we should say unhesitatingly, it is History dramatized. Yet, nothing is sacrificed to ornament; nor is there any attempt to dazzle the mind of the reader, who is carried along the stream of events, and enabled, right and left, to gaze on the living actors performing their several parts in the great drama of social, political, and religious life. Mr. Macaulay's preliminary sketch of British History, from its earliest periods to the death of Charles the Second, is equally vivid and instructive. The rapid survey of facts is so illuminated by what may be termed the philosophy of history, that the progress of mind and the growth of opinion may be distinctly traced. More than substantial justice has been done by our author to the leading actors in the Commonwealth, and to Cromwell himself. Nor does he fear to reveal the true state of things which took place at the Restoration.

But we must reserve further details for another notice, in which we propose to select topics, and give extracts illustrative of Mr. Macaulay's great powers for historical composition. We are thankful to say, that we are now likely to be furnished with a history of the most stirring periods which have passed over us as a people, that may be placed with safety in the hands of our children.

The Two SUFFERERS CONTRASTED; or, FEAR and ANGUISH and Joy and PEACE. A Record of Facts from the Chamber of Sickness and Death. By the author of A Memorial of Christian Affection," "Token of Love to Little Children," &c. &c. 18mo, pp. 142.

J. H. Jackson, Islington-green.

THIS little book is not founded on facts, but it is a record of facts; and as such it is deeply interesting. The first part is the account of a young man of superior talents and energetic character, who in the midst of much intellectual activity, is summoned to an early grave. He had not only been indifferent to religion, but was somewhat prejudiced against it, and sceptical, too, in respect to some of the doctrines of the gospel. He is filled with anxiety and alarm, as he finds his health giving way. The account of his sudden arrival at the house of the authoress, as his only religious friend; the immediate rapid increase of his disorder, and speedy and affecting death, are recorded in a manner at once touching, solemn, and instructive. faint, flickering gleam of hope trembles over the disturbance and darkness of his last hours! The second part of the book is the account of a young woman, who is yet living, (or was a few months ago,) who was the daughter of parents who kept a

A

national-school; who got a little education, and began teaching herself; who embraced the gospel in her early youth, and has been supported by it during several years of wasting illness, and successive hours of anguish and agony. The picture presented,-mostly by extracts from letters to the authoress, and often in acknowledgment of pecuniary help,-is very beautiful. She seems to have been sustained, in spite of her sufferings, in a constant state of perfectly happy and cheerful piety. It is a fine instance of the power of religious faith to overbalance the pains and anguish of the body,-to make a life of poverty, disease, and weakness not only bearable but felicitous, and to give "songs in the night" of positive affliction and prospective death. The idea of contrasting the two pictures is a good one. It illustrates the insufficiency of the wisdom of the wise, side by side, with the strength of the simple. Childlike, unquestioning faith is seen to be the secret of true repose in life and death; a repose which unbelief cannot know, and which mere intellect, however powerful, cannot secure: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings" God still "perfects praise." "Things that are not" he calleth, "to put to nought things that are."

The writer of the volume is obviously a person of piety and goodness, of warm affections and religious solicitude. The book is written a little too hastily, with too much of the character of an ardent woman's epistolary composition. Though more labour might have turned the materials to better account, so far as mere authorship is concerned; the book, as it is, from the nature of the facts themselves, just as they are, will be felt by every pious reader to be well worthy of perusal, and adapted to be in many quarters both interesting and useful.

1. The SERVICE of SONG, in the House of the LORD. By THOMAS BINNEY. Third Thousand, post 8vo, pp. 94.

2. The CLOSET and the CHURCH. A BOOK for MINISTERS. By T. BINNEY. Post 8vo, pp. 60.

Jackson and Walford.

THE first of these very interesting volumes received our hearty welcome on its first appearance; and we are much delighted to see it in its present improved form, and to know that the third thousand of it is now on sale. It deserves a permanent place in our literature, on the subject of which it treats with so much critical discrimination and beauty. It is seldom that enthusiasm and philosophical sobriety are so happily blended as in this Essay on Church Psalmody.

"The Closet and the Church" is a new work, and is, in the best sense, "a Book for Ministers." After a careful perusal of it, we accept it gratefully as a book for ourselves, and commend it with affectionate earnestness to all our brethren in the sacred office. The author apologises for the unfinished character of the composition; but we differ from him in this estimate of it; and feel persuaded that it will bear honourable comparison with any of his other writings. But this is, after all a mere trifle when viewed in relation to the other characteristics of the volume. Το our minds, it is just the sort of work that was wanted. We should sincerely pity the man who could read it without feeling rebuked for his devotional negligence. And yet it is not a hard, flinty book, indicating but little sympathy with the infirmity of human nature; nor is it a book written by one who assumes to be in a lofty spiritual region above his brethren; it is rather the production of a mind conscious of its own defects, and disposed to reason with others about dangers with which it is experimentally conversant.

We sincerely hope that it will fall into the hands of every minister of every church in Great Britain. We think there is a blessing in it; and we should like to see it extensively diffused. If some nobleminded man among us would do as Mr. Henderson and others have done in reference to Mr. James's "Revived Ministry" and "Earnest Church," there would not be a pastor in the land without a copy of "the Closet and the Church."

ILLUSTRATIONS of a STATE CHURCH.

Charles Gilpin, Bishopsgate street.

THE most cutting, appropriate, and effectual satire has often been conveyed through the medium of a well-conceived and well-executed picture. In modern times, we have seen nothing more successful, in this department, than the Three illustrations of a State Church, put forth by Mr. Gilpin. The Painter, Mr. Anelay, has shown the highest genius in this kind of pictorial criticism. We wish we could say that the censure conveyed by him is not deserved; but, alas! we cannot.

The First Illustration is, "The State Church at War with Nature; or, the Priest refusing to bury an unbaptized child." It is a disgrace to England, in the nineteenth century, that such an outrage on human feelings could be perpetrated. The artist has shown off the popish barbarity to the life. The afflicted parents plead in vain with the priest, in full canonicals, for the interment of their child; the clerk points the almost terrified nurse to the neglected

font, within the church porch. An aged couple, merely spectators, hold ominous conversation on priestcraft and bigotry; and an honest farmer looks unutterable things at the sight of this frightful display of clerical insolence. The entire grouping and moral of the piece is admirable; and the rebuke richly deserved.

The Second Illustration is, "The State Church at War with Conscience; or, the Priests' Police seizing for Church-rates." The subject, though not so well adapted for effect as the former one, is managed with great skill and humour; and certainly exhibits a fact which is an enormous dis credit to any Church system in which it can by possibility occur.

The Third Illustration is, "The State Church at War with Charity; or, the Priest refusing to give alms to the widow, because she is a Dissenter." This is the best conceived of the three Pictures; and we can vouch, from our own observation, for the truthfulness of the censure which it conveys. A poor widow applies for some of the parish gifts; but, alas! she attends a Baptist meeting, and that is sufficient to disqualify her for receiving anything at the hands of the Lady-bountiful of the parish; but an old drunken woman, with a gin-bottle peeping out beneath the corner of her cloak, is loaded with gifts, because she has no Nonconforming propensities attaching to her. Can such things occur in this enlightened age and country? We say advisedly, THEY DO; and therefore we are glad to see them shown up.

ASTRONOMY, and the Use of the GLOBES, for SCHOOLS and FAMILIES. Part I. The Elementary Principles of Astronomy, Illustrated with a variety of Drawings, &c. Part II. Problems on the Terrestrial and Celestial Globes, and upwards of Twelve Hundred Examples for Practice. By J. MIDDLETON, Professor of Astronomy, Author of "The Celestial Atlas," &c. 12mo.

Jarrold and Sons.

MR. MIDDLETON is well known to a large circle of connections, as a most efficient teacher of astronomy and the use of the globes. He has published, in addition to the work now before us, a very beautiful "Celestial Atlas," and a well-written and interesting "Companion." These productions show how thoroughly he understands the noble science of astronomy, and that it is in a perfectly con amore spirit that he has studied, and now expounds its principles. The book before us contains the result of much inquiry and reflection, aided by a large experience in teaching. It will prove to the instructor of the young as practical

as it is scientific. The first part contains an explanation of the solar system, and is enriched by a number of well-executed diagrams from perfectly original designs. The second part consists of a large number of problems, mutually related, and developing a connected chain of scientific principles. With these are connected numerous questions, adapted to test the progress of the pupil. Definitions and rules are appended, in clear and distinct terms. The examples are not copied from other books, but are quite original. We congratulate Mr. Middleton on the very useful work which he has produced, and cordially recommend it to our readers who are engaged in tuition, as a book calculated to facilitate their efforts in imparting to the young some knowledge of one of the most interesting of the sciences, and one above all others, perhaps, adapted to minister to the devout thoughts and aspirations of the soul.

WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

1. The Harmony of History with Prophecy: an Exposition of the Apocalypse. By JOSIAH CONDER, Author of "The Literary History of the New Testament," &c., &c. Foolscap 8vo. 544. John Farquhar Shaw.

2. "Presbytery Examined." An Essay, Critical, and Historical, on the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland since the Reformation. By the DUKE OF ARGYLL. 12mo. pp. 352. Edward Moxon.

3. The Life and Times of John Calvin, the Great Reformer. Translated from the German of Paul Henry, D.D., Minister and Seminary-Instructor in Berlin. By HENRY STEBBING, D.D., F.R.S., &e., &c. 2 vols. 8vo. Whittaker and Co.

4. Lateinos, (from Lateinus,) is "The Mark or the Name of the Beast," Having Seven Heads and Ten Horus:" it being "the Name of a Man:" and containing "the Number of his Name:" χές, i.e. 666. Rev. xiii. 1, 2, 11, 16, 17, 18. In fact, Lateinos is the proper appellation, "Mark, or the Name" of the Latin Kingdoms, Pagan and Papal, which are the special subjects of the seven heads

and the ten horns of the Apocalyptic Beast, in St. John's vision, and is, therefore, the Solution of St. John's Enigma. Also, a necessary Refutation of all existing Hypotheses in Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, Latin, French. English, &c., by the establishment of Lateines. By the Rev. REGINALD RABETT, M.A., Author of a previous work on the number "666" "Laudism" (after the lapse of two centuries) revived under the appellation of "Puseyism:" -and "The Antichrist or Priesthood," &c. 8vo. pp. 322. W. E. Painter.

5. Athanasia; or, Four Books on Immortality. To which is appended, "Who will live for ever?" An Examination of Luke xx. 36: with Rejoinders to the Rev. E. White and the Rev. W. Morris. By JOHN HOWARD HINTON, M.A. Foolscap 8vo. pp. 540. Houlston and Stoneman.

6. The Seventh Vial; being an Exposition of the Apocalypse, and in particular of the pouring out of the Seventh Vial, with special reference to the present Revolutions in Europe. Second Edition, revised, corrected, and enlarged; with Supplementary Chapter, bringing down the Historical Exposition to December of the present year. 12mo. pp. 472. John Johnstone.

7. Moriah; or, Sketches of the Sacred Rites of Ancient Israel. By the Rev. ROBERT W. FRASER, M A., of St. John's, Edinburgh. Small 8vo. pp. 382. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

8. Christ on the Mount; a Practical Exposition of the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Chapters of the Gospel according to Matthew. By the Rev. JAMES GARDNER, A. M., M.D., &c. Small 8vo. pp. 352. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

9. The Connection between Science, Literature, and Religion. A Lecture delivered on behalf of the Funds of the Early-Closing Association, at Exeter Hall, Dec. 14, 1848. By the Rev. GEORGE GILFILLAN. Second Thousand. Small 8vo. 3d. B. L. Green.

10. The Christian Bearings of Astronomy, with by the Rev. GEORGE GILFILLAN. Small Svo. 3d. a Review of Dr. Chalmers' Argument. A Lecture

B. L. Green.

IN THE PRESS.

Notes on the Prophecies of the Apocalypse. By the Rev. H. F. BURDER, D.D.

We are truly glad to find an author so discreet and sober-minded as Dr. Burder committing himself to the study of the Apocalypse; and shall long for the appearance of his expected volume.

PRIZE ESSAY ON POPERY.

AN esteemed correspondent and friend, greatly affected in contemplating the progress of Romanism in this country, and anxious to subserve the best interests of the Protestant faith, has generously offered to place at the disposal of the Editor, and other parties to be selected, the sum of thirty-five pounds, for the best Essay on "THE ADVANTAGES TO A NATION OF THE

PROTESTANT RELIGION, CONSIDERED SPIRITUALLY AND POLITICALLY."

It is proposed that the Essay shall be written by individuals belonging to the working classes, and to throw it open to men and women. Twenty Pounds will be given for the first Essay;-Ten for the second;-and Five for the third.

The object of the Donor is to awaken among the operatives of this country, a deep sense of the many and great benefits

they derive from the influence of Protestantism, and, by consequence, the evils which result from the spread of Roman Catholicism. It is believed that a well-directed effort among the working classes against Popery would do more to arrest its progress, than almost any other means that could be employed.

In our next Magazine, we shall be able to announce the names of the Adjudicators, the time to be given for the composition of the Essay, and the Rules to be observed by the several writers.

OBSERVANCE OF THE SABBATH.

THE interest which has been excited on this subject by the recent movement among the working classes is of a most interesting character, and one which we sincerely hope will be kept alive. We observe the committee of the Christian Instruction Society have announced a series of lectures to be delivered on Wednesday evening, at halfpast seven o'clock, at Bloomsbury Chapel, commencing on the 7th inst. and continuing through the next five weeks. The subjects chosen are

The Institution and Merciful Design of the Weekly Sabbath.

The Religious Character of the Weekly Rest.

The Influence of Sabbath Observance on Personal Character.

The Influence of Sabbath Observance on Domestic Comfort.

The Influence of Sabbath Observance on National Character.

The Heavenly Sabbath.

The ministers announced to conduct the several services are-Revs. J. Bennett,

D.D.; F. A. Cox, D.D.; J. Morison, D.D.; W. Brock; Thomas Archer, D.D.; and J. Leifchild, D.D.

We hope and expect the lectures will be well attended.

WANDSWORTH, SURREY.

A numerously-attended and interesting meeting was held, in the Independent Chapel, on Tuesday, 26th December, for the purpose of taking an affectionate leave of the Rev. J. E. Richards, who has accepted an unanimous invitation from the church assembling in Coverdale Chapel, Limehouse. The Rev. J. M. Soule, of Battersea, presided. Prayer having been offered by the Rev. Mr. Dawson, of Richmond, and the Chairman having explained the objects of the meeting, in an appro priate address, Messrs. Hickson, Haydon, and Hayling, on behalf of the church and congregation, presented their late pastor

with a valuable gold watch, a purse containing twelve sovereigns, and "Kitto's Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature." The watch bore the following inscription: Memorial presented to the Rev. J. E. Richards, by the church and congregation at Wandsworth, as a token of affectionate esteem, after a faithful ministry of twentythree years." There was also presented "Wilson's Lands of the Bible," from the Wandsworth Chapel Reading Society. These presentations were accompanied with expressions of sincere regard for the Christian worth and ministerial devotedness of their late pastor. Mr. Richards having acknowledged the kind testimonials presented to him, prayer was offered by the Rev. Evan Davies, of Richmond; after which suitable addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Ball, of Wandsworth; Dubourg, of Clapham; Ashton, of Putney; and Waraker, of Tooting. Mr. Richards closed with prayer.

COVERDALE CHAPEL, LIMEHOUSE.

ON Tuesday, January 9th, the Rev. J. E. Richards was publicly recognized as pastor of the church assembling in the above chapel. A numerous party of friends, including several from Wandsworth and the neighbourhood, assembled at tea; after which a meeting of a devotional character was held in the chapel. The Rev. J. Kennedy, M.A., offered the introductory prayer. The Rev. A. Reed, D.D., addressed the minister. The Rev R. Saunders commended the church and congregation to the Divine blessing. The Rev. George Smith addressed the church, and the Rev. S. Ransom offered the con

cluding prayer.

CALLS ACCEPTED.

THE Rev. John Minshall, late of Spring Hill College, has accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation to become the pastor of the Independent church, Little Gowerby, Grantham; and will (D.V.) enter upon his labours early in the month of February

next.

THE Rev. Richard Perry Clarke, late student at Plymouth College, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church and congregation assembling at Lever Chapel, Over Darwen, Lancashire, to become their pastor; and entered on his labours at that place on the closing sabbath of 1848.

THE Rev. Henry Robert Reynolds, A.B., Fellow of University College, London, pastor of the church assembling in the "Old

Independent Meeting,” Halstead, having received an affectionate, repeated, and unanimous invitation from the church assembling in East Parade Chapel, Leeds, to become the successor in the pastoral office of the late lamented Rev. John Ely, has acceded to its request; and enters on his labours in the early part of the present year.

RECOGNITION SERVICES.

ON Tuesday, the 10th of October last, the Rev. George Orme was publicly recognised as the pastor of the Independent church at Henham, in Essex.

The Rev. W. A. Hurndall, of Bishop Stortford, delivered an excellent introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Waddington, of Union-street, Borough, delivered an admirable charge to the minister; and the Rev. J. Sherman, of Surrey Chapel, preached a very interesting and stirring sermon to the church and congregation.-The Revs. J. B. Beddows, of Old Sampford; J. H. Hopkins, of Newport; F. Pollard, of Saffron Walden; D. Davies, of Stanstead; J. Gill, of Sawbridgeworth; J. Reynolds, of Clavering; and J. W. Phair, of Hadham, took part in the services.

ON Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1848, a very interesting service was held in the Dissenting chapel, Spaldwick, Hunts, to publicly recognise the Rev. W. E. Archer, late of Chelsea, the newly-elected pastor of the church assembling there.

The Rev. H. L. Tuck, of Fenstanton, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. Alfred Newth, of Oundle, delivered a powerful discourse, explaining the nature of a Christian church; Mr. Archer then presented a brief statement of his religious history and theological views; the Rev. John Manning, who for more than fifty years sustained the pastorate in this place, and who is just entering on the ninetieth year of his age, offered, with much solemnity and fervour, the recognition prayer; and the Rev. M. H. Cross, of Ramsey, addressed suitable and affectionate counsels to the pastor and church.

The attendance was large, and the blessing of God evidently rested on the engagements of the day.

ORDINATIONS.

THE REV. T. Davis, late of Rotherham College, having received a unanimous invitation from the church assembling in the Welsh Independent chapel, Lower Castlestreet, Bristol, was publicly set apart to

the pastoral office, on Lord's day, November 5th, 1848.

On the solemn occasion the Rev. D. Jones, of Merthyr, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. D. Evans, of Neath, proposed the usual questions to the minister, and offered up the ordination prayer. The Rev. J. Hughes, of Dowlais, delivered a most striking and impressive charge to the newly-recognized minister, and the Rev. D. Jones preached a faithful charge to the church assembling in that place. The answers which the new pastor gave to the questions were most satisfactory. He has entered upon his labours with much apparent success, and we doubt not but that the great Head of the church will make him a blessing in his new sphere of labour.

ON Thursday, December 7th, 1848, the Rev. George James Hall, B.A., of Highbury College, London University, was ordained as minister of the Independent church and congregation in Linton, Cambridgeshire. It was a day that will ever be remembered by those who were present with interest and pleasure; more than thirty ministers, and many of the members of the neighbouring churches were present on the occasion.

The Rev. J. Hopkins, of Newport, read the Scriptures and prayed; the Rev. J. H. Godwin delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. F. Pollard, of Saffron Walden, asked the usual questions; in the absence, through severe domestic affliction, of the Rev. George Hall, of Henfield, father of the young minister; the Rev. Forsaith offered the ordination prayer; and the Rev. A. J. Morris, of Holloway-road, London, gave the charge to the minister.-In the evening, the Rev. Mirams, of Chishill, read the Scriptures and prayed; and the Rev. R. Roff, of Cambridge, preached to the church and congregation.-Every part of the services of this truly gratifying day was well sustained. The introductory discourse was one of peculiar excellence, combining, as it did, a vigorous defence of Nonconformity with a frequent reference to those bonds by which all true Christians are united to each other and to their great Master: "One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." The charge was earnest, appropriate, and solemn. For devoutness of sentiment as well as for strength of thought, we do not recollect its equal: "For they watch for your souls as they that must give account."

After the morning service, the ministers and friends, including ladies, dined together in a spacious and elegant schoolroom, kindly lent for the occasion by J. Dorrington, Esq. Many more came to the