in which free conversation may be conducted, so as to improve the understanding and heart. Many of the poetic pieces are very pleasing, and the work altogether is highly creditable to its fair author. We wish it may have an extensive circulation.

THE MAGNET OF THE GOSPEL. By J. R. BALME, Author of the "Lever of the Gospel," and other works. 18mo. 119pp. HAMILTON, ADAMS, & Co.

SEVERAL Works from the pen of Mr. Balme have passed under our notice, and we have had pleasure in bearing our testimony to their general excellence. In this little volume, as in his former works, he has presented most important truths in a lively, interesting, and impressive manner. We, however, regretted to find, near the beginning of the work now before us, a statement which may be applied so as to nullify a large portion of the remainder of the work. In reference to man's return to God, he says

"This is the work of the Holy Spirit. In its achievement he has two formidable obstacles to overcome. These are pride and self-will. But in the very day, hour, moment, that he commences his operations, the pride of the sinner's heart is brought down, his love of self subdued, and the Lord exalted to the throne in the affections. Isa. ii. 11. the first work of the Holy Spirit in the human heart."

This is

We remark that, to us, it appears strange to designate as, "formidable obstacles" to the Holy Spirit, that which the "very moment" his operations are commenced yield to his influence. If Mr. Balme's statement be true, the unconverted have never been under the influence of the Holy Ghost, and consequently they have never resisted or grieved the Spirit of God. We will also add, that the reference to Isa. ii. 11, affords no evidence in support of the statement to which it is added; and we regret that, by giving the reference, some of his readers may, without examination, suppose that the words of Jehovah, as given by the prophet, confirm the statement which we have quoted. We fully admit that it is the work of the Spirit to bring men to God, but we do not admit that "in the very day, hour, moment, that he commences his operations, the pride of the sinner's heart is brought down, his love of self subdued, and the Lord exalted to the throne in his affections." Alas! such is the depravity of the human heart that many sinners, with whom the Spirit has been striving for years, yet have their hearts unsubdued by the power of grace. They harden their hearts, and resist the Holy Ghost.

However, with the exception to which we have referred, the general character of the work accords with the author's previous publications. The doctrines of the Cross of Christ are presented in a manner well adapted to arrest attention, impress the mind, and affect the heart.

MATTHEW HENRY'S EXPOSITION on the Old and New Testaments; with Practical Remarks and Observations. A New Edition, in Three Volumes, containing Supplementary Notes and numerous Wood Engravings, illustrative of Biblical Scenes and Customs; together with a Life of Matthew Henry, in Three Volumes, Quarto. PARTRIDGE AND OAKEY.

WE congratulate the proprietor of this excellent work on the completion of his noble undertaking, and ardently wish that he may be repaid, by an extensive sale, the large amount of capital sunk in bringing out this edition. Among the numerous excellent commentaries on the Scriptures published in the English language, we are of opinion, that, for general use, none possesses greater excellence than that of Matthew Henry. Dr. Adam Clarke says, "It is always orthodox, generally judicious, and truly pious and practical." Matthew Henry held, what are usually denominated, moderate Calvinistic opinions; they are set forth in his Commentary, yet they are not frequently introduced, nor strongly expressed. Dr. Clarke says, "I apply the term orthodox to persons who differ considerably in their religious creed on certain points. He who holds the doctrine of the fall of man, and through it the universal corruption of human nature; the Godhead of our blessed Redeemer; the atonement made by his obedience unto death; justification through faith alone in his blood; the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, regenerating and renewing the heart, is generally reported orthodox, whether in other parts of his creed he be Arminian or Calvinistic. Whitby and Henry held and defended all these doctrines in their respective comments, therefore I scruple not to say that both were orthodox."

This edition is greatly enriched by valuable supplementary notes, which have been judiciously added from various sources, and which add to the original work much important biblical information, obtained by the researches of the students, of scripture literature, of modern times. The expository notes on the epistles, which were left in an imperfect state when Matthew Henry died, and published under the superintendence of others, have been carefully revised; and to the notes on the Apocalypse large additions have been made. The work is also embellished with about 600 wood engravings, which furnish valuable illustrations of the history, customs, scenery, and metaphors of the sacred volume. The work is well printed on good paper, with excellent type,-clear though small. In consequence of the great expenses which have been incurred for this edition, the proprietor has found it needful to advance the price to those who were not original subscribers; it is, however, now sold at the very moderate charge of two pounds thirteen shillings for the complete work, in three quarto volumes, well bound in cloth and lettered. It is a most admirable cheap edition of a work, which the wise and good of all denominations of Christians hold in very high esteem; and we hope it will have a very extensive sale. We understand that a new issue of the work in shilling parts is in progress.

DEEDS FROM THOUGHTS. Inaugural Address of the Christian Young Men's Missionary Association. By the Rev. S. MARTIN. Foolscap 8vo. 24pp. J. Snow.

THE ADVANCEMENT OF NATIONS FROM THE BARBAROUS TO THE CIVILIZED STATE, and the Influence of Christianity on that Advancement. By the REV. J. J. FREEMAN.

Foolscap 8vo. 24pp. J. SNOW.

RECENTLY there has been formed, in London, a Young Men's Association," the object of which is the diffusion, among young men, of

information, upon the claims, character, trials, success, and agencies of the missionary enterprize; together with the augmentation of the pecuniary resources of the London Missionary Society." It is intended to promote the objects of the Association by lectures, sermons, essays by the members, meetings for conversation, and the circulation of Missionary literature. Arrangements have been made for the delivery of eight monthly lectures, in the Hall of Commerce, between September last and April next; and it is intended that the lectures shall be printed for general circulation. The first and second of those lectures are now before us. The first illustrates the importance of cherishing good thoughts, and the duty of applying our powers to the advancement of the best interests of mankind; it also unfolds the principles, constitution, and objects of the Association, and furnishes admirable advice as to how the members of the Association may, in spirit and action, best promote the objects of their union. The second lecture presents a very instructive, brief, but comprehensive description of the progress of civilization, and of the influence of Christianity in improving man's physical and social condition. Mr. Freeman justly remarks, that man's original condition was not a state of barbarism, but that barbarism has resulted from the downward tendency of the depravity of mankind. He also shows that although many nations which have not received the Gospel of Christ, enjoy the advantages of civilization, yet that Christianity carries civilization to a state of perfection, and is the quickest as well as the most complete and powerful means of bringing barbarism into a civilized condition. Each of these lectures contains much valuable instruction, richly deserving of considerate attention.

MANUAL OF INSTRUCTION, for Catechumen Classes, the Bible Classes of Sabbath Schools, and Children at Home. By P. J. WRIGHT. Royal 18mo. 72pp. PARTRIDGE AND OAKEY.

CONSIDERABLE difficulty is experienced by many intelligent persons in preparing suitable lessons for children, to instruct them in the knowledge of things as well as of words. To assist in this important work is the design of the author of this manual. The value of the work will be best tested by using it in the way the author directs with a company of young persons. The method recommended is for the teacher to read a short statement of the subject of the lesson, then to direct the class to read given texts of scripture, which relate to the subject; the teacher explaining, as they proceed, any very difficult term which occurs; then to read the whole over again; and, at the close of each section, to propose to the class questions suggested by the reading. We think it would have been better if the subjects had been more simplified; but we have no doubt the work will be found to afford valuable assistance to well informed teachers, suggesting to them thoughts which they may use with much advantage.

THE WATER CURE JOURNAL, and Hygienic Magazine. Edited by W. M'LEOD, M.D. November 1848. J. GADSBY.

THE PEACE ADVOCATE AND CORRESPONDENT. November 1848. CHARLES GILPIN.

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NEW SUBSCRIBERS FOR OUR MAGAZINES.

MR. EDITOR,-I shall feel obliged in your allowing me an opportunity, in your next number, to appeal to your readers, on the subject of increasing the circulation of our periodicals, at the commencement of the New Year. While I am glad that, during the deep and protracted depression of trade through which we have passed, our magazines have so well maintained their circulation, I yet think that it might be greatly increased. I am not disposed to occupy your space in finding fault with the past, or with insinuations of blame, or charges of neglect of duty, upon my brethren. I leave that to others, if any are so disposed; as I leave them to parade, if they will, any little efforts they may make for the accomplishment of the object. Perhaps we all may be able to do something more for their wider diffusion. I think they deserve and ought to be more generally taken in and read by the members of our Connexion. They furnish a most agreeable and instructive variety. In original articles, in well-selected extracts, in memoirs, and in Connexional and missionary information, there is something to meet the diversified tastes of all. It affords me pleasure to know that our Magazines give general satisfaction.

It would, of course, be too much to expect universal approbation; that no Editor may reasonably expect. Still I am pleased that there is so very general an expression of satisfaction. All appear to agree in opinion, that they fully maintain their character, and that they lose nothing by comparison with any of their own class published by any other denomination. I think it might have a very beneficial effect on their wider diffusion, if those who appreciate their value were disposed to embrace every favourable opportunity of recommending them to others. I know instances of their introduction in this way. Due notice, I trust, will be taken of them from the pulpit by my brethren in the ministry, and also diligence used in spreading the Circulars sent out with the November book parcels. As to the dissemination of the small Magazine, we must depend mainly upon, that valued and important class of agents, our Sunday-school teachers and conductors; and I have reason to believe 'that a good and a growing disposition exists among them to afford every reasonable assistance. I venture to hope, Mr. Editor, that a united effort will be made to effect an improvement on the past year. If each will, as he has opportunity, do what he is able, there can be no doubt of the result. JOHN PETERS.

Manchester.

EDITORIAL REMARKS.

MANY thanks are due to the Rev. J. Peters for his kind and seasonable valuable communication. We hope that the subject to which he has adverted will receive that prompt and vigorous attention to which it is, on many accounts, entitled. To extend the circulation of our denominational periodicals is of great importance to the welfare of our Connexion. We generally find that those who really are heartily attached to the Association, take a lively interest in the contents and circulation of our magazines. Those who have it in their power to obtain and read them, and do not, we regard as indifferent to the

interests of our Connexion. We are not unaware of the nature of the excuses which they frequently allege, but we regard them as fictitious and delusive. To those of our brethren the preachers, and other friends, who diligently exert themselves to extend the sale of our publications, the thanks of the Connexion are due; and we earnestly solicit, especially at the present time, their best exertions to obtain a large augmentation of the number of subscribers for both of our magazines, to commence with the new year. Probably, in most of our Circuits there may be some persons, who, from extreme poverty, may be compelled to discontinue taking our periodicals, but we believe, that, by proper exertions, in almost every Circuit, the number of subscribers may be increased. We strongly recommend that, in every Circuit, arrangements be made for immediately canvassing all the members of our churches and congregations. Some of them require to be urged to the duty of making themselves more conversant with such information as they may obtain by reading our magazines.

We are not disposed to find fault with those of our friends who take in the periodicals of other religious denominations, provided they also procure and read those of their own Connexion. We would commend them for so doing. But those who neglect to procure, and read the periodicals of their own community, do not act either wisely or consistently. We hope, however, that such cases are not numerous.

Our small magazine has an extensive circulation; yet we think a large increase may and ought to be obtained. It is gratifying to us to know that it is generally approved. In some few cases, Sunday-school scholars are supplied at a reduced price, and the loss is borne by kind friends, who desire to extend its circulation. It is needful that we should know by the 23rd of December, how many of the next month's magazines will be required. In consequence of orders not having been given sufficiently early, last year we were put to considerable inconvenience and expense. Let all our friends act promptly and energetically, and then the result will be highly gratifying and advantageous.

ANCIENT MATERIALS FOR WRITING.
BY DR. TOWNLEY.

(Continued from p. 467.)

Or the several kinds of paper, used at different periods, and manufactured from various materials, the Egyptian is unquestionably the most ancient. The exact date of its discovery is unknown; and even the place where it was first made is matter of dispute. According to Isidore, it was first made at Meinphis; and according to others, in Seide, or Upper Egypt. It was manufactured from the inner films of the papyrus or biblos, a sort of flag, or bulrush, growing in the marshes of Egypt. The outer skin being taken off, there are next several films or inner skins, one within another. These, when separated from the stalk, were laid on a table, and moistened with the glutinous waters of the Nile. They were afterwards pressed together, and dried in the sun. From this papyrus it is said, that what we now make use of to write upon, hath also the name of papyr or paper; though of quite another nature from the ancient papyrus. Bruce, the well-known Abyssinian traveller, had in his possession, a large and very perfect manuscript on papyrus, which had been