The Rev. Ridley Herschell, if we mistake not, conducts The Voice of Israel, which is very superior to the preceding in style and execution and contains much curious information respecting the opinions, position, and proceedings of the Jewish nation in England and foreign parts. Both works, which will not cost together sixpence a-month, should be seen by those of our readers who feel solicitous for the gathering in of "the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

CURSORY NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

DURING the last summer, our learned friend Dr. Henderson, Theological Tutor of Highbury College, made "A Tour to the Valleys of Piedmont," and has just published a volume entitled "THE VAUDOIS; comprising observations and remarks on the origin, history, and present condition of that interesting people." As an experienced and accomplished traveller, our readers will find Dr. Henderson a valuable guide to scenes that were formed by the Creator as the strongholds of his persecuted church, and that have witnessed the faithfulness of his saints, even to the death. We hope to give a more extended notice of this seasonable volume at an early opportunity. (J. Snow.)

Those who heard the Rev. A. J. Morris, of Holloway, deliver an introductory discourse at Cheshunt, at Bassingbourne, and at Stockwell, will, we are persuaded, be solicitous to revive the powerful impression which its delivery produced, by perusing its spirit-stirring statements. We are, therefore, happy to announce its publication, under the title of "Congregational Dissent Apostolical Conformity," and can assure those who did not hear it, that we have rarely found so much Scripture principle and sound common-sense condensed into so few pages of vigorous, idiomatic English. It will well repay a perusal. (C. A. Bartlett.)

The first number of a useful work has just appeared, entitled "The Continental Echo, and Protestant Witness," to supply a cheap and popular medium, by which British Christians may acquire a knowledge of the proceedings and literature of Foreign Protestants, and also to be an organ for promoting and manifesting Christian union. The idea is good, for such a work is much wanted, and we hope it will be supported. The first number has much interesting information, especially relating to the relic of the holy coat at Treves, and the indignant remonstrance of a Catholic priest, John Ronge, with the Bishop, for tolerating such superstitions. (J. Snow.)

The Rev. David E. Ford, whose pungent essays are well known, and have been very useful, has just published a fourth, on a subject which calls for the attention of both ministers and churches, "Laodicea; or, Religious Declension; its Nature, Indications, Causes, Consequences, and Remedies." We cannot pledge ourselves to an approval of every sentiment that may be found in this little book, but it is a searching and faithful appeal on subjects of vital moment, the perusal of which must alike improve the heart and the life. (Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.)

We have just received Sir Culling Eardley Smith's promised pamphlet, entitled "The Romanism of Italy. Preceded by a Correspondence with the Catholic Institute of England." It is full of information, but we must reserve our remarks till a future number. (J. Snow.)

Having long ago recorded our opinion of the general excellence of Mr. Vincent Novello's "Psalmist: a Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, suited to all the varieties of Metrical Psalmody," we are happy now to announce that it is republished in four separate vocal parts, the alto, tenor, treble, and bass. Each containing the 400

pieces, but in so compact a form that it may be conveniently carried in the pocket, whilst the musical typography is remarkably distinct and very beautifully executed. (J. Haddon.)

Our more erudite readers who perused with interest the elaborate series of papers "On Christian Baptism," which appeared in our volumes for 1841, 1842, and 1843, will be gratified to know that they are now avowed by their author, the Rev. John H. Godwin, the resident tutor of Highbury College, who has reprinted them in a volume with considerable additions and alterations. It is a book that cannot fail to make an impression upon all candid, scholar-like minds, and we rejoice that the usefulness of its essays will be greatly extended by this separate publication. (J. Snow.)

The knowledge which our children acquire of the families and countries of the earth by taking an interest in the cause of missions, is one amongst many benefits which result therefrom. To promote this the Rev. Jabez Burns has published a valuable book for Christian children, entitled "Missionary Enterprises in many Lands, with a brief History of Missionary Societies." It will excite the compassion, inflame the zeal, and inform the minds of its juvenile readers. (Aylott and Jones.)

THE EDITOR'S TABLE.

CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. An Inquiry into the Scripture Evidence of its Nature, the Modes, Subjects, and Design of the Rite, and meaning of the Term. By John H. Godwin. pp. 410. 12mo. London: J. Snow.

The Vaudois comprising Observations made during a Tour to the Valleys of Piedmont, in the Summer of 1844 : together with remarks, introductory and interspersed, respecting the origin, history, and present condition of that interesting people. With a map. By E. Henderson, D.D. Post 8vo. pp. 262. London: J. Snow. The Scottish Church Question.

By the Rev. Adolphus Sydow, Minister of the United Evangelical Church of Prussia, and Chaplain to His Majesty's Court at Potsdam. 8vo. pp. 202. J. Nisbet and Co.

The Morning Exercises. Volume V.: containing "The Morning Exercises Methodised," and the commencement of that against Popery. Edited by Mr. James Nichols. 8vo.

pp. 728. London: T. Tegg.

Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature, by John Kitto. Part XVII. 8vo. Edinburgh: A. and C. Black. London: Longman and Co.

The Weekly Offering: or, the Practice of Primitive Christians, presented to the consideration of Congregational Churches. By an Independent Minister. 12mo. pp. 36. London: J. Snow.

China, and her Spiritual Claims. By the Rev. Evan Davies, late Missionary to the Chinese. 12mo. pp. 134. London: J. Snow.

Gems of Sacred Music: Short Anthems, &c. by the most Eminent Composers, &c. Parts I. to VI. Imperial 8vo. London: Ward and Co.

The Silver Trumpet: or, the Church Guided and Warned in Perilous Times. By Octavius Winslow. 18mo. pp. 92. London: J. F. Shaw.

The Apostleship, and Apostolical Succession. By the Rev. John Craig. 18mo. pp. 100. Edinburgh: Oliphant and Sons. London: Hamilton and Co.

Old England's Alarum. (A Poem.) Post 8vo. pp. 52. London: Hatchard and Son. Missionary Enterprises in many Lands. With a brief history of Missionary Societies. By Jabez Burns. 18mo. pp. 416. London: Aylott and Jones.

The Introductory Lectures, delivered at the opening of the English Presbyterian College, Nov. 1844. By the Rev. Peter Lorimer, Rev. James Hamilton, and the Rev. Hugh Campbell. 12mo. pp. 52. London: J. Nisbet and Co.

The Ruling Eldership of the Christian Church. By the Rev. David King, LL.D. Glasgow. 12mo. pp. 248. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

The Complete Works of the Rev. Andrew Fuller, with a Memoir of his Life. By Andrew Gunton Fuller. Part I. Imperial 8vo. pp. 96. London: G. and J. Dyer. The Mother's Practical Guide in the Physical, Intellectual, and Moral Training of her Children: with an additional Chapter on the Claims and Responsibilities of Stepmothers. By Mrs. J. Bakewell. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 12mo. pp. 266. London: J. Snow.

Universal Atonement refuted by the late Rev. A. Fuller, of Kettering. With an Appendix, comprising a Summary View of the Doctrinal Sentiments and first Principles of the Scots Baptist Churches. 12mo. pp. 24. London: Jackson and Walford.

Letter to Dr. Candlish, occasioned by his Remarks on the Atonement. By James Robertson, Minister of Portsburgh Church. 12mo. pp. 20. London: Hamilton and Co.

Reflections on the Illness and Death of a beloved Daughter. By the late Rev. George Lawson, D.D., Selkirk. 32mo. pp. 96. Edinburgh: Oliphant and Co. Illustrations of the Moral Argument for the Credibility of the Gospels. By the Rev. J. R. Beard, D.D. 8vo. pp. 102. London: Simpkin and Co.

A Family History of Christ's Universal Church. By the Rev. Henry Stebbing, D.D. Part I. 8vo. pp. 80. London: G. Virtue.

CHRONICLE OF BRITISH MISSIONS.

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Appeal of one of its Friends.

WE leave the subjoined note, addressed to one of the Secretaries, to speak for itself. The writer wishes to remain unknown. May we hope that his zeal will provoke many! In order to make his remarks better understood, it is desirable to state, that at the last annual meeting of the Society several gentlemen came forward and promised specific sums, if a certain number could be obtained during the year. Thus one promised £5, if thirty-nine would do the same. Another promised £10, for five years, if twenty-nine others would give the same amount. A third party promised £50, if other nine would join him. All this has been again and again stated to the readers of "The Christian Witness." The progress up to this time has now to be mentioned. The first list has been happily completed. The second list has only received a small proportion of names. The third list, however, is near its completion, and our hope is, that the urgent appeal of the writer of the note will succeed in accomplishing his object. Only two sums of £50 are now needed to secure the liberal offer of our friend. Deeply should we regret that his desire should not be realised.

"W, 13th Jan., 1845.

"My Dear Sir, I have been expecting to hear from you, claiming the promised £50, upon conditions, and also the first £10 of annual subscription. I can assure you I shall be pleased to learn that you have already £450, and you shall then not be long before you can say the £500 is in hand. I am unwilling to entertain the idea that you will inform me you have not succeeded in both instances in obtaining the required sums, yet, I must say, your silence causes doubts. It cannot be that this Christian country is destitute of individuals that are able to meet these proposals; neither should we find them unwilling, did they but rightly value the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who though he was rich yet for our sakes became poor.

This done, it would then be no less considered the duty than the privilege of wealthy Christians to aid in this blessed cause, and we should find their benevolence not only extending to our own land, but even to the very ends of the earth, that they might hear of the salvation of our God. Waiting your reply as to how this matter stands, "I am, my Dear Sir, yours, &c.,

"J. W." "While souls are perishing, some men are only anxious about power. The spirit of bigotry is producing in many rural districts injurious effects. It enters into social life, and even into the domestic circle, and sows the seeds of bitterness and strife. Religious teachers, who should be men of peace and promoters of concord, are widely and actively employed in fomenting division, and many of our missionaries are assailed, not with the weapons of truth and righteousness, but with those of contempt, calumny, and angry denunciation. Happily, the arm of the law protects the missionary, or personal liberty would in some instances be in danger! The high church notions and delusions of some of their active men seem to produce an unhappy effect on the mind, and to transform well-educated and naturally amiable individuals into harsh, domineering, and bitter opponents."

The working of "The Allotment System."

The following extracts will show that even plans which might greatly benefit the labouring poor are likely to be perverted by bigotry into great evils. Indeed, there is reason to fear that the "allotment " system will be made an engine of oppression in the hands of influential men, and in many instances keep away from the chapel some who now attend, though not decidedly religious, while it will oppress the pious poor who are desirous of alleviating their condition. A missionary in Norfolk thus writes:

"Had it been possible for party influence and a strong combination of effort to have prevailed against the truth of God, our voice had long since been silenced, and our small sacramental band had ceased to exist.

"The allotment system, as worked by the clergy, presents a formidable barrier to our village labours. The peasantry frequently apologise for their absence from our services by saying, 'Sir, we've each a small piece of land, and we dare not anger the parson.'"

Another missionary in Yorkshire, referring to the same subject, says,—

"We have recently had a change of clergymen, by which we have had given to us a vicar and curate of the high-church school, instead of a Puseyite. To the present, things have gone on so comfortably that we began to hope that all would be very pleasant to all parties in the parish; but all on a sudden the vicar has proposed, it is said, to divide the church lands into allotments for the parishioners, so as to allow each family a portion; but with this understanding, that the holders of the land shall both attend the church themselves, and send their children to the church schools. It is easy to see how all this will work, if carried into effect. I fear that in the present state of the humbler classes, (poor as they are,) they will be tempted, in many cases, to take the land on the conditions stated. The only thing I feel that I can do is, to leave the thing in the hands of God, who alone can help in such a case." Some of the other missionaries are greatly afraid that the whole scheme of allotment, so far as many of the gentry and clergy are concerned, is one intended to extinguish the little liberty that yet exists among the poor in agricultural districts. They give some weighty reasons for this suspicious view of the subject. The missionaries are deeply anxious about the temporal interests of the poor on their several stations. They know their numerous privations, and how much they need the considerate aid of enlightened and benevolent men, not in the shape of charity,

but in the form of labour.

And where full labour cannot be obtained, the allotment system appears to many of them the best device for alleviating their troubles. But then the missionaries meet with many proofs that men who are liberal in politics, and nominally the friends of religious liberty, are so ignorant of its first principles, that they do not know they are violating them when they eject the cottager from his dwelling, "because he goes to the Dissenting chapel." This alarms them, and they tremble for the religious liberties of the poor, if the allotment system should come generally under the control of the clergy and of land-owners.

Compulsory Baptisms.

But it is not only in temporal matters that the spirit of party is shown it is extending to religious matters more widely than many are aware of. We have been accustomed to the outrageous claims of the tractarian clergy, as to their being the only authorised dispensers of the sacraments; but we believe the following case is entirely new even for that class of men.

“A clergyman in the favoured diocese of Exeter called on the parents of the children who attended the school connected with the church, to inquire if any of the children had been baptized by Dissenting teachers. He found two or three in one family in that situation. He insisted upon the parents procuring godfathers and godmothers, and taking them to church to be re-baptized, or they would be immediately dismissed from the school! This seemed so incredible that, when the statement appeared in the journal of the missionary, a note was written to him, requesting his authority, and begging him to be quite certain that what he mentioned could bear investigation, and was not a mere report. His reply is as follows:

“Immediately on the receipt of your obliging letter of the 7th instant, I rode to A—, not willing to trust to reports; went to the Rev. Mr. -. He received me courteously, but expressed his determination to carry out his principles; acknowledged having expelled three children from the church free-school, and his intention to exclude all who had not been baptized by one of God's regularly ordained ministers. I told him that I had been thirty-five years at C—, and during that period had administered the rite to hundreds of children, but had never before known a clergyman carry matters to such a length. His reply was, that the unfaithfulness of others was no rule for him: he was determined, notwithstanding the hard things that were said of him, that he would do his duty.

"I leave this matter, dear Sir, for you to deal with as you may deem proper; but I cannot help expressing my conviction, that if publicity were given to the sayings and doings of such bigots it would put them to shame."

This system is not confined to schools, but extends to daily work. A missionary in Hants thus writes: "I cannot omit another case of high-church oppression and bigotry. A poor man, whose children were all baptized at chapel, has been required, in order to get a piece of work, to have them re-baptized at church !”

We gladly turn to other topics. The extracts that follow give a brief view of the labours of two of our missionaries. The first occupies a rural district in Kent, where his services have been blessed. The second occupies a town, where he has much to do in laying a good foundation, while any village at a short distance needing his help receives it.

Missionary Labour in a Rural District.

"You will perceive from my journal that my engagements during the past month have been numerous. These, however, do not constitute the whole amount of your agent's services on this station, such as visiting the sick, tract distribution, family visiting, &c. The population being much scattered, it requires considerable labour in travelling to and fro, in order to bring the people under the sound of the Gospel; so that on the week-nights, although I do not, upon an average, collect more than N. S. VOL. IX.

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