A COMMENTARY on the Acts of the Apostles, by C. M. DU VEIL, D.D. Edited for the Hanserd Knolly's Society, with an Historical Introduction, by the Rev. F. A. Cox, D.D., LL.D.

THIS handsome volume, of near six hundred pages, is well worthy of the Society by which it is issued. In itself it is a treasure, especially to a Baptist, because of its learning, and the correct views of its author on a subject which is systematically mystified by the majority of commentators. We are happy to commend to our readers this volume and the society which has issued it. For a small annual subscription, two volumes of old and approved Baptist works are put into their hands. Thus writers whose names should be as household words are preserved from oblivion, and a correct reprint from the original editions is secured.

A brief account of the author of this work, chiefly taken from the introduction, will not be out of place.

Carolus Maria Du Veil, was born of Jewish parents, and was educated by them accordingly. He was led, however, to enquire into the claims and evidences of christianity; and the writings of the Hebrew prophets, compared with those of the evangelists, convinced him that Jesus was the Christ. His father, incensed at this departure from Judaism, attempted to kill him, but he was delivered. He united with the French Catholics, and became a celebrated preacher in the Gallican Church. He received his diploma from the University of Anjou. Being invited to contend with the Huguenots, he was led to direct his enquiries into the differences between popery and protestantism, and this led to his abjuring popery, and fleeing to England. Here he became acquainted with Drs. Sharp, Tillotson, Stillingfleet, Patrick, Lloyd, and Dr. Comp. ton, the then bishop of London. These distinguished ornaments of the English Church, highly esteemed him for his learning and piety and writings, and he was admitted into the English Church. In the library of the bishop of London, Du Veil found some of the works of the English Baptists, which VOL. 13.-N.S.

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he perused, and by which he was led to regard their views and practice as most accordant to the Word of God. A young woman, a Baptist, lived in the bishop's palace, in the capacity of a servant; and through her, Du Veil obtained an interview with Hanserd Knollys, at the house of a nobleman, where he visited. He also became acquainted with several Baptist ministers, and in a short time he renounced padobaptist principles, and became a member of a Baptist Church.

His former friends, with the honourable exception of Tillotson, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury, now forsook him, and he had to seek other employment for his support. It was after this that he wrote the Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, in which he takes occasion, with much learning and accuracy of criticism, to vindicate the principles he had adopted. The work was published in 1684, and is even now of decided value. It will be appreciated by every student in divinity, and especially by every Baptist, for its learned expositions on the baptismal question, and it deserves a place in his select library.

The celebrated Claude, one of the most learned of the French protestants, though a pædobaptist, in acknowledging the receipt of the volume, thus writes to Du Veil,-'I have perused your Commentary, and I have found in it, as in all your other works, the marks of copious reading, abundance of sense, right reason, and a just and exact understanding; and I do not doubt that this Commentary will be kindly received by the learned, and prove very useful to all those who apply themselves to understand the Scriptures."

After this, any further commendation would be impertinent.

THE LAND OF PROMISE; or a Topographical Description of the Principal Places in Palestine, and of the Country Eastward of the Jordan: Embracing the Researches of the Most Recent Travellers. Illustrated with a Map and Numerous Engravings. By JOHN

* Query, General Baptist? Why was not this

mentioned?

these speculatists, but who were not infidels, also were fain to say, 'For the sake of religious liberty, let the dragon be let loose, that he may "develope his system," and be allowed to wear titles and put forth claims unchallenged, which are an offence to the people, and an outrage to the throne.' But happily, their toils were comparatively of no avail. The people were not to be induced by any means to submit to this impertinence without inflicting a public rebuke; and one proceeding from the throne itself. But what is more and better, their attention has been effectually directed to this 'mystery of iniquity,' and there is little reason for the pope to expect any further progress in this kingdom for a century to come. The innumerable works that are continually issuing from the press, the many discourses in public, and the conversations in private, will tend, all of them, to exhibit popery in its true colours to the minds of the people, and to cause them to hate it with a perfect hatred.

The work at the head of our article, may be described as a digest of ecclesiastical history. It begins with a glance at religion, natural and Jewish, and glances at the state of the world at the advent of Christ. It then proceeds to the New Testament, the ministry of Christ, and the apostles, with a notice of some of the errors then prevalent. It proceeds to notice the origin and developement of the errors of popery, in all its pretensions, abuse of the Word of God, worship of saints, images; its false doctrines, frauds, and bigotry; superstition and persecution; and concludes with a notice of its tendencies, and the witnesses against it. Happy are we, who are thus instructed, by the very audacity of popery, in its monstrous and soul-destroying errors.

ROMANISM AND CONGREGATIONALISM CONTRASTED; or, the Relative Aspect of their Polity, Teachings, and Tendencies. By R. G. MILNE, M. A. John Snow, 35, Paternoster Row.

ON THE PENANCE AND THE CONFESSIONAL, as Unscriptural and Immoral. By the REV. J. Ross, Curate of Pett. Tract Society.

THESE two pamphlets or small books are on kindred subjects, at least the latter includes one of the subjects embraced in a section of the former. In perusing them, we could not but be struck with the decided advantage which a thorough dissenter has in the papal controversy over a churchman. Not that Mr. Ross does not speak out and as becomes a man and a Protestant on the abominations of the confessional: he does so, and we trust his book will have circulation and do good. But Mr. Milne, as a

Congregationalist, has presented us with a work which for simplicity, force, and accuracy of detail, appears to us one of the very best we have yet seen, on the papal question. It comprises the material of a series of discourses delivered on the subject, and from the form in which the questions are exhibited, has the charm of novel. ty. The authorities of the papal hierarchy are quoted, and the reader feels as he proceeds that he is reviewing a true portraiture of popery; and is relieved and refreshed by the counter picture of simple scriptural religion. The aspects in which popery is contrasted with christianity, are as to the authority of the Scripture: the right of the laity to peruse the Bible: the christian priesthood: the atonement of Christ: intercession sanctification by the Holy Spirit: personal responsibility: general intelligence and freedom: the constitution and powers of the church: and the supremacy of Christ. It is shown that the most cardinal doctrines of christianity are undermined by the popish system, and that most soul-destroying errors are sustained, and advocated. The frequent quotation of authorities, and the condensed mode in which the whole is presented, lead us to prefer this to every book of its size we have yet seen.

In a

BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF DECEASED BAPTIST MINISTERS, (continued monthly) from the year 1800, to 1850. By BENJAMIN SWALLOW, & W. A. BLAKE. Nos. I. and II. B. L. Green, Paternoster Row. THE idea of this series is a very good one, and we hope it will succeed. closely printed pamphlet of twenty-four pages, for two pence, there are notices of nine or ten ministers of Christ. We could have wished a few of them had been more extended. One, at least, that of Mr. Angus, appears disproportionately long. Why fifteen pages should be devoted to a person of his mediocre abilities and position, while four suffice for Abraham Austin, we cannot conceive. The task engaged in by the Editors is important and delicate, and it will require judgment and impartiality. AN ESSAY ON THE DUTY OF SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS, in Preparing for their Class. Read before the Conference of Sabbath School Teachers, for Birmingham and the Midland Counties, assembled in Cannon-street, Birmingham, April 18th, 1851. By JAMES LEWIT, General Baptist Minister, Coventry. Published by request. Winks, Leicester.

THIS essay, the title of which sufficiently explains its purpose, is replete with good sense, and suitable suggestions. After shewing the responsibility of the office of Sabbath-school teacher, Mr. Lewit proceeds

to point out the kind of preparation requisite on the part of the teacher to meet his class, so as most effectually to promote their instruction and salvation. He assumes that the teacher is apt to teach, loves his work, and is willing to labour in it. He then illustrates the intellectual and spiritual preparation which is desirable; and shews that, for example, in a section of the history of our Lord, the teacher should be well versed in Scripture knowledge, geography, &c., and that without preparation he cannot teach intelligent youths efficiently. Alas, that it should be, that in any Sabbath-schools there should be any persons entirely unqualified to perform this service, who, through their own ignorant ambition, or the want of judgment of others, should presume to occupy such a position. We have sometimes known cases of this kind, where the very ignorance and incapacity of the teacher has been the sport or the annoyance of those he should have instructed. Lewit urges this preparation as a duty, from the nature of the work, the value of the soul, and the portentous times in which we live. While we highly approve of the paper as a whole, we decidedly object to the introduction and application of the terms horoscope,' and 'destiny,' they convey heathenish rather than christian ideas.

Mr.

A POPULAR TREATISE ON THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST; its Nature and Extent. By JOHN PAUL. Ward & Co.

VERY Scriptural and useful.

THE FRIEND OF ISRAEL. Nos. I. II. III. B. L. Green.

THIS penny periodical promises well. Its matter is good. It details the proceedings of the Scottish Society for the conversion of the Jews.

THIS catechism contains many things which every body knows-many which every body ought to know and few do-and some which every body would like to know. It is just what its title designates it, a catechism on domestic economy. We wish that many girls working in warehouses and mills, and some whose time is wasted over the idle accomplishments of the age, if they intend to become wives, would master this work ere they go to the altar of hymen. They and their families would find the benefit of it for years to come. MINES AND MINING. Monthly Series. LONDON IN THE 17th AND 18th CENTURIES.

THE TELESCOPE AND MICROSCOPE. By THOMAS DICK, LL.D. Tract Society.

THESE three numbers of the monthly series are well worthy of their place in it. The last gives a most interesting history of the invention and construction of telescopes and microscopes; and details many of the discoveries to which they have led. It is illustrated by numerous engravings.

London during the two last centuries, contains many facts of importance.

Mines and Mining, will be read with profound pleasure, revealing as it does, the almost exhaustless riches of the earth.

MRS. Boss.-Died April 25th, 1851, Elizabeth Boss, the last of a family which for many years has been a great blessing to the General Baptist cause at Measham. Her father, Mr. John Whitworth, was a deacon and an occasional preacher; and divine service was held in his house for some years before the first chapel was erected. Her sister, Mrs. Buckley, was the mother of our devoted missionary; and her brother, Mr. John Whitworth, though never a member, was a liberal supporter of the cause-kept almost an open house for ministers and friends, and shortly before his death, in 1841, promised £50 towards the erection of the present chapel, which was promptly paid by his nephew, the present Mr. John Whitworth. Mrs. Boss was a member of the church, and

the wife of one of the senior deacons. Though like the best, not free from imperfections, she had many excellencies which her surviving friends love to think and speak of. As a wife she was affectionate, confiding, and one with her husband in all his aims, so that he was accustomed to open his mind to her and seek her counsel in all things. As a mother, she was fond of her children, but not foolishly indulgent to them; she kept them in subjection by her look and word, and from their infancy brought them up to the regular observance of the ineans of grace. Her children revered and loved her. As a christian she was humble and retiring in her manner-had clear views of the way of salvation through faith in a crucified Saviour-was conscientious in her de

portment-exemplary in her attendance at the house of God, both on the Sabbath and week-day, and considerate of the poor, often aiding the writer in his pastoral visits by donations for the relief of the sick and the aged. Her affliction was paralysis, stroke succeeded stroke, each impairing her mind and body, till she became but a wreck of her former self. During her last illness she was exceedingly feeble, scarcely able to converse, still she retained her consciousness to the last. One evening her husband was reading to her the 39th Psalm, and she said, 'That Psalm was read when brother Abraham was buried;' and when asked if there were any particular hymns she would like to be sung at her funeral, or any text she had selected for her funeral sermon, she said, 'In reference to those things I say as my poor Faith' [the late Mrs. Staples,] 'said,-I have not thought of those trifles.' In her experience she was calm and unruffled; she had no extacies and no depressions; her end was peace. She gently fell asleep in Jesus about a quarter to nine in the evening, in the presence of her mourning husband and children. Indeed so calm was her death that we could hardly tell the precise moment of her departure. Thus softly and sweetly her sun set on earth to rise and set no more in heaven. Her remains were buried in the grave-yard adjoining the chapel, by the side of her daughter, whom she survived about three years, on Friday, May 1st, and Mr. Derry officiated at the funeral. On the fol. lowing Sunday evening Mr. Staples preached a funeral sermon, from Ecclesiastes xii. 7, Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.'

ANN TWELLS.-The departure of a beloved disciple from scenes of activity and usefulness in the church below calls forth the tenderest feelings of surviving relatives and friends; and as the gush of sorrowful emotion gradually subsides, there remains a lingering desire for some memento, by which the absent one may be brought to our remembrance. To supply this desideratum is the object of the following brief record.

Ann Twells, the beloved wife of John W. Twells, of Ilkeston, and youngest daughter of our venerated friend Mrs. West, finished her course on the 21st of July, 1850, in her twentyseventh year. Her character was adorned with many virtues and christian graces, and her deportment was of the most exemplary kind. Blessed with pious parents, it was the exalted privilege of our departed sister to receive a sound religious education. Her guardians acted upon the important principle that home is the proper sphere for education. As the opening faculties began to expand,

The

gleams of heavenly light darted upon them, sacred truths were presented to the understanding and the heart, and as a natural consequence, the earliest buddings of the juvenile mind indicated the commencement of that mysterious process, by which the soul is renewed in the image of God. At an early age our friend evinced a deep anxiety to be useful in the vineyard of the Lord, and while very young commenced the arduous, but delightful employ of a Sabbath school teacher. gifts of nature, education, and grace, well qualified her for this responsible office. Intelligent, pious, affectionate, and persevering, she secured the attention and won the hearts of the dear little ones who from Sabbath to Sabbath clustered around her to receive instruction. By her fellow teachers also she was greatly beloved; indeed, her friendly spirit, affable manners, and holy walk, endeared her to all around. The moral condition of the heathen world awaked the pious solicitude of our late sister, and in the self-denying work of a missionary collector she was engaged for several years. It was during the pastorate of the late Mr. J. Peggs, (peace be to his ashes) that our departed friend openly avowed her faith in Christ, and joined the ranks of the faithful. That profession was honourably maintained while the lamp of life continued to burn.

The circumstances attending the demise of the subject of this notice, furnish an affecting comment on the evanescent duration of the most endeared unions formed in the present life. In the spring of 1849 she entered into the conjugal relation, with prospects of the most pleasing character; being guided in this important matter by the Word of God. But, alas for human hopes, the union that was formed under such auspicious appearances was destined to be only of short continuance. In giving birth to her first born, the physical system sustained unusual exhaustion, a violent fever ensued; human aid failed to resist its progress, and in a few days life became extinct. The writer visited the deceased, hoping to sweeten affliction's bitter cup by inspiring the sufferer with the consolations and hopes of the gospel; but to his extreme sorrow, he found that nature had become a perfect wreck-reason, memory, conscience, sternly refused to perform their high functions. At brief intervals, however, these noble powers of the soul evidently struggled for their wonted ascendency. On one of these occasions an appeal was made to the christian experience of the dying saint, she instantly responded-" If I had not found Christ before, I could not have found him now." Dear reader, I entreat you to ponder well this significant utterance. Her death was improved in the presence of an overflowing, and deeply-affected auditory, from 1 Thess. iv. 14.