volved in the credit of success or failure, as are their senior coadjutors, or official administrators. To identify mechanics in their manhood with our religious sympathies and operations, it is expedient we should enlist them in their youth, and train them in their ripening years. The Bible, the Adult, and the Mutual Improvement Class-rooms, require the wisdom of our maturest Christians, the liberality and discretion of our most enlightened economists, and the best-ordered freedom of a generous and good government. On this subject, however, we do not enlarge. It is a department which has been committed to other hands, and will yet more intensely occupy the minds of thoughtful and judicious men.

If the wealth of a country be its industrious people, and an educated and moral peasantry be the honour of a nation, then, surely, the strength of a church will be its prayerful industry, combination, and mutual confidence, as secured by the intelligent, spiritually-minded, and contented working classes. But it is a duty we owe to them, and its performance will be the means of awakening and rousing their sympathies, to assure them that the church-that church which Christ hath purchased with his own blood-while it does not tax them, or exact their contributions by pains and penalties, still looks to them confidently, depends on their voluntary agency, and has hope in their fidelity and efficient discharge of obligations that in their living and reasonable sacrifices will be found the proper development of their resources, and the beneficial performance of her mission to an ungodly and perishing world. Our topic is replete with interest, and deserves the renewed and earnest attention of all the friends of Zion, and the advocates of liberty. It is not alone the welfare of the classes who have been the subject of cur consideration, but the healthful influence their presence and co-operation in the church may have upon other and higher orders in the State, which we contemplate. The champions of commercial freedom had no hope of success till they saw the fustian jackets crowding their

halls, and enrolling among their fortyshilling freeholders. The advocates of spiritual enfranchisement, who desire a free gospel to run and be glorified, know that then they may anticipate a joyful issue, when the ships of Tarshish carry the wares of that Jerusalem, which is from above; when stumbling-blocks are taken out of the way; when no craftsman, of whatever craft he be, shall be left, or shall be found any more numbered among the antagonists of purity, truth, and righteousness. At present, it cannot be denied that the "merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, and cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men," is largely employed for anti-christian and unchristian purposes; and that the artificers and dealers in these wares find a readier market and reward where Satan's seat is, than in the company of saints. But let gospel principles prevail, and the truth, and love of the faith, as it is in Jesus, possess the church, and a glorious change will be wrought-for brass He, whose right it is, will bring gold, and for iron he will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron. He will also make the officers of his people peace, and their exactors righteousness: "The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence; and precious shall their blood be in his sight."

Congregational Independency, in Contradistinction to Episcopacy aud Presbyterianism, the Church Polity of the New Testament. By RALPH WARDLAW, D.D. Royal 18mo, pp. 379. Maclehose.

THE name which this volume bears alone will suffice to command the attention of the public to its merits. It was long promised, and, by the Independent churches of Scotland, anxiously expected: but year followed year without its appearance, till fears began to be entertained whether it would ever be forthcoming. But, at length, in a manner not looked for, and by none desired, it pleased the Great Master to furnish the needful leisure for the completion of the work, to which circumstance there is a beautiful and affect

ing reference in the Preface. The volume, as to size and form, price and character, is precisely what was wanted. It is chiefly didactic, and only so far polemic as to defend the positions of the writer, which, of course, required no small measure of controversy; but it has little of the controversial air, and none of the spirit which too frequently marks it. Dr. Wardlaw's mode of stating truth ofttimes, indeed, proves the most conclusive method of exposing and refuting error. After some thirty pages of most valuable preliminary matter, comprising many points bearing on the subject and clearing the way, he proceeds to consider the question of "The New Testament Church, and the New Testament Churches;" in which he sternly fulfils his preliminary promise, to keep to the BIBLE, AND THE BIBLE ALONE; and in this way he speedily and utterly demolishes all unauthorised uses of the word "church." This chapter may be entitled, "A Short and Easy Method of Disposing of the Claims of Presbytery, Episcopacy, and Wesleyan Methodism." Then follows the question of "The Materials of a Christian Church," which is discussed with the same conclusiveness as the previous subject. This chapter constitutes an appeal to the understanding and the heart, which we should think it difficult for the spiritual-minded, conscientious man to resist. The principles here unfolded and enforced, make sad havoc of much of the religion now extant in Europe, and in our own native land. Cobbett would have defined it, after the

fashion in which he addressed the Americans in 1795, "A Bone to Gnaw for Churchmen, and all who defend or practice Mixed Fellowship." As it respects political liberty, social harmony, just and true legislation, and matters thereunto appertaining, we consider Ecclesiastical Establishments to be gigantic, deadly evils; but to us, we confess, their most terrible aspect is their destruction of the Headship of Christ, and the junction which they form between the church and the world, light and darkness, life and death ! This chapter imparts a most exalted view of the Kingdom of Messiah, which we commend to such men as Messrs. Jordan, Noel, and Bickersteth. If Dr. Wardlaw has written only the truth, the position of those gentlemen and their brethren, is one which is not to be envied; and how they can reconcile their conscience to their course is a mystery which they alone can solve. After this comes a very copious and elaborate chapter on "The Offices of Christian Churches." This section of the work is necessarily pervaded by a strong vein of controversy, which, however, is conducted with admirable temper as well as consummate ability. It presents a finished specimen of scriptural argument, which, apart from its theme, may be studied with great advantage by young writers, whether lay or clerical. The next three chapters, which constitute a third of the volume, are devoted to the subject of " Church Government," and form a luminous digest of the whole question. All the objections to Independency are here fully and strongly stated, and, to our judgment, most completely refuted and set at rest by a chain of very close and striking argument on facts derived from the Sacred Scriptures. The volume concludes with a beautiful chapter on "The Union of Churches, and their Communication with each other." We commend this admirable disquisition to the careful perusal of those who entertain any scruple as to the Constitution and safety of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. The Scotch Independents understand this, and for some thirty years have had such experience of it, that they fear no more evil from the fellowship of churches than from a fellowship of Christians. The doctor here shows, that "the Congregational Union is one of fellowship and co-operation, not

of jurisdiction or authority"—the union which obtained amongst the first churches. Dr. Wardlaw contends, that so far as principle is concerned, the union of the churches with each other, and the union of individual Christians, are in the same category-they rest on the same principle.

Such is a very imperfect outline of a work by which the venerable writer has exceedingly added to the already incalculable obligations under which, by his numerous and diversified works, he has laid the Church of Christ, especially that portion, whether Baptist or Pædo-Baptist, which ranks under the banner of Nonconformity. As a Manual of the Constitution of the Kingdom which cannot be moved-a popular exposition and defence of Independent Church Polity, it is a work incomparably superior to anything of the kind, either British or American. Dr. Wardlaw's predecessors in this walk have done well; but he has excelled them all. It is proper to state, however, that this work is not to be confounded with such publications as "Church Fellowship," by Mr. James, which it is neither calculated nor intended to supersede. The object of the work is altogether different; and such works as that of Mr. James are to be viewed as companions, not rivals, to that of Dr. Wardlaw, which contains next to nothing of what may be termed the Ethics of fellowship, which is the primary object of the volume of the far-famed pastor of Carr's-lane. Dr. Wardlaw's is emphatically THE BOOK OF THE CONSTITUTION; and for that purpose it is abundantly sufficient. It only now remains for us to express a wish that a copy of it should be found in the family of every Independent and Baptist in the land; and still more, in that of every Methodist, every Presbyterian, and every Episcopalian.

A Dissertation on the Scriptural Authority, Nature, and Uses of Infant Baptism. By RALPH WARDLAW, D. D. Third Edition. With an Appendix; containing Strictures on the Views advocated by the Rev. Dr. Halley, in his Volume entitled, "The Sacraments," and John's

Baptism, and on the Scriptural Requisites to Christian Baptism. Royal 18mo, pp. 347. Maclehose. THIS work, with that of Dr. Halley, Messrs. Stovel, Wilson, and a number more, has been long lying upon our

table; but we have never, until now, been able to summon courage to set about even a brief notice of the work before us, which, in point of merit, as well as to the time of its arrival, we consider as having a primary claim. We were, we are still, troubled by the diversity of sentiment which obtains upon the subject of Baptism, between the best and the ablest men of the Independent Body; and the only thing that, in any measure, consoles us, is, the remembrance that a like diversity of opinion exists between men of the same stamp in the Baptist Community, both as to the covenant made with Abraham, and the object of its seal, and the baptism of John, and also as to the relation which baptism itself bears to church fellowship;-a Kinghorn saying it is indispensable to such fellowship, and a Hall denying that necessity, and supporting his denial with the utmost power of argument, and all the splendours of a matchless eloquence. Under such circumstances, a Journalist is confounded, overwhelmed, silenced; inasmuch as he is led to consider all attempts to arbitrate and decide manifestly idle and preposterous, and feels that it only remains for him to take his side quietly with those with whom he conceives there is a preponderance of argument, and the larger measure, on the whole, of the truth, and be still. Acting on this principle, then, we hesitate not, openly, boldly, to avow that we are, out and out, on every point, perfectly at one with Dr. Wardlaw, whose Dissertation we hold to be quite unanswerable on scriptural principles. We know of nothing, in our humble judgment, so clear, so cogent, so conclusive, so complete, so thoroughly scriptural. On the ground he occupies, we feel ourselves placed upon a rock: remove this ground from under our feet, and all is gone! We regret that the work of Dr. Wardlaw is not better known among us; for we think it would contribute much to diffuse a knowledge of right principles, and to produce unity of sentiment and consistency of practice, and so to draw a broader line than now generally exists between the church and the world. A oneness of sentiment obtains among the Scottish Independent Churches, of which ception. They rigorously adhere to the we, their southern brethren, have no con

views set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith, and in the Larger and Shorter Catechisms,-from which it was a woful day that beheld the first marked deviation. We have met with Ministers

whose consciences were uneasy under their present practice, but who feared the change; and, rather than incur the possible harm with respect to the conversion of adults, they chose to pursue a doubtful course with respect to baptism -of their children,-baptizing them promiscuously, that they might retain the parents; considering that in so doing, under the circumstances, they were pursuing the wiser path, keeping the consideration of an ordinance in a secondary place in its relation to conversion of souls. Now, from experience, we affirm such fears to be groundless. The principles so clearly, and, in our view, so scripturally laid down by Dr. Wardlaw, have, from the first, uniformly regulated our own pastoral practice in the Metropolis and nothing but good, great and varied, has resulted from it. The difficulties connected with the transition-the danger of driving parents from the gospel in the event of declining the baptism of their children-requires only prudence, gentleness, and firmness, to get fairly and safely over them. A pastor has only to announce a time, and a place, to receive applications from all those desiring baptism for their children, and, then and there, enter, individually, and alone, into frank and friendly conference on the nature and object of the ordinance, exhibiting to them the truth as contained in the Scriptures, and as set forth in the Westminster Symbols, and he will find that, in nineteen cases out of twenty, he will obtain a ready and sincere concurrence in the truth of the doctrine, and the priety of his course: and not only so, he will find, in many cases, parents whose hearts the truth has penetrated, who have received the atonement, and who require only light, nutriment, encouragement, and guidance, to ripen them into a state fit for fellowship. On this matter, and its happy results, did space permit, we have much to say; but having thus far spoken in vindication of our own pastoral consistency, we must now merge that function, and return to our Editorial position. Upon the whole, we would speak with the most profound respect of those from whom we have the misfortune, in this matter, to differ; and we would even speak of their views with all the diffidence that is compatible with the most settled conviction of the entire truth of our own. On a matter in which we find ourselves opposed to the opinions of such men as a Williams, an Urwick, and a Halley, an arrogant dogmatism would be most unbe

pro

fitting. At the same time, it is not without concern we reflect, that, when error finds its way among men of that order, it is but too probable that, aided by their talents, learning, eloquence, and high position in the church of God, it will, for a season, not only divide the empire of truth, but sometimes drive her from her throne, and usurp her entire dominion. We leave the following passage, from the pen of Dr. Wardlaw, in the opening of his reply to Dr. Halley, to make its own impression, confident that it will prompt many to read for themselves a dissertation ushered in with such elegance, such earnestness, such frankness and candour:

Towards the close of the second section of the dissertation, I have adverted to a certain amount of indefiniteness and prevailing laxity on the subject among my padobaptist brethren in the south. But, until of late, I had no idea of the degree, or of the extent, of this laxity,-both as to the requisites in adults to their own baptism, and in parents to the baptism of their children. It has been a cause of equal surprise and concern to me to find, from the publications of more than one of those brethren which have recently appeared, that in my first statement I have been so very wide of the truth. The lax views to which I now refer, have been propounded and argued at length in the "Congregational Lecture" for 1844, by my esteemed friend, Dr. Halley, of Manchester. To the sentiments and reasonings of that work, in as far as they bear upon the announced subjects of this Appendix, I shall, in endeavouring to vindicate and establish my own views, (which I have seen no sufficient reason to alter, or even to modify,) exclusively confine myself; leaving to the reader the application of such general principles as I may succeed in proving scriptural, to the reasonings of others. The work I have mentioned has many excellencies. Its historical and critical learning, its clearness and force, its manly independence, its ingenuous candour, its general acuteness and cogency of argumentation, and its thoroughly evangelical tone, rendered the perusal of it to myself a source of no ordinary gratification. To a very large proportion of the sentiments maintained and vindicated in the volume I append with pleasure my ex animo subscription; and from a man who writes as he does so faithfully, and so powerfully, on the great essential articles of saving truth-I am loath, even on any point, to differ. But on the topics to which this Appendix is devoted, I think him wrong. The views which he broaches and defends are characterised by a latitudinarian laxity, which, in my eyes, is as mischievous as it is unscriptural-the former, because the latter. I may be mistaken; and should I ever come to a conviction of mistake, I trust I shall have grace to own it, and to thank the friend by whom it has been rectified. And, on the other hand, should I succeed in carrying conviction to the mind of my friend, I am persuaded that the Christian candour and love of truth which he has evinced, will induce a similar grateful avowal of it. I thank him for the terms of friendly and Christian courtesy in which he expresses him

self, even while fixing his lance in the rest to have a tilt at me; and at once infer from them, that the tilt is not at me, but at what he conscientiously believes to be my misapprehensions of truth. Let him regard in the same light any little encounter I may now have with him in return.

One word more: is it not desirable to have a cheap and uniform EDITION OF WARDBad as LAW'S WORKS, EDITED BY HIMSELF? times are, ought not this to be undertaken? A Thousand Subscribers would cover the hazard, and could not these be procured?

Switzerland and the Swiss Churches; being Notes of a Short Tour, and Notices of the Principal Religious Bodies in that Country. By W. L. ALEXANDER, D D. Royal 18mo, pp. 334. Edinburgh: Maclehose.

THIS volume embodies a large amount of matter interesting to cultivated men of every class, but especially to Christians, and, above all, to Christians of the Congregational order. The geographical and historical merits which mark the first six chapters are great, and will be prized by those who are admirers of nature. Chapters VII-XI. inclusive, which are devoted to subjects connected with religion or its opposite-Infidelity, Communism, Scepticism, Neologianism, Protestantism, Dissent, and Independency-possess an especial value, as embodying the observations, the thought, and conclusions of a scholar, a philosopher, a Christian, a keen observer, who, as far as possible, has examined everything for himself—an enthusiastic student of nature, and, still more, of man. In Switzerland, as in Ireland, a curious experiment has been made, on the comparative power of Popery and Protestantism to elevate and bless the people, and with exactly the same results.

Nearly all the science," says Dr. Alexander, "all the manufactures, and all the "merchandise, are in the hands of the "Protestant inhabitants, while the Catho"lics content themselves with the pursuit "of agriculture, the 'wisdom of their ancestors,' warlike exercises, and rustic

99

sports.' Dr. Alexander affirms, with truth, that the same holds of every country in Europe, and that the religion of the people may everywhere be at once determined by an appeal to their social condition; and thus it was in the days of Bishop Burnet, as may be seen from his travels on the Continent. These facts are full of importance as touching the people of Ireland, whom nothing can

raise so long as Popery remains rampant among them. Our author, at the same time, entertains but a very low opinion of the spiritual condition of the Protestants of Switzerland; as in the North of Ireland, and too extensively in Scotland, their religion was moralised without sanctifying; and by improving their character has improved their position without altering their relations to God, or enhancing their prospects for eternity. His book is one of value, and gives a more complete view of the matter to which it refers, than is to be found in any other with which we are acquainted.

CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES. Discipline. By the Author of "Letters to my Unknown Friends." 18mo, pp. 98. London : Longman.

A HALF dozen excellent pieces of Christian morality, written in a style of peculiar elegance, as blending beauty with piety. The little book has great charms for persons of education. The aim of it is, to aid those who vainly mourn their "daily cross," instead of obeying the sovereign command to "take it up ;" and they who really wish for such a help, will not look for it here in vain.

Addresses to the Aged. By S. H. TYNG, D.D. 18mo. London: Religious Tract Society. DR. TYNG is well known to many on this side the Atlantic, as an able man, and an eloquent preacher. The present is a golden production, and much calculated to benefit many who have never seen the Sermons of John Orton, or the admirable Discourses of the late Dr. Belfrage, of Falkirk, Scotland. As their main object is the conversion of the aged, they will be very suitable for lending to those whose case may require them.

The Israel of God: Select Parochial Sermons, by Dr. TYNG. 18mo, pp. 212. London: Religious Tract Society.

THIS is a very valuable volume, presenting a fine specimen of manly, simple, direct gospel preaching, which is well worthy of imitation. The discourses are fourteen in number, on subjects very aptly chosen. The whole is much calculated to be useful.

The Young Jewess, and her Christian Schoolfellows By the Author of "Rhoda." Square. London: Grant and Griffiths.

A FINE little book, worthy of "Rhoda and Little Kate;" full of amusement and of instruction: a sweet lesson of love among young people.

A Companion for the Season of Maternal Solicitude. By T. SEARLE. Fourth Edition. 18mo, pp. 138. London: Ward and Co. THIS, of its kind, is really a very good book. We are not at all surprised to find it in a fourth edition. The notion was somewhat original ;