print and publish such trash as this! Where can this writer have been living, that he should be so entirely in the dark as to the commonest usages of mankind? Matthew of Westminster tells us, that in A.D. 1297, the king, being involved in two wars and finding it necessary to lay heavy burdens on the people, summoned the people of London to meet him at Westminster Hall, when he addressed them and explained his position. Bishop Colenso might take out his pencil, demonstrate that 50,000 or 100,000 people could not stand in, or in front of Westminster Hall, and that the king's voice could not reach them, and so prove to his own satisfaction-that the story was 'inconceivable,' and that Matthew's Chronicle was 'unhistorical,' i.e. untrue! But all common-place people could tell the bishop that such things occur in common life every year; that 20,000 men are frequently summoned to meet in Guildhall which could not admit one quarter of them. To urge objections of this kind against the Pentateuch is the very wantonness of scepticism."-p. 25. As to the Bishop's objections to the march out of Egypt, it is remarked"The movements of so large a body of people seem incredible to him. We may remind him, that Herodotus records the march and passage across the Hellespont of the army of Xerxes, numbering 1,700,000 foot, and 80,000 horse. Bishop Thirlwall remarks-There seems no sufficient ground for supposing that these estimates are greatly exaggerated.' Would Dr. Colenso conclude, because of the number of Xerxes's army, that Herodotus has palmed fiction upon us in the place of history?"-p. 26. The writer's design is admirably carried out, and it would afford us pleasure to present to our readers numerous specimens of the manner in which the very important subjects referred to are treated. But this the space at our disposal will not permit, and as the argument is much condensed, it becomes very difficult to select where all is so interesting and valuable. We have probably done enough to induce many of our readers to read this pamphlet with care; and we would commend to them the concluding portion, on the "Practical bearings of the Subject," as being especially valuable. We would also recall to their attention the article in our last Number on the "Historic character of the Books of Moses," as well adapted to remove any difficulties which may have been raised in their minds by the extraordinary statements of Dr. Colenso. Antediluvians and DAILY BIBLE ILLUSTRATIONS. By John Kitto, D.D. THIS is the first volume of a re-issue of this useful work. It will be completed in eight monthly volumes, Six Shillings each. Four of the volumes are designed for morning readings, and four for the evenings. In this way, the whole Scripture is gone through in the course of the year; and any individual or family steadily pursuing this course of reading, would find themselves possessed gradually of a store of information on all Biblical subjects that would assist them wonderfully in reading the Bible themselves, and in the hearing it expounded from the pulpit. The work is already well-known and highly esteemed, and we hail with pleasure this attempt to increase its circulation. MORNING. A Book for Mothers and Children. Oliphant & Co. pp. 108. Edinburgh: William THIS is an elegantly printed little volume, in which an American mother gives some account of the earliest years of her two little girls. The inci dents related were, no doubt, dear to a mother's heart, but we doubt their exciting much emotion in strangers. So much is made of trifling incidents as to prevent our feeling the interest the author evidently anticipates. It does not appear adapted for children, but it may afford useful hints to mothers in training their very young children. WAS HE A HERO? or, Roger Milbrook's Battle in Life. London: We took this book with us on a journey, and, when we began to read it, were glad to find we were alone in the carriage, or we should, probably, have had to give some explanation as to what was exerting such an influence on our feelings. We mentally determined that, when we got home, we would take up a number of pamphlets on Bishop Colenso, that awaited our perusal, in order that we might sober down over his arithmetical calculations. If any of our readers wish to forget themselves for a season, let them get a copy of this book, and when they have read it they can present it to any young friend. We think neither will be inclined to leave the volume until they have finished it. We may add that it is not only deeply interesting but highly instructive. SCIENCE ELUCIDATIVE OF SCRIPTURE, and not Antagonistic to it. By THE object of this work is to discuss the objections which science has been alleged to oppose especially to the doctrines revealed in the Mosaic account of the creation. It has been written under the impression that in the "Essays and Reviews," which excited much attention some time since, both science and Scripture have been equally misrepresented. Mr. Young appears to adopt the Mosaic narrative in its most literal sense, and his object is to shew that science does not reveal anything in opposition to it. The geological discussions introduced exhibit views very different from those generally considered the correct ones, and which, it is supposed, will remove all the scientific difficulties. Our readers who take an interest in such subjects, will read this volume with pleasure. We were much pleased with the author's view of miracles. He says, "Those who deny the possibility of a miracle, do so on the assumption that nothing ever did happen, or ever can happen, in the material world, except in obedience to the laws of matter;" whereas, he shews that experience is daily proving that mind is perpetually coercing matter, and if the human will can thus mould matter to its purpose, surely there can be no difficulty in believing that the Divine mind can do so also. The only question with regard to an alleged miracle is its credibility, which must be determined, as every other event, by the evidence adduced in support of it. This volume will be acceptable to our thoughtful and scientific readers. It is not one that can be hastily run over,-its propositions require to be mastered and made the matter of careful study. We have no fear of science being found antagonistic to Scripture when rightly examined. THE WANDERING SHEEP. An Allegory. Translated by the Author of "Think Kindly," "Little Kindnesses," &c. London: Wertheim, Macintosh, and Hunt. pp. 23. A pretty allegory; nicely worked out, and suitably applied. THY KINGDOM COME. An Address to the Young. By E. D. Wood. London: C. Bevan. pp. 15. THIS address is published by request, and for the benefit of an Orphan Asylum. We shall be glad if our notice of it tends to assist the object contemplated. The sentiments contained in it are excellent, and the mode of stating them simple and interesting. WHOSE CHILD ARE YOU? A New Year's Question for the Young. By Rer. R. Robinson. STOP AND THINK or Words of Counsel for the New Year. By the Author of "Why do I live!" HAILING A WHERRY. By Rev. J. B. Owen. TRUTHFULNESS or Wise Counsels to Parents. By Mrs. Hugh Kennedy. London: Book Society. THESE four penny books, containing 32 pages each, and very nicely got up, are additional proofs how much energy the Book Society is shewing in providing a supply of useful and interesting literature. The names of the authors afford a sufficient guarantee for the adaptation of these little works to the purposes designed. THE BOYS' PACKET. THE GIRLS' PACKET. THE INFANTS' PACKET. London: Book Society. Price 6d. each. Each of these packets contains 16 little books of 8 pages. The picture and coloured cover will recommend the truths designed to be taught to the attention of the young folks for whom these books are provided. Westminster. PP 30. WORKERS AND THEIR WORK: or Counsels and Stimulants to Spiritual Labourers. pp. 34. JESUS CALLS THEE. By Rev. Samuel Martin, of LUCY PAGE, the Young Lady's Maid. pp. 34. DANIEL IN BABYLON. By Rev. J. P. Chown, Bradford. pp. 40. London: Book Society. FOUR two-penny books published by the Book Society, the titles of which sufficiently describe their objects. The names of the authors of two will sufficiently recommend them; and we can cheerfully commend the two anonymous ones as well suited for the purposes intended. JUVENILE CRIME; an Essay. By John Horsley, Darlington. Adams & Co. pp. 24. price 2d. London: THIS is an excellent essay, on a subject which in these times demands the increased attention of all well-wishers to the human family; it especially seeks to interest and draw out the sympathies of Sunday school teachers to that destitute class of children who are without the means of obtaining such knowledge as will enable them rightly to perform the religious and social duties of life, and who are in many instances, preparing for the prison or the penitentiary. The means it suggests for the removal of the causes of juvenile delinquency, and for the moral elevation and religious training of the Arabs of our towns and cities, are those best calculated to accomplish the philanthropic object of the writer. "Every year," the essayist truly says, "thousands of poor victims go down to a premature grave, uncared for and unwept, and in the dying agony of their sorrow, with loud sepulchral groans they cry-'no man careth for my soul.'"-p. 23. If this social question is not promptly and effectually dealt with, it is not improbable but that ere very many years elapse, it may lead to an entire disruption of society. DON'T SAY SO; or, You May be Mistaken. A Story for Hard Times and all Times. By the Author of "Buy an Orange, Sir?" pp. 126. ALLEN WHITE. The Country Lad in Town. pp. 119. SUNNY SCENES ; or, Recollections of Continental Rambles among Men and Mountains. pp. 123. London: Book Society. THREE prettily got up Shilling volumes. The pictorial illustrations in the last of the three are very interesting, as depicting the scenes visited and described. The object of the first is to illustrate the mistakes and evils into which a habit of hasty judgment of the conduct of others may lead us. The second work on our list is the tale of a boy whose widowed mother refused the offer of a situation for him as pot-boy at the "Horse and Wagon," in the Haymarket. This came to the ears of William Peace, a kind teetotaller, of the Society of Friends, who procured him a situation as errand-boy in the house of Saxony, Bradford & Co., of Gutter Lane. Here he is noticed by Mr. Anderson, a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, who excites him to cultivate his mind, introduces him to a Sunday school, and is the means of preserving him from the dangers to which he was exposed. He becomes a decided Christian-advances in his position in the house-is made instrumental in the conversion of his employer becomes a partner-and, on the day of his marriage to Miss Saxony, his old patron, William Peace, who was present, said to his mother with a quiet laugh, “ It is clear to me, Elizabeth White, that thy son was not fit for a pot-boy at the Horse and Wagon,' in the Haymarket." The last work is a sketch of a voyage up the Rhine and through Switzerland. It is written by a Minister, and bears the signature "R. R.," so that its authorship will not be any mystery to our metropolitan readers, who will have no doubt as to its lively style. Correspondence. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREATS. PERMIT me just to express my cordial agreement with F. C. S. in his condemnation of E. Y.'s remarks upon Sunday School Treats. As a teacher, loving his work, and having great affection for his scholars, thinking it nobler to be the instrument of leading even one of them to Jesus, than to be the discoverer of worlds, I am certain that whatever tends to increase the children's trust in me, and to make them fonder of my company, is addition to my power of influencing them for good. an At our Annual Treats, were I to pull a long and doleful face, and preach to my boys upon the vanity of worldly things, it is scarcely likely they would feel a very strong attraction to me, believe in my great interest in them, or think that my teachings respecting the happiness of true piety were sincere. I hold that these treats are not only productive of physical benefit to the children, but that in the way I have indicated, they may, by an earnest and wise teacher, be made powerful auxiliaries to the real work of the Sunday school,-leading young souls to Christ. They afford an opportunity for the display of the cheerfulness-aye, the joyousness-of true religion; and thus in them, in a manner almost impossible in the class, a lesson, unspoken, but none the less real, may be given to the children, the influence of which can scarcely be over-estimated. Every step a child takes towards loving his teacher-if that teacher be filled with the Spirit of Christ, and have no aim in life but to lead young hearts to Him-every such step, in reverence I speak it, may be a real step towards God and heaven. Never, then, let our school feasts and trips be banished from our means of usefulness; but let us all strive to use them as opportunities for winning the hearts of our scholars, and for setting before them bright examples of christian cheerfulness and love. I do no such thing; while using every opportunity for urging the claims of the Saviour upon the personal attention of each one-while striving to the utmost that it shall not be said of me that I have neglected to warn them to "flee from the wrath to come," I take a deep I may add that another plan which interest in the little joys and sorrows of I have found productive of much good, them all, am happy when they are, try is to have my boys visit me at home by to help them in their perplexities, and to twos or threes on week-night evenings, increase their pleasures so far as I am when I shew them books, natural able. So, in our Annual Treats, I join curiosities, and, what they are most with them in their sports-and they are fond of, microscopic objects. These indeed well pleased to have me-and meetings-happy to myself and themmake myself in all things a child afford many opportunities for private amongst the children, if haply I may enforcement of the Sabbath lessons; and we do not part until I offer a simple but earnest prayer that we may all be taught to love each other, and to love the Saviour who gave Himself for us. win some. Children, as well as kittens, were made to play, and a genuine child-piety -not that which is copied from the deportment of older persons-will not repress this tendency, but sanctify it, so that in amusements as well as duties, in sports as well as worship, the Christlike character will be displayed. Wishing with all my heart that E. Y. may speedily experience more of the joy and liberty with which Christ-our eternal all in all—can make us free, W. W. |