THE REAL TENDENCY OF PUSEYISM.

MR. Isaac Taylor, in a late publication, gives the very pith of the controversy between true Christianity and Puseyism, or" Low Popery."

"I cannot, my dear Sir, conclude this, my second letter, without expressing, in the most decisive manner, my strengthened and very serious conviction, that the controversy which has been originated by the Oxford tract writers involves nothing less than the substance of Christianity itself, and that, in relation either to the spiritual welfare of the people, or to the maintenance of the moral tone which distinguishes this Protestant country, no advantage whatever would be secured by stopping short where those writers would wish to stop, and by excluding what is peculiar to the Romish Church.

"The question concerning antiquity is a question between the Gospel and the superstition which so early supplanted it. We are not inquiring concerning rites, but concerning the substance of genuine piety. We are not asking whether it be a wise or an idle custom to burn candles on an altar at noon, but whether the glory of the Saviour shall continue to shine from the pulpit, or shall be displaced by the glare of a poetic and dramatic pietism. We do not care, nor should take the trouble to ask, whether fasting twice or five times in the week best promotes the health of the soul, but whether genuine Christian sentiments are likely to survive in a Church which should be persuaded, if not to deny, yet to conceal the doctrine of the atonement? It is not episcopacy that is just now in question, but the efficacious presence of the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. We are not talking of the attenuated continuity of apostolic powers, but of the unchanging grace of Him who is the same yesterday, to-day and for ever. We are not discussing the ambiguous import of the sacramental phrases, but are anxiously asking whether, as in the ancient Church, the people should be taught to look for salvation to the sacraments, or to the Saviour? The controversy of the present hour is not to determine to what extreme limit the priest's power of absolution may lawfully be stretched, but to fix this momentous principle, whether the contrite heart and troubled conscience should soothe itself with a sacerdotal form of pardon, or should be encouraged to approach the throne of grace, and, without any other mediation than that of the one Mediator, seek thence and receive the assurance of reconciliation."

Review of Books.

SKETCHES illustrative of important periods in the History of the world. To which are prefixed, observations on the moral and religious uses of History. By MARY MILNER, Author of "the Life of Dean Milner," and "The Christian Mother." 18mo. pp. v. and 224. London, Parker. 1843.

WE are not, in general, friendly to works of this description, conceiving that they have a tendency to foster the superficial system of acquiring information so prevalent in the present day. We must, however, candidly confess, that we are very agreeably surprised in the case of the little volume now before us. The aim of our Authoress seems to have been, to fix attention on some of the most remarkable events or epochs of human history; and by interesting her readers in these, to induce them to have recourse to other works of a more extended nature for more minute information on the various subjects treated of. But perhaps a quotation from her own preface will best pat our readers in possession of her object in this publication :

'In treating of the various important portions of history which form the subjects of the following SKETCHES, my object has been to present to the reader the great outlines and characteristic features of each particular period, to the exclusion of those details, which would, indeed, have served in each case to fill up the picture, but which may be more advantageously supplied by the assiduous student for himself, by reference to historical works of established reputation, when the OUTLINES delineated in the following pages shall have been fixed in the memory.

'The following SKETCHES have reference, respectively to the ages of ALEXANDER THE GREAT, of ATTILA, of MOHAMMED, of CHARLEMAGNE, of the CRUSADES, and of LEO THE TENTH, periods replete with stirring events, interesting to the general reader, and suggesting to the philosophical student, abundant matter of meditation; but particularly deserving of the serious regard of the religious observer of,

"The ways of God to man."

It is refreshing to the Christian mind to peruse the annals of our fallen world,-whether in outline or detail-written on principles so decidedly religious as the volume before us. We cordially agree with the remark of that devoted and talented man-JOSEPH MILNER -as quoted in the preface.

"There is no subject more copious, more elevated, more magnificent, than an historic view of the world, considered as GOD'S OWN WORLD, hastening, in the course of its events, to fulfil the Divine decrees, and educing the beauty and glory of the Godhead from the giddy and apparently fortuitous distractions of human affairs.'

The observation with which our Authoress concludes her preface is too important to be passed by in silence.

'We live in an age in which the value of a liberal education is generally acknowledged; and a comprehensive acquaintance with history is certainly one important ingredient in such an education. It may, therefore, be fairly hoped that an attempt to render historical knowledge subservient to the great purposes of moral and religious improvement, may be favourably received by the advocates of liberal education in general, and by the lovers of history in particular.'

This suggests to us a subject which we have frequently revolved in our mind: viz.-What is the most appropriate manner in which the children of Christian parents can be put in possession of the facts

of history; and learn, at the same time, the moral and religious lessons which it is so well calculated to convey? Of course we are not going, in this place, to attempt any lengthened discussion of the subject; but we cannot but regard it as one of immense interest and importance, and well deserving the serious attention of all intrusted with the education of the young, and more especially of the natural guides and guardians of their youthful years. The pages of Gibbon, Hume and Robertson, in which we have oftimes perused, with the deepest interest, many of the facts recorded or alluded to in the book before us, are not, of course, those, to which youthful readers can, with any propriety, be indiscriminately referred. In the first at least they must encounter the grossest infidelity and immorality; in the second ill-disguised hatred of Scripture truth, and in the last a withering coldness on all matters connected with spiritual religion, that is, perhaps, in some cases, more dangerous than the gross attacks of its avowed enemies, or sarcastic underminers.

We are indebted to Bowdler for an edition of Gibbon purged of its most objectionable matter. The Rev. H. Walter has written a History of England, avowedly on Scripture principles, of which we are led to form a high opinion, though we have never had the pleasure of actually perusing it. But we imagine that there is even yet much room in this department of literature for the labours of decidedly Christian Authors, who are not ashamed to carry their principles with them into every work which they undertake; and thus to make manifest on every occasion the motto of the true Christian ; 'I have set the Lord always before me."

It was specially regarded in this light that, in our Review for April last, we so much commended the little work of Mr. Aiken on the Constitution of England and the United States. For the same reason we have much pleasure in recommending the work of Mary Milner, (Mrs. or Miss we know not) which, we feel convinced, will not disappoint those who give it an attentive perusal. It will at once be evident that it treats of some portions of History the most deeply interesting in every point of view; and, we must add, that a vast deal of interesting information is condensed within a very small compass, and presented in a very pleasing style both as respects compilation and composition. The remarks of our Authoress which are interspersed with the narrative are, in our opinion, very judicious and forcible.

Perhaps, in this point of view, the introductory observations on the Moral and Religious uses of History are the most valuable portion of the volume. This is a subject so well deserving attention that we cannot too strongly recommend it to the serious consideration of our readers in general, and more especially to the younger portion of them. We cordially agree with the following observations of our Authoress

It is evident that the mere storing of the memory with historical facts can answer no useful purpose, unless the information thus collected be rendered subservient to our intellectual or moral advantage; but it may, perhaps, be necessary to observe, that some persons, even among those who read the annals of past ages with a view to their personal improvement, appear to entertain very erroneous ideas concerning the relative value of the lessons which history conveys.

After speaking of some of those Uses of History which, though valuable, are far from the MOST precious fruits' which should spring from its study, our Authoress proceeds

'I shall not be suspected of a disposition to depreciate the value of political science, or of general information, or of that patriotism which has prompted to so many deeds of imperishable memory, if I proceed to point out some of those MORAL and RELIGIOUS USES of HISTORY, to which I more particularly desire to direct the attention of my readers.

'Among the more obvious of these uses, may be mentioned, THE POWER OF HISTORY TO SUPPLY THE DEFECTS, and, in some cases, EVEN TO SURPASS THE ADVANTAGES OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.'

After a short illustration of this, she proceeds

'Another, and a more important advantage resulting from the study of history, is the CONVICTION WHICH THAT STUDY MUST IMPRESS UPON THE

MIND, OF THE TRUTH OF THE SCRIPTURAL DOCTRINE OF THE ACTUAL PRAVITY AND FALLEN NATURE OF MAN.

After a similar illustration, she again proceeds;

Another great use of history consists in THE LIGHT WHICH IT SHEDS UPON THE METHODS EMPLOYED BY THE ALMIGHTY IN THE MORAL GOVERNMENT OF THE WORLD.

'With reference to this use of the records of past times, there is this difference between sacred and profane history, that in the one, the purposes of the Great Ruler of the Universe are often expressly declared, while in the other they must be inferred from the course of his providence. A thorough acquaintance with the sacred writings is therefore of incalculable value in assisting the student of profane history to trace the finger of that God, who is "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever."'

This remark suggests to us again the extreme necessity which exists that he who attempts, either as a writer of history or an instructor of youth, thus to guide others into a knowledge of the workings of Providence should himself be thoroughly imbued with the principles of genuine Christianity, as well as endowed with "the spirit of power and of a sound mind." We wish we could say that the historians of Christian England had hitherto answered in any measure to such a character!

But we proceed to notice the last head on which our Authoress

treats

'One other most important use of historical knowledge which remains to be mentioned, consists IN THE CONCLUSIVE NATURE OF THE EVIDENCE WHICH HISTORY AFFORDS TO THE DIVINE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES.'

Speaking of an extensive acquaintance with the records of history as an acquirement the value of which can scarcely be too highly rated, as bearing upon Revelation in general, and of the extraordinary confirmation which it affords of the truth of prophecy in particular, she adds

'With respect to these astonishing prophecies, it may be sufficient to remark, that whoever undertakes to judge for himself concerning their accomplishment, should possess an exact and very extensive acquaintance with the whole stream of ancient history. Superficial or desultory information will not only be insufficient to enable him to form a just decision, but will probably tend to perplex his mind with difficulties and doubts, which a more pro found and comprehensive knowledge of general history would effectually dispel.'

We earnestly wish that many of the more juvenile students of prophecy in the present day could convince themselves of the truth of OCTOBER, 1843.

3 D

these observations, before they make use of so bold a tone in the annunciation of their crude and superficial views on a subject which demands such extensive research, profound thought and prayerful consideration.

It is obviously foreign to our purpose to enter upon any lengthened review of the historical portion of the volume. We have already called attention to the fact that the character and the times of which it treats embrace many of the most interesting and important periods in the history of the world, whether in themselves simply considered, or in their general bearing upon all future ages.

The writer's estimate of character appears to be very just and accurate, and her manner of pourtraying it at once striking and impartial. As a specimen of this we would point to the case of the famous Erasmus as set forth under the head of the Life and Times of Leo the Tenth. His character is one which requires to be drawn with some nicety and discrimination. In this we think our authoress has completely succeeded; allowing him, on the one hand, everything which his genius and erudition demand; and clearly pointing out, on the other, the degrading position in which his naturally timid temperament, his mean obsequiousness and his temporizing policy inevita bly placed him as respected the stirring events amidst which it was his destiny to live,

The characteristic features also of the various electors of Saxony, who lived during this eventful period, and the bearing which they had upon the proceedings of the infant Reformation, are admirably pointed out; and, with respect to almost all the leading characters who took a prominent part in that glorious event, we cordially agree with the general sentiment of our authoress, with which we shall conclude this brief review of her interesting little work:

"The wisdom of the Omnipotent Governor of the world in adapting the means to the desired end, and in raising up suitable instruments for the accomplishment of his own gracious designs, has perhaps never, since the beginning of time, been more strikingly illustrated, than by the whole History of THE REFORMATION.'

SEA SERMONS; or Plain Addresses, intended for Public Worship on board of Merchant Vessels, and for private use among Seamen and plain people. By the REV. RICHARD MARKS, Vicar of Great Missenden, Bucks, and formerly a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. 12mo. pp. xi. and 474.London, Nisbet. 1843.

THE author of these Sermons has long been known to our readers as well by his valuable works entitled The Retrospect,' • The Ocean,' &c., as by his very interesting papers published in the pages of this periodical under the signature of Aliquis.' In our number for April last, we noticed a very timely and useful pamphlet of his on the Tractarian controversy, entitled Danger and Duty,' which we are happy to see has had a very extensive sale.

The volume before us is written for the special benefit of Seamen. Our Author thus commences his Prefatory remarks

Having been frequently urged to write a few plain Sermons or Addresses, suited for public reading to the crews of our merchant vessels, and for the