Review of Books.

ILLUSTRATIONS OF SCRIPTURE from the Geography and Natural History, and Manners and Customs of the East. By the late Professor George Paxton, D. D. of Edinburgh. Third Edition, revised and greatly enlarged by the Rev. Robert Jamieson, Minister of Currie, author of 'Eastern Manners illustrative of the Holy Scriptures,' c.-Oliphants.

Two more volumes of this very engaging and important work have reached us. One on the natural History, the other on the Geography of the East. The latter is, indeed, the first of the series, and has a memoir of the author prefixed. Averaging upwards of 500 closely-printed pages, and full of valuable information on the most exquisitely interesting of all subjects, we consider them a rich acquisition to the library of every one who makes the Bible his study, and eminently calculated to lead many into a closer acquaintance with the sacred page.

THE MASTER AND MISTRESS: or hints to the heads of families relating to their servants.—Religious Tract Society.

We suppose the greater number of our friends have taken a part in that grand chorus which resounds through the land, "What torments servants are!" Certainly, the evil is enormous and daily becoming more so: such love of change, such discontent, insubordination, and negligence, as masters and mistresses now have to complain of, far exceed any thing of the kind known to our progenitors. The fault does not lie exclusively on one side: but the "spirit of the age" is truly a licentious spirit, heady, highminded, disobedient. A volume of modest dimensions, full of sound remark, judicious counsel, and plain, practical directions, founded not on abstract theories of management, but on the actual state and condition of things as they are, cannot but be acceptable. The author metes out fair justice to both parties, and has rendered to both a truly valuable service.

On the gospel of St.

COTTAGE DIALOGUES.
Luke. By D. H. W.-Baisler.

If we did not number D. H. W. as we do, among the dearest of our own familiar friends, we should desire to do so, from the sweet spirit that these delightful little volumes evince. The two preceding have been very favourably received, and justly ap

preciated, not only among the poor but the rich. An addition is made in the form of questions attached to each little Dialogue, which must tend to impress its contents on the young reader's mind. Indeed, no one can read a few pages without being struck with the fullest conviction that the work is a single-eyed, prayerful effort to impart instruction of the first importance to a class where it is always greatly needed, and now alas! doubly so, since false teachers are creeping in every where, and poisoning the streams at which the poor lambs of the flock drink. All the subtlety of Jesuitism, we mean deliberately to say of sworn Jesuits at this time ministering in the Church of England, and teaching in her colleges, is at work to make a general shipwreck of the faith throughout this land. We implore our friends to place no book in the hands of the young which they have not examined carefully. The trade is thriving, and many are circulating for filthy lucre's sake the yet more filthy wares of Rome's reviving mart. We use the word with reference especially to the "filthy rags" of man's righteousness, which are the staple commodity of that market, combined with the ceremonial toys of her well-stored shop, wherewith the sappers and miners are decking the walls of our ecclesiastical buildings, and giving theatrical effect to our services, in order to divert attention from the fearful progress they are making among the foundations. We again repeat that the " Cottage Dialogues" of D. H. W. are no less timely than intrinsically valuable at this season. Many a poor child will now receive a poisoned holiday gift, recommended by its illuminated title, ruled pages, and hieroglyphical devices.

A BRIEF COMMENTARY

ON THE FIRST

EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN. By Alexander S. Patterson, Minister of Autchesontown Church, Glasgow. -Whytes.

A few notes, from which a series of lectures were preached by the author on this beautiful epistle. They are quite simple, sound, and just, and furnish very wholesome food for meditation.

NARRATIVE OF A MISSION OF INQUIRY TO THE JEWS FROM THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, in 1839. Second Edition.-Whyte and Co.

Let it never be forgotten that of Gentile Churches, Scotland's Church was the FIRST to send men to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. The Kirk sent messengers, who have committed to paper the result of their investigations. They say they "had only one object in view during their journey, namely, to see the real condition and character of God's ancient people, and to observe whatever might contribute to interest others in their cause,” and again, “If the Church of Scotland in these perilous times 'take hold of the skirt of the Jew,' God may remember her for Zion's sake." Ay, and He will.

The spirit that animated these good men was most lovely there is a deep respectful tenderness towards the seed of Abraham, shewing itself alike in their intercourse with, and in their remarks concern

ing them, that is peculiarly worthy of imitation. Christians in general do not sufficiently notice the fact that the Lord is now evidently taking away the reproach of his people, and a most unseemly tone of superiority, or at best of compassionate consideration for the Jew is yet sustained among us. This ought not to be, and it cannot long be; for as a lion, and as a great lion, the people shall soon be roused up, and some who now think little of the couching monarch will tremble at his roar. This we speak nationally and politically; spiritually, no Gentile can look down upon a Jew, unless from stilts of his own clumsy manufacturing. We go along with our Scottish brethren in their wanderings over the land; and we deeply reverence their feelings. The descriptive part of the book is vivid; the devotional part is truly spiritual; the information acquired by them is of first-rate importance: and the manner in which they communicate it adds value to the whole. This edition divides the one bulky volume into two handsome octavos, and a more interesting library book we do not know where to find.

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN: the connection of diseases and remedies with the truths of Revelation. By John Gardner, Surgeon.-Hatchards.

ORIGINALITY is the main feature of this book: but at the same time its least recommendation. Elevated piety, sound philosophy, and great professional acumen distinguish it. The style is unaffected, calm, elegant: the work bears the impress of a mind deeply JANUARY, 1843.

G