iar to every English reader, "The Annals of the Parish." The fact is, that the Scottish clergy as a body, have neither the learning nor the power which is necessary in these times, to defend the citadel of Christianity, and to silence its assailants. As a peace establishment they are admirable, but in time of war they are inefficient. There is no inducement held out in the Scottish Church for a young man of family, of talent, or of attainment, to enter the clerical profession, or to bring any superior endowments to the defence and support of the sacred cause. In England the case is otherwise; the ablest scholars, the deepest mathematicians, the highest in rank, and the wealthiest in family, enter the church without reluctance, and without degradation. What is the consequence? In England, among the higher orders, Infidelity will scarcely dare to shew its head; whatever shape it may assume, under what cover soever it may shelter itself, it is detected and exposed. The vigilance of the clergy enables them to mark the first appearance of the disease, and their talent to arrest its contagion. The enemies of Christianity, unable to cope with its defenders in fair and open combat, have retreated from the field; and are now exercising their revenge in blackening the characters, and undermining the influence of their conquerors.' Now how

can the British Critic give currency to such calumny and such flummery? We will assert, without fear of contradictions that taking equal proportions of the Scotch and English clergy, there will be found, at least, quite as much ability on the other side the Tweed, as in England. We will assert against the assertions of the critic and the letter-writer, that London is as much the head quarters of Infidelity as Edinburgh, and we will say more, that if the London clergy did but draw such crowds to their churches, as the clergy of Scotland do to their kirks, it would be a better proof of their effectiveness in time of war, than any gasconade of any reviewers of their clerical friends. Whatever their rank and power, and learn

ing may do, it cannot fill their churches; too many of which are empty. And we will venture to add, that this boasted rank and power is too often the cause; and that those churches which are best filled, are occupied by men of the same rank and power that generally fill the Scotch pulpits-that can associate with hearers of all classes, and that do not feel in any respect above the duties ot their office. And we should like to learn how a young man's being of family, fits him the better for being a defender of the faith; on the contrary, it is well known, that a great portion of those who have distinguished themselves by their writings in the English church; and even on the episcopal bench, have been men, who have risen rather by their merit, than obtained notice by their dignity. And if the temptations of filthy lucre and honours are to be the motives to lead men to vindicate the truth, wo be to such defenders! We think that common sense, cultivated by a good Scotch education, without at all disparaging an English one, combined with an ardent love of the truth, and impression of its power, will do far more towards the vindication of Christianity, than all the combined rank, and talents, and learning of men, who enter too often into our church, lured by its emoluments, rather than by its work. This is but too evident in cases innumerable. Let the writer go to Scotland, for he can never have been there, and he will then not say that the influence of the clergy is rapidly decreasing; this alas, applies rather to this side the Tweed, than the other, and none regret it more deeply than we do, because we would rejoice to see every clergyman, 'a man of God,' a workman that needeth not be ashamed.' But we must not lengthen these remarks, which justice alone has compelled us to make, for we are neither Caledonians, nor Presbyterians. It is no credit to the English church, to defend it by calumny and gasconade. Such advocates do but disgrace it. -J. H. BROWN's Essays on Subjects of Important Enquiry, are spoken of with commendation, as sensi

ble and judicious.-GILBERT's Ancient Christmas Carols and Tunes are commended.-DR. MILLER'S Letter to the Primate of Ireland, On the manner in which Christianity was taught by our Saviour and his Apostles, is called 'an interesting publication.'

THE MONTHLY CENSOR notices, first, WILKINSON'S Inspiration of Scripture, proved by Prophecy. II. Let ters on Prejudice. III. TOLLOY's Discourses on the Apostolical Commission. IV. WHITE's Sermons on Subjects doctrinal and practical. V. PHILLPOTT'S Letter to Francis Jeffrey, Esq. VI. Vindication of the English Clergy from the Edinburgh Review. No. 1. seems to be approved. II. Is deemed desultory. III. Is not generally approved. IV. Commended. V. and VI, These pamphlets are by Dr. PHILLPOTT and A Beneficed Clergyman. Dr. Phillpott points out the errors into which the reviewers have fallen The clergyman generally defends his order. Both are approved, and the Clergyman's Letter is said to be 'distinguished by sound arguments.'

THEOLOGICAL CRITIC.

RECONCILIATION: A Funeral Sermon occasioned by the decease of Miss S -, containing some account of her Experience and Death, delivered on Lord's Day, February 23rd, 1823, at Union Chapel, Islington, by Rev. T. LEWIS. 8vo. pp. 31.

That faith which will steadily support the mind in the last trying hour, is worthy of all acceptation. No other than the faith of Christ can accomplish this desired end, and the instances of its efficacy which are perpetually published, are only a few out of the vast numbers which occur, and which are known only within a very limited circle.

The occasional publicity given to some cases is likely to make them productive of more extensive usefulness in impressing the minds of survivors and directing a dying world to THE Resurrection and THE LIFE. With these views we cannot but approve of the discourse before us, in which the amiable and esteemed preacher, at the request of the deceased, earnestly beseeches sinners to be reconciled to God.

SHORT AND PLAIN DISCOURSES for the Use of Families. By the Rev. THOMAS KNOWLES, B. A. Rector of South Somercotes, and late Curate of Humberstone, in the County of Lincoln. 3 vols.

12mo.

These sermons are what they are described to be in the title, Short and Plain'; from their language well-fitted for the capacities of plain people, and from their theological tendency, adapted to do much good. The subjects are perhaps somewhat too slightly discussed, but the preacher is a steady advocate for the truths of the gospel. The sermons are fifty-four in number, enbracing various important topics in religion: and the last five are on Christmas-day, Good Friday, Easter-day Whitsunday, and Trinity Sunday.

The following passage is a proper corrective of an error too common both in and out of the pulpit:

'Since it is not generally understood, that the Salvation of sinners is entirely of grace, it is very probable there may be some in this present assembly, who may have a different opinion. I should not be surprised, if some among us are persuaded that morality is all in all, and that a sober, regular, and upright conduct is a sure passport to heaven. Now should there be any here of this persuasion, I would beg leave to assure them, that they are under a great mistake-a mistake which, if not rectified in time, will prove fatal to their eternal interests. I do not say, that any one can see the kingdom of God without morality-tar from it. A man must be both moral and religious, before he can be admitted into the heavenly mansions. He "must be born again." He must be made "a new creature." He must experience that "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy

Ghost" of which the text speaks. And if he has undergone this change, he cannot be otherwise than a man of good morals. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." There is no real religion without strict morality. Nevertheless, the truly religious man's morality springs not from his own native good'ness, but from sanctification of the Holy Spirit; and his title to heaven is not that of his own morality, but the righteousness and atonement of the crucified son of God.' Vol. 2. pp. 262. 263.

A MOTHER'S PORTRAIT; sketched soon after her Decease, for the Study of her Children, by their surviving Parent. 12mo. pp. 151.

This is an interesting and well-written volume, exhibiting the character of an amiable and pious female, in her domestic life. We have the perfect portrait, with all those touches that give the most accurate likeness, without entering into a tedious detail. By serious young females, especially in the middling or superior walks of life, the work may be read with pleasure and advantage. Many of the remarks of the deceased and her biographer are striking and important. On the subject of diaries, we agree with both; there are few that deserve perpetuity like that of the late Mr. Williams, of Kidderminster. The deceased mother is not to be held up uniformly as a model; her love for retirement was perhaps an error in one who sustained a kind of public character, and who might have possessed a salutary influence beyond the domestic circle; but in reviewing the picture here presented to our view, it has much to fascinate the pious mind, and we lay down the book impressed with the truth of Lemuel's encomium on the devout female: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubiés. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil, all the days of her life.'