Nach Druckexemplar suchen
The Biblical Repository and Classical Review, Band 4
5. Infant Baptism, a Scriptural Service, and Dipping unnecessary to its right
administration; containing a critical survey and digest of the leading evidence, Classical, Biblical, and Patristic; with special reference to the work of Dr. CARSON, and occasional strictures on the views of Dr. HALLEY. By the Rev. ROBERT Wilson, Professor of Sacred Literature for the General Assembly, Royal College, Belfast. London and Belfast: 1848.
This recent and extensive work on the baptismal controversy, was sent us a few weeks since, from London, and we are happy to introduce it to the notice of both parties interested in it in this country. It is an octavo of 534 pages. It discusses the subject of infant baptism in a most thorough and able manner, and withal in a Christian spirit. It exhibits the fruits of extensive research, profound erudition, and a careful and candid survey of the entire field of evidence embraced in this controversy. The author is evidently familiar with the views of all the leading writers on both sides, and produces a mass of evidence in favor of his conclusions which it will be hard to set aside or resist. He maintains the Pædobaptist views, in the orthodox sense, in opposition to the masterly Carson, Drs. Gale and Cox His analysis, and digest of evidence in favor of them, is truly learned and powerful. "In prosecuting the inquiries, the principal testimonies from the ancient classics, the Hebrew, and Greek Scriptures, and the writings of the fathers, have been examined at considerable length, and the results, i 1 some interesting cases, tested and sus. tained by comparison with artistic monuments of antiquity. The chronological order has been, to a certain extent, followed in tracing the signification of the more important terms; the structure of the passages in which these terms occur, has not been overlooked as a modifying element; and the principle has been broadly asserted, that the ascertained usage of any particular period is not the slave of ante. cedent usage. Baptism, for instance, in the writings of the apostles may not ex. actly correspond to baptism in the works of Hippocrates or Plato ; and in that case each must stand upon its own evidence, the earlier usage having no power to overlay or coerce the latter. This principle does not limit the province, though it aids in wisely applying the products of historical philology, which renders valuable ser. vice in determining the mode of the ordinance, and the discipleship predicated of its subjects." We are pleased to see the previous labors of Prof. Stuart, and of Dr. Edward Beecher, highly appreciated by this learned and able critic, and frequent reference made to the series of able articles published by them in the early numbers of the Repository. We cordially commend this volume to all who feel any interest in this controversy, not only for its varied learning and critical research, but as a model for all to study who enter the field of religious controversy. 6. Spiritual Heroes ; or Sketches of the Puritans, their Character and Times. By
JOHN STOUGHTON. With an Introductory Letter by JOEL Hawes, D.D. M. W. Dodd: 1818.
This is a book of decided interest. The times to which it relates; the characters it describes; the stirring events which it sketches ; and the noble sentiments which it illustrates, lend to it a peculiar charın. The early Puritan life and times, form a grand subject for investigation and study, and every new contribution and development tends to place it before the eyes of the world in its true light. This is not so much a connected history as a graphic portraiture of some of the earlier Puritans and Nonconformists. The materials for this work were collected, partly from historical authorities, and partly from local traditions, and church records, so that its heroes are not fancies but stern and glorious realities, however traduced in English history. The lives and sufferings of those exiled confessors and martyrs, are powerful to instruct and thrill the heart of every Christian and patriot. We bless God for such a noble ancestry. The Puritans saved England in the crisis of her des. tiny, and, under God, made America what she is; and let their memory be honored, and their character revered. The great battle with Popery is to be fought over again, both in England and in this country, and glad are we that such materials are being gathered. We note a single exception to this book. We doubt the perfect impartiality of the author as a witness, in the case of the Independents and Presbyterians of those times. Strongly sympathizing with the former, we fear that he has unwittingly done injustice to the latter. Presbyterianism will not suffer in comparison with Independency in its struggles and sacrifices for freedom of conscience,
and a pure faith, and no invidious comparison ought ever to be made. Mr. Dodd has brought it out in fine style; he is giving the world some good and valuable books these days. 7. The Family Power : four Sermons preached in the South Presbyterian Church,
Brooklyn, N. Y. By Rev. SAMUEL T. SPEAR. Published by request. New York, Leavitt, Trow & Co.: 1848.
This is a pastor's offering to his people. The subject embraced in it stands related to the highest interests of man for time and eternity. THE FAMILY Power ! How vast the sum of it! how responsible the exercise of it! it is happiness or misery, life or death, heaven or hell! This momentous subject is treated in an able and earnest manner in this little work. The main idea discussed is, the duty of appropriating the family power to God, and the methods of doing it. The duty is argued from the greatness of the power; God's design in the grant; the alternative of not giving it to God; the value of the material subject to it; the end couragements to its use, and the fact that parents must soon resign this power ananswer to God for the manner of its use. In appropriating this power to the right training of the family, six methods are named, viz.: family unity, family govern. ment, family conversation, family reading, family worship, and a family Sabbath. The author aims not to say new things or novel, but to present the model of a Christian family, and induce every Christian parent to study and practice upon it. There is power in this book--much truth, wisdom, good sense, and piety ; and it cannot fail to do good. We wish it were in every family, and its teachings obeyed. What an amount of sin and misery would be prevented! How different an aspect would human society wear! A little more simplicity, a freer use of Anglo-Saxon words, we think would have improved the style. 8. The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the New Testament; including a
Concordance to the Proper Names : with Indexes, Greck-English and English. Greek New York: Harper & Brothers : 1848.
The design of this work is to facilitate a comparison between the Greek text of the New Testament and our common English Version. It consists of a complete Concordance, in which all the words of the Greek Testament are given, together with every passage in which each occurs; the citations being made from the English Version, the English word or phrase used to render the Greek word under consideration being distinguished by being printed in Italic characters. In addition to the Concordance there are two Indexes: the one Greek-English, being an alphabetical list of the words of the Greek Testament, with all the words by which each is represented in the English Version; the other English-Greek, a similar list of all the words of the English Version, with every word in the Greek which each is used to translate.
The advantage of this work to the clergyman is obvious. In investigating the meaning of any text, it is important for him to examine every passage in which occur the leading terms which govern its meaning. It is not sufficient for his purpose that he take the corresponding words in the English Version; for the same English word is used in different passages to represent a number of different Greek words; while any Greek word may be represented by any one of a number of English words. This arises from the fact that the words of one language have not their precise equivalents in any other. The full latitude of the signification of any foreign word can only be known by ascertaining all those which may be used to render it, in our own. To ascertain the precise sense in which any writer or class of writers use a term, we must compare all the cases in which it occurs. Of all the possible significations of the word, which, in any given case, is the true one can only be decided by the context. On a single page of this work, the student has before him every instance of its use, and, therefore, the whole latitude of its signification; and as far as this depends upon New Testament usage he has all the materials for investigation extant. If he depended solely upon his English Concordance for collecting these materials, he would bring together many passages which are not related, while he left out of view others which are connected. For instance, he wishes to ascertain the precise New Testament use of the word faith ; this is used to translate both πίστις and ελπίς. It is clear that in investigating the use of the former word the passages where the latter occurs are not to the purpose ;
but his English Testament would lead him to associate them. On the other hand, riotis is translated by faith, belief, assurance, and fidelity, in different passages, all of which are necessary for the full elucidation of the word; but if he used the English Concordance alone he would only refer to those where faith occurs. To the clergyman, therefore, this work may be recommended as the means of saving a vast amount of labor,
But unlike an ordinary Greek Concordance this may be used by one who is ignorant even of the alphabet of that language. We will suppose such an one to be engaged in the investigation of the use of the same word, faith. He turns to the English-Greek Index, which informs him that the word stands for id ris, on page 208 of the Concordance, and for riatis, on page 538. He turns to these pages, and finds the latter to be the word which is used to express the thing he is investigating ; and under this word he finds the whole series of passages where it occurs. He has thus before him all the facts which bear upon the signification of the word, and is as well qualified as the Greek scholar to judge whether of all these possible renderings the most apposite one has been selected, for this depends, not on the nature of the Greek term itself, but upon the general scope and connection of the passage where it occurs.
Convinced as we are, that the Lexicon and Concordance are the only basis of sound Biblical criticism, and that all sound theology must be drawn from the inspired text rather than from commentaries, we regard this work as a most valuable contribution to the department of theological literature. Notwithstanding the high price of the English edition, many copies have found their way to this country. This edition, which is in every respect fully equal to the English, is sold for about one-third of the cost of that, and we anticipate for it a large circulation among both clergy and laity, wherever its merits are known: The American edition forms a volume in large octavo of nearly a thousand pages, and is sold for $4.50 bound in cloth, and $5.00 in sheep. 9. Pioneer History: being an account of the first examinations of the Ohio Valley, and
the early settlement of the North-West Territory. By S. P. HILDRETH. Cincinnati, H. W. Derby & Co.; New York, A. S. Barnes & Co.: 1848.
Such is the modest title of a most valuable work. As matter of history, pertaining to the settlement of that great valley, it is entirely reliable. The author has been gathering materials for it for years. Very many of his facts were learned from the lips of the pioneers themselves, most of whom are now dead. And it is this which makes Dr. Hildreth's Pioneer History a very entertaining book, as well as very instructive on the beginnings of empire at the West. Having been so well enter. tained ourselves we recommend the book to our friends. And the more so, as we see that the Cincinnati Historical Society, under whose auspices it is published, make the sale of this volume the condition of publishing a second from the same pen. They have the MSS. already in hand, " containing ample biographies of the first settlers of Marietta," than which men nobler cannot be found since the Pil. grims landed at Plymouth. We owe them a debt and can only pay it by placing their names where they may not be forgotten.
J. F. T. 10. The Battle of Buena Vista. By CAPTAIN CARLETON. Harper & Brothers
As matter of history this volume has a real and fearful interest. It describes with graphic and thrilling power one of the severest and bloodiest battles to be found in the annals of modern history. It is from the pen of one who saw and acted a part in the tragedy which he describes. It gives one a clear and intelligent view of that entire scene of martial strife and slaughtered humanity. It can be relied upon as authentic. It is a story of affecting interest, and is told with candor and impartiality. It carries you irresistibly along through the memorable conflict, and constrains you to join with our heroic and dreadfully-decimated army in the shout of victory. It has a moral lesson. Its perusal will not beget a war spirit or a thirst for military glory. It brings home to one's heart, and realizes to him the horrors of war with terrible life and power. 11. Story of the Peninsular War. By General CHARLES William VANE, Mar
quis of Londonderry. Harper & Brothers : 1848. This is a concise and authentic history of the Peninsular War, in which Wellington won his first laurels. The author himself took an active part in the great confict, and enjoyed the best of opportunities to acquire all the needed information for an accurate and complete history of this eventful war. He has executed his task with ability and apparent candor. The history is brought down to the peace of 1814. We consess that we abhor war, and have little taste for descriptive scenes of blood, but as matter of important history, this book possesses a profound and painful interest, and we wonder not at its popularity, though martial glory has lost much of its former attraction. 12. Horæ Biblicæ Sabbatica-Sabbath Scripture Readings. By the late THOMAS
CHALMERS, D.D., LL.D., in two volumes. Harper & Brothers : 1848.
This is the fourth volume of the series of the posthumous works of this great and good man. Having expressed our high regard of the previous volumes, it is sufficient to add, that this is quite equal in merit to them, and breathes a most delightful spirit. This volume embraces the whole of the New Testament. We know of 10 more appropriate or useful uninspired "Sabbath Readings." 13. The Young Schoolmistress. By JOSEPH ALDEN, D.D. Harper & Brothers : 1848.
This is among the best of the Professor's productions. It is a story of no little interest and power. It displays a fine taste, a noble sentiment, and great felicity in sketching and grouping characters. We are made to respect virtuous poverty; to sympathize with the widow in her grief; to admire the self-sacrificing toils of pious orphanage ; to feel how hollow-hearted are the world's professions, and how incomparably superior are the virtues of the mind and heart to mere outward embellishment, and conventional advantages, and to rejoice in the final triumph and reward of real merit, intellectual superiority, and genuine piety. 14. The Dying Robin, and other Tales. By the same author. Harper & Brothers :
This is another instructive book, adapted to a younger class of readers. It is made up of short tales, each of which illustrates some important religious truth, or teaches a good moral lesson. The Doctor is among our most popular useful wrilers for the young. 15. Edward Vernon : My Cousin's Story. By E. V. CHILDE. Harper & Bro
thers: 1848.
This is a clever book, and yet it has glaring faults. If a mere work of fiction, as we presume it is, it is greatly inferior to those usually published by the Harpers. We find little fault with the sentiment, though this is not perfect, but the plan and execution of the work are intolerable. There is no unity of thought-the main story being often lost sight of by the hero in his wanderings. And what is worse, it taxes one's credulity beyond endurance ; the hero is always at hand when the life of the heroine is in jeopardy. If fiction is a representation of life as it is, then this is a total failure, for any of the chief incidents here related are unnatural and improbable in the circumstances of the case. If we must have fiction, give us that which is natural, truthful, and in harmony with the stern reality and experience of human life. 16. A Guide to Acquaintance with God. By the Rev. JAMES SHERMAN. The Bible True and Infidelity Wicked. By Wm. S. PLUMER, D. D. Memoir of Clementine Cuvier, Daughter of Baron Cuvier, with Reflections. By
Rev. JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
Great Truths in Simple Words for little Children.
These good books are among the recent issues of the American Tract Society. They are eminently evangelical, spiritual, and practical, like all its publications. We are glad, too, that their exterior is made so attractive The first treats on the nature of acquaintance with God—the means, the season for seeking it, and the advantages secured by it, in a judicious, earnest, and forcible manner. In the second we have multum in parvo-truth condensed and made to tell. The leading arguments on the subject are herein presented in a small compass, and with wise adaptation to the common mind, and illustrated and enforced by many striking facts. We think this little manual likely to do more good than many a learned and voluminous work on the same subject.
The third in the series is a brief memoir of an exceedingly lovely and accomplished character. CLEMENTINE united in a high degree all the charms of physical, intellectual, and moral beauty ; her attainments were great; she moved in the first circle of Parisian life-admired, courted, tempted, on all sides--and yet she was a meek, consistent, spiritually-minded Christian, and died in faith and triumph at the age of 22. Mr. James' Reflections are practical and pungent. The other volume teaches the first lessons of piety with great simplicity, and with a power of illustration fitted to fix religious truth in the minds of children and youth. The Society is doing a noble work for Christian literature and evangelical religion. 17. The Supreme Godhead of Christ : the Corner Stone of Christianity. By Rev.
WILLIAM R. GORDON, Flushing. 1848.
Do the Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ is the supreme God? This is the question on this fundamental subject. Our author shows clearly, incontrovertibly, that they do, and also the absurdity, in the face of the many explicit Scriptural declarations, of the denial of this doctrine. He has collated the numerous passages which prove Christ's divinity, and either left them to speak for themselves or accompanyed them with a brief note, by way of exegesis or application. The argument is lucid, able, and eminently Scriptural. We know of no better manual on this subject to put into the hands of the mass of readers. 18. Home Influence; a tale for Mothers and Daughters. By GRACE AGUILAR. Harper & Brothers : 1848.
This is a tale of no ordinary power. It is happily and beautifully illustrative of the benefits of a proper religious home training. The sentiments are in the main correct, and they are clothed in elegant and often moving language. The characters introduced are truthfully delineated, and of a superior and elevated character. Mrs. Hamilton is a model which mothers may study to profit. If all mothers were like her, home would be a sweeter and holier place, and home influence more winning and powerful to captivate the heart, and rule the after life of those whom it nourishes and sends forth into the world. We commend the book to the Mothers and Daughters of our land. The authoress is a Jewess. Her views of religion, especially as indicated in the passage on Sabbath amusements, must be received with due allowance. On the whole, we have not read a more thrilling tale in many a day. 19. Vanity Fair : Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. By W. M.
T:LACKERAY. Harper & Brothers : 1848.
This is a novel of more than ordinary power. It will produce a sensation, and be read with avidity. There is a certain dash and extravagance about it that will make it popular. It hits off many of tl. 2 follies and sins of fashionable English society with tremendous effect. The style and tone of sentiment are similar to Dickens', but less extravagant. Many of its characters are natural; we see their counterparts in our daily experience of " Vanity Fair." But there are sad blemishes in the work, which we cannot pass over in silence. The pictorial illustrations we think in bad taste; we do protest against all such horrid caricatures of the human face divine. The profanity of the work ought to condemn and exclude it from every circle in which God and religion command any reverence. No plea can justify such language or extenuate the offence against good breeding and all that is sacred. It so represents religion, too, as to hold it up to the ridicule and contempt of the world. We doubt the good impression of such reading.
20. Arabian Nights. In Twelve Parts. Illustrated with Six Hundred Engravings.
Harper & Brothers : 1848.
This is a superb edition of these world-renowned Tales, of which every man has read or beard. They need no advertisement to make known their character; and criticism is impotent to reverse the judgment which the world has unitedly and