works from the pen of the talented editor, I regard, as among the ablest productions of modern times; and his excellent taste has led him to select from the English writers, some of the richest stores of theological truth. I rejoice to know, that this work is to be continued, and I wish it all success. In my view, both the editor and the publisher, are conferring upon the country a rich blessing in this publication.

JOHN A. CLARK,

Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia.

Princeton, N. J. Feb. 18, 1837.

The "Library of Christian Knowledge," edited by the Rev. Herman Hooker, and published by Marshall & Co. in a series of small volumes, is upon a plan well calculated to be useful. The publication of religious treatises, characterised by sound evangelical sentiments, and animated with the spirit of genuine piety, cannot but be highly beneficial to the Christian community.

The five volumes of this series which have been already published, meet with my cordial approbation; and if these may be considered a fair specimen of those which are to follow, the work may be safely recommended, as furnishing materials for a valuable CHRISTIAN LI

BRARY.

A. ALEXANDER, Prof. of Didactic Theology, in the Theological Seminary, Princeton.

MESSRS. WM. MARSHALL & Co.

Princeton, Feb. 16, 1837.

GENTLEMEN:-I have attended with much interest to the volumes of the "Library of Christian Knowledge," as they have successively appeared; and exceedingly rejoice, both in the plan of the work, and thus far, in its execution. I have a high opinion of the piety and the talents of the Rev. Mr. HOOKER, the editor, and consider him as well qualified to conduct a work of this nature. If the future volumes should bear a stamp similar to that of those which have hitherto appeared, I shall be glad—and every friend of genuine Christianity, I should hope, would be glad to see them universally circulated. Wishing you, and the excellent editor, every encouragement in this publication, I am, gentlemen, respectfully yours,

SAMUEL MILLER, Professor of Eccl. History in the Theological Seminary, Princeton.

MESSRS. WM. MARSHALL & Co.

Philadelphia, March 2, 1837.

GENTLEMEN:-I have just received your communication of the 28th ult. respecting the "Library of Christian Knowledge," now in the course of publication by you. I had supposed that the work had already established for itself such a character, as to need no recommendation from any quarter. But, as you are pleased to suppose that my opinion of it, may be of some use in aiding its circulation, I cannot refuse to give it to you. And I can truly say, that, judging from the character of the works already published in the series, I think it a most valuable publication; and one well calculated to introduce and cherish a taste for literature of a high order, and for religious senti

ments, the most evangelical and pure. As to the Rev. Mr. Hooker, your editor, I regard him as one of our most accomplished and intellectual men. Any thing that he adjudges fit for the press, and any thing that comes from his pen, has for me sufficient recommendation in that very fact. His name ought to be, for any work, a full passport to the confidence of the public. His work on "Popular Infidelity," alone, which makes up your fifth volume, is of itself sufficient to secure him a high and lasting reputation, as a man of profound thinking, of very great logical power, and of very enviable literary attainments. I think that volume alone will be worth the price of the whole set. Wishing you success in your laudable enterprise, I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY W. DUCACHET, M. D.
Rector of St. Stephens, Philadelphia.

MESSRS. WM. MARSHALL & Co.

Philadelphia, March 17, 1837.

GENTLEMEN:—I have read several of the volumes of the "Library of Christian Knowledge," edited by the Rev. H. Hooker, and desire to express my strong sense of the importance of the project, and of the worth of the books, which have been published. It is a very important design which proposes to turn the reading of the religious community, from the lighter works of imagination which have been rather gaining in popularity among such readers, to a grave and instructive class of books. I consider Mr. Hooker's selection, to have been eminently judicious, as far as regards the real improvement of his readers; though I should not be surprised, if some less useful works, should outstrip these, in the market. The worth of a book is too much determined, by the way it sells. If the actual value is the standard of estimation, the Library of Christian Knowledge, will stand very high. Respectfully yours,

STEPHEN H. TYNG, D. D.

From the Rev. Charles Henry Alden, A. M. Principal of the Philadelphia High School for Young Ladies, No. 6 Portico Square. As editor of the "Library of Christian Knowledge," it is difficult to conceive of one better qualified in all respects, than the Rev. Mr. Hooker. Remarkable for his mental discipline; familiar with our lite.. rature, and especially with the higher order of Theological Letters; habitually conversant with principles of human nature, and embracing in his wishes to benefit others, all sensible and good men, he has rendered a most acceptable service to your readers, and secured an enviable distinction to himself.

The selected works so far are, in my judgment, most excellent. "M'Laurin's Essays" can never be depreciated but by such as have no sympathy with intellectual elevation and manly piety. "Goode's Better Covenant" has already passed to the second edition; and few men of intelligence, but must admire its chaste, simple and manly style; and its clear discrimination and affecting views of Christian doctrines and Christian duties. "Russell's Letters," comprising No. 3 and 4, are of far more extensive application than their title imports. No person of reflection, whether he be a religious man or not, can fail of

finding both interest and profit in the reading. No. 5, Mr. Hooker's original work, has been so recently published, and so extensively spoken well of, that I will say only, that if a man desires the best of company, in which he will find what will please and improve and dignify, during his reading hours, let him discourse with "Hooker's Popular Infidelity." Yours, very respectfully,

Feb. 20, 1837.

MESSRS. WM. MARSHALL & Co.

CHARLES HENRY ALDEN.

Baltimore, Feb. 15, 1837

GENTLEMEN: In answer to yours of the 4th inst. it gives me pleasure to state, that I have read the volumes of the "Library of Christian Knowledge," already published, and am gratified that evangelical works of such distinguished merit have been offered to the reading community in a form so popular and attractive. You have done well, I think, in securing the editorial services of the talented author of "The Portion of the Soul," and " Popular Infidelity," whose well known taste and established orthodoxy, give assurance that he will select no works, that will not be worthy of perusal, and well adapted to the peculiar wants of the church, at this interesting period.

I am happy to find, that you design to continue the publication of the Library, and sincerely hope that you will be sustained in it by the liberal patronage of the Christian public. Yours, respectfully, J. P. K. HENSHAW, D. D.

MESSRS WM. MARSHALL & Co.

Philadelphia, March 13th, 1837.

GENTLEMEN: I am gratified to learn, that you are about issuing a sixth volume of your "Library of Christian Knowledge." The volumes already published constitute a very valuable accession to our stock of religious literature, and are worthy of a place in every Christian family. The editor is well known to the public, as the author of several practical works of great value; and I am acquainted with no man who is better qualified than himself, to superintend a publication of the kind in question. Believing as I do, that you are very effectually promoting the interests of true religion, by placing within the reach of American Christians, such works as those contemplated in the plan of your library, I trust the enterprise will receive a liberal and growing patronage, which will enable you to make it, in extent as well as in character, a complete "Library of Christian Knowledge." I am, very respectfully, yours, &c. H. A. BOARDMAN, Pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.

MESSRS. WM. MARSHALL & Co.

Baltimore, Feb. 27th, 1837.

GENTLEMEN:-I am extremely sorry, that it is not in my power to comply with the request contained in your letter. The difficulty arises from no indisposition to accommodate you, nor from any want of confidence in the work, with which you are furnishing the public, but simply from the fact, that I have only the last three volumes of the series, and of these, have been so situated, as to have read only volumes

three and four. If I had the leisure at present, it would give me pleasure to procure and peruse the others; and then forward you the recommendation, which I am sure I should feel authorised to give.

"Russell's Letters," I have read with more satisfaction than I have derived from most of the modern publications which have come under my notice; and I do not hesitate to say, that the pleasure of perusing those two voluucs, would be an equivalent for the price of the five. In the competency of the editor to continue the series, I have full confidence. He has given sufficient proof in the character of the selections already inade. I am therefore gratified to learn that the "Library of Christian Knowledge" is to be enlarged. In haste, yours truly,

MESSRS. WM, MARSHALL & Co.

J. JOHNS, D. D.

GENTLEMEN:-Your favour of the 13th inst. was duly received. But the engagements of the season, through which we have been passing, must be my apology for not sooner returning an answer.

I have not read all the volumes of "The Library of Christian Knowledge," but what I have read, and especially what I know of their able and pious editor, and of his writings, make me confident in saying that the series which he is engaged in publishing, will prove a valuable addition to the religious literature of the country. We need a multiplication of such men as Mr. Hooker, and of such works as he writes and publishes; and this need should lead us to receive most thankfully, and improve most faithfully, so far as it shall extend the rich supply which he is furnishing. Very respectfully, your friend, JOHN I. STONE,

March 27th, 1837

MESSRS. WM. MARSHALL & Co.

Rector of St. Paul's Church, Boston

Philadelphia, March 31, 1837.

GENTLEMEN:-Few men exert a more decided, extensive, and lasting influence upon society than Booksellers; and in these times, when so many prostitute the press to gratify and increase the appetite for books that are worthless, or decidedly immoral in their tendency; it is exceedingly gratifying to find here a firm, who bring nothing before the world which can injure their race. So far as I have noticed, you have as yet published nothing at which you need blush, should you meet the book on the parlour table of your best friend.

Among others of your productions, I have read your "Library of Christian Knowledge," edited by Mr. Hooker. Ever since I read the little work of Mr. H. entitled "The Portion of the Soul," I have felt sure, that he was safe; by which I mean, that any work to which he might prefix his name, would be a sound, discreet, judicious book. His taste is correct, discriminating; and his own pen at times, is guided by a hand of no ordinary strength. Honestly attached to the Episcopal Church, he, nevertheless, is so endowed with the limbs ofa man, and the heart of a Christian, that his denominational habits do not hinder him from appearing in a working dress, in the vineyard of his Master. I can sincerely recommend the "Library," as con

taining such works of practical piety, as will be useful in every family, and I could wish that the circulation of such works might banish the light reading of the age. I hope your circulation will be very extensive. Respectfully yours,

J. TODD.

THE LIBRARY OF CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. Edited by the Rev. Herman Hooker, A. M. Author of "The Portion of the Soul," &c.

FOUR volumes of this series have appeared, and if we may consider these as a specimen of the work, we congratulate the Christian public on the prospect of being supplied from time to time, with a rich feast of evangelical matter, calculated to give nourishment and refreshment to the spiritual life of believers.

M'Laurin's Essays is not a recent work, but the lapse of years can never destroy its value. While the observations of the author are strictly orthodox, they are philosophical, and if read with candour and attention, must have a powerful effect in correcting mistakes and expelling prejudices where they have been imbibed, and in enlightening the mind, and invigorating the faith of the sincere Christian. We would strongly recommend the perusal and reperusal of these essays to the young theologian. Too great a proportion of time, we fear, is spent by the young ministers of our day in light reading, which, while it gratifies a prurient curiosity, has no tendency to strengthen the mind. The effect produced is superficial knowledge, and a distaste for deep and solid research. Religious people are now distinguished for bustling activity and a show of benevolence and zeal; but there exists a sad deficiency of profound and systematic knowledge even in those who have enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education.

The whole life and energies of M'Laurin were devoted to the highest good of his fellow men; and this lovely principle beams forth brightly in his works. Originality, truth, and beauty, are prominent characteristics of his writings.** His elements of thought, from whatever source they are drawn, from external Nature, from the exercises and sentiments of the soul, or from the mysteries of redemption, are formed into complete emblems of the richness and peculiarity of the mind from which they proceed. The advantages of a well balanced mind, of a proper discipline of all the powers, and a nice adjustment of them to each other, is strikingly seen in these essays.

In conclusion, we would say the richness and power of thought, the simplicity and greatness of conception in M'Laurin can be realised only by his readers; and to those who would study the revelation of God to man, in its symmetry, its magnitude, its intrinsic excellence, "its easy, free, and unincumbered plan," these essays will be a most powerful assistance.-N. Y. Literary and Theological Review.

LIBRARY OF CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, Vols. 3, 4, 5; Edited by Rev. Herman Hooker. Philadelphia: W. Marshall, 1836.-This series is, as a course of rare and valuable works in the practical department of theology, far in advance of any that has ever been published in the United States. "M'Laurin's Essays," and "Goode's Better Covenant," the first of the course, are intellectually and evangelically works of such