day it was that our Lord Jesus Christ completed his resurrection from the dead." Dionysius of Corinth, 170, says, “Today we celebrate the Lord's day." Tertullian, 192, says, "The Lord's day is the holy day of the Christian church." This is enough. We do not wish to come down to a later period. From these quotations, it appears evident that the Christians in the first and second centuries did invariably observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath. If we, who observe the first day, are wrong, we err in good company. If we are wrong, we have been led into error by the holy apostles and martyrs by the united testimony of all the best men that ever lived in the Christian church. That we keep the day that meets the approbation of the great Head of the church, may be inferred from the fact that he causes his blessing to rest upon those who most religiously keep it.

These hints are thrown out to induce some of your more learned correspondents to take up the subject, and give it a more thorough examination.

ARTICLE IX.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

1.-Life of Godfrey William Von Leibnitz. On the basis of the German work of Dr. G. E. Guhrauer. By JOHN M. MACKIE. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 1845. pp. 288, 12mo.

THE Lives of eminent men are matters of general interest, and when faithfully recorded, become monuments of the providence of God. Mr. Mackie has done the English public good service, by presenting them with so good a memoir of so celebrated a man. Leibnitz is one of the stars in the galaxy of scientific men, which illumined the close of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries. He was evidently a man of original research and of superior attainments in science. He is probably entitled to wear the palm as the discoverer of the differential calculus, although England claims the honor for her own immortal Newton. If the fluxional calculus be considered essentially the same as the differential, then probably Newton is to

be regarded as the first who sought it out. Yet, so almost simultaneously did these two great men arrive at the same results, that the nations which, respectively, gave them birth, may well be content to divide the honor.

Leibnitz early became a man whose society was sought by the great ones of the earth, and whose opinions on scientific, and even on theological questions, were regarded with interest. Yet he was not without his hobbies: e. g. his universal language of philosophy, and his plans for the union of the Roman and Protestant churches. The former he never developed; the latter he failed to accomplish. Then he exerted his powers to effect a union of all the Protestant churches in opposition to Rome, but with no better success. This object is becoming one of importance now again, and movements of a similar kind are made on the Continent of Europe. And we think there must be some sort of expressed unity among the different evangelical denominations of Protestants in order to meet the unity of Romanism, and be prepared for the mighty conflict with organized error which is fast approaching. We cannot say much for the piety of Leibnitz, and must close our notice with our thanks to Mr. Newman of this city, for the neat volume which has furnished the occasion for these remarks.

2.-A Manual of Ancient and Modern History; comprising, I. Ancient History; II. Modern History. By W. C. TAYLOR, LL. D., M. R. A. S., of Trinity College, Dublin. Revised, with a Chapter on the History of the United States. By C. S. HENRY, D. D. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. Phil.: Geo. S. Appleton. 1845. pp. 797, 8vo.

A good Manual of History, sufficiently comprehensive, has been, for some time, a desideratum. The volume before us, although not perfect, is in advance of Tytler and the other Compends, which have been so long in use. We think it is quite minute enough, candid on the whole, historical in the style, and well adapted to use as a textbook in colleges and in our more advanced schools.

In this edition, revised by Prof. Henry, the remarks on Calvin and the ecclesiastical government of Geneva, in connection with Servetus, ought to have been qualified and made more conformable to truth. Any representation of that portion of the history of the Reformation, which attributes the death of Servetus directly to Calvin, or to the government on account of his obnoxious views on the doctrine of the Trinity, does injustice to both, and ought to be erased from every history which pretends to any character, and especially from Manuals intended for the hands of the young.

Notwithstanding this passing criticism. we consider it the best text-book of general history yet accessible to us, and cheerfully commend it to the attention of instructors in our academies and colleges.

3.-The Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold, D. D., Regius Professor of Modern History in the University of Oxford. By ARTHUR PENRHYN STANLEY, M. A., Fellow and Tutor of University College, Oxford. First American from the third English edition. The two volumes complete in one. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Phil.: Geo. S. Appleton. 1845. pp. 516, 12mo. The publishers have here compressed a very large amount of matter into one volume, enabling them to sell the work at $150. And the matter is worthy the reading of every intelligent person. Dr. Arnold was a very remarkable man, far above the ordinary class of men. For many years the head of Rugby School, he acquired there a character and an influence not often gained by those in the same line of life. As Professor of History at Oxford, he was rising rapidly to the pinnacle of fame: and although permitted, in the providence of God, to occupy the station but a little while, it was long enough to show the world that he was no common man, and that, had he lived, he would soon have ranked among the first historians of the age.

His free and evangelical spirit could not brook the fooleries of Newmania: and, in consequence of his opposition to the Tractarian views, he suffered not a little persecution from those who would have honored both their intellects and their hearts by a sympathy with his views and sentiments.

Mr. Stanley, his particular friend, has developed his inner life by occupying most of the volume with the correspondence of Dr. Arnold. In this he was wise: for we wish to hear such a man utter, at large, his own opinions and feelings, in his own way. The volume contains 301 of his letters.

He was an Episcopalian, and in so far, we are not one with him; but his Episcopacy was such, and professed in connection with such a life, that we can readily forgive him this one error, for the sake of all the good there was about him.

4.-Rural Economy, in its Relations with Chemistry, Physics and Meteorology; or Chemistry applied to Agriculture. By J. B. BOUSSINGAULT, Member of the Institute of France, etc., etc. Translated, with an Introduction and Notes, by George Law, Agriculturist. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. Phil.: Geo. S. Appleton. 1845. pp. 507, 12 mo.

Rural Economy is an important branch of knowledge: and few things are more interesting than the pursuit of scientific agriculture. Great advances have been made in it within a few years, and the day is probably not far distant, when very many educated men will resort to farming and horticulture, both as a means of subsistence and of enjoyment. The professions, except the ministry, will soon be overstocked, and men, with an education qualifying them for entering the legal or medical corps, will find little to hope for but starvation if they

do; and, consequently, will be induced, in many cases, to try their skill at the plough, the harrow, the hoe, and the spade.

How much land is now wasted and impoverished, because its owners presume themselves to be above all instruction in the art of cultivating the soil, and plod on, as their fathers did, in trying to make a fortune on a farm of three or four hundred acres, when one fourth of the amount, scientifically cultivated, would yield a richer reward, and make room for many pleasant neighbors.

Having said our say on this point, it is time to say a word or two of the book. We think, then, we do not err in saying, that the intelligent author, himself also a practical farmer, has comprised, in this volume, an amount of valuable matter on agriculture scarcely to be found elsewhere within the same compass. He treats of the physical and chemical phenomena of vegetation; of the composition and principles of vegetables; of fermentation; of soils; of manures, organic and mineral; of rotations; of live-stock; of meteorology and climate; of the relations between organized beings and the atmosphere. 5.-Recent Improvements in Arts, Manufactures and Mines: being a Supplement to his Dictionary. By ANDREW URE, M. D. Illustrated by 190 Engravings. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. Phil.: Geo. S. Appleton. 1845. pp. 304, 8vo.

We have already favorably noticed Mr. Ure's Dictionary, and cheerfully add our testimony to the value of this Supplement. There will be found here much additional information on interesting topics, such as Artesian Wells, Bread, Bakeries, Brick-making, Caoutchouc, Gas-Light, Guano, etc.

6.-History of France, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time. By M. MICHELET, Professeur-Suppléant à la Faculté, des Letters, Prof. á l'école normale, chef de la section historique aux archives du royaume. Vol. 1. Translated by G. H. Smith, F. G. S. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. Phil.: Geo. S. Apple

This will, undoubtedly, prove to be a valuable history of France: and we, therefore, welcome it to an English dress, although we think it could be better translated. M. Michelet, the author, from the station he holds, is in possession of every facility for the preparation of such a work: and his high reputation authorizes us to presume that he has written a candid and superior history. He is a man of uncommon genius, of extensive scholarship, of deep research, of plodding application, of vivid imagination, yet of philosophic and severe judgment.

Among the illustrious French historians of the present day, Michelet holds a very high, if not the first place. His style is suffi

ciently philosophical, yet so dramatic as to give living interest to his pages, and lead you on, often, through a series of graphic pictures.

The present issue by D. Appleton & Co. cannot but be acceptable to the reading public, and, by the mode of its publication in numbers, will fall within the means of many, who otherwise must be deprived of the pleasure and profit of its perusal.

7.-A History of Greece. By the Right Rev. CONNOP THIRLWALL, Lord Bishop of St. David's. In two volumes. New-York: Harper & Brothers. 1845. pp. 1130.

The publishers have here offered to the public a large amount of valuable history in two 8vo vols. Bishop Thirlwall seems to have consulted the sources extensively, judging from the frequent references, although this is not always evidence of the fact: for probably nine out of ten of the histories palmed on the credulity of the public, although they make a large display of learning in quotations and references to authorities, are, at least in the last respect, mere copies of some equally unqualified predecessor. The line of succession here is much more easily proven, than that of the apostolic-Episcopal.

We have no intention, however, to apply these remarks to the case in hand, not doubting that the venerable bishop has personally consulted and verified his authorities. At all events, we take pleasure in commending the work as one relying on the best authorities, and presenting the results of recent investigations into the antiquities and history of Greece. Whilst there are other good histories on particular subjects, this, as a general history of Greece, is perhaps superior to any other in the English language.

8.-History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic. By WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT. In three volumes. Tenth edition. New-York: Harper & Brothers. 1845.

Mr. Prescott has established his reputation as an historian: and in honoring himself by his pen has honored also his country. It can never now be said, "Who reads an American book?" Nor, What American has written a standard work, worthy to go down to posterity? Whilst the English language shall be read, we venture to say, Prescott's Histories will be read. They should adorn the historic shelf of every reading man's library. The publishers, also, have taken pains to execute their part in a style corresponding with the richness and value of the work. We love to see a book like this, in clear, large type and broad margin. Yet, as books must be cheap now-a-days, but few can be printed in this luxurious style.

The work has been so long before the public, in its earlier editions, that nothing more is necessary than this brief notice, to remind those not yet supplied, that a fresh edition is ready.