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gave the manna daily at the hour of dawn for forty years; and with exact precision the manna ceases on the day after Israel ate of the "new corn of the land." Thus God opened a well for Hagar in the desert, just as she was giving over all for lost in despair. And thus does God time His supplies to His ser vants still. When the manna ceases, the new corn appears. When one source of revenue is dried up, another well is opened in the wilderness. A wonderfal machinery of providence, wheel within wheel, is employed in conveying provi sion to the children of God. And His mercy is upon children's children; for He also provides both work and food for all the young people rising into life amidst surprising demonstrations of His power. He fixes a Christian's time spiritual supply. As the treasurer of Ethopia reads, and wonders, and doubts in his chariot, Philip is commanded to draw near. By suitable books, by ap propriate ministries, by congenial associations, doubt is removed, knowledge i increased, faith is strengthened, when these aids are required, and most for those who seek them most in earnest. Times of outward experience in joy and sorrow are fixed for believers. Joseph's history is a monument of minute pro vidences. The Midianites appear just as his brethren have departed. Thus too, Rebecca and Rachel came to the well according to the prayers of Eliezer and of Jacob. Joyful and sorrowful events must be alike regulated in their order and duration. Pain is under the control of Him "at whose right hand there pleasure for evermore." "Accidental" meetings govern all our history. Timet of usefulness are all determined. "I have set before thee an open door." And lastly, the hour of death is pre-arranged. We live under a providence which regulates all things, because it "works all things together for good to them. that love God, and are the called according to His purpose."

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SHORT NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Mexico: its Conquest and Modern History. Religious Tract Society. 1863.

A well-timed and well written account of the wonderful country of which the French have recently taken possession. It would be a mistake to suppose that this is a hasty brochure, brought out or occasion of the French conquest, for, on the contrary, it contains not a single reference to recent events, and bears all the marks of careful preparation. The writer is indebted to Humboldt, Prescott and Calderon, but has made a good use of his materials. Nowhere, we suppose, will be found a more trustworthy and entertaining account of a country which is likely to draw much European attention during the next five years.

The Acts of the Apostles. An Exposte tion for English Readers, on the basis of Professor Hackett's Com mentary on the original Text. B S. G. GREEN, B.A., President d Rawdon College. Heaton & Son London.

These two volumes form a portion of the "Bunyan Library," of which we regret nothing except the name. which is the "mark" of that deneminational "beast" worshipped and served by Mr. Heaton and other Baptist publishers. Mr. Heaton has done excellent service, however, in enlisting Mr. Green's pen in the composition of this valuable and intellig ble commentary. There are few books better worth buying than expositiers

Scripture which are sufficiently tical to ensure the enjoyment of the ults of the best scholarship, yet ficiently popular to permit of easy by those who are not scholars. e present production answers this nand; and it is to be wished that re were a similar commentary on ry book in the Bible. All persons o devote their leisure to village aching, and all teachers of adiced classes in Sunday-schools, as ll as all private intelligent students Scripture, will find these cheap umes invaluable.

e Bible and Modern Thought.-The Exodus of Israel. By Rev. T. R. BIRKS, Rector of Kelshal. Religious Tract Society.

Mr. Birks is not at all as well known he deserves to be among his conmporaries, and especially among the onconformists. At one time concted by education and office with ill Hill Grammar School, he afterirds went to Cambridge, where he came Senior Wrangler, and finally ttled down as a beneficed clergyman the Evangelical order. He has in rmer years specially devoted himself prophetic study, bringing to bear on that department of Biblical inestigation all the exactness acquir

in his distinguished career at rinity College. His book on the lements of Prophetic Interpretation ublished twenty years ago, by 'ainter, in the Strand) is little nown; but is, in our opinion, a riumphant defence of the old princides of Protestant interpretation, and superabundant demolition of all hought that resembles the recent oose theorising of Dr. Davidson on he prophetic books of Scripture. His next works were treatises on the First two and the two later visions of Daniel; valuable as expositions of one class of opinions on prophecy, but not comparable in worth with that earlier work to which we have directed attention. Mr. Birks has written for the Religious Tract Society the two handsome volumes mentioned at the head of this notice. They derive their

value from the circumstance of the author's special renown at Cambridge in all that relates to the science of number, and from the fulness of his information in the department of theology and Biblical criticism. Few of Bishop Colenso's adversaries have been the equals of Mr. Birks in general accomplishment or fitness for the task of reply. It is no part of our business to pronounce sentence, particularly in a brief notice, on such works as these. It may perhaps be permitted, however, to intimate that the force of argument against the Bishop would lose nothing by a little closer imitation of his serene spirit in discourse. Mr. Birks's volumes form two of the most important contributions to the orthodox side of the argument, and will, no doubt, be regarded as final by the subscribers to the Religious Tract Society. They travel over an immense field, and everywhere give you the impression of sincerity, ability, and determination "to banish and drive away all heresy "-if needs be, with a cat-o'-nine-tails. They deserve, and will no doubt obtain, a place in every vestry library.

History of Christian Names. By the Author of "The Heir of Redclyffe." 2 vols. Parker, Son, & Bourn. 1863.

This work is a wonderful monument of feminine industry and skill. It reminds you of the Bayeux tapestry of Queen Matilda, or of those astonishing pieces of needlework which were fashioned in the pontificate of Leo X. from the first cartoons of Raffaelle. This lady is not, properly speaking, a scholar in point of training, yet has managed so to use the labours of scholars as to have compiled a book which has passed with considerable honour through the ordeal of etymological criticism. It stands in a position of unapproached excellence, as embodying the results of modern learning on the origin of Christian names, and will form a handsome addition to "every gentleman's library." It is also a very interesting book, as might have been anticipated

when it is considered that it is an accomplished novelist who has set herself the task of unravelling the personal nomenclature of Christendom. There are little bits of shining writing scattered about, almost on every page, like diamonds in gravel; and this circumstance will secure for the work some slight attention even from the superficial members of" reading societies." All the interest of the world's history, gathers around the names of its inhabitants.

The Creed of Christendom: its Foundation and Superstructure. By W. R. GREG. Second edition. Trübner, London. 1863.

Mr. Greg's work is well known as a cleverly-written, one-sided, and occasionally perverse attack on the supernatural character of the Bible. There are three short treatises, which we should like to see bound together as a Trilogy of defences in reply to all works written by authors of the human order Glires, or nibblers, such as Mr. Greg. We mean these:-1st, Bushnell's chapter On the Character of Christ; 2nd, Mr. P. Bayne's recent treatise On the Testimony of Christ to Christianity; and 3rd, Mr. Goldwin Smith's Third Lecture on the Study of *History, in which he discusses the question whether the world can outgrow the moral sovereignty of Jesus Christ? All who will thoroughly study and absorb these three short compositions, will be armed tolerably well against the attacks of M. Renan, Mr. Greg, and their fellow-soldiers, come from whatever quarter of the enemy's country they may.

Sermons, &c., preached at Union Chapel, King's Lynn. By the Rev. G. H.HULL, B.A. London: Printed for private circulation by Yates & Alexander, Horseshoe-court, Ludgate hill.

This book is a modest memorial of a four years' ministry. At the end of the four years the minister died, and, in compliance with the urgent request of many who had attended his

ministry, 'his brother prints here a few sermons and sketches of sermons. This compliance, contrary to the rule in such matters, was wisely judged. It is true that, if Mr. Hull had lived, probably not one of these sermons would have seen the light. He would have said, as his manner was when urged to publish-"I shall do better by-and-bye." And this, too, would have been wisely judged. Mr. Hull could not himself have given forth these sermons and sketches without ex posing himself to the charge of unwis precipitance; but his brother could not have declined to give them forth without exposing himself to the charge of unwise reserve. Only two or thre of the sermons pretend to anything like completeness of form, and not on of them perhaps is complete as a piece of thinking. Sometimes the thinking suddenly ends as if the thinker found himself at once, and unexpectedly, in the dark; there is occasional vagues; and there is sometimes, though rarely as elevation of style without a correspond ing elevation of thought. But there the sermons are such as few could com is thinking always; and the faults mit-only such as are inseparable from the thinking and utterances of a mind immature. Had Mr. Hull lived, be thoughtful, earnest, and original, but would probably have been the Robert son (Brighton) of the Dissenting pulpit. There is, indeed, soc thing of Robertson's mannerism these sermons, but this is the resulta mental likeness and spiritual sympathy rather than of slavish copying. There

is

the keen rapid action of t mind, the full spiritual insight, the power of fresh poetical illustration and the nervous handling of languag”, which are the charm of Robertson's dis courses; and there is the entire absen of the occasional bitterness, the can catures of Calvinism, and the diluted gospel by which they are marred. the Dissenting pulpit were to set #7 the standard which Mr. Hull had s up for himself, and find men capable reaching it, it would become a greater power in the land than it has ever ye been.

Destiny of the Human Race. mpkin, Marshall, & Co. 1863.

he author who has invested labour capital in the production of these handsome volumes must possess a what singular opinion on the ure of interest felt by respectable le in England on the "destiny of human race." With whom can ave associated to believe that even hundred readers can be found for ies of chapters on the future desof mankind—and specially of the hen nations? So far as our own rience goes in this matter-and s been tolerably extensive-there arcely one man or woman in a sand who cares a jot what is true ecting the futurity of the human , taken as a whole. The public inst is devoted day by day to far e important questions than the ussion of what the Scripture hes on the final results of human The details of business, the ions of dress, the various schemes musement, the hopeful battles of esiastics, the tangled skein of po-all these topics are of more unt than the question whether the ptures really teach that, in conseice of the sin of one person thouis of years ago, all his descendants born with moral tendencies which , unless they have the good fortune ie in childhood, ensure their going nisery without any end, if unsaved; a if they have been born and ught up in the thick darkness of thenism. What matter if such an nion be false? What matter if it sent the character of God under a lly perverted aspect to all the be? What matter if some few ceptical" minds are dissatisfied with = evidence? Life is too short to be Foted to such difficult inquiries. r fathers held this belief, and it is od enough for us. Besides, "the tiny of the human race is no affair ours. It is in the hand of God, d the Judge of all the earth will right." Thus, between obstinate rldliness, Sadducean indifference,

a grovelling credulity, the gene

rality are willing to leave theology to men who have their living by theology, by things established, and to continue sending forth to India and China statements under the name of Christianity which, at least, are denounced as uncritical, heretical, and false by many of the ablest expositors of the Gospel at home.

The author of these volumes seems to be willing to make one more effort to arouse the public from this torpor, and to effect some modification of the established creed. We say creed, for it is not an active belief. The English people believe nothing in real earnest respecting the world and its destiny. One has only to look in at an average missionary meeting to see thus much clearly and decisively. There is an unreal tone in all the references to heathen "danger." What the causes of this may be we will not here discuss. It is of more importance to maintain that the Scripture does distinctly declare the whole world of sinners to be in imminent danger of some sort, from which they are to be delivered by the grace of God revealing itself in many forms, of which the highest and chief is Christianity. All forms of mercy reach the world for Christ's sake, but all do not reach it in the form of Christianity. There are some types of European theology which we cannot wish the Asiatic nations to exchange for their own religions, so fearfully corrupt and unscriptural are some of the Western heathenisms which strive to propagate themselves in the East. We believe the present volumes, which are written by Mr. Henry Dunn, to be a step in the right direction. On many of the details of his interpretations we should disagree, with earnest protestations against their critical sufficiency; but no one can read the volumes without seeing that what is termed Eschatology is of all others the department of theology which requires a thorough sifting in England. When such books as Professor Hudson's most learned and able treatise on "Debt and Grace" (in which, with American carefulness, the author examines the recent minute efforts of the English

evangelical school in this direction) are not even generally named on this side of the Atlantic, we may fairly say that there is room for improved knowledge of the subject among our fellow-countrymen.

Hope against Hope. A Narrative of the Conversion of Preedy the Murderer. By the Rev. Mr. MOULE, Rector of Fordington, Wilts. Nisbet. 1863.

Mr. Moule is a clergyman of the best stamp, and a writer who cannot fail to concilitate deep regard from all who read this touching narrative. It is a deliberate defence of the opinion that one of the most wicked men may be saved, and give satisfactory evidence of salvation at the eleventh hour, aud an application of this opinion to the case of Preedy the murderer. With the narrative of the "dying thief" in the fore-front of the Gospel history, it is impossible to doubt the general truth of the opinion that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ suffices to save bad men even at the last-especially bad men of the animal and criminal class; and certainly we have never read of any modern example in which it appeared more likely that the professed faith and repentance were perfectly sincere.

The story derives interest from the uncommonly forcible character of the convict, and still more from the apostolic perseverance and wisdom of the wretched man's spiritual adviser. Some passages, especially the pages detailing the scene in the condemned cell on the day preceding the execution, and on the fatal morning itself, are full of a lofty and divine pathos which must reach all hearts, and moisten the hardest eyes. It is a story which may be read with advantage by all ranks, and by none with more benefit than by those who are farthest removed from the criminal class. remarkable is the heart-searching

So

wisdom with which the truth on deathrepentance is told, that no one can possibly be tempted by this narrative, to try the dangerous experiment for themselves. We commend this publication to Christian families and schools with equal confidence and pleasure. Mr. Moule's intelligent interest in several secular subjects proved by his other publications gives additional reason for listening to him when he speaks of the spiritual life. The special moral of the tale is the danger of angry temper in person of strong mental and physical consti tution.

Slave Life in Virginia and Kentucky or, Fifty Years of Slavery, recounted by an Escaped Slave. With a Preface by the Rev. C. LEE, of Holy Trinity Church, Kentish Town. Wertheim & Macintosh. Londo 1863.

We have every reason to believe that this is a true story. It is not suitable for promiscuous reading, but will repay attention as another reve lation of Southern manners and cus toms.

A Formulary of Derotion, for the use of Schools; composed chiefly the language of Scripture. By Res. J. T. DOBNEY. Relfe Brothers Aldersgate-street.

The idea on which this little prayer book is framed is good, and much the execution is suitable to the excellent conception. We find fact however, with the excess of Latinis words and constructions. Boys on to be taught to speak Saxon in prayer In another edition the excision of such blemishes, and the shortening of the boys' rather long-winded respos would, in our judgment, great crease the value of this Formulary Common Prayer.

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