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important respect. But this is saying, in effect, that his particular will can co-exist with the Universal will. For the coincidence of law and freedom-of motive and volition-in God is the very thing to be manifested. As the coincidence of man's own individual will with the Divine will is essential to make the manifestation possible."-pp. 121, 123.

From the whole of the author's remarks on man considered as voluntary, it will be seen by our readers how much importance he attaches to man's freedom, on the one hand; and to his conscious dependence, on the other, finding in the synthesis of the two, his perfection and the glory of God. Nothing is more painfully obvious than that the course of humanity is marked by a perpetual struggle on the part of man to separate these two elements, and to attain to independence. We believe it to be the Divine purpose to afford man every opportunity for making the vain experiment, in order that he may ultimately be brought to the humbling but happy conclusion, as the result of his own experience, that "God is all in all."

In a very masterly way does our author grapple with almost every difficult and perplexing subject which comes within the range of his proposed inquiry into the constitution and condition of" Man Primeval."

NINEVEH and its REMAINS: with an Account of a Visit to the Chaldæan Christians of Kurdistan, and the Yezidis, or Devil-Worshippers; and an Inquiry into the Manners and Acts of the ancient Assyrians. By AUSTEN HENRY LAYARD, Esq., D.C.L. Second Edition. 2 vols. 8vo. John Murray.

AMONG the efforts of the age to bring to light the hidden things of the great nations of antiquity, the enterprising and enlightened researches of Mr. Layard will ever deserve to occupy a conspicuous place. Roused and encouraged by the discoveries and critical inquiries of the late Mr. Rich; and materially aided by the more recent labours of M. Botta, at Khorsabad, the Author of the work before us has been enabled, by a dauntless courage and perseverance, to advance far a-head of all his predecessors in exploring and deciphering the hitherto concealed antiquities of Assyria, and the great city Nineveh so true is it, as Mr. Layard observes, that " Although the names of Nineveh and Assyria hare been familiar to us from childhood, and are connected with our earliest impressions derived from the Inspired Writings, it is only when we ask ourselves what we really know concerning them, that we discover our ignorance of all that relates to their

history, and even to their geographical position."

As we have followed our enthusiastic traveller, but still sober-minded inquirer, in all his interesting and perilous wanderings, we have been struck to astonishment in observing his tact, his self-denial, his dauntless zeal, and his single purpose of mind, in penetrating the hidden mysteries of the Archaic regions, to which he had directed his enterprising steps. To the considerate and generous patronage of Sir Stratford Canning, our country is mainly indebted for the productive results of Mr. Layard's laborious excavations amidst the ruins of Nimroud; and for the rich treasures of Assyrian antiquities which they have added to the collections of the British Museum. But we do not allow ourselves to forget that no human patronage could have produced a man of the mental structure and tendencies of Mr. Layard. Divine Providence evidently fitted him for the work which he had to accomplish; and no assistance he could receive in carrying out his energetic plans could be deemed an undue sacrifice. To such men the present generation and posterity will owe a debt of gratitude, which it were difficult to repay; for whatever may be the amount of knowledge to be in future derived from the examination of ancient monuments embedded in those stupendous ruins which line the banks of the river Tigris, Mr. Layard must ever be regarded as the first great discoverer of their hidden treasures. Mr. Botta will, indeed, share with him the distinction which belongs to him; but even he will be the first to yield him the palm of victory and renown. Still we must thank Sir Stratford Canning for the facilities afforded by him to the enterprize of our distinguished countryman, who has so far surpassed all rivals and competitors, in dragging forth from their hiding-places the concealed monuments of a remote antiquity, some of which belong to a period of our world's history 2,000 years, at least, prior to the Christian era.

Those who wish to form some faint idea of the results of Mr. Layard's extraordinary efforts, must pay an early visit to the British Museum, where, if they feel as we have done, they will be impressed with gratitude to the man who has done so much to shed light upon the characters and scenes of a remote antiquity. The monuments rescued from long oblivion will, we doubt not, receive further illumination, as their inscriptions and hieroglyphics are deeply pondered; and as they are compared with other monuments yet to be discovered.

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The value of our author's labours, moreover, does not consist solely in the Assyrian antiquities which he has exhumed, and

imported to our native country; but nearly equally in the knowledge which he has imparted to us of the countries in which he has spent so much of his time, exercising, on all occasions, a quick and penetrating observation of human character. He lived with the people of various tribes; acquired their dialects and modes of speech; conformed to their habits and usages as far as possible; conciliated their prejudices; became their friend and patron; and thereby acquired a vast ascendancy over them. Hence we have, in these volumes, a better idea of the modern life of Assyria, and the adjacent countries, than could be found in any similar production. We seem to feel ourselves in company with Turks and wandering hordes, and Arab Sheiks, and Nestorian Christians. His accounts of the last of these Easterns is deeply interesting; and will create a powerful sympathy on behalf of an unoffending race of people who have suffered the most shameful and exterminating cruelties. How little in modern times is the shield of British protection spread over those who have no power to help themselves. It was not so in the days of the Commonwealth, when Cromwell made tyrants tremble to the ends of the earth.

One brief passage will illustrate the spirit and zeal with which Mr. Layard prosecuted his noble enterprize :

"As for me," says he, "I rose at daybreak, and after a hasty breakfast, rode to the Mound. Until night I was engaged in drawing the sculptures, copying and moulding the inscriptions, and superintending the excavations, and the removing and packing of the bas-reliefs. On my return to the village, I was occupied till past midnight in comparing the inscriptions with the paper impressions, in finishing drawings, and in preparing for the work of the following day. Such was our manner of life during the excavations of Nimroud; and I owe an apology to the reader for entering into such details. They may, however, be interesting, as illustrative of the character of the genuine Arab, with whom the traveller is seldom brought so much into contact as I have been."

Never did any traveller record so many vicissitudes and so many brilliant successes with so little of egotism in his details.

EXPOSITORY DISCOURSES on the Book of RUTH. By the late Rev. J. N. TOLLER; with a Preface, by the Rev. Walter SCOTT.

London: John Snow, 27, Paternoster-row.

WE have much pleasure in introducing this little volume to the notice of our readers, as presenting a beautiful specimen of instructive and useful expository Discourses.

The late Mr. Toller, we consider, greatly excelled in this part of the pastor's work,

proving an eminent expositor of the word of God to his people. We shall not be understood to mean by this, that his expositions were distinguished by learned criticisms, or by anything profound or mystical,-they had a far higher character as pulpit expositions; they were, in the fullest sense, plain, popular and practical,

adapted to the circumstances of a numerous congregation in a provincial town. They deeply interested the assembly that listened to them. So much was this the case, that on many occasions, the intelligent and devout hearers felt that they could adopt the language of the disciples going to Emmaus: "Did not our hearts burn within us, while He opened to us the Scriptures?"

One of the peculiar excellences of these expositions was, that, while they contained a concise and clear statement of the meaning of the sacred writer, they also drew forth and presented, with great simplicity, pathos, and beauty, the lessons of instruction each paragraph conveyed. There was nothing recondite or far-fetched,—all appeared to be naturally suggested by the inspired statements; yet much genius and piety shone through the whole. He was very much attached to the expository plan for the morning of the sabbath; and he caused many of his people to be equally in love with it. Such variety of scriptural instruction arose out of it; so much that was not generally introduced in sermons was presented; it led to such extended views of Divine truth; showed the connection, harmony, and fulness of the sacred writings; -it proved to be a course of instruction of the greatest value and interest to both pastor and people.

Another excellency in Mr. Toller's plan was, that he very frequently made the afternoon discourse a direct improvement of the morning exposition. If he had expounded a historical portion of Scripture of a similar nature, for instance, to what this volume contains, the sermon that followed would often contain a special and more spiritual improvement of it, from a passage naturally suggested by what had gone before;-so that the attentive hearer was charmed and profited by the beautiful connection and harmony of the whole. On some occasions the sermon would be very impressive. His great strength as an impressive preacher was thus put forth.

This small work consists of four discourses on the Book of Ruth,-one on each chapter. They clearly present all the interesting points of the narrative, and illustrate and enforce the various and instructive lessons it conveys. They show a great insight into human character; a wise dis

cernment of providential events; a fine sense of the tender, delicate, and affecting; a high appreciation of the just, and honourable, and prudent, in human conduct. They set forth lessons of great importance to young persons; and present many important hints to the parents and guardians of the young.

We scarcely know where to select from so much that is useful, presented in so small a compass. We have been much gratified with the lessons of wisdom and piety drawn from the touching narrative contained in the first chapter; and especially with the discrimination, faithfulness, candour, and judgment in the treatment of the circumstances recorded in the third chapter. As a specimen of the author's manner, we present the following extracts. The first relating to the characters of Orpah and Ruth:

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Now, in this paragraph, we have a very striking and instructive instance of the distinction between mere amiableness of natural temper and religious principle. Forming your opinion of them from the whole of the former part of the history, you see nothing to choose between them. Both of them appear to great and equal advantage; most amiable and well-disposed young women, excellent wives, and kind and affectionate daughters-in-law. But when put to the test, you see the difference. Orpah appears to have had every natural excellence that Ruth possessed, but it was not grafted on religious principle. Ruth was not only as amiable as her sister, but the knowledge of the true God appears to have reached her heart. Naomi's excellency of spirit had gained Orpah's affection, but Naomi's instructions, and religious character, had wrought upon Ruth's heart. The one was a lovely heathen; the other, what we should call, in this day, an amiable Christian. Hence it was, that Orpah all in tears, kissed her mother-inlaw, and departed to her gods; but Ruth clave unto her, and nobly said: "Whither thou goest I will go; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.' Here is the difference, my young friends, between nature and grace,-between amiableness of temper without principle, and amiableness of temper grafted upon principle. Orpah was like the young man whom Jesus loved for his amiable qualities, but who went away sorrowful; Ruth was like Mary, who chose the good part,-that could not be taken away from her."-pp. 14, 15.

The following extract is from the third Lecture, referring to the conduct of Naomi, as recorded in the third Chapter:

"We cannot wonder at Naomi, nor blame her, (far from it) considering her circumstances, and her affection for Ruth, on account of her anxiety to seek rest

for her daughter-in-law, that it might be well with her; the thing itself is perfectly justifiable, and even laudable. The only remaining question of importance is, what means parents are authorized to use, and what means prudent and pious parents, under the influence of their principles, will use to secure this important end. And here, with the utmost stretch of candour, I cannot acquit this good woman of blame. Her intention was good,-and as to the substantial part of the measure, it was authorized by the law of God; so that there was nothing positively sinful in it; and yet, I do not think that Naomi's conduct was perfectly honourable and discreet. It included far too much of stratagem and cunning, and circumvention. She did not fairly and openly advance her claim; and she exposed an amiable young woman to one of the most powerful and dangerous temptations by which she could have been assailed, and placed her in very hazardous and ensnaring circumstances; and if Boaz had been a different character to what he was, consequences might have followed that all parties would have had to regret to the day of their death; the results might have been dishonour, and reproach, and a blot which time itself would scarcely have been able to wipe away. To which we may add, that she manifested a culpable distrust of Providence, in not waiting for Divine intimations how she might, in the use of unexceptionable means, accomplish the end which she had in view. She took a kind of nearer road, a by-path to her object, in order to save the trouble of circuitously travelling in the fair and open way. Her conduct, and that of her daughter in-law, did not resemble the case of Rebekah and Jacob in obtaining Isaac's blessing, in flagrancy, in unscrupulous lies, in notorious fraud; but I think the two cases were too much alike as regards art and cunning."—pp. 46, 47. This is followed by a number of very instructive remarks drawn from the circumstances recorded.

In giving to this work our cordial recommendation, we must beg our readers to remember in its perusal, that it was not written for the press by its author, but that it has been transcribed from his shorthand manuscripts which were prepared for the pulpit.

The EARTH'S ANTIQUITY in HARMONY with the MOSAIC RECORD of CREATION. By JAMES GRAY, M. A., Rector of Dibden, Hants. Small 8vo. pp. 230.

John W. Parker, West Strand. THE public are indebted for this lucid and instructive volume to certain doubts

and perplexities which arose in the author's mind from some "startling statements made at a late meeting of the British Association respecting the Earth's vast Antiquity." It were well for the interests of truth if doubts arising from insufficient investigation were always disposed of as they have been by the writer of this Treatise. Because he was anxious and perplexed, he began to search and inquire. He eagerly looked for some work that might "specifically elucidate, in consistency with the Divine Revelation, the facts of an Archaic Earth; but no such work being found, a personal investigation of the subject was undertaken. This happily resulted in the removal of many doubts and scruples. It then was conceived that a course of argument, which thus had satisfied an individual inquirer, might also prove no less useful and satisfactory to that still numerous class, whose hesitating opinions, or unremoved prejudices, yet cloud their perception of those beautiful accordances ever really pervading and evidencing the one August Source alike of the Word and Works of God."

There is something very ingenuous in these avowals; and they are the more valuable as they do not come from the pen of one who is either changeful or enthusiastic. Indeed, for the instruction and the settlement of ordinary minds,—for the use strictly of the people, we know of no work in the language so well adapted as the Treatise before us.

"Many are the theories," observes the Author," for the most part founded upon some compromise either on the side of Scripture or of Science-which have been put forth for the purpose of establishing this desirable accordance: its satisfactory solution, upon a basis preserving in their entirety the integrity of both Records-the Operated and the Written alike-would be a result of no mean importance to the sacred cause of truth."

With his characteristic modesty, the author does not profess to have furnished such a desideratum; but we must say for him that he has made an excellent contribution towards it. Though he writes not "for the professedly scientific," yet no well-instructed member of the scientific world can do otherwise than approve of this labour of his pen. It will dissipate the fears and scruples of many a devout and Christian mind, and lead to inquiries which will increase the sphere of human knowledge.

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this remarkable Poem has so long remained without notice in our pages. It deserved a very different fate. But as it is no ephemeral, it can suffer but little from our temporary neglect. When we receive a book of poetry, especially on a scriptural subject, a certain feeling of misgiving and caution immediately seizes upon us. So many literary failures occur in this department, that we could wish many of our correspondents would not, without permission granted, lay claim to an acquaintance with the Muses. Many a good prose writer has thus been lost for ever to the Christian world. It is quite natural for every person of mind, at some period of his being, to attempt the sweet harmonies of verse; but it is greatly to be deplored when this mere rhyming propensity grows into a feeling of authorship. When Mr. Spink's "Pharaoh" reached us, we looked at it with feelings like these; but we had not finished the second page before we were quite convinced that he had made good his acquaintance with the Muses, and that he was verily entitled to rank with the first —(we speak deliberately and advisedly)-poets of the day. No finer subject, perhaps, can be conceived of for a Dramatic Poem, than that of Pharaoh ; and we are greatly mistaken if men of taste and genius do not agree with us when we say, that Mr. Spink has succeeded, to admiration, in embodying with poetic skill and energy the facts and scenes, many of them miraculous, connected with the history of Egypt's king, and the deliverance of the chosen tribes. We give it as our decided opinion, that Mr. Spink is not only a Poet, but one of an order far surpassing many who have acquired an English and European reputation. His tastes are formed on cur best models. There is a classical simplicity and majesty in his style of composition which reminds us of our greatest poets, and which we are sure they would have commended and admired.

"I have," observes the author, "aimed at a simpler style of poetry than that which is popular in the present age, from a conviction that our modern poetry, however beautiful, is unnatural. The inflated diction, the exaggerated ornament, and affectation of sentiment, to be found in many of our most admired authors, are as far removed from nature as the quaintnesses of the age of Waller and Cowley.

"The great authors of every age and country have been remarkable for their simplicity. If I have been able to imitate them in nothing else, I have at least tried to copy their plainness of thought and perspicuity of language."

The author adds, "I offer this as my humble contribution to Nonconformist literature. The importance of cultivating elegant literature is beginning to be generally

felt among us. I wish the work were more worthy of public notice; but I have done what I could. Should it meet with a tolerable share of success, it will probably be followed by some hymns, adapted for public and private worship, which may more directly contribute to the service and honour of God, and the advancement of religion."

We should be glad to learn that our notice had sent this interesting Poem into all our family circles.

AMERICAN SCENES and CHRISTIAN SLAVERY. By J. DAVIS, late of New Amsterdam, Berbice.

John Snow.

THIS work comes as a seasonable service to the cause of negro emancipation, at a time when, from a variety of disastrous events in our own colonies, it seems doubtful whether the trade in human beings is so near its termination as a few years back we sanguinely hoped it was. If any one questions whether the condition of the slave has been improved of late, we can only say read this book. As a literary work it is creditably got up; many scenes are vividly sketched, and calculated to make the blood of a free man, especially one who has taken an interest in the emancipation of the sons of Ham, boil with indignation, when he reads of such abominations as are recorded on page 81. The case of Mary Brown, 95, and Amos Dresser, 115.

There is one melancholy fact distinctly brought out; viz., that the American churches, almost without an exception, are the main-stay of slavery,-the negro pew is to be found in every church of every denomination, save where they exclude the negro himself. It is clear that, at the present time, the Abolition cause has greater need of the prayers and exertions of its friends, than at any period since the emancipation of our West Indian fellow-subjects. If any think this too sweeping, let him read the volume under review. The incidents related of American manners, both in the social circle and the public sanctuary, are no doubt correct, as far as our friend's intercourse enabled him to observe,--but we must not forget that he is only a tourist; and we fear that in some cases he has fallen into the not uncommon error of generalizing too fast. Still we thank the author for his contribution to our stock of knowledge on this interesting subject, and trust it will be widely circulated, and greatly advance the cause of humanity, by exciting the friends of emancipation to greater exertions both in England and America.

The MOUNTAIN-MONARCHIES dissolved at the PRESENCE of the LORD. A Lecture on the recent Revolutions in Europe, delivered at Claremont Chapel, Pentonville; with an Historical Retrospect of 1848. By JOHN BLACKBURN, Pastor of the Church, assembling in that place. 12mo, pp. 60. Jackson and Walford.

THIS is a Lecture, containing many very instructive Reflections upon the events of the past year, and conveying an immense mass of statistical and well-digested information, in reference to the countries which have been or are the scenes of revolutionary movement. We are glad to recommend a Tract to our Readers which embodies in sixty pages so much valuable intelligence on topics which now interest and agitate the public mind.

The Spirits of Just Men made perfect. A Sermon, occasioned by the death of the Rev. Alexander Creak, Pastor of the Independent Church, Great Yarmouth; and Preached to his Congregation on the Day of his Funeral, September 12th, 1848. By JOHN ALEXANDER, Minister of Prince's-street Chapel, Norwich. Accompanied with a brief Memoir. 8vo. pp. 30.

Jackson and Walford.

THIS Discourse, like all the other productions of the Author, breathes a spirit of enlightened piety, devoted zeal, and melting charity and generosity. As a Theological composition it is highly creditable to the preacher's sound discrimination, and scriptural simplicity of faith. His text is, "The spirits of just men made perfect,” from which he takes occasion to considerI. THE PERSONS TO WHOM WE HAVE ACCESS. They are spirits, the spirits of men; -the spirits of just men; the spirits of just men made perfect. II. THE MEANS BY

WHICH WE BECOME ASSOCIATED WITH

THEM. We come to them when we come to Christ by faith;-we come to them in the participation of the heavenly state; — we come to them as we pursue our pilgrimage from earth to heaven. III. THE INSTRUCTIONS AND INFLUENCES WHICH MAY BE

DERIVED FROM OUR APPROACH. The text affords evidence of the continued existence, and the immediate blessedness of all departed believers; it shows the intimate relationship existing between the visible and invisible, the material and spiritual; it suggests the wretchedness and ruin which must be the condition of those who leave the world in a state of impenitence and unbelief.

Seldom have we read a more edifying discourse; and the tribute it contains, in the form of a remarkably well-written

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