthful feelings, and to stimulate us to "strive to enter in at the strait gate." We have forgotten much of his murmuring talk now but the savour of it remains. The memories of it are still sweet. If our younger readers have no such counseller they will find this book an excellent substitute. Their elders may benefit by its perusal too, for it will awaken comforting thoughts and quicken new emotions almost forgotten.

:

Picture Stories. By MISS COLQUHOUN. Price Sixpence. Edinburgh James Taylor, 31, Castle Street. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. Glasgow: W. Bryce and Co.-These stories, written in hieroglyphics, are very ingenious, and would be an acceptable present to most young children.

Sister's Dreams: Visions celestial and grave. By J B. B. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row. 1863.— Although this is a little book, and its object is good, we are afraid that the poetry will not attract many readers through its pages.

"Stars for a Light by Night; Words of Heavenly Comfort for the suffering Chil dren of God. By the Author of "Daily Thoughts for the Young." London: John Snow, Paternoster Row.-A series of short chapters, based on portions of the Word of God, calculated to sustain and comfort the afflicted.

Evangelization of Town and Country. By Rev. J. B. PATON, M.A. of Sheffield. London: John Snow. 1863. Pp. 24, 8vo. A paper read in April last, before the West Riding Congregational Union. The writer thinks it the duty of his denomination to place round the pastors a body of elders, in addition to the deacons, of whom he is to be regarded as the head, primus inter pares, to whom may especially be confided the spiritual welfare of every member of their churches and congregations.

Both

town and country should be territorially occupied, and thoroughly systematic efforts be made to preach the gospel to every creature, by a well-directed and arranged lay agency.

Kitto's Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature. New edition, with numerous illustrations, maps, and plans. Edited by W. L. ALEXANDER, D.D. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black. Parts I. to VI. We owe an apology for not having noticed this publication sooner. It is a reprint of a work well known, and needing no recommendation. The articles are of first-rate literary merit. They embrace the whole field of biblical litera

ture, and also geography, natural history, and biography. In this edition, the lives and works of biblical scholars, including the fathers and reformers, will be noticed, and attention will be given to the religious and literary archæology of the Hebrews. The illustrations are numerous and good.

1662 to 1862. The History of Nonconformity from the Act of Uniformity. A Lecture, by the Rev. J. DE KEWER WILLIAMS. London: John Snow, Paternoster Row. This lecture, which bears no date, was delivered, we suppose, in the bicentenary year. It takes a hasty glance at the reigns of the several monarchs during the two centuries, and their effects on Nonconformity.

Breakers on both Sides: Thoughts on Creeds, Subscription, Trust Deeds, Sc. Edited by J. S. ELDON, Esq., L.L.D. London: Jackson, Walford & Co; pp. 28, 8vo. This is a reprint of an article which appeared in the Eclectic Review five and twenty years ago, and has again been lately reproduced in the pages of the same periodical. It is understood to be the production of Mr. Binney, and in his well-known style he puts before Congregational Dissenters the divergence between their professions of obedience to Scripture alone, and the insertion in their Trust Deeds of creeds or articles of faith, belief in which is necessary to entitle a minister to the occupancy of his pulpit. We are not aware that an answer has ever been given to the arguments adduced, nor has the difficulty ever been solved. How can our ministers follow the teaching of God's Word in all its breadth, when they hold their office by virtue of conditions, expressed or implied in legal documents

that limit their studies and researches into the will of God in directions more or less explicitly imposed upon them? The question is being at present warmly discussed among our independent brethren; perhaps some light may come to us from them.

Scenes in the Life of St. Peter. A Biography and an Exposition. By JAMES SPENCE, M.A., D.D. of the University of Aberdeen. London: The Religious Tract Society, 56, Paternoster Row.

The Tract Society deserves the thanks of the Church of Christ for this and kindred publications. The life of Peter is full of interesting and instructive incidents; and the events of his life become more impressive by being thus grouped together. The writing in this volume is most brilliant; in some parts it wants vigour; and whilst reading it we frequently longed for a little more life; but it is simple and good, and perfectly free from the speculation to which one is strongly tempted by such a subject.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

The Rev. Matthew Hudson, late of Portland Chapel, Southampton, has accepted the invitation of the church at Folkestone.-The Rev. Robert White, late of Walgrave, Northamptonshire, has accepted an invitation from the church at Roade, in the same county.--Mr. William Evans, student of Chilwell College, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the first Baptist church at Staley bridge, Lancashire.-The Rev. J. B. Pike, late of Bourne, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Lewes. Mr. David Rees, of Pontypool, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Letterstone, Pembroke. shire. The Rev. W. B. Birt has resigned the charge of the church at Chowbent, Lancashire. Mr. T. J. Ewing has resigned the pastorate at Waterbeach, Cambs.-Mr. John Birtt has resigned the pastorate at Bardwell, Suffolk.—The Rev. J. Pearce has resigned the pastorate of the church at Malden, Surrey, and is open to engagements.-The Rev. J. T. Gale has resigned the pastorate of the church at Darwen, Lancashire, and has accepted a unanimous invitation to the ministry of Union Church, Putney, London.-The Rev. John Price has announced that his ministry at Amersham will terminate on the 1st of May.-The Rev. Roberts, from Newport, Monmouthshire, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Newtown, Montgomeryshire.-Mr. T. A. Pryce, student of the College, Haverfordwest, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the churches assembling at Manorbier and Cold Inn, Pembrokeshire.-The Rev. John Lewis has resigned the pastorate of the church at Truro, and will close his ministry there early in May.

PRESENTATIONS. ARTHUR-STREET, WALWORTH, Feb. 16th. -The Rev. S. Cowdy, an elegant timepiece from the members of the ladies' Bible class.

LEOMINSTER, Feb. 15th.-The Rev. T. Nash, a handsome Bible in commemora tion of the eighth anniversary of his pastorate.

OAKHAM, Feb. 25th.-The Rev. J. Jenkinson, the Life and Works of John Howe, from the Rutland Association of Ministers.

BRIGHTON, Feb. 25th.-The Rev. J. Isaac, a purse of gold from his flock.

STEPNEY, Feb. 23rd.-The Rev. J. Harrison, a purse of gold, and Dr. W. Smith's Dictionary of the Bible.

ORDINATION AND RECOGNITION SERVICES.

CANNING-TOWN, ESSEX.-On Feb. 16th the recognition of the Rev. W. H. Bonner, as pastor of the church meeting in the Public-rooms, Barking-road, took place. The hall was crowded in every part. The Rev. J. H. Hinton, M.A., presided. After singing, the Rev. D. Taylor implored the Divine blessing. The Rev. W. H. Bonner explained the circumstances which led him to this sphere of labour, and gave an exposition of the doctrines he intended to enforce, after which the chairman offered a prayer in behalf of the pastor and his flock. The church and congregation were severally addressed by the Revs. D. Katterns, J. Curwen, J. W. Coombs, E. Schnadhorst, G. W. Fishbourne, and J. Smith.

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD.-On Feb. 22nd, a meeting was held to recognise the Rev. S. Hodges as pastor of the church. W. Bliss, Esq., Mayor of Chipping Norton, occupied the chair. The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. W. Cherry, Milton, and the Rev. W. R. Warburton (Wesleyan), Stow. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. John Christien (Independent), Moreton; by the Rev. J. Wassall, Blockley; and by the Rev. H. J. Lambert.

BROUGHTON, HANTS.-On March 3rd, a public meeting was held on the occasion of the settlement of Mr. J. F. Smith, formerly of Regent's-park College, London, late of Gottingen University, as pastor. H. M. Bompas, Esq., M.A. LL.B., presided, and addresses were delivered by Messrs. Dead (deacon of the church), Smith (pastor), Parsons, of Abbott's Ann, and Millard, of Andover.

MISCELLANEOUS.

REV. J. H. HINTON'S WRITINGS.-We are happy to learn that Mr. Hinton's Theological Works are in the press, and that the first volume may be expected about Midsummer. Some persons having fallen into the error of attributing