and, in the hands of that gracious Power which works in man both to will and to do, it will prove a valuable source of edification.

Lectures on Foreign Churches, delivered

in Edinburgh and Glasgow in 1846: in Connection with the Objects of the Committee of the Free Church of Scotland, on the State of Christian Churches on the Continent and in the East. Second Series. Hamilton, Adams, and Co., London.

THIS is a very valuable work, comprising great subjects handled by most able men. Dr. Wilson, of Bombay, at great length discourses on the Papal Eastern Churches -a subject with which the bulk of British Christians, we presume, are by no means familiarly acquainted. Dr. Forbes expatiates with great learning and wisdom on the Reformation in Germany. Mr. Fairbairn has given us an elaborate descant on the present state and prospects of Evangelical Religion in Germany. Mr. Bryce takes Italy under his especial care, and reviews the state of religion there from the fall of the Eastern Empire till the Council of Trent. Mr. Tweedie follows as a gleaner in the path of Mr. Bryce. Dr. Hetherington surveys the subject of religion, both popular and reformed, in relation to Spain; and Dr. Buchanan discourses on the prospects of Christendom. Such are the topics and the preachers; and it is but justice to say, that they have severally discharged the tasks confided to them with very superior ability. This volume is, of its class, one of the most able, instructive, and interesting, that, for many a year, has come before the public. It abounds in passages, some of them highly eloquent, and others strikingly profound, which, did space permit, we should gladly transfer to our pages; but this general notice must suffice. We refer our readers to the volume itself.

Lectures on the Public Life and Charac

ter of Oliver Cromwell. By EDMUND CLARKE. Hamilton and Co., London. RESPECT for Cromwell ought always to be a passport to the attention of true Britons. He can only be understood where there is a fair portion of sense; and only admired where there is some measure of virtue. With the base and the servile-the seekers of self, and the idolaters of priestcraft-he will never be

a favourite. He was every inch a man, and a patriot, and a hero; and just in proportion as these characters are prized among us, will the name of Cromwell be pronounced with reverence and esteem. The Lectures of Mr. Clarke have great merit as a sketch of his history, and the history of the eventful age of which he was the type and the ornament. The lecturer has shown himself capable of appreciating the main points of the great subject; and he has set them forth in a style clear, fervent, and eloquent. The delivery of such discourses must have been useful; and the perusal of them cannot fail to diffuse the knowledge of important facts, and to awaken those emotions on which depends the preservation of the liberties we already enjoy; and to prompt men on, by the use of constitutional means, to the removal of the remains of feudal bondage. We very much like the notion of lecturing on such subjects; for, to the unawakened mind, the living voice, and the excitement attendant on the presence of a multitude, ministers peculiar stimulus; indeed, that books may be useful, there must be some measure of previous intellectual excite

ment.

The Revivals of the Eighteenth Century. particularly at Cambuslang. Three Sermons, by the Rev. GEORGE WHITEFIELD, taken in Short-hand. Compiled from original Manuscripts and contemporary Publications. By the Rev. D. MACFARLAN, D.D. Johnstone, London and Edinburgh.

THE best body of resurrectionists in the present day is the Free Church of Scotland. As financiers in the Christian world they have no equals-none that even approach them; but they are not less intent on personal salvation than on personal contribution. While they urge that all shall support the cause, they are quite as pressing that all shall share its blessings. As one of the means they employ to this end, they have brought forth to the gaze of the present generation records of the work of the Lord in the days of their fathers; and of these the volume before us is far from the least interesting or impressive. There is a good deal in it that is original; and that which is old will be new to the bulk of the present generation. The wonderful narrative of the Work of Grace by Mr. Robe is well known to a certain class of readers, as well as the other publications

of the same events which were then issued. Of the sermons of Whitefield we make but small account; nearly every paragraph of them has been in print more than a century, connected with some text or other. The truth is, with respect to Mr. Whitefield, that whatever the text might be the sermon was materially the same-the same in doctrine, and the same in application. That glorious spirit was a man of one idea; and throughout life, morning, noon, and night, he preached on and on, and all the while he preached but one sermon. What Paganini was in music that Whitefield was in divinity; the one charmed Europe with one string, the other woke nations with one theme. In the days of Whitefield, moreover, short-hand, as compared with its present performances, was still but in its infancy. He suffered exceedingly from the Reporters his friend, Mr. Winter, tells us he sometimes bitterly complained of the wrong done him; but in vain, the world would read whatever bore his honoured name, and the grub-worms were ever ready to gratify the desire by fragments, or, rather, caricatures of his mighty ministrations. The volume will be read with interest and edification.

The Philosophy of Training; or, the Principles and Art of a Normal Education: with a brief Review of its Origin and History. By A. R. CRAIG. Second Edition. Simpkin and Co., London.

THIS is a field in which there was ample scope for the attempt of Mr. Craig, who deserves from the public a hearty welcome; and this he seems to have received, for the work, we are glad to find, is already in the second edition-a circumstance which speaks well alike for the sense of the country and for the merit of the book; for the book assuredly does not belong to that class of publications correctly denominated light reading. It is written by a man of intelligence, who makes his appeal to the reflecting and the practical, and to such he will not appeal in vain. Although largely professional, it is a work suited for all who take any interest in the elevation of the human race, and more especially for Christian parents. There are few teachers who might not increase their competency by a careful digest of the seventh chapter; and we had almost said, the man who shall neglect or decline to examine and ponder it, will commit a

serious mistake, and one which affects the interests both of himself and society, inasmuch as it is a work which concerns not only teachers but the teachers of teachers. We should, indeed, rejoice to hear that Mr. Craig, of whom we know nothing but from his book, were in a position-if he is not so already-where his peculiar talents and attainments in this walk might have the fullest scope, and be thoroughly laid out for the good of the public. The book is real philosophy; and this is something to say in this age of quackery of all sorts, but especially in matters pertaining to education. There is no term which has been so abused, degraded, trampled in the dirt, as this of "philosophy." It has been coupled in all shapes and forms with ignorance, stupidity, empiricism, and roguery, till the very term grates in the ears of judicious men. Such men as Mr. Craig do something towards its redemption, always referring, rightly understood, to the loftiest exercises of the mind. Mr. Craig has our very hearty thanks, and his work our earnest commendation.

CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES.

An Examination of "Anastasis," the late Work of Professor Bush; exposing the Fallacy of the Arguments therein advanced, and proving the Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body to be a Scriptural and a rational Doctrine. By the Rev. FREDERIC FYSH, M.A. Seeleys, London. AT first sight one is tempted to wish that Mr. Fysh had selected for the exercise of his talents and superior learning a worthier antagonist than Professor Bush, who would, in England, have been deemed beneath notice; for any man that should here avow himself a disciple of that amiable but maudlin dreamer, Emanuel Swedenborg, would be supposed silly enough to refute himself; but in America it appears to be otherwise. One claim, at least, Professor Bush has to thanks: he has stimulated Mr. Fysh to the production of a very learned, instructive, and interesting volume, which, apart from its immediate cause, has rendered good service to the doctrine of the resurrection, while-nor did the deed require much heroism-he has ground Mr. Bush to powder.

Life-lore: Lessons from the Childhood of Nolan Fairfield. Longman and Co., London. PRE-EMINENTLY a book for young people, abounding in incident real and fictitious; it is sometimes difficult to say which: the writing is sprightly, and the whole air of the production romantic-so much so as to reach the elevation of real life, which leaves all romance behind. The spirit of the work is distinguished by purity, and, in the latter portion, the principles of the Gospel are clearly developed. He who begins the volume will very probably go through with

it, and he who reads it once will perhaps read it twice, which is saying a good deal in these days but we have somewhat more to say, he who peruses it carefully will rise up a wiser and a better man.

Peace (Permanent and Universal) the Law of Christ. Peace Society, London.

THIS essay gained the second prize offered by the Peace Society in the year 1839, although, for some reason, it was not published till 1847. The publication possesses very considerable merit, indicating learning and intelligence of no mean order.

It is a judicious, compact, solid, and luminous compend of the subject as held by the Peace Society. This is not the time for discussing the principle of that association; but those who have adopted it will do well to diffuse this book, which is a discreet and able statement of the reasons of the course they have seen it meet to pursue.

Sowing in Tears: a Pastor's Inaugural Address to his Flock. By EBENEZER SYME. Gallie, Glasgow.

A HEALTHY, homely, manly, evangelical discourse, much suited to the occasion that called it forth; and which may be profitably diffused beyond the limits of the author's congregation.

Joys and Sorrows, where to find, and how to exchange them: comprising Agnes, or a Word for Woman; and other Poems. By the Authoress of " Amy of the Peak." Gilpin,

London.

A MASS of well-intentioned rhymes, bearing on the best interests of man, and well adapted for circulation among the less fastidious class of families, for whom lively verses will have more charm than dull prose. The subject of temperance very largely occupies the mind of the writer; and the friends of that movement are likely to be interested in this honest endeavour to serve them.

An Epistolary Discourse: containing a new Resolution and Improvement of the Grand Apocalyptical Question concerning the Rise and Fall of Rome Papal. By ROBERT FLEMING. LORdon: Houlston and Stoneman.

THE name of Robert Fleming has long been famous as that of a remarkably holy man, most deeply skilled in the mysteries of the word of God. His anticipation from prophecy of the first French revolution, and again of that of 1818, have imparted to his speculations in this volume an interest such as belongs to no other work of the kind. As a piece of profound exposition on a theme of insuperable difficulty, the work may be read with interest, and, to no small extent, instruction.

"I'M GOING HOME."

THE following lines were written by a poor weaver, suggested by the dying words of an aged Christian woman:

I'm going home !-prepare the bridal wreath, My Saviour bids my happy spirit come; Damp not with tears the Christian's bed of death: Rejoice!-I'm going home.

Earth hath its cares: for three-score years and ten My lot has been midst thorny paths to roam. I would not tread those desert plains again ;They're past-I'm going home.

The dove hath found her rest, the storm-toss'd found

A place of refuge, from the dashing foam Of grief's wild billows; thither am I bound. Joy! joy!-I'm going home!

Earth's flowers all fade-there fadeless beauties bloom;

Earth's sunniest light is shaded by the tomb; Earth's loves all slumber in the vault belowDeath dwells not in that home!

I see the city of the blest on high,
With the freed spirit's ken. I come-I come!
Ye calling voices!-catch my heart's reply:
Home-home! I'm going home!

THOMAS RAGG.

THE HOUR OF PRAYER.

My God! is any hour so sweet,
From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to thy feet-
The hour of prayer!

Blest be that tranquil hour of morn,
And blest that hour of solemn eve,
When on the wings of prayer upborne→→→
The world I leave !

For then a day-spring shines on me,
Brighter than morn's ethereal glow;
And richer dews descend from thee,
Than earth can know!

Then is my strength by thee renew'd;
Then are my sins by thee forgiven;
Then dost thou cheer my solitude
With hopes of heav'n.

A WARNING TO INDEPENDENT
CHURCHES.

To the Editor of the Christian Witness. SIR,-The following succinct narrative of events, in connection with the Independent church at Hexham, Northumberland, is commended to the serious attention of our churches generally; and ought to operate as a warning against admitting to their pulpits preachers who hold doctrines contrary to those "most surely believed amongst us," and who, with plausible pretensions, are mainly intent upon subverting the faith of our churches, and introducing dangerous heresy, and consequent schism.

The Independent church at Hexham was founded full sixty years ago; the chapel was built in 1789. The trust-deed describes it as "a meeting-house or place of religious worship, to be used, occupied, and enjoyed by the church or society of Protestant Dissenters from the Church of England, in the way commonly called the Independent or Congregational." It has had a succession of regular Independent ministers: Thomas Robinson, William Robertson, John Scott, William Colefax, John Ward, and Joseph Walker, having successively been its pastors. It has never been anything but an Independent chapel; it has neither been sold, leased, or mortgaged, and it is free from debt. The church has been many years in connection with the county association of Durham and Northumberland, where it was regularly represented by its pastor, deacon, or delegate.

Having been without a pastor for about two years and a half, during which the members adhered remarkably well, and worship was constantly maintained, several candidates from our own colleges were in succession heard, two of whom received cordial invitations to settle, but courteously declined to accept the calls. A variety of preachers were admitted to the pulpit

as supplies; and, amongst others, a Mr. David Robertson, one of Mr. Douglas of Cavers' agents, accepted employment for a short time, and recommended as a candidate Mr. James Frame, a young man belonging to Hamilton, Scotland, who began preaching April 2nd; and on the 23rd of the same month, it was agreed to present him with a call: this he aceepted whilst little was known either of his character or doctrines. Presently several who had joined in the call, which was numerously signed, disapproving of his doctrinal views, withdrew; and with others who had refused to join in the invitation, protested against Mr. Frame's settlement as pastor. The ministers of the Durham and Northumberland Association having examined him, refused unanimously to have anything to do with Mr. Frame's ordination, on the ground of " ERRONEOUS DOCTRINES." He, however, persisted in assuming the pastorate; and application being made to Scotland, three ministers-viz., J. Kirk, of Edinburgh; A. Cross, of Ardrossan; and J. Hart, of Hamilton-came and inducted him to office on the 26th ult.; no English or Independent minister taking any part in the affair.

A PROTEST, signed by the principal Dissentients, was publicly read before the laying on of hands; but the letter from the county association, stating the refusal of Independent ministers to recognize Mr. Frame, was suppressed by him and his party. The result is, the church is entirely split. Mr. Gray, the deacon, being at the head of the Dissentients, who, as the adherents of the church to which the chapel has always belonged during nearly sixty years, maintain their claim; whilst the "NEW LIGHTS," who had no existence even six years ago, persist in its possession.

Such are the unhappy circumstances into which our church has been plunged by the precipitate conduct of a portion of its members,

*This case, in its first stage, was transmitted to the BANNER, but declined. Things, however, have now reached a pass, that, as it is pressed on the WITNESS, we no longer reject it; nor, in presenting it, can we altogether withhold the expression of our grief, astonishment, and indignation, at the conduct of this young man, and of his three friends-such friends!-from Scotland, who have intruded upon the province of the Durham and Northumberland ASSOCIATION in a manner the most indecent and outrageous. The unanimous decision of the ASSOCIATION ought to have been received as final by all parties. For that portion who approved of Mr. Frame to go in the teeth of it, was not only indiscreet, but, in the highest degree, reprehensible. For him and them to drive out those who abide by the doctrinal constitution of the place, is flagrantly unjust; and, in the event of an appeal to the VICE-CHANCELLOR OF ENGLAND, it seems to us clear as sunshine, that an Injunction would immediately issue to restrain them. There is enough in the terms above cited from the Deed, to warrant this conclusion. Even a majority-if such there be-will be of no avail; principles, established facts-not numbers-will guide the Court. The voice of the AssocIATION, in settling the one great point on which all will turn, will be omnipotent. We gave recent proofs of no unfriendly feeling to the "New Lights;" but, we fear, we must revoke our good opinions. In the present case justice, right feeling, decency-all have been so recklessly trampled on, that the men who can do these things merit neither respect nor confidence. Their theological principles apart, they must be denounced and opposed as enemies of peace and order.

ORDINATIONS.

ON Wednesday, August 9th, the Rev. R. W. M'All, of the London University, and late of the Lancashire Independent College, was ordained to the pastoral office, over the church assembling in Bethel Chapel, Sunderland. On the previous evening a preparatory service was held; when, after prayer by the Rev. Dr. Paterson, of St. George's Free Church, Sunderland, a sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Halley, of Manchester on the benefits attendant on a revival of religion, from Hosea xiv. 5-8. On Wednesday morning, the Rev. S. Watkinson, of Monk-Wearmouth, having commenced the service by reading and prayer, the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, President of the Lancashire College, delivered an introductory discourse on the scriptural constitution of a Christian church. The usual questions were then asked by the Rev. A. Jack, of North Shields; and answers having been given, (which, it is almost needless to say, were heard with the deepest interest,) the Rev. Dr. Halley proceeded to offer up the designation prayer. The charge was then delivered by the Rev. Samuel M'All, of Nottingham (uncle of the candidate), from Josh. i. 17: "Only the

Lord thy God be with thee;" and the service was concluded by the Rev. J. G. Rogers, B.A., of Newcastle.

In the afternoon about 120 friends dined together at the Athenæum, the chair being occupied by Dr. Vaughan.

In the evening the sermon to the people was delivered by the Rev. James Parsons, of York, from Heb. xiii. 22. All the services were unusually solemn and impressive; and the chapel, which is capable of containing 1,000 persons, was filled throughout.

The following ministers, in addition to those already named, assisted in conducting Divine worship:-The Rev. Messrs. Reid, of Newcastle; Goodall, of Durham; Moir, of South Shields; Jackson, of Howden Pans; Anderson, of Felling; Lewin, of Hartlepool; Smith, of Haydon Bridge; Parker, of Sunderland; and Willans, of the Lancashire College. Besides whom there were present the following ministers belonging to various denominations:-Mesers. Kneebone, Kitt, Johnstone, Atkinson, and Ward, of Sunderland; Cornwall, of Ryton; Henderson, of North Skields; Christopherson, of Newcastle; Anderson, of Easington Lane; Richards, of Alnwick; and Thompson, of Highbury College.

It cannot but be gratifying to the denomination at large, that this important interest, which ranks among the first in the North of England, should have been led most unanimously to the present settlement; and it will not be thought unworthy of record, that the late lamented Dr. M'All, of Manchester, is represented in our ministry by an only son, whose auspicious entrance on the sacred office it has been the object of this paragraph to describe.

On August 9th, 1848, the Rev. J. Parnell Palmer, late of Rotherham College, was ordained pastor of the Independent church, St. George's-street, Chorley, Lancashire. The service was commenced by the reading of the Scriptures and prayer by the Rev. William Marshall, of Wigan; in consequence of the illness of the Rev. Professor Stowell, of Rotherham College, the Rev. T. D. Carusen, of Manchester, kindly delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. William Roaf, of Wigan, proposed the usual questions; and having received his confession of faith, the young pastor was solemnly "set apart" to the "work of the ministry," by prayer by the Rev. R. Slate, of Preston, accompanied by "the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."

In the evening of the same day the service was resumed by the reading of the Scriptures and prayer by the Rev. W. Lawson Brown, M.A., of Bolton; after which, Mr. Palmer's former pastor, the Rev. Richard Alliott, LL.D., of London, delivered to them an impressive and affectionate charge, founded on Coloss. iv. 17; the church was then addressed by its late highlyesteemed minister, the Rev. Robert Laud, A.M., of Portobello, Scotland; and the interesting proceedings of the day (in which the Revs. Alexander Frazer, A.M., of Blackburn; W. M. O'Hanlon, of Chorley; Robert Massie, of Newton; J. Bliss, of Leyland; Anthony Bateson, of Egerton; John Holgate, of Orrell; Wm. Moore, of Wigan; John Whewell, of Rotherham College; and S. Walker, of Lancashire College, took part) were concluded by prayer by the Rev. W. Roaf, of Wigan.