*the humanity of Christ.' It is true, nevertheless, that the design with which John composed his gospel, was, as declared by himself, to confirm believers in the faith, that Jesus is, in the highest sense, the Son of God."

Most judiciously has he executed his task with reference to the Apocalypse,"guiding his hands wittingly" where so many have groped blindly. In the tenor of these concluding remarks on this part of the inspired record, we entirely concur.

"In the preceding rapid review of the apocalyptic visions, the writer's aim has been, to throw out the grand outlines of the prophetic narrative by the light which history casts upon the mystic scroll, in order that the full evidence of its divine inspiration and authority may be at once perceived. Many persons who have been perplexed by the erroneous and conflicting theories of commentators, will doubtless be surprised at finding how large a proportion of the Apocalypse is plainly legible by means of the historic key to the prophetic cipher. More especially will they be struck with the very subordinate importance of those questions which have occupied the principal attention of expositors, and given rise to interminable speculation and controversy, and, above all, with the slender foundation afforded by the sacred text for the visionary schemes of ancient and modern millenarians. Those who adopt the hypothesis, that the millennium, whether understood of a period of earthly happiness or of calamity to the church, is past, are bound to show by historical evidence when it commenced and terminated. But, if it be still future, it is not within the legitimate province of the biblical expositor to supply the interpretation. It is, indeed, strange, that it should not be at once perceived, that the interpretation of unfulfilled prophecy is prophecy; nay, that to interpret what is mysteriously indicated, requires a preternatural knowledge of the future, on the part of the expositor, even superior to that of the prophet himself, who may be unconscious of the precise import of his own predictions. Thus, we find the prophet Daniel unable to understand the visions which were presented to him, till he was 'made to know the interpretation of the things.' There would seem to be no difference, in this respect, between a vision or dream, and a recorded prediction. Respecting both the question put by Joseph to Pharaoh's officers seems equally pertinent, Do not interpretations belong to God?' In those cases, then, in which the interpretation has not been given, it surely ought to be presumed, that it is reserved to be unfolded by the event, and that all attempts at à priori explanation are alike unauthorized and fallacious. Experience tends to establish the same conclusion. There cannot, perhaps, be adduced a single instance in which a prediction relating to a future event has been correctly interpreted before its fulfilment. Were all the volumes that have been put forth upon unfulfilled prophecy, and every word that has been written upon the subject of the millennium, committed to the flames, not a scintilla of scriptural light would be extinguished, not a particle of real information lost. The design for which the Apocalypse was given, does not require that its undeveloped mysteries should be expounded by predictive speculations; nor can the evidence of its divine authority be strengthened by anticipating what time alone can interpret."

The contents and marginal headings, combined with an ample index, make it of easy reference. It is an able, useful, invaluable book.

CRITICAL REGISTER.

The Cross of Christ: The Call of God: Saving Faith. An Inquiry into the Completeness and Extent of the Atonement, with especial reference to the Universal Offer of the Gospel, and the Universal Obligation to Believe. By Robert S. Candlish, D.D. Edinburgh: Johnstone. 1845. pp. 157.

THE recent discussion of the "Extent of the Atonement" has been accompanied with circumstances which, considering the fundamental importance of the subject, are greatly to be regretted,-circumstances which kept the disputants hovering about the accidents of the question, so that the point of the question, the only point of

any consequence which divides the parties, has been greatly obscured. We exceedingly regretted, therefore, that in the midst of the painful discussion in the Secession Church, a jealous and morbid Calvinism (for in sooth the views of Dr. Candlish on the occasion of the Bicentenary, which were objected to, could not have awakened the alarm of any thing but a morbid Calvinism,) should have been suffered to drag this gentleman into a kind of incidental discussion, such as that which appeared in the Free Church Magazine, of which the present volume is a reprint, with a preliminary dissertation. We regret this, because there seems to us, in Dr. C.'s manner of treating this question-in that kind of see-saw, wriggling motion betwixt the opposite views of it, a very great resemblance to the same manifest blemish in the first volume published by Dr. Marshall, on the same side of the controversy.

Even if Dr. Candlish had, after maturer examination of this question, retained substantially the same views as we conceive him to hold, he would have probably expressed them in such a manner as more effectually to protect him from the charge of holding sentiments incongruous with, and contradictory to, each other. The universal offer of the gospel may be made, and is made sincerely, but not consistently or logically, by those who hold Dr. Candlish's views of the extent of the atonement. "The universal obligation to believe" is urgently and zealously pressed upon sinners, but we cannot comprehend the argument by which those who hold a limited atonement prove that obligation. That we do not greatly wrong the respected writer in this statement, will be plain from these words, p. 4, "The third inquiry having reference to the precise bearing of Christ's death upon the world at large, including the unbelieving portion of it, is the very question which we declined, and must decline to answer, or at least to answer categorically, or so as to exhaust the inquiry; IT BEING OUR OPINION THAT HOLY SCRIPTURE HAS NOT GIVEN MATERIALS FOR ANY VERY EXPLICIT DELIVERANCE UPON THAT POINT!"

While we take these necessary exceptions to Dr. Candlish's theology on this grand doctrine, we joyfully testify to the versatility and vigour of mind which, in the midst of manifold engagements unfavourable to the labours of the student, could produce a work in which so many correct principles of scriptural interpretation are stated; and a doctrinal discussion is maintained with so remarkable acuteness, and general knowledge of the divine word. This volume is valuable as exhibiting in what manner this class of opinions is held by those who mingle much with men, who have attained to what are, in our judgment, clearer and more scriptural, and, without controversy, different views on the extent of the atonement.

Select Remains of the late Rev. Alexander Campbell, Pastor of the Congregational Church, Greenock: with the Sermon preached on the occasion of his death. By the Rev. Ralph Warldlaw, D.D. And a Memoir. By the Rev. John Kennedy. Glasgow: James MacLehose. 1845. pp. 359.

HAVING already given the opportunity to our readers of judging by specimen of the quality of this volume; and having given the commendation that was due to the very finely executed Memoir by Mr. Kennedy, we have only now to direct the attention of our readers to the various "Remains" of our beloved friend.

1. Lectures on the Distinguishing Principles of Evangelical Protestantism :-Well adapted for the times. A difficult topic discussed with great nicety and vigour of analysis; in which Mr. C. possessed a power which was more than any other characteristic of his gifted mind.

2. Zion's Claims upon her Children :-A plea for lay agency, which should secure a perusal by the members of those churches who long rejoiced in the name of "Missionary."

3. Discourses :-In number, four. From one on the Marriage of Christians, we have given large extracts. And the one on Intemperance and its Remedy, is worthy of deep consideration, as a calm and temperate discussion of a cause which has been more damaged by its injudicious friends, than its secret or avowed foes. 4. Poetical Remains :-Not in the highest style of poetry, yet indicative of the versatility of Mr. C.'s mind.

Dr. Wardlaw's Sermon is characterised by all the pathetic power of his productions on such mournful occasions.

Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation. A Book for the Times. By an American Citizen. Edinburgh: Ogle, and Oliver & Boyd. 1845. pp. 215.

QUITE a book by itself. Somewhat novel, but most wise in method: clear and

forcible in argument; grave in spirit; and most convincing and satisfactory in its conclusions. Its title is faulty, and likely to suggest a false impression of its nature. Its characteristic excellence is, that by a consecutive process, at every step of which the conviction of the reader is secured as by a moral demonstration, the great truth is triumphantly established, that "CHRISTIANITY IS THE TRUE RELIGION, AND THE ONLY RELIGION POSSIBLE FOR HUMAN NATURE." Christians should read it for confirmation: the undecided, to know the reasonable grounds of immediate and cordial reception of the gospel: the scriptural, for the calm and logical settlement of their difficulties and objections. Inspiration itself may be resisted. The living evidence the demonstrative power-of the WORD itself be perverted: and so this and all such arguments may be ineffectual. But, while a profounder philosophy, and even more faultless ratiocination may be found in other works, we have met with none which is so well adapted for all varieties of mind as this; which unites so much of sound philosophy and logical argument with popular and perspicuous illustration.

May the spirit of truth bless it to many souls!

The Works of the English Puritan Divines. Bunyan. London: Nelson. 1845. pp. 310.

THE unrivalled pre-eminence of the "Pilgrim" has cast into shade many precious works that could have shone alone, but had no brilliancy in such company and competition and it has done the same wondrous office to other works by the same immortal pen. Yet those righteous readers, who will judge of things upon their own merits, will find, in "the Jerusalem Sinner Saved: the Pharisee and the Publican:" and the two other practical works of Bunyan contained in this volume, much that is worthy of his venerated name. The short life prefixed by the Rev. James Hamilton, has all the genuine characteristics of that gentleman's fine mind and christian spirit, with not so large a sprinkling of those "quaint conceits" in thought and language, from which our friend's maturer taste will doubtlessly deliver him. This volume is a most promising commencement of this cheap series.

Friendly Hints to Female Servants on the best means for promoting their own and their Employers' Happiness. By Mrs. J. Bakewell. London: Snow. 1845. pp. 87. WE honour Mrs. Bakewell above most female authors, for her "Mother's Practical Guide." This little work is calculated to be even more useful. So much in small compass. Every thing is said, and well said, for the use of this most important and much neglected class. Let every christian mistress hand this as a present to her servant on entering the family. Nothing could be done more friendly to any young servant, than to induce her to peruse and follow these hints. "A fourth edition-fifth thousand." We wish it a fiftieth edition, and 50,000 of each. The Juvenile Missionary Offering. Edited by James Ballantyne. pp. 138. The Juvenile Missionary Annual. Edited by James Ballantyne. Edinburgh: Gall. 1846. pp. 132.

CERTAIN of a large sale as New-Year's gifts by christian parents and friends. Illuminated covers, gilt edges, attractive illustrations, are the mere outside symbol of the genuine worth within. The articles are all original; and, in general, most suitable for the young. Some of the pieces are perfect gems, and will be universal favourites. The names of Huie, Montgomery, Edmiston, and of the other sex, Sigourney, Gilbert, and Luke, are sufficient to attest the excellence of these beautiful books.

As the editor contemplates a higher style of illustration next year, we hope he will be encouraged to continue in his "Annual and Offering."

MONTHLY RETROSPECT AND REPOSITORY.

[The contents of this department are necessarily limited for this month, through press of other matter.]

STATE OF RELIGION.-The complaint is universal in all denominations that vital religion is not making way. There is a want of aggressive power on the part of the

Christian church. Christian societies may not be dissolving: their aggregate number may be greater than in times past: the ample resources, the fraternal sentiment, the spirit of liberality, and the public spirit of Christians, are distinct and hopeful features of the time. But there is a want of spirituality, vital earnestness, prayerful energy in the church of Christ. What is to be done? FellowChristians, LOOK TO YOURSELVES.

BEGIN THE YEAR WITH THE PURPOSE TO SPEND IT FOR GOD.-Form that purpose deliberately, solemnly, in the presence of God. Seal that purpose with much prayer. Preserve it alive by the same divine method.

And may the Spirit of grace and holiness produce these fruits following, to the praise and glory of God:-More separation from the spirit of the world; more intimate fellowship with God; more diligent and believing efforts to save souls from death, and cover a multitude of sins.

OUR DENOMINATION IN ENGLAND.-A week of special prayer has been appointed and observed for the prosperity of true religion in our churches in England. Many souls have humbled themselves before God, and his promises have not been pled in vain. May the spirit of prayer thus evoked continue to quicken and fill the hearts of our brethren. We would join our payers with theirs. We would ask theirs for us. It is no matter of regret that the revival of true religion has been associated with a desire for greater denominational efficiency. For as denominational distinctions are just the divinely prescribed methods of Christian action, we do well to have our "house" as well as our "soul" in order. But it is of supreme importance that the subject of the increase of true religion be not mixed up or identified, as certain parties in the newspaper press and otherwise are doing, with mere denominational statistics. The much esteemed and venerated mover in this solemn inquiry, Mr. James, is himself, in some measure, the occasion of this unhappy confusion, by the form of his observations in directing the attention of his brethren to the subject. But it were infinitely to be regretted that this inquiry were to degenerate into a mere return of chapels built, enlarged, multiplied, occupied, or deserted. All this is well in its place. But the inquiry is more delicate and important than this. It is: What amount of religious principle and spiritual efficiency is there in those already gathered under the Christian standard? It were also greatly to be deprecated, that through imperfect reports of the candid observations of Mr. James, it were to be inferred, that there is some morbid lethargy oppressing the Congregational churches in England, such as is not common to other denominations. With the bitterest regret we assert the necessity of a quickening in every part of the Christian Church, as well as in this. "Come from the four winds, O Spirit, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live."

THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.-The cause of union has been advocated during the last month in different parts of the country, before large and deeply interested assemblies, principally by the gentlemen who were present at the conference in Liverpool. The Provisional Committee have issued a large and able address, expository of the principles avowed at the Conference. Meanwhile the European Continent and America answer to the general call for Evangelical Alliance. May God pre-eminently direct the desires and counsels of his people, and sanctify every effort to make Christians what they ought to be toward himself, for in that degree will they be what they ought to be toward one another.

CANTON DE VAUD.-The collision betwixt the government of the Canton de Vaud and the national clergy has reached a crisis. A large proportion of the clergy, who refused to comply with the injunctions of the government with which they were allied, and by which they were stipended, offered their resignation, which was to take effect after the 15th December. Meanwhile the government reasserts its assumed rights, and offers an opportunity of retractation to any of the resigning ministers if they withdraw their resignation within the specified time. Already forty who had resigned, for reasons assigned most solemn and weighty, and involving important principles, have withdrawn their resignation!! In the present state of partial development, therefore, it would be unsafe to characterise the movement. All true Christians, and all haters of state-authority in religion, will watch the movement with interest and prayer.

ABOLITION OF THE CORN-LAWS.-It is barely creditable to the statesman of different parties, that so long as mere injustice-oppression of the poor-detriment to the prosperity of the trading classes-the general disquiet of the nation, and the righteous law of God, in his general providence, contend with party interest and the influence of political connexions, such iniquitous laws as those which restrict the supply, and raise the price of corn, will not be meddled with. It requires the spectres of famine and misery-the deep murmurs which precede mercantile or political convulsions, to open their eyes to the necessity of blotting out laws from the statute-book, which, apart from all their consequences, are written down in avarice, injustice, oppression, and falsehood. Let us be thankful to a kind Providence, that by the token of some temporary calamity, however severe, it is proceeding to lift from this suffering nation a curse and catastrophe that has rested upon all their interests for thirty years.

DENOMINATIONAL INTELLIGENCE.

CHAPEL DEBT SCHEME.

APPENDED to the present Number, will be found a condensed statement of the reports made by the District Committees to the Central Board, at their General Meeting, on the 29th October last. There is much to encourage the churches to persevere and redouble their zeal in this most important undertaking.

It will be seen that, on the supposition that the churches continue to contribute during 1846 and 1847 to the Free Fund, as they have done during 1845, the £9000 proposed to be raised as a Central Fund will be realized within a few hundred pounds. But there must be no relaxation in our efforts. On the contrary, it is confidently calculated that the general annual collection in January next will greatly exceed the collection in January last; and that those churches, of which there are many, who have made no collection as yet, will not fail to do so on THE LAST SABBATH OF JANUARY; and to make up for last year's deficiency, their collection should be double of its probable amount if made at the proper time. The churches, too, which have subscribed nothing to the Free Fund, should do so FORTHWITH, that the £9000 may not only be completed, but far exceeded; the necessity for which must be apparent to every one who looks at the deficiency to be yet made

up.

This deficiency arises principally from those churches which are burdened with debt, not having subscribed their due proportion to the Special Fund; i. e. for their own debt. The Board, in the prefixed report, have indicated what that proportion in general is expected to be. Some churches, to their honour, have exceeded it; and a few have nobly determined to pay off their own debt, without assistance from the Board; but at least twenty churches, which have subscribed to pay off their own debt, have fallen far below the mark,-some one-third, others one-half, and a few even more. And what is still more to be regretted, a considerable number, heavily burdened with debt, have subscribed nothing for its liquidation. It ought to be remembered, that the fundamental principle of the Board is, TO HELP ONLY THOSE CHURCHES WHICH HELP THEMSELVES. Unless those churches are determined to sit still under their heavy burden, they must exert themselves to do their duty, and that promptly. Were all the churches having debt to contribute any thing like the proportion referred to, for its liquidation, more than £3000 would be added to the sum at present subscribed to the Special Fund; and this, with the Free Fund, would wipe off the debt from all the chapels.

The time is not far distant when the Board will be in a situation to commence the distribution of the funds entrusted to them. Those churches, therefore, which have debt, and expect help, should IMMEDIATELY strain every nerve to be ready with their proportion, that they may share in their distribution.

It is with deep regret and shame we learn, that nearly ONE-THIRD of the churches in connexion with the Union have hitherto taken no part in the scheme. This is discreditable and wrong. Have they no fraternal sympathy with the other churches? What occasion more fit than the present to give it full manifestation? True, many of those churches have no debt of their own. But are they under no obligation to raise others to the same comfort and ease in which they themselves rejoice? We trust they shall instantly escape from this stigma of churlishness.