Good Things to Come, being Lectures delivered during Lent, 1847. By twelve Clergymen of the Church of England. London: J. Nisbet & Co. 1847. This is, if we mistake not, the fourth annual volume of lectures delivered during Lent, at St George's Bloomsbury. All of them have been good, but this we certainly reckon the best. Of course, the excellencies of the discourses is not uniform, but as a whole, there is much to profit and instruct in these lectures. They are clear and Scriptural-some of them able and vigorous. First Impressions of England and its People. By HUGH MILLER. J. Johnstone. 1847. A series of extracts would have furnished our readers with something like an adequate idea of this most attractive volume. But this is impossible. There is, however, the less need of this, as not a few have already obtained a considerable measure of acquaintance with its contents through the columns of the Witness, in which they originally appeared. The attractions, both of style and narrative, which have rendered Mr Miller's pen so noted and so popular, appear in every chapter and page of the present work. Nor is its vigour of thought inferior to its strength of style. Everywhere the author thinks, and sets us a-thinking too, all the while carrying us along with him on the most pleasant currents imaginable. It is thoroughly Scottish in its tone and sentiment, yet not narrowly so. It is Presbyterian, but not exclusive. It is decided, but not harsh. It manifests thoughout an unshrinking antagonism to all error with which the author comes into contact; but there is no violence, and no exaggeration. What its circulation and success in Scotland may be, we shall not venture to predict, but we do anticipate for it a good reception in England, ultimately, though perhaps gradually. It is a volume fitted to enlighten and instruct, not to offend or alarm an English man. The Pilgrimage: how God was found of him that sought him not: or, Rationalism in the Bud, the Blade, and the Ear. A Tale for our times. From the German of C. A. WILDENHAM. By Mrs STANLEY CARR. Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd. 1847. There is perhaps more of the sentimental, and occasionally of the mystical, than we altogether relish, but the work is still well aimed, well thought, and well written. It is certainly much fitted to attract, and it is no less fitted to instruct. In some of the conversations towards the middle of the volume, we could have wished greater point and precision in his reasoning, still the truth of the gospel, and the foundations on which it rests are fully brought out. It may help to check a growing evil: and may tend to neutralize that excessive admiration for all that is German, that bodes no good for the theology of Britain. M-Comb's Presbyterian Almanack. 1847. Very like its predecessors-interesting to Presbyterians, and useful to all. Full of excellent information. The Banner of the Covenant, or Historical Notices of some of the Scottish Martyrs, whose lives and sufferings have not hitherto been sketched in a separate form. By the Rev. R. SIMPSON. Edinburgh: J. Johnstone. 1847. Like Mr Simpson's previous works on the same subject, full of most thrilling and romantic interest. It is a book both for the young and the old: well written, well compiled, and most profitable throughout. A most admirable volume for the congregational libraries of Scotland. The Voice of Israel. Various numbers. 1847. A monthly periodical, chiefly devoted to subjects connected with Israel both in their present condition and future prospects. It is well conducted, and full, not only of Jewish intelligence, but of useful eriticisms on Scripture. Popular Objections to the Pre-Millennial Advent and the Study of the Prophetic Scriptures Considered. By G. OGILVIE, Esq. London: J. Nisbet & Co. 1847. There are some points in this volume which we should like to have discussed with its author; but in a critical notice this is impossible. Our readers will find much that is most valuable and excellent in its pages. It throws no small light on many disputed passages. It deserves study. Lucy Seymour, or it is more blessed to give than to receive. By Mrs DRUMMOND. Edinburgh: W. P. Kennedy. 1847. A well-told tale for the young, excellently fitted to rebuke selfishness, and to cherish love and gentleness. The Scottish Sabbath School Teacher's Magazine. Edinburgh: Gall & Son. Full of admirable hints. One of the most useful and practical of our many periodicals. God's Answer to England's Fast. By the Rev. J. KELLY. London: J. Nisbet & Co. 1847. Like all Mr Kelly's works, full of vigour and freshness, both in matter and style. It is one of those trumpet-peals to the British nation, which we should like to see repeated over the breadth of the land, and borne upon its echoes throughout Christendom. Hogg's Weekly Instructor: several parts. Sharpe's London Magazine: several parts. To both of these periodicals we have already directed the attention of our readers. We have hinted at their defects as well as given them the praise that is due. We need do nothing here but announce the publi cation of these other parts. The Finest of the Wheat. Edinburgh: W. P. Kennedy. 1847. This little work consists of extracts from the writings of the older divines; and when we say that these divines are such as Leighton, Preston, Trail, Adams, Rutherford, &c., we have said much for its excellence and usefulness. It is very neat in its exterior. The Christian Philosopher. By T. DICK, LL.D. Vol. I. A new edition. Glasgow: Collins. 1847. Those who read at all know both the name of Dr Dick and the work itself now reprinted. It has long found acceptance with the public, and this edition, “revised, corrected, and greatly enlarged," will commend it still more to notice, while its great cheapness will secure a wide circulation for it. Sectarianism; the Bane of Religion and the Church. A very fervid spirit breathes throughout this work. Occasionally the language is strained; but the tone and object of the book are excellent. Nelson's British Library. London & Edinburgh: Nelson. We have more than once commended this library as one of the very best of its kind. We can merely repeat the commendation. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. Instead of reprinting intelligence from our own Missionary Records, which must be familiar to all our readers, we prefer giving them something from American papers. The following is from a recent report of the meeting of one of their synods: "NARRATIVE OF THE STATE OF RELIGION.-It is good to pause once a-year and take an account of the state of our churches, recording what is prosperous and what is adverse, that we may be led to honour God for his mercies, and humble ourselves for our sins. This annual narrative cannot wear the cheering character which has belonged to our reports in some former years. The language in which the churches speak to us is generally that of lamentation in view of the absence of the special influences of the Spirit. As we have turned to one section and then to another, it is only here and there that we meet with the evidence of the triumph of grace. Not despising the day of small things, we will record those visitations of mercy, to the glory of God. In each of our four Presbyteries connected with this Synod, at least one church has enjoyed a refreshing from heaven. Toother churches small accessions have been made. Though the number counted as the fruit of these awakenings is comparatively small, we notice with satisfaction that of those added to some of the churches, the larger part were the children of the covenant. In these instances we have evidence that God has not entirely forsaken us; still we are compelled to adopt the mournful conclusion that spiritual slumber has been deep and universal. "Such a state of things is one of solemn moment. It is not that the rains of heaven are withheld, so that the fields of the husbandman are all blighted. This would be a sore judgment. But it is the more fearful judgment which is experienced when the Lord does not come to rain righteousness upon us. The harvests of the earth have been gathered in abundance, but few of the servants of the Lord who have gone forth, we trust, weeping, bearing precious seed, are seen yet to return bringing their sheaves with them. "In this season of spiritual barrenness, we ask with deep interest, what is the position which the professed friends of Christ occupy? To what are their energies given? Is the power of Christian character gone? Is the truth denied? Is the church of God despised? To these questions we reply, first, we do not hear of many defections from the faith. Perhaps this might be reasonably expected in our present circumstances. Where the Spirit of God does not make the gospel powerful to the salvation of men, there is commonly such insensibility in the church to the love of Christ, and to her obligations to her Head, as prepares the way for open defection. Secondly, a conformity to the world is a quite prevalent feature of the state of professed Christians. It amounts in some instances to that ardent pursuit of wealth, which looks like the absorbing devotion of those who make wealth their god. It is seen in some others in the adoption of worldly principles and practices to such an extent as to obscure the light of piety, and greatly cripple its energies. The injunction, Come out from among them and be ye separate,' they seem to forget, so that the distinctive character of the Christian is looked for in vain. The almost universal testimony is, that the conduct which exposes to discipline is not remarkably increased; but that throughout our churches the vitality of religion is impaired by devotion to this world. "Such a destitution of spiritual influences cannot much longer continue without more fearful developments. How long before painful defections in faith and practice will be multiplied? How soon will the treasury of Christian benevolence feel the effects of such a withdrawal of the Spirit's presence? With the diminished power of godliness in believers, the boldness of transgressors will be increased. Those who make void God's law, will do it with a higher hand. The moral restraints of the family will be weakened. Covenant obligations on the part of parents will be still more neglected. Our literary institutions will furnish a still smaller number of pious young men for the ranks of the Christian ministry. The anticipation of the evils that must come upon us is alarming. It should awaken thought and self-examination. Confession of sin and repentance before God should follow; while the church should gather at her meetings for prayer with earnest supplication. The great blessing we need is the gift of the Holy Ghost, to sanctify the church, to roll back the tide of worldliness that is fast flowing in upon her, to convert our sons and our daughters, that Christianity may advance to its appointed conquests, and that God may be glorified. "There are some characteristics of our state, which ought in this connection to pass in review, fitted to encourage our hearts. The numbers in our congregations who regularly listen to the preaching of the gospel are not diminished, and in many places are increased. The fidelity of the ministry in preaching the truth, it is believed, is as distinguished at the present time, as it ever has been. The collateral agencies, especially Sabbath Schools and Bible classes, are prosecuted with usual if not augmented vigour and interest. Harmony and order are remarkably prevalent. These are elements in our condition which call for grateful acknowledgment. They lead to this remark, that while we are not permitted to rejoice in a great increase of numbers in our churches, and while many professed friends of Christ have come under the control of a worldly spirit, we have reason to believe that in others— we hope many—an important work is accomplishing in Christian edification. Though the great object in preaching the gospel is the conversion of sinners, another and essential object is the building up of believers. If the cords of our Zion have not been greatly lengthened, we hope her stakes have been strengthened. From our pulpits the great doctrines and duties of the gospel have been enforced. It has been such preaching as is adapted to enlarge the mind in knowledge, to strengthen Christian principle, to promote union in faith and effort, and stability in character. Painful as is the discipline through which we are now passing, it will not be without some happy fruit, if it leads the church to cultivate that life which is based on firm and intelligent principle, to employ that instrumentality which is Scriptural, and which is fitted to be permanent, to love better the good old ways, and to commit herself in all departments of her agency, with the conviction of simple dependence, to the Holy Spirit. Her strength does not consist mainly in her numbers, but in her holiness. Where her faith, knowledge, purity, and humility abound, there is she strong. We believe God is now subjecting her faith to a trial from which it will come forth more true, intelligent, and vigorous. We believe she is experiencing a discipline that will teach her more effectually the lesson which she is so prone to forget, of dependence, not on the adroitness of men, not on periodical pressures from extraordinary human agencies, but on God alone, in the use of the ordinary means of his own appointment. "It would be pleasant to report a progress in our efforts to check the sin of intemperance. This is true in some quarters. But it cannot be denied that in other sections, especially in our cities, there is less restraint on our young men, among whom the habit of using intoxicating drinks is alarmingly prevalent. The present position of the important enterprise of Temperance calls for the wise, earnest, and united efforts of all the lovers of humanity. "The same cause which affects the spirituality of our churches, is invading the sanctity of the Sabbath, that is the worldly tendencies of the times. We hail with joy the evidence that something is doing to check the violation of this day. But it is still an evil that demands distinct notice, concerning which we would cry aloud and spare not, that at least the entire influence of Christian example may sustain the Sabbath institution. "In reviewing the condition of our own Zion, we are authorized to cherish hope. We rejoice in a happy uniformity in faith. The bonds of our fellowship are not broken. There is an increased attention to the true foundation of all Christian unity, the love of the gospel and likeness to the Saviour. We love our denomina tional unity, and we would make the bonds of love between ourselves still stronger, that we may be better prepared to enter into the unity of the whole Church of Christ. We would indulge hope, in view of the fact that no elements of distraction exist within our churches to hinder the action of the gospel. There are agitations without, there are many diverting influences, yet perhaps we shall not soon see the common mind more open than it now is, to the approach of religious influence. Let these signs of the times be marked with gratitude, and prompt to a speedy improvement of present opportunity. "We are also admonished to be humble before God. We are chastened for our backsliding. We have forsaken the Lord, and he has forsaken us. The fear is that many are willing to have it so. Ye that love Zion, look on her spiritual desolation. Be not satisfied with your sanctuaries, with your external prosperity, with the simple continuance of the means of grace. What in a few years will be the report to be made of our condition, if these means are not made effectual to salvation? Come with penitent, prostrate hearts, to the mercy-seat. As you remember days gone by, when sinners were brought in multitudes to the cross of Christ, be encouraged to send up the prayer with a true faith, Awake, Awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Arise, O Lord, plead thine own cause. We cannot refrain from inserting the deliverance of the late General Assembly on the subject of Government Education. Our readers will find it very much in harmony with the views which we submitted to their consideration in our last number. We give the resolutions entire. ❝I. That this Assembly, while holding it to be the duty of the state to assist in promoting the education of the people, and having a deep sense of the educational destitution existing in the land, are, at the same time, much impressed with the great practical difficulties attending the adjustment of a satisfactory measure in the present divided state of the country, and desire to acknowledge the laudable zeal of the government in behalf of this great object. "2. That it is the duty of this great church, as a church of Christ, to be willing to co-operate with the government, and to avail herself of the means which may be placed at her disposal, by grants of public money, for increasing the extent and efficiency of her own educational institutions, provided always that due care be taken to |