These annotations are admirably judicious in respect both to quantity and to quality, with nothing superfluous, and leaving nothing to be desired. With regard to the poetic merits of Prudentius, Dressel steers midway between those enthusiastic admirers who salute him as "the Horace and Virgil of the Christians" on the one side, and those sterner critics who loudly decry him on the other other. Dressel regårds him as the best of the early Christian Poets; inferior, doubtless, to his precedessor Juvencus in the purity of his Latinity and in general resemblance to classical models, but vastly his superior in breadth and grandeur of sentiment. Some of these Poems are poor enough; others are more to be commended for their orthodoxy than for their rhythm; while others again, as of the Cathemeri non and the Peristephanon, deserve high rank as religious lyrics. That, as mere poetry, they fall below the productions of the older Pagan bards, comes, in part, from the infelicity of the themes selected, in part, of that general decay which had fallen upon classic art, but in part, also, of a deliberate and earnest purpose, which preferred the glory of God to the praise of men. Critical, Historical and Miscellaneous Essays. By Lord MACAULAY. With a Memoir and Index. 6 vols. New York: Sheldon & Co. 1860. This edition of Lord Macaulay's Essays commends itself to the most fastidious taste. It is a grateful relief to turn from the small type and double column volume, in which we have hitherto been compelled to read these admirable disquisitions, to this fair page and immaculate typography. Every body who reads Macaulay-and who does not ?-will welcome these volumes. They contain all the articles published in the 3 vols., revised by the author; the contents of two volumes issued by his friends since his decease: and an Appendix, containing several essays, "unquestionably his," not found in any other edition. The essays are arranged in chronological order; and a full Index, not found in any other edition, is appended. A portrait, and an excellent critical and biographical Introduction, by Mr. E. P. Whipple, enhance the value of the work. It was printed at the famous Riverside press of Cambridge, following the punctuation and orthography of the English editions. Thus it may well claim to be, what its enterprising publishers call it, "a complete and correct edition, in handsome library style, of Lord Macaulay's Essays." These essays have an established reputation; with his History, they ensure their author a place in English literature, second only to that which creative genius receives. The highest talent, the sharpest perspicuity, the most definite imagination, and a complete mastery of the English language in its descriptive power, pervade these fascinating compositions. All the outside of life, character and history he caught, as by instinct, and described with marvellous felicity of diction. Mr. Whipple justly says: "As a narrator, in his own province, it would be difficult to name his equal among English writers; to his narrative all his talents and accomplishments combined to lend fascination; and in it he exhibited the understanding of Hallam, and the knowledge of Mackintosh, joined to the picturesqueness of Southey, and the wit of Pope." A Commonplace Book: designed to assist Students, Professional Men, and general Readers, in treasuring up knowledge. Arranged by JAMES PORTER, D.D. With an Introduction by Rev. WILLIAM RICE. New York: Carlton & Porter. 1860. This is an excellent work for students and others. Its great excellence is its simplicity, viz. an Alphabet, and 400 pages of good blank writing paper. Every student ought to have a copy and fill it full. The habit of making references and extracts, which such a book encourages, is one of the secrets of successful scholarship. Moral and Religious Quotations from the Poets, topically arranged. By Rev. WILLIAM RICE. New York: Carlton & Porter. 1860. 4to. Pp. 338. This volume comprises short selections from some six hundred poets, alphabetically arranged by topics. The selections are gleaned from Latin, old English, and German sources, as well as from modern literature. The work is prepared with scholarly taste, and beautifully got up-a very appropriate holiday gift. Travels in the Regions of the Upper and Lower Amoor, and the Russian Acquisitions on the Confines of India and China. By T. W. ATKINSON. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1860. 8vo. This volume has a much higher interest and value than an ordinary book of travels. It introduces us to vast regions, as yet little known, which must soon acquire a historic as well as commercial interest, in connection with the rivalry and progress of Russia and England in the farthest East. A valuable map accompanies the work, delineating Central Asia from the Caspian Sea to the Pacific Ocean, and from Cashmere and Pekin on the South to Siberia on the North. The work is issued in handsome style, with numerous landscape illustrations of scenes of impressive grandeur, and characteristic portraits. The geology, botany and ethnology of the region are so fully described as to give to the work a scientific value. The progress of Russia in these regions is detailed step by step. The narrative itself is full of romantic interest; the description of scenes and events often admirable. The work belongs to the very highest class of this kind of literature, and will be eagerly read by the lovers of adventure, and lovers of nature, as well as for scientific and commercial purposes. The Christian Maiden. Memorials of ELIZA HESSEL. By JOSHUA PRIESTLEY. New York: Carlton & Porter. 1860. Pp. 357. These Memorials, slightly abridged from the London edition, are the instructive record of a simple, cultivated and Christian life, well adapted to stimulate young women to higher literary and religious attainments. Tom Brown at Oxford: A Sequel to School Days at Rugby. Part First. New York: Harpers. 1860. Pp. 360, breaking off in the middle of a word. The announcement of, this work will be enough to stir the eager pulse of many a youth, until it is read all through. Tom Brown is well known among all the boys and collegians. The frank and robust spirit, the hearty tone and clear ring of the book will ensure it a wide circulation. Vol. III. American History. By JACOB ABBOTT. The Southern Colonies. New York: Sheldon & Co. 1860. Pp. 286. An excellent history, written with Mr. Abbott's usual felicity, and in every way well got up. New Our Year: A Child's Book in Prose and Verse. By [Miss Muloch] the Author of "John Halifax." Illustrated by Clarence Dobell. York: Harpers. 1860. A beautiful collection of stories and poems for each month of the year, amply illustrated, making a nice book for a Christmas or New Year's gift. News of the Churches and of Missions. UNITED STATES. for fund. Episcopal Foreign Mission.-ReWITHIN the last twenty-five years ceipts to Oct. 1, $85,389; expendiabout a quarter of a million of dollars tures, $86,833, viz., South American have been raised in this country for Missions, $19,300; China, $8,531; aiding churches in Europe. Among Japan, $1,705; $11,624 for specific the larger amounts are: for the Free objects; and $43,623 for the general Church of Scotland, $80,000; Irish Presbyterians (through Drs. Edgar and Dill), $30,000; for French a voluntary Society for missions in the The American Church Missionary is Churches, $25,000 (besides American Chapel in Paris); for Bel-niversary, Rev. Dr. Tyng read the anthe Episcopal Church. At its recent angium, $8,000. A chapel in St. Peters- nual report, which was of considerable burgh, one in Stockholm, the Theological Seminary of the Waldenses in La Tour, are among these benefactions. These are a part of the fruits of special applications, in addition to all that is done through the various societies. length. It sets forth that the American Church Missionary Society originated in the desire and purpose of a large portion of the evangelical clergy and laity of the Episcopal Church in the United States to direct and manage the interests of Gospel missions, German Reformed Church.-The for which they rejoiced to contribute, General Synod held its 114th annual according to their own principles, and session at Lebanon, Pa. The Church by their own views of truth and duty. now numbers 2 Synods, 24 classes, It complains that the constitution and 391 ministers, 1,045 congregations, actual history, have not been satisagency of the Board of Missions, in its 92,684 members. The number confirmed last year was 5,769; baptisms, views of personal right and duty factory to those in the Church, whose 10,551. In Pensylvania the number have now led to the formation of the of churches is greater than those of Church Missionary Society; that the the Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Dutch Reformed together. The American Missionary Association had its anniversary in Syracuse, N. Y. Receipts, $56,092, and 6,000 acres of land (valued at $8,000). The Episcopal Evangelical Knowledge Society received last year $34,015; its property amounts to $49,264. evangelical portion of the Church have never had a just or reasonable allowance of influence or authority, either of persons or position in the board; that the churches representing their views, and maintaining their portion of the missionary funds exministry have contributed the larger pended, though defrauded by ecclesiastical power of their proper measure of influence in their dispensation. Rt. Rev. Manton Eastburn, D.D., | Jews, 8,000 Protestants," and 42,000 Bishop of Massachusetts, was intro- infidels, atheists, etc. duced, and moved the first resolution: "Resolved, That the true principle of operation in missionary labors, as well as in other works of benevolence, is by the voluntary association and action of Christians united in sentiment, and governing the distribution of their own funds." An error of 11,000 in the statement of an aggregate population ought to discredit these statistics. The census of '55 gives the total of 95,986 as from "Germany." Then, turning to the directory, it is found that there are twenty-four Protestant German and but five Roman Catholic churches. A German familiar with these ProThe New York Evangelical Allitestant places of worship, estimates ance was last month formally inau- the ordinary Sunday attendance at gurated at the Fifth Avenue Presby- 11,600. Taking into account the terian church (late Dr. Alexander's). children, sick and infirm persons, The Secretary, Rev. Chas. C. Goss, and irregular attendants, it would read an introductory statement of the not be far from the fact to estimate causes which had led to the organi- the aggregate Protestant church-gozation of the Alliance. His report ing population at 30,000, or an averopened with the following statement, showing, out of the present popula- age of little more than 1,000 for each Protestant congregation. If three tion in this city, how many were pro-times this number be granted as convided with places of worship, and the nected with each of the German numbers entirely destitute of church Catholic congregations, it would accommodations: present population, give a total of 15,000 for that com843,741; places of worship, 274; munity. Then add the 7,000 Jews, number provided for, 205,580; nummore or less, and it would leave ber unprovided for, 638,161. (But some 40,000, or more, of "free Gerthis includes the whole population: mans," including many infidels and there need be church sittings, at the atheists, indeed, but also embracing utmost, only for about three fifths.) many hundreds who are so far AmeFollowing the above statement, the ricanized as to have become members report proceeds: of English congregations, and many thousands who are simply indifferent to all religious questions and organi The above places of worship in- The Southern Aid Society, of which zations. The Dutch Reformed Church. half century anniversary of the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick was celebrated Dec. 5th. Dr. John H. Livingston was appointed Professor of Theology in the College in 1784. The Intelligencer says: "It in 14 southern states: Presbyterians, ought to be remembered that small as our Church was in 1784, and Baptists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, crippled as it had been by the Revoand German Reformed. The total re- lutionary war, it was, nevertheless, ceipts were $17,031; the churches aided also raised about $30,000 for religious uses. Germans in New York City.-The statement is made that "there are 85,000 Germans in the city, of whom 28,000 are Roman Catholics, 7,000 the first in America to undertake the establishment of a theological seminary. St. Mary's in Baltimore was founded in 1791; Andover Seminary, in 1807; Princeton, in 1812; and the Harvard Divinity School, in 1816. In 1810, Queen's College having been reopened, and a professorial fund created, Dr. Livingston removed to New Brunswick, having served, says Gorwin, 'in the professorship in this city for twenty-six years without compensation.' "Thus far, if statistics can be trusted, the Reformed Dutch Church has pursued a policy towards its own Seminary which ought not to be continued in the future, unless there is a serious desire to abolish it altogether. The statistics to which we refer may be briefly given; they are as follows: graduates of the seminary from 1784 to 1860, 501; ministers received from other denominations, from 1784 to 1858, 311. inclusive,.. Quarterlies, tracts in packScripture Publications,.... 430,668 78,659,659 ages, etc.,... 629,458 21,602,885 Total,.... .1,060,121 100,292,044 Baptist Denomination.-The Baptist Almanac for 1861, contains interesting information regarding the present condition of the denomination. From the table of "Grand Total of Regular Baptists in North America," we learn that the number of associa tions in the United States is 576; number of churches, 12,371; ordained Thus it will be seen that more than half of the working ministry of the Church has been drawn from other denominations, since the year 1784, to the manifest discredit and injury of our own institutions. This policy, in the past, may have been ministers, 7,837; licentiates, 1,115; the result of necessity. It is no baptized in 1859, 72,086 - total, longer so. We have now in 1,020,442. The number of Baptists ation for the ministry 118 persons, preparin Nova Scotia is 13,057; in New distributed as follows: in Rutgers Brunswick, 7,703; in Canada, 13,715; College, 56; in the Seminary, 57, of West India Islands (estimated), 36,350 whom 18 are in the Senior Class, making a grand total in North expecting licensure in the coming spring." The American Bible Union (Baptist), for the revision of the Scriptures, held its anniversary in New York, Oct. 4. The receipts of the last year were about $40,000. The following table shows the number of the Union's publications since its formation. In case of foreign Scriptures, where the details have not been returned, the statement is estimated on the basis of the appropriations and probable cost of publication. Publications. 66 66 German Bibles and Testa ments, Italian New Testaments,... Spanish Gospels, Epistles, and New Testaments,... Bible Union Reporter, con America of 1,091,167 regular Baptists. Of other denominations which pracdown the Anti-Mission at 60,000; tise immersion, the Almanac sets Free-Will Baptists, 59,791; SixPrinciple Baptists, 2,000; SeventhDay Baptists, 6,577; Church of God, or Winebrenarians, 13,800; Disciples, 8,200; Mennonites, 36,280. If these or Campbellites, 350,000; Tunkers, are added to the above, it will make 1,618,815 who give in their adhesion to the doctrine of immersion. Decrease of Free - Will Baptists.— The Free Will Baptist Register for Copies. Pages. 8,500 800,000 1861 gives the following statistics of 6,000 1,800,000 that denomination: 31 yearly meet961,700 ings, 145 quarterly meetings, 1,286 140,125 65,491,625 churches, 1,022 ordained preachers, 4,000 2,000 686,000 communicants. This, and 58,441 compared with the statistics of the 10,113 884,044 preceding year, shows a decrease of taining revisions,.. 219,105 4,674,232 12 churches, 22 ordained ministers, |