those hard, and (we had almost said) half-profane, suppositions which the advocate of the Gospel is under the necessity of making, in order to obviate the reasonings of Infidelity. Mr. Faber here shews, that "the success of the early preachers of the Gospel was owing to two causes; the powerful operation of God's Spirit upon the hearts of those who were addressed, and the evidence afforded to their un

derstandings, by the frequent performance of miracles. It has been too common for Christian writers to lay an undue stress upon the last of these causes, to the exclusion or oversight of the former. Engaged in considering the visible agency of a Divine power, they have been too apt to overlook that other branch of its operation, which, though "invisible to mortal sight," was the main spring of the whole moral revolution; we mean the influence of the Holy Spirit, without which the most stupendous miracles would have been wrought in vain.

We know, indeed, that the Holy Spirit's influence is not an argument which can be expected to have weight with the sceptic or the unbeliever. But should it therefore be left wholly without notice, even in contending with the enemies of the Gospel? We think not; for, though miracles are the proper proof of the divinity of that scriptural doctrine, as of every other, yet we may fairly ask the intelligent sceptic who has some knowledge of human nature, whether he thinks that the mere performance of an outward miracle would generally prove effec tual in bringing about a total change of views, principles, habits, and character, without the co-operation of a Divine power, to influence the will and affections, and to send home the light of the understanding with warmth and energy to the heart.

In his seventh section, our author discusses "the difficulties attendant on infidelity in regard to the internal evidence of Christi anity. Here, after drawing a pic

SAC

ture of the genuine spirit of the Gospel, and bringing into contrast with it the Scandinavian superstition of Odin, the Arabic theology of Mohammed, the imposture of Alexander of Pontus, and the religious system of Hindostan, all acknowledged forgeries and delusions, he embodies his argument in the following short passage, which must be our last quotation from his work.

ceding comparison, which has been insti"What then is the result of the pretuted, between Christianity on the one hand, and certain acknowledged impostures on the other hand? The result is this:

"If the characteristics of those impostures form the internal evidence, that they are indeed nothing better than base and interested fabrications; then the characteristics of Christianity, being of a directly opposite description, must needs form

a strong internal evidence, that it is in truth a religion sent down from God: and

by parity of reasoning, the more forcibly

one set of characteristics evince imposture, the more forcibly also must the other set of characteristics evince genuineness. For direct opposites cannot bring out the same conclusion. Whence, if the characteristics of Paganism and Mohammedism bring out the conclusion of fraud, the opposite characteristics of Christianity cannot but bring out the opposite conclusion of truth, The infidel, however, has persuaded himself, that direct opposites may bring out the same conclusion; for he deems Paganism, Mohammedism, and Christianity, to be alike impostures. Can he be acquitted of illogical reasoning and blind credulity?" p. 267.

We now take our leave of the three pious and able authors, whose works we have been noticing, with many thanks for the instruction and entertainment we have derived from their perusal. We hope to fall into their company again and again, and to have the pleasure of introducing them to our readers. Books like theirs are the proper aliment of the mind. Our classical readers will readily perceive that we allude to that fine passage of Cicero, in which he enumerates the advantages of a taste for good reading and, if this remarks be true with regard to

useful reading which relates only to the present world, still more are they applicable to that kind of study from which he, with all his mental powers and preeminence, was unhappily shut out, which passes beyond "this visible diurnal sphere," and tends to nourish the soul to eternal life.

Family Prayers for every Day in the Week, selected from various Portions of the Holy Bible, with References; to which are added, a few Prayers for Persons in private, and fourteen original Hymns. 8vo. Hatchard and Son.

To a needy, helpless creature, in a world of sin and misery, experiencing various wants and desires, and exposed to innumerable dangers and fears, nothing, surely, next to the inspired record of salvation, can be more serviceable than those guides to devotion, which either teach us to pray, or assist us in our addresses to the Throne of Grace. The majority of the domestic altars (now, we are happy to say, erected in many a family throughout this kingdom) attest the truth of this observation, where the hearts and lips of thousands daily pour forth their sacred homage, assisted by means of such devout and useful compositions.

It is desirable that the public should be made acquainted with any new work, which is capable of affording assistance in family worship, or of consoling and invigorating the Christian in private; especially as variety is in some measure essential to this usefulness. It is perhaps not so much a form of prayer that is in danger of becoming dull and heartless, as the constant recurrence of the same form; and it is particularly in this point of view, that we wish to draw the attention of our readers to the pious and scriptural little volume now before us. In Henry's Guide to Prayer, and similar publications, texts on the

same subject are drawn from all parts of the Bible, and arranged under their proper heads, forming an admirable assistance to private devotion, but less suited, perhaps, for family prayer. The author of the work now under consideration has adopted a different mode of Scripture selection: an extended portion of sacred writ has been taken; and from thence verses suit

able to acts of adoration, petition, and devotion, have been interwoven to form prayers, the words them-' selves of Scripture being retained. This plan is highly useful and interesting in the consecutive perusal of Scripture, turning the chief particulars of the passage into a petitionary form; but it is liable to an objection an objection from which the taste and judgment of our author have not been wholly able to relieve the present volume,-of making the prayers too desultory. Writers of prayers, as well as sermons, would do well to remember and apply the following observations of Mr. Simeon, in the preface to his "Skeletons."

"There is one caution," says Mr. Simeon, "which requires peculiar attention. In the skeletons, many passages of the holy Scriptures are quoted, partly for the conviction of the reader's own mind, and partly to furnish him with the proper materials for confirming his word. These passages, if they were all formally quoted, would make the sermon a mere rhapsody; a string of texts, that could not fail to weary and disgust the audience. But if they be glanced at, if the proper parts only be selected, and interwoven with the writer's own language, they will give a richness and variety to the discourse, at the same time that they will be peculiarly grateful to those who delight in the word of God. There is, how ever, another extreme, which would be no less pernicious: if no passages be formally adduced, many parts of the discourse will appear to want confirmation. The proper medium

which is life and peace. Yea, may the Spirit of Christ dwell within us." pp. 28, 29. The fourteen original hymns are written on a similar plan with the prayers. A text is placed at the head agreeing with their subject; and references are made to Scripture, to authorize the sentiments and expressions contained in them. These little poems convey the idea of a tender and pure mind, depressed by much sorrow. The author indeed, conscious of the melancholy that appears in many of them, has mentioned that they were written chiefly during a period of severe and protracted suffering, We can give only a single specimen of these compositions.

O by that Blood, so freely shed for sin, Open blest Mercy's gate, and take us in." p. 98.

In looking over these prayers, we have thought them wanting in that most delightful part of worship, a spirit of praise and thanksgiving. The peculiar circumstances under which the whole of the volume appears to have been composed, may well account for this defect. It is the offering of a mourner to "her fellow-travellers through this vale of tears." But if they breathe not that lively spirit of rejoicing which some Christians are blessed with, there is no voice of querulous complaint, no sinking under discouragement; on the contrary, faith is always pressing forward in earnest entreaty for all the promises, the blessings, and the privileges of the Gospel.

Ear

We are indebted for this work to a female pen: and we understand that the respected author moves in the higher ranks of life. nestly do we hope that she will derive an immediate recompence for time and attention so worthily employed, in the answer to herself of her highly spiritual petitions: and that her benevolent desire may be abundantly fulfilled by her little book becoming the means of leading the careless to prayer and a diligent search of the Scriptures, and proving a source of consolation to

the afflicted Christian.

Sir Everard Home, in the Croonian Lecture, read during the late sittings of the Royal Society, states, that among the insect tribe, the humble-bee has the largest brain in proportion to its size.

In the

moth, caterpillar, lobster, and earthworm, the structure of the brain and medullary substance is similar to that of the bee. In

the garden-snail the brain is larger in proportion to the size of the animal than in the bee; but the bee is also furnished

with ganglions, which is not the case with the snail. In all the variety of animals he examined, the brain forms a distinct organ, though, in some insects, scarcely visible to the naked eye.

The Penitentiary at Milbank, having proved very insalubrious, was lately fumigated on a large scale to destroy any contagious miasmata which might be considered to lurk within its walls. The following is a mode of procuring the gas employed on this occasion, and which is the most efficacious in cases of contagious fever, namely-chlorine (oxy-muriatic acid gas). Take one part, by weight, of common salt (muriate of soda), one part, by weight, of oxyd of manganese, pound them together, and pour on them two parts of oil of vitriol (sulphuric acid), and one of water.

The essential matter of that powerful plant the Digitalis has lately been obtained in so concentrated a state that a grain, or less, is found sufficient to kill an animal of considerable size.

terms, the intended translation of Mr. Scott's Commentary on the Bible. The prospectus is too long for our insertion; but we cannot refrain from expressing the pleasure we feel in observing the character both of the venerable author and his work, so highly and justly appreciated by our fellow-Protestants on the continent. We trust it will have a very wide circulation among them, and especially among their clergy, to whom it is likely to prove of inestimable value.

The Royal Academy of Sciences has proposed several premiums for the best essays on the following subjects, respectively:The progressive phenomena resulting from the action of the digestive organs on food; the density of liquids under pressure, and the heat evolved; and the varieties of the human race.

AMERICA.

According to the reports from the custom-houses, it appears that the impor

tation of books into the United States American editions. The imported books bears an extremely small proportion to the between two and three millions of dollars are the mere seed. It is estimated that worth of books are annually published in the United States. Literary property is held by an imperfect tenure; the inducement to take copy-rights is therefore inadequate; yet there were 125 copyrights purchased from January 1822, to April 1823. Among the curiosities of American literature, may be mentioned the itinerant book-trade. There are more than 200 waggons which travel through the country laden with books for sale.

AMERICAN ASYLUM FOR DEAF AND DUMB.

The number of pupils from the commencement of this institution to the pre

sent time is 128, of whom 66 have left the asylum, and 62 still remain. During the past year, the Directors have made an attempt at a considerable expense to introduce mechanical employments among the pupils, upon a regular and systematic plan. Two neat and commodious brick workshops have been erected near the Asylum, and an ingenious and skilful mechanic has been employed to oversee this department of the institution. He resides with the pupils, in order to become! familiar with the language of signs, and to qualify himself to discharge in the best: manner the duties of his station. Tools and other necessary accommodations have been provided; and although the arrange ments are hardly yet completed, a con-I siderable number of the pupils are already at work, learning various useful trades?

THEOLOGY.

- The Bible Preacher, or Closet Companion for every Day in the Year; consisting of three hundred and sixty-five Outlines of Sermons in a regular Series, from Genesis to Revelations; with six complete Sermons, by the late Rev. H. Foster, M. A., with a Memoir of the Author; by the Rev. S. Piggott, A. M., in 1 vol. 12mo. 9s.

Morning Meditations; or a Series of Reflections on various Passages of Holy Scripture, and Scriptural Poetry. By the Author of "Retrospect," &c. 12mo. 4s.

Sermons on the Fifty-first Psalm; with others. By the Rev. J. Bull, M.A. 8vo. 10s.

Sermons for Young Persons in the Higher and Middle Classes of Society, from Bishop Dehon. Selected by the Rev. E. Beren, M. A. 12mo. 5s.

Lectures on the History of Jesus Christ, in 3 vols. 8vo.

A farewell Sermon preached in the Parish Church of Louth, by the Rev. R. Milne. 8vo. 1s.

Sermon on the Duty of Family Prayer. By C.T. Blomfield, D.D., Lord Bishop of Chester.

Three Sermons preached on occasion of his final Departure from Gloucester, by Henry Ryder, D.D., Lord Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, late Lord Bishop of Gloucester.

A Dissertation intended to explain, establish, and vindicate, the Doctrine of Election. By the Rev. W. Hamilton, D.D.

The Moral Government of God in the Dispensation of the Gospel vindicated,. against the Rev. Dr. Hawker. By J. Birt.

Massillon's Thoughts on Moral and Religious Subjects, translated by the Rev. R. Morris.

A Guide to the Lord's Table. By the Rev. H. Belfrage, D.D. 6s.

A Summary View of America; comprising a Description of the Country, with Remarks on the People. By an Englishman. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

A Dictionary of Musicians, from the earliest ages to the present time. 2 vols. 8vo. 21s.

The Life and Diary of Lieut.-Col. John Blackader, of the Cameronian Regiment, and Deputy Governor of Stirling CastleBy A. Crichton. Post 8vo. 7s. 6d.

Self-Advancement; or, Extraordinary Transitions from Obscurity to Greatness, 7s. 6d.

Memoirs of Painting. By W. Buchanan, 2 vols. 8vo. 26s.

Observations on Corporal Punishment, Imprisonment, and other Matters relating to the Royal Navy. By Vice-Admiral Sir C. V. Penrose,

The Scottish Peasants; or the History of John M'Nair, and Robert Johnstone. 4s.