Page images
PDF
EPUB

such an instance. He says of the feeding the five thousand, "But in this miracle that was not a restorative or redemptive act, but clearly a creative act of power." According to Dr. Cumming, therefore, were he consistent with himself, this was no "true, heavenly miracle."

We assure our readers that it has been with much reluctance that we have been compelled to write as we have done. We took up the book with a somewhat firm hope that though we differ from Dr. Cumming on some points, yet that in treating of the miracles of Christ, his great power of representing and re-animating absent and bygone events, and his ability to draw out interesting lessons from everyday life, would have produced a book which we should peruse with pleasure. To say that there is not much instruction and much valuable practical remark to be met with in the volume, would be as far from the truth as to say that the volume, on the whole, commends itself to us. There is too much unsupported assertion; too much assertion supported by mere shadowy arguments; too frequent an intrusion of altogether extraneous matter; and to our minds, what is of far less importance, a too

great heaping up and mixing of not very original or tasteful figures. Dr. Cumming might perhaps excuse his lectures on the ground that they were printed from a reporter's notes taken as they were delivered. But we submit this is not enough. The world was not so anxious for another of his volumes as to prevent him from revising it before he committed it to the press. And no man, and especially no man occupying such a position as Dr. Cumming, has a right to thrust his crudities upon the public; and emphatically so, in relation to religion and religious evidences, and at a time like the present, when every false plea is eagerly seized upon by the opponents and the corrupters of Christianity. To us it appears that such a work as that before us is calculated to shake rather than to confirm the faith of the intelligent young men who may come within the sphere of its influence. This remark does not refer only to the main idea on which we have been commenting; but to many other subordinate matters treated of (as on page 337,) to which we have not time now to refer. Dr. Cumming announces a companion volume on the Parables, in which we hope he will take the opportunity to correct the erroneous impressions which his present work is calculated to leave.

BRIEF NOTICES.

Biblical Antiquities, with some Collateral Subjects, illustrating the Language, Geography, and Early History of Palestine. By the Rev. F. A. Cox, D.D., LL.D. With Maps and numerous Engravings. London: Griffin and Co. Crown 8vo. Pp. 502.

This volume constitutes one of the valuable series now being issued in the form of the Second Edition of the "Enclycopædia Metropolitana." It furnishes us with the results of the most recent investigations in this most important field of biblical inquiry. Many portions of the volume are very valuable; in

|

particular those relating to the geography and natural history of Palestine. The account of modern Judaism also, which the author fears may be regarded as somewhat irrelevant, is in our view so excellent and bears so closely on the general subject as fully to warrant its insertion. Nearly two hundred well executed wood-cuts add very greatly to the utility of the book; which for its condensed comprehensiveness is the best, as it certainly is the most readable, book on the subject in our language. Chronological tables and an index enhance the worth of the volume.

The New Biblical Atlas, and Scripture
Gazetteer; with descriptive Notices of the
Tabernacle and the Temple. London: Re-
ligious Tract Society. Imp. 8vo. Pp. 96.

Twelve large and well executed maps are comprised in this Atlas. The atlas is based on the "Bible Atlas" of Heinrich Keipert, of Berlin, who executed the maps for Dr. Robinson's "Biblical Researches;' the works of Berghaus, Ritter, Schubert, &c., having also been consulted, A peculiarity of the work consists in a valuable map of the physical geography of Palestine and the adjacent countries, constructed expressly for this Atlas by Petermann. An accurate and interesting description of each map accompanies it; plans of the tabernacle and temple, and a copious scripture gazetteer also adding to the utility of the work. It is a pity, however, that such valuable maps should be sent out into this rough world protected only by a paper cover. The Synoptical Dictionary of Scripture Parallels and References: being an Index of the Texts of Scripture, classified according to their Sense under an Alphabetical List of the Various Subjects contained in the Bible: each Article being concluded with an illustrative Series of Appropriate Historical Examples: forming thus a Methodical Summary of the Principles, the Doctrines, the Precepts, and the Facts of Scripture: and comprising the most complete Collection of Parallels and References. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 8vo. Pp. 302.

The elaborate title-page sufficiently explains the nature of the work, and it only remains for us to say that the author has in general wellexecuted the task he assigned himself, and that in our opinion, the volume is calculated to be of good service to the biblical student. The book differs from the ordinary common-place books of the scriptures in that they are generally founded on some theological arrangement, whilst this is based on a simple alphabetical classification; and in that they put before us the language of the texts quoted, whereas this presents us with its purport in a few words. It thus furnishes at one view, in a sort of tabular form, the meaning of the various passages of scripture relating to any given subject; having thus a very great advantage over the ordinary lists of parallel texts. In the execution of the work the author has shown great impartiality, and so far as we have followed him, and this somewhat minutely, great general correctness. We should have been pleased had there been in some cases a somewhat more logical classification of the various subjects,-genera and species being frequently made co-ordinate; for instance, God, and Titles of God, Christ and Human Nature of Christ, Holy Ghost and Gift of the Holy Ghost, &c. His choice of some terms also is not happy;-Heaven, not appearing, but instead, Felicity Eternal. To some little extent, too, there is manifest what almost invariably characterizes works of this class,-a too close attention to words rather than things; thus we do not find Christ called Brother, Intercessor, Example, or Friend. These, however, are small blemishes, and we mention them in

the hope that a second edition may speedily be called for, when they may be rectified. An index at the end is, however, quite sufficient to obviate any practical inconvenience from these sources; and the typographical department of the work is executed with such clearness and

general excellence, as to make reference to the work a pleasure. Young ministers will find the volume useful not only in clucidating a particular passage of scripture, but in suggesting trains of thoughts that may very profitably be pursued.

The Story of Nineveh. By the Author of "The Faithful Promiser," Night Watches," "Morning Watches," &c. Edinburgh: Paton and Ritchie. Square 18mo., pp. 65, boards.

Hoping to induce sabbath-scholars to study
the fulfilled prophecies respecting Nineveh and
listen to the solemn reflections they convey,
the author has given a brief view of facts
brought before the public by Mr. Layard, try-
ing to make long volumes short, and hard
sentences simple." Successive chapters treat of
the Founder of Nineveh-its Greatness-its
Repentance in the days of Jonah-its condition
under Sennacherib-the Prophecies relating to
it-the Discovery of its Ruins-and the com-
imputed to its inhabitants in the day of judg-
parative degree of Criminality which will be
and respectably executed.
ment. It is a little work of good tendency,

The Tried Christian; a Book of Consolation
for the Afflicted. By the Rev. WILLIAM
LEASK, author of "The Footsteps of the
Messiah." London: Snow. 12mo, pp. 158.

The purpose of the author in the composition of this volume has been, to present a manual which should exhibit the teachings of scripture on the subject of afflictions, and be of service both to ministers and private Christians. He has furnished to the reader a book, clear, impressive, and eminently consolatory in its exhibition of those scripture truths which have special reference to affliction and trial; and which, if it have not the pretensions of some others, will not, we feel assured, be the least useful of his works.

Philip Doddridge: his Rise and Labours. A
Centenary Memorial. By JOHN STOUGHTON,
Author of " Spiritual Heroes," &c. London:
Jackson and Walford. Fep. 8vo., pp. 257.

This volume was read in a somewhat condensed form by Mr. Stoughton before the Congregational Union at its session at Northampton last autumn. The aim of the author was to present an outline of the character and the times of Doddridge; and all who know the writer's previous productions will be prepared to expect such a volume as we have before us-a graphic and life-like sketch, sure to interest and well calculated to instruct.

State Education: What is its Principle? A
Lecture delivered at the Request of a Com-
mittee of Friends of Voluntary Education in
Manchester, and now published under their

2

Auspices. By D. M. EVANS. Manchester: | The Journal of Sacred Literature. New
Ireland and Co. 8vo., pp. 15.

Manchester, so illustrious a few years since
for its advocacy of free trade in corn, is now
nearly equally notorious for the energy with
which it is maintaining the doctrine of com-
pulsory education. It is, therefore, with the
greater pleasure that we see that our friend
Mr. Evans, of Grosvenor Street Chapel, has
responded to the call of the advocates of volun-
tary education by delivering and publishing a
lecture on the principle involved in state tuition.
To this topic he confines himself, after having
briefly pointed out the sources of the prevalent
desire for government education. He seeks
only to convince those whose love of consistency
is strong enough to cause them to shrink from
a principle, the legitimate consequences of
which they would deprecate most cordially; and
forcibly, and, to our minds, unanswerably, he
has demonstrated that in an appeal to govern-
ment to educate the people such a principle is
necessarily involved. The following sentences
embody clearly the line of argument which is
ably elaborated in the rest of the lecture.
"Education, however defined, however limited,
is a part of individual and social training, else
it is nothing at all. It is a step in the process
of development, a contribution to the manufac-
ture of the citizen. Here, therefore, we have
the principle that the subject is made by law.
Laws are enacted, not for man as he is, which
alone is the sphere of the politician, but in
order to make him what he ought to be, which is
the principle of universal despotism."
great lesson which we have to learn is to have
less faith in human law, more in the divine.
We would imprint on the memory and con-
science of all, that in a free country laws are
made for the government and not for the train-
ing of men. Adhere to this principle, and no
future social question will disturb your serenity
as to its province; violate it in one instance,
and terra firma is no longer beneath your feet."
We earnestly hope that this lecture may be
thoughtfully and extensively perused.

"The

Classical Selections from British Prose Writers; chiefly illustrative of the Principles of Intellectual, Civil, and Religious Liberty; of Peace, Philanthropy, and Social Advancement. London: Cockshaw. Fcp. 8vo. Pp. 374.

Into this small volume are crowded a vast number of the noblest passages to be found in the range of English literature. They all breathe the spirit of liberty and truth: Milton, Macaulay, Hail, Foster, Chalmers, Brougham, and Canning, being laid under tribute to furnish a book of classical extracts, affording examples of surpassing excellence of style, undebased by association with a feeble and sickly morality. For the higher forms in our schools, this book will prove a great acquisition; for the railroad traveller it is admirably suited; and for that large class who if they read at all must do so at intervals snatched from their occupations, it supplies at the same time excellent food for thought and stimulus to action. The volume belongs to the series of the Library for the Times.

Series. Edited by JOHN KITTO, D.D., F.S.A.
No. II. January, 1852. London: Black-
ader. 8vo.

Kitto's Journal this quarter contains a paper
on the relative authority of the Hebrew and
Greek scriptures of the Old Testament, in
which is an elaborate argument in favour of the
authenticity of the History of Aristeas,
narrating the translation of the LXX., by
order of Ptolemy by seventy-two Jews in
seventy-two days; the historic value of which
has been almost universally rejected by bibli
cal critics for the past hundred years: and
in which also is a minute analysis of the Old
Testament passages quoted in the New. It
contains also articles on the ministry of angels,
on the inscriptions on the rocks of Sinai, on
the ancient oriental palaces, on the character-
istics of miracles, on the Rephaim, and on the
last vision of Ezekiel. There is likewise an
article in favour of the divine authority of
Solomon's song; and an interesting paper in
which is propounded, in explanation of the
account of the fall, the theory that the serpent
was a very early name for Satan, derived from
the terms of the curse, and that the generally
received opinion that a literal serpent was the
instrument of temptation is without any
warrant from scripture. We need do no more
than repeat our often expressed hope that this
Journal, so valuable to thoughtful Christian
men, will receive the support that it deserves.
Bible Gleanings. By MATILDA BASSETT•
Published for the Benefit of the Woolwich
Ragged Schools. London: Partridge and
Oakey. 12mo., pp. 151. Cloth, gilt.

Much that is good in sentiment and pleasing in diction will be found in this volume, which is dedicated by permission to the Earl of Shaftesbury by one who calls herself" A Ragged School Teacher." Had the lady allowed herself more time for revision, many of her stanzas would have been materially improved; but this is a process which both poets and poetesses are too apt to neglect. In page 92, we have given a specimen, extracted from the longest piece, which is founded on the early history of Moses.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Approved.

[It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works enumerated, not of course extending to every particular, but an approbation of their general character and tendency.]

The Congregational Year Book for 1851, with an
of the Congregational Union of England and Wales,
Almanack for 1852. Containing the Proceeding

and its Confederated Societies for that year,
together with Supplementary Information respect-
ing the Associations, Ministers, New Chapels,
Schools, and Publications of the Congregational
Body throughout the United Kingdom. London:
Published for the Congregational Union of England
and Wales. Price 18, pp. 292.

The Eclectic Review. January, 1852. Contents:
I. Early Independency. II. Homœopathy. III.
Memoir of Bishop Stanley. IV. Walpole's Assayrii;
or the Assassins. V. Francis's History of the
Railway. VI. Life and Writings of Dr. Chalmers.
VII. Prentice's Personal Recollections. VIII. A
Page of French History. London: Ward and Co.

INTELLIGENCE.

AMERICA.

GENERAL VIEW OF THE MISSIONS.

In the January number of the Magazine published by the American Baptist Missionary Union, we find an article under this title, which will interest many of our readers.

In surveying the state of our missions at the commencement of a new year, as compared with their aspects a twelvemonth since, we have special occasion to note the benignant agency of divine Providence to strengthen our hopes and summon us to fresh and enlarged exertion. A grateful remembrance is due of His favour, which is the prime source and only effectual means of success.

In BURMAH, the same sovereign Providence that assigned us that field at the first, still directs our prayers and labours toward its cultivation. Rangoon and Ava, that had been closed against us for thirteen years, are once more opened for the proclamation of the truth. The government, lately so hostile, has met our missionaries with marked kindness. Through what motives this has come to pass, and how long the king's countenance will be favourable to them, we cannot tell. But our trust is not in the caprice of earthly monarchs. We gratefully accept the present auspicious indications as a call to press forward, leaving the issue to God alone. Even a brief interval of toleration may suffice to do a work that shall bear inestimable fruit hereafter, and the power that restrains the wrath of man for a moment is able to give perpetual peace.

The other Burman missions, in Tennasserim and Arracan, though with broken and enfeebled ranks, maintain their steadfastness and still find an encouragement to advance. Death has removed Mrs. Knapp on the threshold of her work in Arracan; and Mrs. Stilson, a missionary long tried and highly esteemed for her works' sake, has been taken from Maulmain. Mr. Stilson is disabled in a great degree from active labour, and has leave to retire from the mission. Mrs. Jud-, son has returned to this country; and Messrs. Howard and Haswell are still among us to recover such a measure of health as will justify a resumption of their duties. Messrs. Wade, Stevens, and Simons, and Mr. Ranney, with their wives, have been favoured with health to prosecute their work. Messrs. Moore, Knapp, and Campbell, with inter

FOURTH SERIES.-VOL. XV.

ruptions by sickness and bereavement, and under some disadvantages, sustain the responsibilities of the Arracan mission. They have been, or, we trust, will soon be, rejoined by Mr. Ingalls and family.

The KAREN MISSIONS, while they continue to share in the rich blessings which have distinguished them, have specially to record the complete translation of the scriptures into one dialect, with the prospect that Sgaus and Pwos will both be alike favoured in this respect, at no distant day. But while this "sword of the Spirit" is made ready, there are few to wield it. The theological seminary at Maulmain, vacated by the resignation of Mr. Binney, remains under the temporary direction of the members of the mission, who give to it all the attention their onerous duties admit. Mr. and Mrs. Vinton returned alone to their labours; another missionary pair were about to follow them, when a mysterious providence disappointed our hopes. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have joined the Tevoy mission. Should Burmah Proper continue open, the Karen churches in that kingdom, hitherto intolerably oppressed, may be strengthened and enlarged; and the truth which has done so much to weaken hostile superstitions, may make positive and more rapid conquests. The recent formation of a Home Missionary Society by the native converts, to promulgate the gospel among their unevangelized countrymen, is in this connexion a most promising feature. In the Karen missions generally, we see abundant proofs of God's power to "save by many or by few," and at the same time the evident want of the many to fulfil the task his providence sets before us.

The SIAM MISSION has passed through more than common vicissitudes. Early in the year a desolating calamity left it apparently powerless. But it would seem to have been forsaken "for a small moment," to be gathered "with great mercies." The nature of its work, chiefly preparatory, laying foundations with toilsome constancy against great discouragements, may have caused the churches in some measure to lose sight of it. The sudden affliction that has befallen our brethren has awakened a juster sympathy; and the termination of a hostile reign and the accession of a monarch who shows a more enlightened solicitude for the welfare of his people, make this sympathy opportune. We have reason to look for better days in Siam.

[ocr errors]

The historical prominence of the mission, as the second in the order of time, and its local consequence, give it strong claims. The fact that from its origin until now it has been singularly guarded by a watchful Providence from the force of some retarding influences that have unhappily affected other missions there, suggests the belief that there is a special work for it to do. Mr. Chandler is now in this country, to make arrangements for repairing the loss by fire. Messrs. Jones and Smith, Mrs. Jones and Miss Morse, remain at Bangkok. By the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore the Chinese departmenthas received a needed and effective reinforcement.

The NINGPO MISSION, in China, has been more than commonly tried by sickness, and Mr. and Mrs. Lord have been compelled to retire for a season from their work. Mr. Goddard is making good progress with the translation of the Bible and preaches regularly. Dr. Macgowan, though much interrupted by the feeble health of his wife, continues his medical and evangelical labours. The HONG KONG MISSION has been more favoured, both temporally and spiritually. Its operations have gone forward without interruption, and have been rewarded by a cheering measure of spiritual fruitfulness.

The ASSAM MISSION has been placed, by the return of one and the accession of two missionary families, in a more efficient state than at any former time. It is by no means equal to the task of cultivating so great and promising a field, but the force now engaged is a pledge to Christendom that American baptists are in earnest for the evangelization of Assam. Let us seek to redeem it shortly. The missionaries now engaged are Messrs. Brown, Whiting, and Cutter, at Sibsagor; Messrs. Bronson, Stoddart, and Däuble, at Nowgong; and Messrs. Danforth and Ward, at Gowahatti.

The TELOOGOO MISSION, contrary to the earnest desire of the Board and of the Executive Committee, has passed through another year without reinforcement, but not without evidence that the word of the Lord, there proclaimed, is "quick and powerful." Mr. Day has been able to continue in his work without material interruption. Mr. Jewett, by the sickness of Mrs. J., has been withdrawn for a season, but by this time, we trust, is again engaged, with his wonted zeal, in preaching the word.

Though still destitute of missionary superintendence, our little church among the BASSAS, in Africa, has proved its vitality as a vine of the Lord's planting, by its stedfastness in the gospel. Converts, too, have been added to their number. By such an appeal as these facts present, can none be moved to go for their help?

In NORTHERN FRANCE, Mr. Willard and his assistants have found abundant scope for all their activity. A small church has again been gathered in Paris. In the south-eastern department Dr. Devan holds on his way against numerous obstacles. In both departments the success attained and the prospects opened on every hand are such as to justify enlarged exertions.

The GERMAN MISSION still continues preeminent in the amplitude of its returns for the labour bestowed. In the last three years the number of professed believers united in fellowship in the baptist churches has nearly doubled. Messrs. Oncken, Schauffler, and Kobner, at Hamburg, and Mr. Lehmann at Berlin, with pastors and assistants numbering between thirty and forty, have found the work expanding beyond their power to execute it. But a persecuting spirit has again manifested itself. "The rulers of the darkness of this world" are none the less enemies of the truth than heretofore.

In the GREEK MISSION, Mr. Arnold has been transferred to Athens. Mr. Buel remains at the Piræus. No signal change in the aspect of their work cheers our brethren, but they have grace to continue stedfast, not casting away their confidence "which shall have its reward."

Among the INDIAN TRIBES Our missions present no new feature. The Cherokee mission continues to enjoy the evidence of God's presence and favour, in calling many to repentance. The Shawanoe mission has been reinforced by the appointment of Miss Gookin to assist in the Delaware school. Messrs. Bingham and Cameron among the Ojibwas, and Mr. Slater among the Ottawas in Michigan, pursue their laborious and sometimes discouraging tasks.

There have been years, perhaps, in which more thrilling messages have reached us from one and another mission; but seldom, if ever, has a voice come with such emphasis, and echoed from so many points, saying, Go, work TO-DAY in my vineyard.

SOUTH AFRICA.

Some ladies at Camberwell who support a South African Working Society have received from the wife of a missionary in that unhappy region a letter from which the following is an

extract:

"Of the state of our country I regret not being able to report more favourably. The prospect appears to get more gloomy every week. Bloodshed and plunder are going on to a fearful extent, the enemy appears to be successful in almost every movement; there are two very strong bodies of Kaffirs in the

« PreviousContinue »