equally fine with that now employed will be used, but it will need to be somewhat thinner, as a number of pages of advertisements will be stitched up within the covers. This last feature will by no means diminish the value of the work: the literary advertisements in the foreign Reviews are a real attraction to all who are fond of books.

We have now stated pretty fully the plan on which the Fourth Series of the Quarterly Review will be conducted. The main difficulty of the undertaking lies in the task of providing matter for two very different classes of readers; and the constant danger will be that in trying to cater for both, we shall fully satisfy neither. Such, however, is the task set us, and we enter upon it in earnest, at least, with the determination to do our best, though we are by no means free from misgivings. The circulation of the Review is not what it should be, and might be; but we have no very sanguine hope of largely increasing it in the present temper of the church. At the same time we urge upon the friends of progress, of culture, and of liberal learning among us, that the enterprise is too great a one to be allowed to languish. With ten thousand subscribers we could expend more money to make the Review valuable; and, after all, there is no way of making it permanently so without expending money. There is no reason why our list should not be thus extended.

ART. XI.-CRITICAL NOTICES.

1. The Patriarchal Age; or, the History and Religion of Mankind from the Creation to the Death of Isaac: deduced from the Writings of Moses and other Inspired Authors, and illustrated by Copious References to the Ancient Records, Traditions, and Mythology, of the Heathen World. By GEORGE SMITH, F. S. A., Member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, of the Royal Society of Literature, of the Irish Archæological Society, &c. 8vo., pp. 522. New-York: Lane & Scott. 1848. AN extended review of this elaborate work may be expected hereafter. At present we can only give a brief statement of the aims which the learned author has so laboriously and faithfully sought to carry out. In the preface he states that twenty years ago he "felt the want of a volume which should exhibit a concentrated view of the history of the early ages of the world, contained in the Mosaic writings, and in the records and traditions of heathen nations; and which, at the same time, should present this body of information in a manner truly religious, recognizing, throughout, the supreme authority of Holy Scripture and the great principles of revealed religion. After long and diligent inquiry, he could meet with no work of this description, and was consequently compelled, for the satisfaction of his own mind, to commence a course of reading which embraced the early portions of Scripture history; the difficulties of which he endeavored to solve by a reference to the works of the various commentators and Biblical critics to which he had access. In

this study he had not proceeded far, before he was startled with the remark of an intelligent friend with whom he was one day conversing on the chronology and history of the Pentateuch, and who, in reply to some observation on the subject, said, 'However consistent with itself the chronology of Scripture may be, it stands in direct opposition to the records of every ancient nation; and this is a fact generally admitted by the learned.' This remark led him to an enlarged course of reading, embracing the early history of the primitive nations, and the traditions and mythology of the heathen world, especially of such as tended in any degree to its elucidation. Having, during the progress of these investigations, carefully noted down his observations on the most important topics, he ultimately found that he had done much toward providing matter for such a volume as in his earlier days he had so greatly needed. Notwithstanding the number of books recently published on cognate subjects, he considers the want still to exist which he had formerly so severely felt; and he has, therefore, to the best of his ability, endeavored to supply the desideratum." In carrying out this purpose, "his first and ruling idea was to arrive at the truth respecting the origin and early history of the human race." For sources of truth, he looked mainly to the Scriptures, and, subsidiarily, to profane histories, early annals, and traditions, and, finally, to mythology and fable. From all these sources information has been obtained, which the author has endeavored to concentrate into the smallest compass consistent with explicitness, and to reduce the whole into a homogeneous narrative, which may present a complete view of the history and religion of the age.

Prefixed to the body of the work is a “Preliminary Dissertation,” containing dissertations on the chronology of the patriarchal age, and on learning, literature, and science, in the early ages of the world. The history then takes up in order, first, the creation of the world and of man; second, the primitive condition of man, his fall, and the promise of a Redeemer; third, the history of mankind from the fall to the flood; fourth, from the fall to the dispersion; and, fifth, from the dispersion to the death of Isaac. A vast field, truly, and a grand one. The simple recapitulation of the subjects is enough to show the deeply interesting character of the work, treating, as it does, of those old, and indeed primeval, times of human history, which are so deeply veiled in the gloom of far-off antiquity, and yet so attractive to every thoughtful and inquiring mind. We can only, at present, recommend the work as containing a vast amount of useful information, put together with method and clearness, and adapted to popular use.

2. The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, according to the Text of Dindorf, with Notes; for the Use of Colleges. By JOHN J. OWEN, Principal of the Cornelius Institute. 12mo., pp. 683. New-York: Leavitt, Trow, & Co. 1848. Ir is enough to say of this edition of Thucydides that it is prepared with the same care and diligence, and in the same scholarly spirit, that marked the editor's Anabasis, Cyropædia, and Odyssey. There is but one voice among practical teachers as to the superior excellence of these editions; and Mr. Owen has laid the profession under additional obligations by this beautiful Thucydides—an author heretofore little studied in our American schools for want of proper helps. We discern an obvious growth of editorial tact in the successive volumes of Mr. Owen's series; and in this last he appears to us to be more self-sustained, more independent, and altogether more easy in his movement, than in either of the others. If we have any fault to find, it is only that the editor seems to be a little too fond of minute criticism, and of balancing the opinions of the various commentators; and that he goes

to an extent altogether needless in quoting his authorities. In a school-book these things are unnecessary. The fault, however, is entirely honorable to the editor, and could, perhaps, be easily accounted for by slight reference to the getting up of some other classical works which have split upon the rock of plagiarism. Any charge of this sort Mr. Owen most effectually forestalls. May he live long to continue his worthy and useful labors!

3. Principles of Zoology: touching the Structure, Development, Distribution, and Natural Arrangement, of the Races of Animals, Living and Extinct. Part I.-Comparative Physiology. By LOUIS AGASSIZ and AUGUSTUS A. GOULD. One volume, 12mo. Boston: Gould, Kendall, & Lincoln. New-York: L. Colby & Co. 1848.

A TEXT-BOOK on Zoology, founded on a strictly scientific basis, and adapted to American use, has long been a desideratum in our schools and colleges. The name alone of Professor Agassiz is a sufficient surety for the scientific character of the work before us; while Mr. Gould's fitness to adapt the work to home use will not be questioned. The volume needs no puffing; it will be used wherever Zoology is to be taught, and the teacher is capable of appreciating a good book.

4. The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the New Testament; being an Attempt at a Verbal Connection between the Greek and the English Texts; including a Concordance to the Proper Names, with Indexes, Greek-English and English-Greek. 8vo., pp. 882. New-York: Harper & Brothers. 1848.

The

No book has been published for many years which will be so welcome to Biblical students as this. Especially will those who have but a limited knowledge of the Greek language find it to supply a want which they have long felt. simplicity of the plan is only surpassed by its excellence. It presents, in alphabetical succession, every word which occurs in the Greek New Testament, with the series of passages (quoted from the English version) in which each word occurs; the word or words exhibiting the Greek word under immediate consideration being printed in italics. The mere tyro in Greek can thus consult the work with ease. But in order further to adapt it to the use of mere English readers, it is furnished with an English and Greek key, by means of which the corresponding Greek word for any English one can be found in a moment, and the word itself may then be looked out in the body of the Concordance. We recommend every Methodist preacher to purchase the book. No one that does so, and uses it, will reproach us for our advice.

Nor will the work be either unacceptable or useless to critical scholars. It will supply the place of a Schmid to those who cannot command that work; and will, in some respects, be an additional convenience to those that have it.

One thing strikes us painfully-the addition after each Greek word of its form in English letters. This can serve no good purpose; and the pronunciation adopted will offend many. We heartily wish that the American publishers would strike this feature out from their stereotype plates.

5. The True Organization of the New Church, as indicated in the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, and demonstrated by Charles Fourier. 12mo., pp. 454. New-York: W. Radde. 1848.

THE design of this book is "to introduce the doctrines of Fourier to the followers of Swedenborg;" and the author hopes it will not be long before the new acquaintance will ripen into intimacy. How he himself was "introduced" to Fourier is

explained in the following passage:- Mr. Maroncelli handed me a copy of Fourier's theory of the four movements for perusal. The newness and strangeness of the doctrines contained in this volume first stunned me with surprise. But I felt that there was the truth, and that the great question of human destiny was to be studied in that remarkable volume." One is naturally shy of trusting such sudden illuminations on scientific subjects; but in justice to our author it must be stated that he has revolved the "movements" for ten years before publishing the result of his meditations. How he came acquainted with Swedenborg is not told us; but he is very sure that the union of that philosopher's doctrines with those of Fourier constitute the "union of science and religion." As mere outsiders we think the union of the two sects a very natural and appropriate one; how far they will include all "science and religion" within their consolidated "interior," is, however, far more uncertain. Those who are curious to know something of the two systems may find pretty clear statements of both in the volume; the writer is by no means destitute of perspicacity; indeed, he only appears to us to sec a little too far.

6. The Writings of Cassius Marcellus Clay, including Speeches and Addresses. Edited, with a Preface and Memoir, by Horace Greeley. 8vo., pp. 536. New-York: Harper & Brothers. 1848.

On the whole we regret the publication of this book. The opening pages of it will nullify a great part of the truth which inspires the rest, and deter many from reading further, or, if they do read further, from sympathizing with the writer's aims and spirit. No man, we suppose, will doubt Cassius M. Clay's moral courage, or his honesty of purpose; but this volume will satisfy many that his mind is not a sound, well-disciplined, and well-balanced one.

7. The Church in Earnest. By JOHN ANGELL JAMES. 18mo., pp. 292. Boston: Gould, Kendall, & Lincoln. 1848.

JOHN ANGELL JAMES is one of the spiritual lights of the age. No differences of opinion can prevent us from seeing and acknowledging his entire devotion to the service of the kingdom of Christ on earth, and from admiring his carnest industry in its advancement. His "Earnest Ministry" has roused up many a preacher to a new consciousness of his duties, and to new efforts to perform them; and the work before us is designed to bear the same relation to the church as the former one did to the ministry. After an exposition of the "designs to be accomplished by the church, as regards the present world," the author sets forth the nature of "earnestness in religion;" first, in regard to personal salvation, and then in regard to the salvation of others. Impressive exhortations follow, enforcing earnestness in family religion, and in church fellowship; with an exposition of the causes that operate to repress this religious earnestness, and a statement of certain strong inducements to its cultivation. Clear, fervent, and practical throughout, the work is calculated to do great good among the churches; and we hope it will secure the wide circulation it deserves.

8. The Life and Times of the Rev. Jesse Lee. By LEROY M. LEE, D. D. One vol., Svo., pp. 517. Richmond: John Early. 1848.

WE regard this work as a most valuable contribution to the literature and history of Methodism. The author has performed his labor con amore; and, as is usual in books undertaken in such a spirit, has done justice to his subject-erring, if at all,

upon the side of excess. We purpose giving an extended review of the work hereafter, and at this time only mean to express our gratification at its appearance, and to commend it to our readers. That we differ with the author on some points, is very certain; not so much, however, as he differs from many of his brethren in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

9. Kings and Queens; or, Life in the Palace; consisting of Historical Sketches of Josephine and Maria Louisa, Louis Philippe, Ferdinand of Austria, Nicholas, Isabella II., Leopold, and Victoria. By JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. 12mo., pp. 312. New-York: Harper & Brothers. 1848.

MR. ABBOTT has selected the most striking incidents in the lives of the personages named on his title-page, and worked them up into graphic and attractive sketches. The interest of each narrative is abundantly sustained; and many facts, not easily accessible, are introduced. A little too much glitter is thrown about royal life; but, on the other hand, royal crimes and misfortunes are depicted in strong colors.

Thirty-fifth thousand.

10. Wayland's Elements of Moral Science. 11. Wayland's Elements of Political Economy. Fifteenth thousand. Boston: Gould, Kendall, & Lincoln. 1848.

THE publishers have sent us copies of the late impressions of these established works. We have long known and appreciated them as the best treatises on their respective subjects now before the American public.

12. Thankfulness: a Narrative, comprising Passages from the Diary of the Rev. Allan Temple. By the Rev. CHARLES B. TAYLER. New-York: Harper & Brothers. THIS author has rendered his name famous and familiar with the reading community by his "Records of a Good Man's Life," and other popular volumes. The work before us is an exceedingly pleasant narrative, depicting the career and casualties, as well as the happy quietude and contentedness-or, as our author has it-thankfulness of a most exemplary country pastor in one of the delightful rural retreats of old England, some half a century ago. We commend it to our readers as a quaint and charming book, and one that will revive, and leave impressed upon the mind, a grateful sense of manifold obligations to that beneficent Being who arbitrates events, and blesses their issue for our highest good.

13. Memoir of William G. Crocker, late Missionary in West Africa among the Bassas, including a History of the Bassa Mission. By R. B. MEDBERY. 18mo., pp. 300. Boston: Gould, Kendall, & Lincoln. 1848.

OUR own hearts have been deeply touched in reading this simple record of the life and labors of an humble and devoted Christian missionary. Mr. Crocker, as our readers are probably aware, was a missionary of the Baptist Board, and, in conjunction with Mr. Milne, the founder of the Bassa mission. His labors were great, too great, indeed, for his feeble frame. His whole life and soul were in his work, however, and he almost died in it. This little record cannot but stimulate all who read it to new earnestness in the work of advancing Christ's kingdom on earth.

14. The Czar, his Court and People; including a Tour in Norway and Sweden. By JOHN S. MAXWELL. 1 Vol. 12mo., pp. 368. New-York: Baker & Scribner. 1848. AN attractive and novel field is here opened. Mr. Maxwell has made a most entertaining and useful book: he carries the reader along rapidly and pleasantly, and manages