Free

of legislation and morality. It, therefore, here can be only considered as a succinct statement of Fourier's Theory, and as such it may be justly said to be well and clearly written. from mysticism, and, as a narrative, remarkably full and distinct, it is exceedingly interesting, and without attempting to decide on the truth or falsehood, or rather practicability or impracticability of the system itself, it may be said to be a very important work. That some new principle must be applied to regulate human society, seems to be acknowledged by all but the most bigoted or ignorant; and it behoves every one who is interested in this the greatest of all worldly questions, to make themselves acquainted with all theories that have benevolence and reason for their foundation. The translation is faithful, and Mr. Wood has done a considerable service by giving it to the English public, and the more for the lowness of the price.

Religious Subjects, &c. The Ecclesiastical History of M. l'Abbé Fleury, from the second Ecumenical Council to the end of the Fourth Century. Translated with Notes, and an Essay on the Miracles of the period. 8vo. pp. 400. Parker: Oxford. Rivingtons: London.

This is a new translation of the 18th, 19th and 20th books of Fleury's Ecclesiastical History, edited by the Rev. J. H. Newman of "Tract" celebrity. The motives alleged for presenting it to English readers appear reasonable enough. Mosheim's elaborate work is sapless and a dust; it is the carcase of a history; there is no soul in it. Other writers on the subject have various merits, but likewise each his special defects. The Abbé Fleury's history is not faultless, but it has some peculiar excellences, and may be valuable as a supplement; and, in fact, as a corrective to the works of Mosheim, Milner, Gibbon, Neander, Milman and Dollinger. His narrative is clear and minute, and his Roman Catholic views are not obtrusively put forward besides they were tempered in no small degree by the fact of his being of the Gallican church, the natural position of which with regard to Rome, was that of opposition.

It is not unlikely that to many readers the most interesting part of the volume will be the preliminary essay by the editor (occupying upwards of 200 pp.) on the general and special credibility of the miracles alleged to have occurred since the apostolic times. The writer treats the subject with great ingenuity, and with much ease and grace of style. The Tractarian controversy is evidently not destined to die away into a whisper. We foresee a very pretty burst of polemics about to arise out of the essay. It is a smooth and courteous cartel, that will rouse the blood, and cause a rattling and furbishing up of old theological armour, in many a quiet parsonage of England.

The Practical Works of the Rev. Job Orton, now first collected, consisting of Discourses, Sacramental Meditations, and Letters, with copious Indexes, to which is prefixed a Memoir of the Author. In 2 vols. 8vo. pp. 1272. London: Tegg, 1842. This is one of the most important of Mr. Tegg's many re-publica

tions. The name of Job Orton stands high in nonconformist divinity; not, indeed, for genius or eloquence, but for piety, good sense, and practical information. On the whole, he closely resembled Doddridge in his leading characteristics, and an interesting parallel might easily be drawn between these illustrious worthies. In fact, Orton may be considered as Doddridge's special disciple, and to him we are indebted for the publication of the three last volumes of Doddridge's Family Expositor of the New Testament, and for an Original Exposition of the Old Testament on the same plan, saving that the chronological harmony is neglected by Orton. This defect might now be easily remedied by the republication of Orton's admirable paraphrase of the Old Testament, arranged on the system of Townsend's arrangement, with occasional corrections of the text. A desideratum which we hope Mr. Tegg will speedily supply, as Orton's Old Testament would then become as popular as Doddridge's New Testament. The two thick octavo volumes, now published, consist almost en

tirely of sound illustrative discourses on various texts of Scripture, and letters to eminent dissenting ministers and students.

Sermons preached at Ordinations. By the Rev. Henry Raikes, Chancellor of the Diocese of Chester. 8vo. pp. 216. Hatchard.

Mr. Raikes is a learned and estimable author, as this book evinces. It contains eleven sermons of great soundness and utility, and well adapted to benefit the rising clergy of our time. The titles of these sermons are as follows:-1. The ministry not to be despised. 2. The ministry an embassy from God. 3. The knowledge needed in the ministry. 4. The motive needed in the ministry. 5. The holiness needed in the ministry. 6. The tenderness needed in the ministry. 7. The meekness needed in the ministry. 8. The work of the ministry. 9. The conduct needed in of the ministry. 10. The earnestness needed in the ministry. 11. Prayer the resource of the Church.

Damascus; or Conversion in relation

to the Grace of God and the Agency of Man: an Essay. By D. E. Ford. 12mo. pp. 124. Simpkin.

This is a short evangelical essay on the doctrine of conversion. It appears to have no particular merit or defect beyond those common to such publications. It is a pleasing sign, however, well worthy the notice of a literary critic, that such pious, edifying little works continue to be published in such abundance.

The Works of William Jay; collected and revised by Himself. Vol. 4, containing Morning and Evening Exercises. 8vo. pp. 684. London: Bart

The Biblical Cabinet; or Hermeneutical, Exegetical and Philological Library. Vol. 40; 12mo. pp. 440; containing Calvin and Store on the Epistles of Paul to the Philippians and Colossians. Edinburgh: Clark. London: Hamil

ton.

The Biblical Cabinet, which has now reached the fortieth volume, is a noble national work, and one of the most creditable monuments of the learning of our times. It has been the means of bringing under the notice of the British, in cheap and popular volumes, the ablest theological literature which the Continent has produced. The present volume will do no dishonour to its predecessors.

Scientific.

English Patents; being a Register of all those granted for Inventions in the Arts, Manufactures, Chemistry, Agriculture, &c., in the Year 1841; with a copious Index ; to which is appended an Account of "The Registration of Designs New Act," for Articles of Manufacture. By Andrew Pritchard, M.R.I. &c. 12mo. pp. 92. London: Whittaker and Co.

This indefatigable author, some time since, published "A List of all the Patents granted during the present Century,' " and the present work is intended to be continued annually to keep it Of the value of this kind up. of list to inventors, it is impossible to speak too highly. The accurate statement of the nature of the invention is a point requiring the utmost care, and to it Mr. Pritchard has most particularly and successfully given his attention. It would seem that the amazing number of 441 patents have been granted in one year; a fact, rendering an indisputable proof of the necessity for such a work as that now issued.

It contains also a very copious index and some appendixes, giving the forms of letters patent, and an abstract of the Act passed last August, "To secure to Proprietors of Designs on Articles of Manufacture the sole Right of making and selling the same."