In the first volume upon our list, we have an "Address to Infant School teachers," which is alike characterized by its comprehensiveness, wisdom, and piety. This volume also brings the whole subject of Infant Education under review, which it investigates in four chapters, on "Religious, Moral, Intellectual, and Physical Education." These topics are discussed with very great ability, and the remarks that are made, and the advice given, are such as ought to be well considered by all who are in any way, either as teachers, parents, or protectors, interested in the welfare of the young.

The two volumes on "Model Lessons" contain examples of the proper modes to be employed in conveying instruction to infant minds. These Lessons develope the means of exciting attention and keeping up the interest of the children; while at the same time they are admirably adapted to convey much valuable information-the knowledge, not of words merely, but of things. Many of the lessons are on natural history, and on the Scriptures, and it is surprising with what delightful simplicity the several topics are brought to the level of the understanding of an infant's mind. We give one example, a lesson on "Writing paper," which is only a fair specimen of the other lessons:

"What is this? Paper. Where do we get paper from? Does it grow upon any plant? Does it come off any animal? Do we dig it out of the ground? How do we get it then? It is made. Yes, it is made by man : but did man make it out of nothing? No. Who can make things out of nothing? God. Where did you learn that God made every thing? From the Bible. To whom then does every thing belong? To God. Who must give us every thing? God. Whom then should we thank for every thing we have? God. If man makes paper he must have something to make it with. Do any of you know of what paper is made? Of rags. Yes, and the best paper is made of linen rags. Of what is linen made? You do not know. I will tell you: it is made from the fibrous stem of a very pretty little plant; here is the picture of it, it is called flax. Repeat together, paper is made of rags; the finest paper is made of linen rags; linen is made from the stem of a plant called flax. Now, children look at the paper, and tell me what you observe about it. It is white. This paper is white: but what is this? Blue. And this? Brown. What kind of paper is made white? Writing paper. Try and find out why writing paper is made white? That we may see the writing upon it. Look at it and feel it. It is smooth. Put it between your thumb and finger. It is thin. Try again. It is light. Repeat together these qualities. Writing paper is smooth, thin, light. Now hold it up against the light? We can see through it. Can you see through it as well as through glass? What is the difference? We can see every thing quite clearly through the glass, but through paper we can only see the light. Try what you can do with paper? We can tear it. What besides? We can bend it, and fold it. Repeat together. Paper is easily torn: it can be bent and folded easily. See, I have put some into the fire: it burns: we call this inflammable. Why do we call paper inflammable ? Because it burns easily. Tell me some other things that are inflammable? Wood and coal, &c. Óf what use is this kind of paper? To write upon. Yes, and how pleasant you will think it when you are grown up, and perhaps a great way off from your father and mother and brothers, to receive a bit of paper folded up, and brought to you by the postman, (what is it called? Yes, a letter,) to tell you how they all are, what they are all doing, and how they are getting on. How glad you will then be, that when you were young you went to school and

learnt to read, so that you can make out what is written in the letter brought by the postman. After you have told me all you have found out about writing paper, and sung a hymn, I will tell you a true little history about writing. Now repeat together.-Writing paper is made of linen rags; linen is made from the fibrous stem of a plant called flax; writing paper is white; we can see light through it; it is smooth, thin, light, will tear easily; we can bend it and fold it; it is inflammable; it is useful to write upon.

The "Lessons on Scripture Prints" is designed to assist a teacher in explaining the pictures illustrative of Scripture history, published by the Society, and is well adapted to the purpose.

The volume of "Hymns and Poetry" contains a great number of pieces adapted to the infant mind. It is divided into five parts-the first part contains " Hymns for Infants;" the second, "Easy Verse for Infants;" the third," Portions of Scripture History in Verse;" the fourth and fifth, Hymns and Poetry of a higher character for children above seven years of age. This is a very useful publication.

The next work on our list is "Useful Hints to Teachers." This is specially designed to assist those who are employed in the work of infant instruction, and contains the general results of the experience obtained in the Institution of the Home and Colonial Infant School Society.

Much gratitude and honour is due to those by whom this Society has been conducted. Arrangements are wisely made for affording an opportunity to the teachers, who have been instructed in the Institution, to meet together in the Model school-room twice in the year, where they have the opportunity of discussing questions relating to the work in which they are engaged, and of increasing their fund of knowledge. The last work in our list contains a report of the proceedings of two of these meetings, published by direction of the committee; and from this report we are satisfied that much good is likely to result from those meetings.

In conclusion, we have only to add, that the works to which we have been referring, contain a large amount of most valuable information, and that we believe the Society, under whose direction or patronage they have been published, is richly deserving of general support. We are persuaded that infant schools might be established with very great advantage, in connexion with many of our churches in different parts of the country, and might be sustained at inconsiderable expense. We advise our friends to consider this suggestion, and if they attempt any thing of the kind, to take especial care to obtain properly instructed teachers. Persons desirous of qualifying to become teachers of Infant Schools, may, if properly recommended, obtain admission into the Institution, and instruction upon very reasonable terms.

TRUTH AND ERROR; or the Union of Truth and the Destruction of Error. Crown 12mo. 311 pp. J. SNOW.

THIS is a posthumous publication; designed by its author to be presented to the public through the press, but he did not live to carry his design into effect. The following is an analysis of the volume :--

It is divided into Four Parts, and the arrangement is as follows:

The First Part answers three questions.

First. Is there such a thing as Truth in the world, and where may it be found?

Secondly. Is it possible to distinguish Truth from Error?

Thirdly. Is not Truth the most important of all things?

The Second Part is divided into three sections.

The first shews that Truth, though originally one, has been divided by the various sects of professing Christians.

The second section establishes the remark, by presenting a sketch of the opinions entertained by each denomination.

The third section assigns the probable reasons for this division of Truth.

The third part consists of twelve sections, illustrative of the union of Truth, as revealed in the Scriptures, shewing

The union of Truth among the inspired writers. The union of Divine operations in the accomplishment of salvation. The union of the prophetical, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ in redemption. The union of Spiritual agency and Christian endeavours. The union of Divine Decrees and man's responsibility. The union of an Evangelical ministry and the Spirit's influences. The union of the testimony of a believer's spirit and the Spirit of God. The union of knowledge, practice, and felicity. The union of criminality and the infliction of punishment. The union of Scriptural faith and final perseverance. The union of believers and the conversion of the world. The union of angels and the redeemed in the heavenly state.

The fourth part is comprised in three sections, and suggests the most likely means to accomplish an entire union of Christians in one society.

The first section suggests, that all the ministers of Christ's holy Gospel review the whole of their ministry, and compare it with revealed truth.

The second, that Christians of all denominations carefully examine the sentiments they have embraced, make themselves better acquainted with those of others, and bring all to the test of Scripture.

The third, that all Christians and Ministers cultivate a spirit of charity towards each other, and fervently implore the influences of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on the members individually, and on the Church universally and collectively.

We cannot say that we agree with all the sentiments contained in this volume. An effort is made to bring into union some opinions which, to us, appear to be irreconcilable. The author embraces those opinions usually designated moderate Calvinism. The attempt made to prove that God has left a part of mankind without the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit, without which man cannot be saved, and yet that it is his own fault if he is not saved, is to us like an attempt to prove that a circle is a quadrangle. There are, however, some very excellent remarks contained in the volume. The latter part of the work, suggesting means of producing Christian union, is, in our judgment, the most valuable.

FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS. Edited by the Rev. JOHN CUMMING, M. A. 8vo. Super Royal. Part XXIV. G. VIRTUE.

This number contains a portrait of Henry the VIIIth, with other illustrative engravings.

THE SCENERY AND ANTIQUITIES OF IRELAND Illustrated. The Drawings by W. H. BARTLETT, engraved by eminent Artists, and the Literary Department by N. P. WILLIS, Esq. Quarto. Part XXV. G. VIRTUE.

The views illustrated are Killiney Hill, near Dublin; the Quay, Waterford. with Reginald's Tower; Garromin, Čonnemara; and Clifton Castle, Connemara. THE HOLY BIBLE, containing the Old and New Testaments; accompanied throughout with a brief Hermeneutic and Exegetical Commentary, and revised version. Super Royal. Part IV. HENRY COLBURN.

AN HUMBLE, EARNEST, AND AFFECTIONATE ADDRESS TO THE CLERGY. By W. LAW, A.M. Octavo. 68 pp, J. DArling.

EPHRAIM HOLDING'S HOMELY HINTS to Sunday School Teachers, 18mo. 194 pp. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

This little volume is rich with valuable instruction, expressed and illustrated in a manner well adapted to engage the attention, correct the judgment, and impress the heart. We most heartily recommend it to all Sabbath School Teachers. BRIEF THOUGHTS on the Things of God and the Soul; in words of one syllable. Imperial 32mo. 103 pp. By EDWARD DALTON, Secretary to the Protestant Association. J. WRIGHT and Co.

Although this work consists of words of only one syllable, it is not designed merely for the use of children. It is a literary curiosity, and discovers considerable ability in its author, who has here given several addresses on important subjects in such easy language that it is hardly possible for any to misunderstand.

284

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

CHRISTIAN UNION.

PURPOSING to give to our readers an account of the proceedings of the Meeting recently held in Exeter Hall, London, for manifesting "Christian Union," we think it proper that we should prefix the following remarks :-From circumstances which have come to our knowledge, all of which we do not feel at liberty to make public, at least at present, we have reason to conclude that through the influence of the Rev. W. M. Bunting, the Wesleyan Methodist Association did not receive such recognition by the Committee conducting the proceedings of that Meeting, as it otherwise would have received. We are moreover of opinion, that we, in common with several other sections of the Church, have cause of complaint in reference to the line of conduct which has been adopted. For instance, we particularly refer to a document which has been published, bearing the signatures of a number of ministers, declaring their desire of the increase and manifestation of union among Christians. This document was sent to ministers for their signatures, but not we believe to any one minister of either the Association, or any other Dissenting section of the Wesleyan family. This therefore is the reason why no signature from any such minister has been affixed; and not their unwillingness to concur, as might be inferred. We feel assured that it cannot have been the intention of the Committee to place any section of the Church of Christ in an inviduous position, yet, such is the result of its procedure. It will be clearly seen, that any Union which can properly be designated "CHRISTIAN Union" must equally unite ALL Christians. Attention has been called to this subject by the following letter sent to, and published in the Patriot Newspaper :-We hope that the publication of the letter will induce the Committee, to adopt such measures as will be sufficient to prove, that its object is to promote union among ALL who hold the essential truths of our common Christianity.

SIR,-Attention has recently been specially directed to the consideration of the duty of Christians to exhibit and cultivate the spirit of brotherly affection and union towards all who love our Lord Jesus Christ; and I, in common with many of your readers, have felt considerable interest in the proceedings which have been recently taken for the manifestation and increase of Christian union. As I most heartily approve of the use of all means, consistent with truth and righteousness, for the promotion of union among all who are members of the mystical body of Christ; I therefore most sincerely regret, that I am obliged to make the following remarks upon the proceedings of the Committee by whom the recent meeting at Exeter-hall was got up, and under whose supervision the report of that meeting has just been published. Recent Numbers of the Patriot contain reports of a Christian Union meeting lately held in Hull, and remarks upon the circumstance, that in that meeting there was an apparent exclusion of certain sections of the Church of Christ. It would appear, from the stricturse made, that the opinion is entertained, that union was not so manifest in the meeting at Hull, as to evince a cordial willingness to recognise and unite with ALL who are confessedly believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I exceedingly regret that there are reasons for supposing, that the London

committee has been induced to take a course of conduct indicative of a want of that full measure of Christian catholicity, by which all its proceedings ought to be distinguished; the consequence of which has been, that the Connexion of which I am a minister, and other sections of the Church of Christ, have not been recognised equally with other sections to which the members of that committee severally belong; and that the sectarian prejudices of one member of that committee have been allowed so to operate as to produce the conduct to which I refer. Believing, also, that the example of London is likely to be imitated in the provinces, and that if certain sections are to be slighted for the purpose of pleasing members of other sections of the Church, that the proceedings for manifesting, what would then be improperly designated, "Christian union," would be worse than useless, I have taken up my pen to call attention to the subjoined statement.

My suspicions were first excited by the following circumstances. About three months since, two members of the Wesleyan Methodist Association waited upon a respectable minister to request him to preach on the occasion of the anniversary of a chapel. He replied that "he felt some doubt as to whether he ought to comply with the request; and assigned as the reason of his hesitation, that he understood that in the Wesleyan Methodist Association the office of the ministry was degraded." Being pressed for his reason for entertaining the opinion, he stated, that, "a short time since a meeting of ministers was held in London, in which it was thought advisable that another meeting should be held, to which should be invited representatives from all the sections of the Christian Church-that it was suggested that, as the Wesleyan Methodist Association had a number of chapels in many parts of the country, and several chapels in London, it would be right to invite a representative from that body. Upon this, a minister belonging to the Wesleyan Conference, the only one present, objected to the suggestion or proposition, stating that, in the Wesleyan Methodist Association, the office of the Christian ministry was degraded, and therefore a representative from that body ought not to be invited. The consequence was, no such representative was invited."

When the preceding statement was reported to me, I began to inquire in my own mind what meeting it could be in which the statement was made; when I recollected that the Congregational Magazine contained a report of a preliminary meeting, held to consider measures for promoting Christian union. I immediately referred to it, and found strong reasons to conclude, that it was at that meeting the statement was given, to which reference had been made. For instance, I found that there were present at that meeting some ministers possessing sufficient knowledge of the Association, and sufficiently friendly towards it to induce them to make the suggestion or proposition referred to. I also found that the Rev. W. M. Bunting was "the only Wesleyan minister present," and I could not doubt that he would be as likely as any minister of the Conference body to endeavour to depreciate the Association. I found, also, that it was resolved to hold another meeting to which a greater number of ministers was to be invited; which meeting was to be held in the Centenary Hall.

After a few days' consideration, the respected minister to whom the application was made, to preach for the Association, complied with the request. I met him on the occasion of his preaching, and spoke to him concerning the bad character of the Association which he had heard from the Conference minister. I also said to him, that I was satisfied I knew by whom it had been given; that it was at the preliminary meeting held on the subject of Christian Union, and that Mr. W. M. Bunting was the minister who objected to the Association being represented at the meeting designed to be held. The minister would not say whether I was correct or incorrect.

After this, a declaration on the subject of Christian Union appeared in