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are now discarded, are mainly these two:-That of unconditional election; and that of man's ability to believe and reach salvation through his own powers, without the help of the Holy Spirit. On this latter subject, the opinion now held is, that he needs the Spirit, but that the Spirit works equally in every heart. The doctrine is also repudiated, that any believer is entitled to cherish the unconditional assurance of future safety. In regard to the other position of the writer, that the United Presbyterian Church holds the doctrine of a universal atonement, it rests chiefly on the statements made by Dr John Brown, at the beginning of the controversy, and on the work of Dr William Anderson, of Glasgow, on Regeneration, reviewed by us in our last Number. The whole production is fitted to raise most painful feelings. It would be amusing, if it were not most melancholy, to observe men, who are fast drifting away from every fixed landmark, talking or writing of themselves, as if every day they were, beyond a doubt, discovering some new truth, of which the Church of Christ has long remained in deplorable ignorance; and, with a degree of self-complacency only equalled by their insolence, representing themselves as heroes who are doing battle "with Calvin and the devil." grieves us much, to find them claiming the United Presbyterians as converts to any of their views. We only wish that they had it not in their power to point to the unchallenged views of such a writer as Dr Anderson in support of their allegation.

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Destitution of Elementary Education in Scotland: its Two Aspects, and our Present Duty. By the Rev. ALEX. GREGORY, A. M. Edinburgh: 1850.

THOUGH We do not concur in some of the conclusions to which this pamphlet points, we do not hesitate to say, that it is an able contribution to the Education question-temperate, wellwritten, and characterised by much beauty of thought and expression. It touches chiefly the statistical department of the subject. It calls in question the accuracy of the statements that have sometimes been made of late, as to the amount and kind of educational destitution existing among us. Instead of 200,000, or 250,000 young persons in Scotland altogether untaught, Mr Gregory reckons that there are but 120,000, from six to sixteen years of age. And the vast disproportion still remaining between the number of children who ought to be at school, and the number who are at school, he accounts for by the undoubted fact, that the period of school-attendance among the children of the working-classes is only about five years, while it ought to be about ten. The proposed planting of 4000 additional schools, he reasons, would not remedy the evil; for the 120,000 children, whose parents neglect their education, would not go to them; and the parents of the other children could not afford to keep them at school longer than they are now doing. There is much truth and force in these considerations, but they do not seem to us to prove all that Mr Gregory appears to suppose. We are far from thinking that the mere increase of school-accommodation is the main advantage to be looked for from a system of National Education. Under a right national system, we should look, first of all, for a better provision for the teacher, such as would draw men of ability to the profession, encourage them to provide themselves with a superior education, and to become thoroughly skilled in the best modes of tuition. By this means the people would be furnished with a better educational article; and for the sake of that they would make far larger sacrifices to keep their children a longer period at school. [See a remarkable instance of this in the account of King's Somborne School, Minutes of Committee of Council, 1847-8, Vol. I.] In Dr Chalmers' political economy, the principle relied on for the social elevation of the people was,-that as they became conscious of wants or desiderata, they would put forth new efforts to get them supplied. When parents come to perceive the importance of a superior education for their children, and find that such a thing may be obtained, they will make a corresponding effort to secure it. This principle, of course, does not supersede, but renders more hopeful aggressive operations. And who that thinks for a moment of the enormous sums lavished by the working-classes on ardent spirits-at least twenty-five shillings a-year, on an average, for every man, woman and child in the community-can doubt that they could do far more for the education of their families than many are now doing? Further, under a national system, we should look for some

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thing like a gradation of schools; that is, instead of five or six schools in a town of two or three thousand inhabitants, all educating children of all ages, we might have so many infant schools, so many juvenile, and one of a superior sort, for children more advanced. In connection with this last, there might be several bursaries, small in amount, to be enjoyed only by the children of the working-classes, in order to counteract the temptation of their removal from school as soon as they were able to earn a shilling or two. The gradation of schools, by saving the teachers from endless distractions, would enable them to supply far superior instruction, and to pay more attention to habits, morals, manners, and other little things of great importance, which the teachers of crowded promiscuous schools cannot attend to. And further. the increased supply of good schools, with really superior teachers would have the effect of swamping hundreds of "adventurers" who have taken to teaching, very much on the principle that the swine-herd of the Ban de la Roche was appointed to the school-because he was fit for nothing else. If we may judge from the number of strange-looking waifs that come to our door for charity, pleading that they taught a school somewhere or another, till the Free Church dried it up, the Free Church must have done some good service to the community in this respect. It is very probable that Mr Gregory concurs in many of these views. We have thought it right, however, to set them forward, to show that the mere increase of the means of education is not the only benefit we would look for from a national scheme. After all, Mr Gregory does not deny that something new is necessary-he is only afraid of rashness in adopting an untried plan.

Ellen of Dingle: "a Narrative of Facts. By Mrs D. P.
THOMSON.
London: 1850.

A PLEASING narrative of the life of an Irish girl, who be came a very decided, and most conscientious Christian. The little book might be read with great advantage by servants, showing as it does, how thoroughly Christian principles ought to be applied to all the details of a servant's ordinary duties; and how Christ is glorified when an obliging, trustworthy, and pains-taking spirit is shown by those who profess to follow him.

Tales and Sketches of Christian Life, in Different Lands and
Ages.
London: 1850.

IT has often occurred to us, that the records of Church History might be turned to excellent account, by being made to unfold those excellencies of Christian character which have been specially characteristic of certain periods and portions of the Church; as well as to exhibit the trials, duties, and triumphs of the Christian, in all sorts of situations and circumstances. We therefore welcome this little volume, as realizing, in some measure, this idea. It contains a Tale of the Egyptian Church in the third century; Extracts from the Diary of Brother Bartholomew, a Monk of the twelfth century; Sketches from the History of the Reformation in Italy; and Sketches of the United Brethren of Bohemia and Moravia. The ground thus traversed is both varied and interesting, and the sketches are lively and instructive.

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mend this discourse as setting forth, in a clear and comprehensive manner, the glory which Christ's Church is destined to attain, and as fitted to rouse all office-bearers to the energetic and prayerful use of the means by which that glory is to be realized.

Missionary Addresses delivered before the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in the years 1835, 1837, 1839. With additional papers on Female Education; and the Danish, or Earliest Protestant Mission to India. By ALEXANDER DUFF, D.D. Edinburgh: 1850.

SOME months ago, on making inquiry for Dr Duff's first speech in the Assembly-that noble burst of eloquence whose thrill went through Scotland, kindling a flame such as had not burned in it for many a long year-we were disappointed to find that not a single copy could be had. We are exceedingly gratified to see that it has now been re-published, forming, with three other addresses, and an article from the Calcutta Review, the neat volume now before us. The wide circulation and extensive perusal of these Addresses are eminently fitted, through the divine blessing, to revive and strengthen the spirit of missionary zeal, as well as to diffuse correct and interesting information respecting the condition of India, and the principles on which our Mission there is conducted.

The Works of John Owen, D.D. Edited by the Rev. WILLIAM H. GOOLD, Edinburgh. Vol. I.

London and Edinburgh: 1850. IT is but doing bare justice to all the parties concerned in the preparation of this New Edition of Owen's Works, to say, that they have spared no pains or labour to render it as valuable as possible. In external form, it is most attractive-a decided improvement upon the Wodrow and Calvin publications; the page is better filled, and the type equally clear, while the whole appearance of the volume has more of classical simplicity and elegance about it. It is a book that you can look at with pleasure once and again; and "as you look, the wonder grows," that by far the most comely dress in which the venerable Puritan has ever appeared is also by far the cheapest. Mr Goold, the accomplished and pains-taking Editor, has entered with great spirit into the undertaking, and a bare enumeration of the improvements he has effected will show how he has enhanced the value of the present edition. It may be remarked, that in the mere matter of printing, many inaccuracies occurred in the earliest editions of Owen's Works, owing to his distance from the press-so many, that Owen humorously remarked there would be "too much tyranny in making the printer instrumental in divulging them all." In many subsequent editions, there is little improvement in this respect. In the present edition, it has been attempted to correct such errors, but no change has been made on the venerable peculiarities of thought and expression which the author was in the habit of using. The punctuation has undergone a thorough revisal, and passages which, from negligence in this respect were previously obscure, have brightened into significance. Pains have been taken with the numerous marks of division and subdivision, which were found often in a state of much confusion. The Scripture references have been verified, and multitudes of errors have been detected and altered. The quotations from the Fathers, at least the most important of them, have been duly collated, and the proper reference given to the originala labour from which former editors shrunk. A prefatory note has commonly been given to the different treatises, to indicate the design of each, give a short analysis of its contents, the date of its original publication, the judgment that has been formed of its merits, and any circumstances of interest bearing on its character, or connected with its history. The Memoir of Dr Owen, by the Rev. Andrew Thomson, though necessarily, in point of dimensions, somewhat like the Life by Mr Asty, which did "not contain so many pages as Owen had written books," presents us with the leading facts in his history and features of his character in that rich and juicy style by which Mr Thomson is characterised. The works which the present volume contains are "The Declaration of the Glorious Mystery of the Person of Christ-Meditations on the Glory of Christ-Application of these-Two Catechisms on the Doctrine of Christ." Of these works we do not now trust ourselves to speak, though we might, with reference more especially to the Meditations

on the Glory of Christ, bear our testimony, that more than any other uninspired book that we know, it is impregnated with the spirit of heaven, and well fitted to raise the soul of the reader to its solemn and blissful scenes. We participate in the feeling raised in the mind of the Editor by the reflec tion-"that this publication, from the wide circulation already insured to it, must exert a mighty influence in guiding the minds of men, and moulding their habits of thought and action-a feeling relieved only by the consideration that the principles of Owen were a close and faithful transcript of the Gospel of Christ, and that multitudes have already ripened for glory in meditation on his pages." We regard the present volume as the commencement of the most important series of works that are issuing from any press at the present day. In edifying and strengthening the churches, in upholding the cause of truth, in promoting the glory of God and the good of souls, the great day alone will declare the amount of service which these books may be instrumental in rendering.

Obituary.

Died at Hamilton, Canada West, on the July, the Rev. RALPH ROBB, of the Free Church there. Mr Robb was settled as a minister of the Old-Light Burgher Synod at Strathkinness, in Fife, in 1827, where his ministry was useful both to his own flock and to others. He had an important part to perform in the scheme of union between the Old-Light Burgher Synod and the Established Church. Immediately after the Disruption he sailed for Nova Scotia, and was the first Free Church minister who visited the western world. His labours, first at Halifax and latterly at Hamilton, are identified with the history of the Colonial Free Church; and many will bless the memory of this good man, called away in the midst of his days and usefulness.

Died at Dirleton, East Lothian, on the 7th August, the Rev. WILLIAM H. HEWITSON, minister of the Free Church there. Mr Hewitson was a native of Dalmellington, Ayrshire. His natural talents were of a very superior kind, and his application to study was so successful that he gained some of the highest honours of the University of Edinburgh. When he resolved to devote himself to the ministry, he consecrated all his powers to the service of Christ. In 1845, after being ordained by the Presbytery of Edinburgh, he proceeded to Madeira, where he laboured with remarkable success among the native Portuguese. Compelled to leave that island by persecution, he soon after proceeded to Trinidad, where he watched over the flock of converts that had been driven from Madeira. In 1848, he accepted a call from the Free Church congregation at Dirleton, where his ministry was greatly blessed. He was a man of lofty spirituality, and of rare holiness of life and conversation. Wherever he went, the fervour and heavenliness of his spirit constantly appeared. He was a great student of prophecy, holding very decided views in favour of the pre-millennial advent; on which subject, it is understood, he contributed some papers to the "Journal of Prophecy." It is probable that a full memoir of Mr Hewitson will be published; and we doubt not it will take its place, side by side, with the memoirs of M'Cheyne and Halley.

The Protestant Church in Germany has just been called to deplore the death of JOHN AUGUSTUS WILLIAM NEANDER, first Professor of Theology in the Royal University of Berlin. Neander was born at Gottingen in 1789. His parents belonged to the Jewish nation, so that Neander is one of the many Hebrews who have recently risen to stations of eminence. He studied at the universities of Halle and Gottingen. At the early age of 23, he was appointed a Professor at Heidelberg. His greatest work is his Church History, of which he had completed ten volumes, and which is in the course of being translated for Clark's Theological Library; He was the author of a "History of the Apostolic Age," and of "The Life of Jesus;" a work written in consequence of the publication of the treatise of Strauss under the same name. His character was remarkably amiable and kind-hearted; and though not coming up to our standard on such subjects as "Inspiration," or the obligation of the Sabbath, his services in the cause of evangelical truth have been alike eminent and efficient.

Printed by JouNSTONE & HUNTER, 104 High Street: and published by JOHNSTONE & HUNTER, 15 Princes Street, Edinburgh; and 26 Paternoster Row, London. And sold by the Booksellers throughout the kingdom.

THE year whose close is now approaching, is destined, we trust, to be memorable in our country's history, as that on which the infatuated policy of our rulers, in patronising the MAN OF SIN received its first check, and the arrogant and most dangerous pretensions of Rome began once again to be rightly apprehended by the British people.

The very singular and most encouraging movement in IRELAND, whereby tens of thousands of the once bigoted peasantry of that country are renouncing the superstition of Rome, and embracing the religion of the Bible, would be enough to signalise the year now ending, in the annals of British Church History. It gives rise to the brightest hopes, that within a brief period Ireland may be completely delivered from the frightful scourge by which she has been cursed so long, if Protestants are only energetic in embracing the present opportunity.

The GREAT EXHIBITION, one of the principal events of the year, has drawn nations together, and disposed them to look, with no jealous eye, on the varied features of excellence by which the productions of one may be honourably distinguished from those of another. In the religious world, it is to be hoped, that, fostered by the labours of the EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE, a similar spirit has been largely developed; and that Churches are now striving more to find out in each other excellencies that may be admired and copied, than defects that may be sneered at and blamed.

Our own Church has enjoyed another year of peace; and though, in the noiseless prosecution of her great work, she has not arrested the attention of the world, there is reason to believe that she has been the means, under God, of adding not a few souls to the true Church of Christ, and of promoting generally the Christian cause. Still, on all hands, we hear complaints of spiritual deadness; and it is very evident, that for the great and manifold Christian enterprises that claim our attention on every side, the means and the men are far from sufficient. A higher tone of piety, a loftier spirit of devotedness,-more of living, working, labouring Christianity, both among office-bearers and people, are loudly called for; and the church must continue to devote her most strenuous attention to the development of this spirit, if she is to fulfil her high vocation, and become a true blessing to the country and to the world.

The Christianity of the land has yet to fight the battle of the SABBATH; the battle of TEMPERANCE; the battle of the HOME MISSION; and to name no other, the battle of THE REFORMATION, Verily, we have battles enough in prospect! But if without there are to be fightings, within let there be no fears. The battles are all the Lord's. With Popery, especially, it must be a fight of life and death. Every thing points to one Popish fortress, against which the whole artillery should, in the first instance, be directed-MAYNOOTH. Delenda est Carthago! It must be. Let Pro

testants rouse every energy for this end; and so far as Maynooth is a Royal College, or a College supported by national grants, may God grant us the privilege of announcing, by the close of another year, that the sin of its national maintenance is at an end !

The present is the last number of the FREE CHURCH MAGAZINE that is to appear in the present form, and to a certain extent, on the present plan. Many readers, who deem our present page too large, and our type too small, have often urged on us the propriety of a change; and we have resolved to yield to their wishes. It has also been represented to us as most desirable, that the Magazine should be made to minister, more directly and statedly, to the spiritual wants of its readers; and in that respect also we are about to alter it, as we hope, for the better.

The form will be changed to that of demy octavo, and in place of thirty-two pages of the present size, there will be forty-eight of the new.

About one half of these will be occupied with original contributions on Ecclesiastical, Theological, Literary, Social, and other subjects, similar to those which have heretofore occupied about three-fourths of our present size.

A portion of each Number will be regularly devoted to subjects of a spiritual and practical cast, such as may prove useful to individuals and families, and be suitable for Sabbath-evening reading. Occasionally these papers may be original, but they will be mainly extracted from approved and interesting works.

Some pages will be regularly devoted to a more comprehensive digest than hitherto of religious and general Intelligence. Besides chronicling all that seems material in the history and progress of our own Church, interesting facts will be communicated illustrative of the progress of other Churches, at home and abroad; and movements connected with Popery, the Sabbath, the promotion of Temperance, Ragged Schools, City Missions, and the like, will all be carefully attended to.

In the Literary Notices, more space will be devoted than has been common to interesting extracts from the works under review. It is our design to extend the range from which these notices and extracts shall be made.

We will not enter into further detail here. Our Number for January will more fully develop our plan. It is our confident expectation, that the new arrangements will tend both to enlarge our usefulness, and to increase our circulation. Of our present readers we entreat the kindness of their lending their friendly efforts on our behalf; for without their co-operation it is impossible that we can do the service which we would fain render, to the great and important cause of pure doctrine, sound literature, and Christian enterprise in our land.

EDINBURGII, December 1, 1851.

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American Churches, Statistics of, 192.

American's Account of Free Church Assembly, 224.

Anderson, Rev. A., Letter from, 348.

Arts, The Fine, and Religion, 296.

Assembly, The Approaching, 132.

Assembly, The General, 191, 193, 222.
Assyria, Ancient, 69, 320.

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Evangelical Alliance, 300.
Exhibition, The Great, 192, 202, 254.
Exhibition-Sabbath Services, 128.
Ezekiel, Fairbairn on, 240.

Facts from Rome, 105.

Faquirs of India, 102, 186.

Farm Servants, 247.

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Florence, Religious Persecution in, 159.
France, Reformed Evangelical Church of, 95.
Free Church Abstainers' Society, 222.

Free Church Assembly, 132, 191, 193, 222, 224.

Free Church Commission of Assembly, 125, 286, 378.
Free Church Education Scheme, 254.

Free Church Foreign Mission Scheme, 253.

Free Church Matters, 94, 288.

Free Churchmen in Official Situations, 160.

Free Church New Scheme of National Education, 126.
Free Church, Official Testimony of, 343.

Free Tron Church Missionary Association, 157.
French Officer's Reasons for Turning Protestant, 218.

Caleb Field, 176.

Catechising, Advantages of, 256.

Cavaliers, Times of, 10, 40, 107, 169, 280.

Chalmers' Memoirs, Vol. III., 289.

Christian Socialism, 7.

Church Economics-Belfast, 159.

Church's Work, Practical Hints for,-

No. 1. Revival of Religion, 26.

2. Pastoral Visitation, 57.

3. Parochial Catechising, 90.

4. Faithful Preaching, 119.

5. Pastor and His People, 154.

16. Sabbath-School at Fireside, 184.

7. Farm Servants, 247.

8. Duties of Elders, 283.

9. Young Communicants, 313.

10. Means most Blessed in the Ministry, 347.

Connaught Mission and Schools, 158.

Consecrating a Burial Ground, 96.

Crichton, D. M. Makgill, Death of, 256.

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Idol and Iconoclast, 234.

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Industry and Religion, 255.

Inspiration of Scriptures-Scherer, 46.
Infant Baptism, 269.

Inquisition, Re-establishment of, 320.

Intelligence, General-

Church Extension in England, 352.

Connaught Mission and Schools, 158, 32.

Conversions in Ireland, 351

Dunbar v. Skinner, Case of, 287.

Exhibition-Sabbath Services, 128.

Exhibition-Bearings on Religion. 254.

Edinburgh Irish Mission, 159.

Established Church Assembly, 222.

English Presbyterian Synod, 192.

English Convocation, 254.

Episcopal Incomes, 255.

France, Reformed Evangelical Church of, 95.

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