two or three hundred, does not prove that to be a true church. They may belong to the true church, if by that is meant the whole company of believers; but the visible body to which they belong is not therefore a true church. That body must be sound. Nor is it essential to this that every member should be found faithful. A few hypocrites do not destroy the claim of such a body to the character of a church, any more than a few believers in such a body can give that character. Exceptions do not destroy the rule either way. The general character of the body is all that is essential.

If we are warranted in believing that there is such soundness of doctrine, and such a prevalence of faith in that body, as to warrant the apostolic address, as a body of believers; if joining that body can reasonably be regarded as making a credible profession of religion, we need go no further for evidence that that is properly regarded as a true church. But the existence of a single believer in such a body, otherwise corrupt, does not furnish such evidence of evangelical cha

racter.

His argument from the fact that the Jews were not recircumcised, though the rite was performed by apostate priests, is of little weight, though much relied on. For there may have been a physical impossibility to hinder the repetition of that ceremony; or if not, the cases are not analogous. This is apparent from the difference in the constitution of the church, before and after the coming of Christ. Then the promise was to the natural seed; now it is to faith. Then the church was confined to one nation; now in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted of him. Then, to cease to be of the church, was to cease to be a Jew. Then the only excommunication was death. But it is not so now. Under the gospel, the continued destitution of Christian character is a sufficient ground for exclusion from the church.

We have only now to add that, if the Reformers in any case support Dr. H.'s views, we can only say they contradict him too; and moreover, if they were consistent, they are not our theological masters.

And why should we receive one sacrament of that church as valid, and reject the other, which has as many elements of validity as the other? On the ground that that is a true church, its mass should be received. On the ground of her orthodoxy, it should be received; on the authority of her ministry; on the ground of its significancy and design; on every account it should be received, if Dr. Hodge is right in claiming the validity of Romish baptism, and in asserting that the church of Rome is a true church. There is nothing more truly miraculous or absurd, or anti-christian, in this than in the other sac

rament.

ARTICLE VIII.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

1.-Hilpert's Dictionary of the German and English Languages.

THIS gigantic undertaking, whose completion has so long been looked forward to by the lovers of German literature, is now happily brought to a close. The first part was issued in the year 1828, and the whole now forms two immense quarto volumes, comprising together about 2700 pages. The size of the work, however, although a matter of first rate importance in a lexicon, is by no means its only or its greatest recommendation. The design of Dr. Hilpert, and of those who have carried on the work since his death, has been to introduce into Anglo-German lexicography, those improvements which philological science has effected in the best lexicons of the ancient languages. Thus especial pains have been bestowed on tracing the etymology and primary signification of words, and arranging their various meanings in the natural order of their evolution; in doing which, care has been taken to separate those words which have the same form, but are totally distinct in their origin. In all these respects our English dictionaries are lamentably deficient. It is well known that our native lexicographers, including the latest and most celebrated, as Johnson, Todd, Webster, and Richardson, were ignorant of the northern languages. It is true that, as regards the more modern terms adopted into English from southern sources, their classical education enabled them, without much difficulty, to point out the original form of a word in Latin, Greek, or French, as the case might be; but in respect to the older and more vital part of the language, for which we are indebted to our Saxon forefathers, their blunders are constant and ludicrous in the extreme. Where Skinner and Junius fail, their servile copyists of course fail with them. So too as regards the arrangement of the various acceptations in which a word is em

H

ployed; although Webster succeeded in introducing something like order into the chaos that reigned in this department before his time, his dictionary presents us with nothing like a philosophical system in this respect. In Hilpert's work, great attention has been paid to the synonyms both German and English; and the accentuation and pronunciation of both languages are carefully marked. In fine, the work is not a mere turning of an English dictionary into German, and of a German dictionary into English, but is a valuable contribution to the lexicography of both English and German, and will prove of the greatest utility to all who wish to obtain a better knowledge of the two languages and their affinities, than can be gained from any lexicons heretofore existing; and it is to be hoped that its sale in this country will be such as to materially aid in repaying the spirited publisher for his great outlay of capital and labour in producing it. The agent for America is Mr. William Radde, of this city. The work can be had of Wiley and Putnam.

2.-The Novitiate; or, a Year among the English Jesuits. By ANDREW STEINMETZ.

There is an air of sincerity imparted by the straightforward style of this narrative, which commands the reader's assent to its assertions. The young author relates his own year's experience in a way to engage a strong personal interest in himself, and to convey much information respecting the branch of the great Jesuit family in England. Though the best side is put outward, as would naturally be the case, to a novitiate, there is enough in the narrative to show the essentially debasing, superstitious, and oppressive character of the system, and to create all the horror of its influence in which the warmest Protestant ever indulges.

3.-The Cyropædia of Xenophon, according to the text of L. Dindorf; with Notes for the use of Schools and Colleges. By JOHN J. OWEN. New-York: Leavitt, Trow and Co.

The neat and careful typography of this work is noticeable. Always of great value, it is essential in a classical work. Mr. Owen's Notes strike us as more nearly realizing the true idea of classical editorship than usual. The practical acquaintance with the scholar's wants, acquired by long and successful teaching, has enabled him to supply the right word of explanation, at the right place, without making confusion by too much, or obscurity by too little. The work itself is very desirable as an elementary study; and the timely aid which the excellent Notes afford, and the beautiful appearance of the volume, will render it popular with teachers.

4.-Harper's New Miscellany.

It gives us pleasure to remark of this new series of books for popular reading, that its pledges of utility, good character and interest, have thus far been kept with more than ordinary fidelity. Truly useful reading which possesses novelty of subject, and attractiveness of style, and of outward appearance, and furnished at a price not beyond the means of the poorest, is a public benefaction. Four volumes have been added to the series since our last notice. Darwin's

Voyages of Discovery, in two volumes; Life in the Prairie Land, by Mrs. Farnham; Voyages in the Arctic Ocean, by Capt. Ross-all of the same delightful and profitable class, and, each in its way, discovering real ability, and possessing a charm. The work of Mr. Darwin is highly valuable, as recording the results of a very laborious and successful voyage of discovery, and the calm observations of an enlightened and scholarly visitor to some of the least known and most interesting localities of the globe. Mrs. Farnham's enthusiasm for Western life and scenery, her kindly sympathy with nature, and with the beautiful every where, give her book a more than temporary value. The Arctic Voyages, which have shed such lustre upon the enterprise of the British marine, and done so much for the advancement of geographical and physical science, are concisely and graphically sketched in Capt. Ross' work, and the reader is made the witness of some of the most perilous adventures and daring enterprises ever suffered or undertaken by man. We must say, that if the series will continue as good as it has begun, it will be worthy a place in every family library, and possess peculiar value for the young.

5.-Miscellanies. By MOSES STUART, Prof. Sac. Lit. in Theol. Sem. Andover. Mark H. Newman.

Some of the miscellaneous sermons and reviews of this distinguished scholar and thinker, have been gathered into a neatly printed volume, viz. three letters to Dr. Channing on the Trinity; two sermons on the atonement; a sermon on the vicariousness of Christ's sufferings; another on real Christianity; a letter to Dr. Channing on religious liberty, and a series of supplementary notes, &c. This list of subjects will indicate at once the exceeding interest of the volume; while the sterling good sense, profound learning, signal candour and ability with which the subjects are discussed, render it one of the really most valuable and important works of the day. As a controversialist, we regard Prof. Stuart as a model. His cool and generous temper, his candid concessions of what cannot be made sure, and then the thoroughgoing vigour with which the truth, freed from its admixtures of error, and relieved from all false light and false statement, is established, it is delightful to witness. Besides the numerous friends of the learned Professor who will be glad of the volume, the whole circle of those who love the truth will give it more than a usually cordial welcome.

6.—Congregationalism and Methodism. By Z. K. HAWLEY. NewYork: Leavitt, Trow & Co.

This author has gone upon the principle that if controversy is necessary, it had better be thorough. The character and tendencies of some features of the Wesleyan church polity, have long been the subject of complaint; and in these days of inquiry and agitation, it is not at all strange that they should be subjected to a new and closer examination. That the author has succeeded in showing, by the clearest of all testimony, facts and observation, that there are peculiarities in that ecclesiastical system, which, however good in Wesley's time, need to be modified, and are productive of results which all good men, if they will be candid, must deplore, we think the reader will

have to admit; and not less, the good feeling and candour with which the whole discussion is conducted. We trust it will do good, and help on the melioration which it so strongly points out to be needful.

7.-The Union of the Holy Spirit and the Church in the Conversion of the World. By THOMAS JENKYN, D. D. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln.

We much admire the earnest tone and truly evangelical spirit of this well-written essay, and cannot but hope its effect in directing and animating the missionary spirit, will be happy. Its eloquent appeals, and its vivid portraiture of the responsibility of the church, are finely adapted to awaken emotion. Yet we cannot lay aside the fear that some of its doctrinal expositions are liable to be misunderstood. There is an air of philosophizing about the explanations of the Spirit's influences, which, though it may not be positively erroneous, seems to fall short of the exalted view of the doctrine generally entertained. Too much explanation is often worse than none at all; and there is often obscurity added by the very attempts to make things clear. We think that Dr. Jenkyn's discussions are liable to this charge. Still, the preponderance of good is so great, and that good so very good, that, as we said, there is much to be hoped for from the influence which it may exert upon the church.

8.-The Missionary Enterprise; a Collection of Discourses on Christian Missions, by American authors. Edited by BARON STOW. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln.

This is a collection of twenty sermons, on different subjects relating to the missionary cause, and comprises some of the most eloquent and excellent homiletic productions of the age. There is Dr. Wayland's splendid discourse on the moral dignity of the missionary enterprise, itself worth the price of the volume. The work forms a most admirable manual for the Christian, and can hardly fail to deepen and to extend the missionary feeling.

9.--Kühner's Elementary Greek Grammar. By SAMUEL H. TAYLOR. Andover: Allen, Morrell & Wardwell.

The larger grammar of Kühner, from which the present is compiled, stands unrivalled in the estimation of scholars. This abridgment has many excellences of arrangement, philosophy and definition, which give it great value, and will, no doubt, render it popular with scholars and teachers. It is very neatly printed-an excellence worthy of special notice in a work of this kind.

10.-The Puritans and their Principles. By EDWIN HALL, Norwalk, Ct. New-York: Baker & Scribner.

Mr. Hall has presented a noble tribute to the memory, and defence of the principles, of the Puritans, in this sterling volume. We are at loss which most to admire, the affectionate zeal, or the signal ability, research, and candour, which the work displays. The leading events of their history, including a rapid sketch of the rise of the Puritan party in England, are succinctly delineated, and then the great prin