The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-01-21 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERCURY.

SIR,—In making some comments on a speech which I de-
livered at a recent dinner in Scotland Ward, you are,pleased
to say, that on the occasion when Mr. V. Higgins threatened
me with any vote of censure in the council, " I shewed less
knowledge of the respect due to the chair, than would have
been evinced in a common debating club." I cannot tell
what are the practices of debating clubs, never having been a
member of such a society. If you (the editor of the Mercury)
have ever been a member of such a club, I have no doubt
that common decency has been set at defiance, as much as
you have outraged common honesty and truth in your vitu-
perative attack against me. I refer you and the public to the
council proceedings of October last. It will be observed
that Mr. William Rathbone, either not knowing how, or else
not willing to conduct himself with propriety, made an inso-
lent and personal allusion to myself, saying that the remarks
which I had made arose from the iniquity of my mind. I
appealed to the chair if that language was to be tolerated.
The mayor rebuked him. A second time he attempted to in-
dulge his splenetic feeling; a second time I called him to
order. A third time he made the attempt; and a third time
I appealed to the chair to protect me from his rancorous
abuse. Mr. Rathbone being foiled in his wishes, then it was
that Mr. V. Higgings, seeing the cloud upon the brow, the
curl upon the lip, and the acid and exacerbated expression of
Mr. R.'s countenance, went to him in a most soothing man-
ner, endeavouring to compose him ; but, at the same time,
making himself perfectly ridiculous. " Oh," said Mr. Hig-
gings, "we must pass a vote of censure." Undoubtedly a
vote of censure ought to have been passed on Mr. Rathbone
at that time. There have also been other occasions in which
he and other liberals deserved votes of censure, but, I trust,
the wards will censure them as Mr. Higgins has been censured
in Lime-street.

I am also accused of speaking disrespectfully of Mr.
Blackburn ; you say he is a very estimable man. In his
private capacity I fully accord it. In public, when he was
one of those who encouraged Mr. Dalton to expose the
errors, the bigotry, and the prejudices of the Papal Church,
he then deserved the appellation. When, however, he at-
tacked the Church of England from its assimilation to Po-
pery, at the time when he was one of the promoters and
teachers of the Romish doctrines he is neither estimable not
consistent. When he once characterised those who opposed
the present system adopted in the Corporation Schools, as a
base, howling, and malignant faction, that was neither esti-
mable nor gentlemanly. When, at a meeting of the council,
the petition of the operative Protestants was under discussion,
I said that it was my opinion that the member for Lime-
street Wiid went further than myself in his feelings against
the Roman Catholic doctrines, and was interrupted by him;
he said It was untrue ; the mayor called him to order ; he
aggravated the offence ; this was treating the chair with dis-
respect. In a few minutes afterwards, in his own speech, he
confessed that he thought he was further opposed to the Ro-
man Catholic religion than the gentleman opposite. With
respect to your conduct towards Mr. Robert Jones, even
before Mr. Coglan brought any charge, you made remarks
in your paper extremely offensive towards that gentleman.
During the enquiry before the Town Clerk, you did not ab-
stain from indulging in rancorous strictures, which, although
they did not, might have influenced Mr. Radcliffe.
Pending the enquiry before the committee, you pursued the
same improper course ; and, even after the report of that
committee, you have still indulged, in what I must consider
as most slanderous expressions. The testimony of Mr. John
Davies, of Hunter-street, of Mr. Holden, and about half a
score more, so fully acquits Mr Jones, that nothing which
you can say can injure him.
In future, when you refer to proceedings in the council,
look at your own columns, for your reporter appears a gen-
tleman of honour and integrity, and not swayed by any po-
Nical bias.—l am, sir, your obedient servant,
ISAAC HOLMES.

Sandhills, 20th January, 1840.

Lord Sandon hasreturned from his visit to Italy. He was
in his place in the House of Commons on the first night of
the session.

PRIZE-FIGHTERS.—Fisher and two others of the lowest
class of this gentry were arraigned, at Kirkdale sessions,
before the Rev. Mr. Formby and T. Rodick, Esq. for
drawing together large bodies of disorderly people and fight-
ing, at Aintree. They pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to
twelve months' imprisonment in Lancaster Castle. This ex-
emplarrpunishment may teach such persons, that prize-fight-
ing will be no more tolerated within the county than within
the borough, and will surely operate, hereafter, as a warning
to them to desist from such brutal practices.

LIVERPOOL GREAT STEEPLE CHASE.—The betting on
this affair is becoming very animated. Lottery, the winner
of the chase of last year, from his performance on that occa-
sion and his prowess since, has been elevated to the post of
first favourite. The following have been the prevalent odds :
—5 to 2 agst. Lottery ; 7 to 1 agst. Seventy-four ; 20 to 1
agst. Physician.

THE QUEEN'S MARRIAGE !—The approaching nuptials of
our lovely and beloved Queen are hailed with intense delight
by Englishmen of all ranks and parties ' • and it is supposed
that wore marriages will be celebrated on that auspicious
day, than have taken place on any other for the last century.
Many maiden ladies, who have hitherto rejected all addresses,
are determined to follow the laudable example of Her Ma-
jesty ; and not a few of those votaries of selfish celibacy,
'yclept old bachelors, are equally determined to abjure a
single life—nor can too much be said in praise of such wise
resolves. " He," as D'lsraeli beautifully observes, " who is
no husband, may sigh for that devoted tenderness which is
at once bestowed and received ; and tears may start in the
eyes of him, who can become a child among children, and is
yet no father." To all about to enter into this most felici-
tous state of wedlock, the best possible advice which can be
given, is, that -they will book the following memorandum :
N.B. ".Atkin.son'a Infants' Preservative," incomparably the
best medicine for young children ! established upwards of
fifty years ! ! and of which 100.000 bottles are now annually
sold ! ! !—See advt.
THE HARBOUR OF WEXFORD.—A petition from the mer-
chants and others of Liverpool is now receiving signatures,
in the Underwriters' Rooms, relative to improving the har-
bour of Wexford. The petition sets forth, that the state of
the harbour is destructive to the shipping interest, in conse-
quence of a bar of shifting sand lying across the entrance ;
that 27 years ago the bar was 19 feet deep at low water,
whereas it is now only four feet i • that it has increased two
feet within the last two years, attd that, from its tendency to
increase, it threatens speedily to impede the navigation ; that
the bar increases the price of imports, and decreases the
quantity and value of the exports ; that the present eutraace
cannot be improved, and that it will be indispensible to make
a new one, on a line with the set of the tides ; that the Pro:
jected improvement has been proposed to be effected without
pecuniary aid from government, or levying tolls on the
ship-
ping interest, the undertakers expecting to be repaid by
and
ant
reclamation of the submerged lands within the harbour
t>rtne
t
that the projected improvement would suit the important
purposes of extensive fisheries, a harbour of refuge, packet
intercourse, and foreign commerce. The
et
other advantages, and concludes by prayilPigti n mentionshat it may re-
ceive the approbation of the house.
T D. Carter, the COMPLIMENTARY DINNER.—Mr. J.
ld e r s
men_gaant
re-
presentative of the house of Jones,Alesstasbrstuy iinie.s,
Wiggins,gentlemanlyoA
d
Teape, the extensive wholesale
if
extremely agreeable to the
London, having rendered himself,
ners and business qualifications,
stationers of Liverpool,. during the many years he has visited
this town, a party Inv'
• ted that gentleman to a dinner, i
and Mr. David
Thursday afternoon, at the
,as in the char, Adelphi Hotel. Mr. Thomas
on
as
Taylor, of Castle-street, was et,
occu • fed the • ' •
P vice-chair. The din-
nerMarples, of Lord-street,
Mr. Carter's
ed in Mr. Radley's usual style of excellence,
was prepared
health was and the wines were choice.
r
pro-
posed in a complimenta yspeech, and it was drunk by the
company in the most marked style of respect to their highly-
esteemed
guest. Mr. Carter, sensibly affected by so gratify-
ing a proof of the esteem of his friends, returned thanks iu a
feeling an appropriate speech. The evening was spent in
the utmosd t harmony, and the party did not break up till a
late hour. We congratulate our friend, Mr. Carter, on this
gratifying evidence of the trade, in Liverpool, of their appro-
bation of his conduct whilst acting as the representative of
the highly respectable house of Jones, Wiggins, and 'l'eape.
VOORSANGER'S PENS. —We have used Voorsanger's
metallic pens, which are advertised in another column, and
can confidently recommend them to public adoption. They
are not liable to corrosion, and they give a free and clear
stroke. They are at the same time very durable.
EARLY LAstss.—On Wednesday last, two of the East
India sheep at the Zoological Gardens produced each a lamb.
The animals have latterly been kept in the open air ; but,
since their accouchement, they have been removed in-doors,
and with their Anglo-Indian progeny are doing as well as can
be expected.
We notice by an old paper published 40
, years ago, that by
the then constitution of New Jersey, uutuarrted women
and widows (of that state) who were of full age and were
worth 133 dollars clear estate, had a right to vote in all elec-
tions."

The following are the Times of Departure from Lime.street,
Liverpool. and from Liverpool-road, Manchester :
F DEPARTURE
FROM LIVERP_OOLTIMES
ANDMANCHESTER TO BIRMINGHAM.
3 30 a.m. First Class, joins London Train at 8 30 a.m
6 a.m. Mixed
8 15 a.m. First Class
10 30 a.m. First Class
12 15 p.m. First Class
4 p.m. Mixed
7 p.m. First Class 12
FROM BIRMINGHAM TO LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER
2 15 a.m. First Class—Meets N. Union Train to Preston
at Parkside,

1 15 p.m
4 p.m
6 p.m

6 a.m. Mixed Train do
11 30 a.m. First Class
2 15 p.m. First Class
2 45'p.M. First Class—Meets N. Union Train to Preston
at Parkside.

3 30 p.m. Mixed
6 p.m. First Class

On Sunday the Departures will be
3 30 a.m. First Class, joins London Train at 8 30 a.m
8 15 a.m. Mixed
71 BO
1 30 p.m
10 30 a.m. ~
7 p.m. „ 12
2 15 a.m. First Class
7 30 a.m: Mixed
11 30 a.m. I,
245 p.m. ~
The Trains on Sundays stop at First Class Stations only

LIVERPOOL AND MA'

PROM L'POOL TO MANCITESTER.
First Class Second Class
- Morning.. 7 0 Morning
8 45 „ .. 10 0
11 0 „ ..11 45 „
2 0 Aftern. .. 230 Aftern.
4 45 „ 5 30
7 15 Evening .. 7 15 Mixed I
Stop only at Newton & Prkside
• Except on Saturdays, when tl
ON SU
First Class Second Class
8 0 Morning.. 7 0 Morning
5 0 Aftern. 5 30 Aftern.
7 15 Evening.. 7 15 Mixed I
Stop only at Newton & Prkside I
ITO PRESTON
FROM LIVICRPOOL.
8 4S Morning.. First Class
11 0 „
2 30 Aftern. .. Second Class
4 45 „ .. Mixed
7 18 „ .. First Class
nt4 Sir!
7 0 Morning.... Mixed
5 30 Afternoon

TO B,

FROM tii-sitroot.
8 45 Morning.... First Class
11 0
2 3o Afternoon .. Second Class
5 30 .. .... _

ON SU,
7 0 Morning.... Second Class I
S 30 Afternoon ..
TO ST. r

PROM LIVERPOOL.
7 15 Morning.... Second Class
10 0

cCHESTER RAILWAY.

FROM MANCHESTER TO L'POOL.
First Class Second Class
- Morning.. 7 0 Morning
9 0 „ 10 0
PP
11 15 IS ..1] 45 .•
0 Aftern. .. *2 45 Aftern.
5 0 .. 530 „
715 Evening .. 15 Mixed I
Stop only at Newton Prkside
sis Traiu does not start till Three.
NDAYS.

._ ..
11 45
f t
2 30 Afternoon.. ~
5 30
4,,

First Class Second Class
8 0 Morning.. 7 0 Mornin
5 0 Aftem. 5 30 Aftern.
715 Evening 715 Mixed
Stop only at Newton & Prkside
AND WIGAN.
FROM MANCHESTER.
9 0 Morning.. First Class
11 15 „
2 45 Aftern. .. Second Class
5 0 p. .. Mixed
715 p. .. First Class
NDAYS.
7 0 Morning.... Mixed
530 Afternoon .. „
ILTON.

FROM MANCHESTER.
ii 0 Morning.... First Class
11 is „
2 43 Afternoon .. Second Class
530 „ .... „
NDAYS.
I 7 0 Morning.... Second Class
30 Afternoon..
.lELENS.

FROM MANCHESTER.
7 30 Morning.... Second Clan
10 0 „
PP
11 45
2 45 Afternoon ..
5 30
PP
'DAYS.

7 0 Morning.... Second Class
5 30 Afternoon.. 9,
'ORN GAP.
FROM MANCHESTER.
7 30 Morning.... Second Class
11 45
It
5 30 Afternoon ..
NDAYS.

ON 8171,
7 0 Morning.... Second Class I
5 90 Afternoon ..
Pt
TO RUNG
FROM LIVERPOOL.
7 15 Morning.... Second Class
11 45 „ ....
Pt
5 30 Afternoon .. ••

ON SU
7 0 Morning.... Second Class I
6 30 Afternoon

7 0 Morning.... Second Class
5 30 .. Afternoon „

ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.—Last night we paid a visit to
the Royal Amphitheatre, for the purpose of being able to
speak experimentally of the style and character of the Tour-
nament which the spirited manager, Mr. Ducrow, has intro-
duced, on the same scale as at Astleys. It is impossible to
speak too highly of the taste and magnificence which pervades
the entire spectacle, or of the care with which even the mi-
nutest detail is supplied. No trouble or cost, it is evident,
has been regarded in what is called the " getting up" of the
piece ; and the correctness of the costumes, armour, bearings,
and banners, as far as we had time to observe, we can confi-
dently affirm. The double stage effects are very imposing,
and they called forth a general burst of applause. Altogether,
a more splendid pageant was never produced in Liverpool.
The remaining performances consisted of scenes in the circle,
of which we shall take another opportunity of speaking, and
of The Idiot of Heidelberg Castle. The performance of the
Idiot by Mr. Ducrow is well known to be a very superior
effort. Such attractions as these deserve support, and ac-
cordingly we were glad to find that the public of Liverpool
appreciate them—as was manifested by the crowded benches
of last evening.

THE RIVAL EXPRESSES : TRAVELLING AT THE RATE
or FORTY MILES AN HOUR !—The bags of the packet-ship
Siddons, Capt. Palmer, which anchored in Formby Channel
shortly before noon on Wednesday last, were not landed
until half-an-hour after the departure of the Grand Junction
Company's 121- train, the last which goes through to London
until the mail train, which starts at seven o'clock at night.
As it was desirable to have the Message of Mr. President
Van Buren in Loudon as early as possible, for publication in
the papers of the following morning, shortly after one o'clock
an agent for several London morning papers applied to the
directors of the Grand Junction Railway Company for an
express engine to convey a messenger with despatches, the
object being either to overtake the 121- train, or, failing in
that, to catch the six-o'clock train from Birmingham to
London. As soon as possible after permission had been
granted, the engine and tender, with the messenger standing
on top of the latter, were of at full speed. The 12+ train were
overtaken at Stafford, twenty-six miles from Birmingham,
which station the messenger reached in time, of course, to
go by the five-o'clock train to town. Snugly ensconced in
the railway carriage, the messenger flattered himself, no
doubt, that he was beyond the reach of any competitor in
the news line, and that he, and he alone, would exclu-
sively furnish London with the President's Message. But
this was not to be. No sooner was another news-agent,
who knew not that express engines were ever granted,
informed of the flight of his rival, than he, too, ap-
plied to the directors of the Grand Junction Company,
who were sitting, for an express engine. At first, the
directors hesitated to grant this second request; but, in
consideration that no intimation had been made to him of
the intended despatch of the first express engine, and from a
desire on their part to show neither favour nor partiality,
they finally, under the peculiar circumstances of the case,
granted the request. Captain Clether, the active and obli-
ging manager for the company, ran the messenger up the
tunnel in a car ; stating on the way, that there was just a
chance, that, when he reached the Edge-hill station, there
might not be an engine with its steam up. Luckily, how-
ever, there was one quite ready, so far as steam was con-
cerned, but it had to be moved on the line, and that occupied
above a quarter of an hour. Captain Clether, however ex-
erted himself so heartily in the business, and urged the men
so earnestly in the work, that it was accomplished in the
shortest time possible. At twenty minutes past two o'clock
nearly an hour after the starting of the first express engine,
the second one, the messenger and a youth standing on the
tender, was off like lightning. The object, in this case, was
to reach Birmingham in time for the six o'clock train. So
rapid, however, was the speed of the engine, with merely its
its tender, that it soon became evident to the parties, that it
was just possible to reach Birmingham in time for the 5 o'clock
train. The steam was, accordingly, kept up to the highest
pitch, and precisely at three minutes past hve the engine darted
into the station. The five o'clock train had not, fortunately,
started : so that the rivals proceeded to town in the same
train, the first in happy ignorance of the close propinquity of
the second, though the latter had caught a glimpse of the
former ! We have said, that the distance between Liverpool
and Birmingham was performed in 2 hours 43 minutes ; but
from this time must be deducted, at least, 23 minutes occu-
pied in taking in coke and water at six stations, and by an
obstruction on the line near Birmingham. Now, the distance
between the extreme points is 97 miles, which having be en
accomplished in 2 hours and 30 minutes, the actual average
velocity of the engine running, or, rather, flying along the
rails must have been very nearly FORTY MILES PER HOUR !
The motion of the machine was quite steady, and the
messenger contrived to read, until the air, rushing against
his face, filled his eyes with water so as to prevent read-
ing. The cold was intense, and the wind could almost be
felt. When the engine was at its full speed, the parties on
the machine could not make each other hear, although the
voice was exerted to its highest pitch, such was the effect of
the " mighty rushing wind" on the sense of hearing. For
our own part, if we could have our choice, when our only
object was to pass from one point to the other, we should
prefer flying at the hurricane speed of forty miles an hour.
It would, we can assure our readers, be much pleasanter
than travelling at the comparatively slow rate of 20 miles per
hour, if, instead of being starved by the cold and cut in two
by the wind, by standing on the tender, the traveller were
snugly ensconced in a railway carriage. Having tried and
approved of a speed of forty miles in the hour, our friend,
the express messenger, says, that he will be impatient to try
the promised velocity, on the Great Western Railroad, of
sixty !—Albion.

ACCIDENT TO LORD ABINGER.—On Wednesday, as the Rt.
Hon. Lord Abinger was crossing Parliament-street, on his
return from presiding as Chief Baron of her Majesty's Court
of Exchequer, at Westminster Hall, he was struck down by
the pole of a carriage, which he had not perceived in time to
escape from, and was in imminent danger of being crushed
under the wheels of the carriage, it being with great difficulty
that the horses were stoppad. We are happy to state that
his Lordship was not in the least hurt. He attended his
judicial duties in the Court ofExchequer next morning.
ARISTOCRATIC NOTlONs.—Really we cannot but feel
then epletiuuica
amused when we consider who the men are who would per-
suade our iof
hisn Sir
capacity Ro b t
with her Majesty. We cannot avoid asking who
fi rei
tuSdovheimfgon t hea r
st r
p al oan
übme ortiigoinn
are the 44 friends of the people" who look with such supreme
contempt, and would not suffer their talents and intelligence
oPfee premier
are
to come between " the wind and their hostilities ?" Why,
Lord Durham, a man of yesterday, such a stickler for adula-
tion and the forms of respect, that we would not be surprised
to hear of his having knocked down a servant for not bowing
with sufficient humility to his bilious-faced lordship. Then
there are others of your liberal Radicals so much ashamed of
common-place names thatthev must assume others to which
they have as much right as Ilcey Solomons to that of Nebu-
chadnezzar. For instance, Mr. Tennison becomes D'Eyn-
court ; Sir John Brown becomes Sir John Deßeauvoir ; Sir
Denham Jephson is metamorphosed into Sir Denham Nor-
reys ; Mr. Thistlethwaite would fain have an old Norman
title—O'Connell, the son of , would he Prince of
Iveragh, and, unauthorised, takes supporters to his arms; and
the Marquis of Westminster would be thought a descendant
of Hugh Lupus, nephew to the Conqueror, when it is well
known that the first gentleman of his family was an architect
in Shrewsbury, who was patronised by the Middletons, of
Chirk Castle, where, if we mistake not, his portrait now is.
Yet, these and such others are the men, who, forgetting
their own origin, would turn up their aristocratic (?) noses
at a man their equal in birth, and far their superior in every-
thing which can command respect or veneration.—Limerick
Standard.

---.--.
THE BLESSINGS OF STEAM.—The steam navigation of the
Atlantic in twelve days, in opposition to the predictions of
some of our ablest engineers, and the rapid extension of
railway communication through every part of England, are
two of the most striking instances of the triumph of the
scientific arts, and of the blessings which these arts confer
upon the community. London and Edinburgh will speedily
be brought within less than a day of each other. The luxu-
ries and benefits which characterise each spot of the island
will be concentrated within the reach of all; and in this
abridgement of space and time, the whole habits of our
social being will suffer a corresponding change. The mutual
interests of individuals, as well as of communities, will be
brought within the sphere of their mutual actions. New oc-
cupations will be held out to the industrious ; new and better
pursuits to the idle ; and fresh objects of sympathy to the
benevolent. We shall thus see more of our own country,
and know more of our fellow-citizens—of their opinions,
their feelings, their sufferings, and their aspirations ; and, in
thus becoming better acquainted with the lot of others, we
shall learn to be better contented with our own. If famine
should light upon any corner of the land, the commissariat
of more fortunate districts will speedily arrive with abund-
ance. If pestilence should waste it, the genius of humanity
will be quickly summoned to relief. if insurrection should
alarm it, the arm of justice and of the law will soon be at
their rescue. The concentration of space and time, in short,
will add to the security, the wealth and the grandeur of the
nation.—,Edinburgh Review.

-[pc
tr act v.,.
GRAND JUNCTION RAILWAT.' SA' Vho

Vottrp.

THE STOUT OLD BRITISH SHIP.

Hurrah nfor the stout old British ship,
The monarch of the sea !
That bounds like a greyhound from the slip,
`When the sails are loosen'd free!
That, spite of the storm and deadly gun,
. Ne'er yet its course gave o'er;
And never knew what 'twas to run
A hostile flag before!
It long has the bulwark been of our rights,
Of our freedom still the stay ;
Then give to the brave old British ship,
Three British'4eers—hurrah!

When Nelson trope its quarter-deck,
Its glory was in its prime ; r.
Victory he had at his finger-beck,
..•
As proved in every clime :
When England was honotted and fear'd by all,
And nations sung her praise ; - •
But that is a tale we may not recal
In these degenerate days;
For the stout old ship lies idly ashore,
Laid up like a useless tree ;
Its battles and cruises now are o'er,
Though it still is fit for sea!

The vaunting foreigner long has felt
Its thunder on the main,
And he smiles when he thinks the blows it dealt

...
Shall ne'cr be dealt again.
But the spirit of Nelson is not dead,
It bounds in a hundred hearts,
And his story of fame is remembered and read,
And studied with our charts !
For cherished with care is the glory it won,
The meed of a thousand years
And its foes will fly,as they often have done,
When the stout old ship appears!

When the brave old ship, as bright as morn,
Hoists high its well-known flag ;
The flag that has still been unsullied borne,
Since the days of Drake and Sprague ;
Let's see who'll dare dispute its right,
To the empire of the main,—
'Twill prove its title clear and bright,
Against the world again !
Then give to the stout old British ship,
Of our freedom still the stay,
That long has the bulwark been of our rights,
Three British cheers—hurrah!

LITERARY NOTICES.

The Pilgrim's Progress: in two Parts. • By John Bunyan. 1,
With Original Notes by the Rev. Thomas Scott, Rector
of Aston Sandford, Bucks. Eighth Edition. London : L.
and G. Seeley, Fleet-street. 1840.
The intrinsic value and excellence of the Pilgrim's Pro-
gress may be inferred from the high estimation in which it
has been held, during the last and present centuries, by every
denomination of Christians. There is scarcely a language
in the civilized world into which it has not been translated.
In this country we do not know of any work that has enjoyed
a larger circulation, excepting the Sacred Volume whose
truths it so beautifully and affectingly illustrates and enforces.
Among. the testimonies to the interest. excited by the perusal
of this admirable work we find that of Dr. Johnson, who re-
marked that " the Pilgrim's Progress must be ranked
among a very few books indeed, of which the reader, when
he comes to the conclusion, wishes they had been longer."
It would be superfluous to add anything in its praise. . The
present edition is the best that we have ever seen. The well-
known character of the Rev. Thomas Scott, as one of the
ablest commentators on tl.e Bible, is a sufficient guarantee
for the orthodoxy of the accompanying notes, which are
equal in extent to the text, of the work. The biography is a
very valuable addition to the volume, and it is almost un-
necessary to add that it breathes a truly catholic spirit. The
plates, after Stothard, are beautifully executed. We do not
know of any human production more worthy of the aid of art
than the Pilgrim's Progress. As a suitable and elegant pre-
sent for the young we would recommend this volume in pre-
ference to all the annuals ever published.

The Redeemer. A Poem. By William Howorth, Author
of "The Cry of the Poor." London : Charles Tilt, Fleet-
street. 1840.

In these days, when mediocre poetry is so abundant, it
is quite refreshing to meet with a work like the one before
us, evincing as it does genius of the highest order, sanctified
by deep and fervent piety, and consecrated to the most hal-
lowed purposes. The subject of this poem is one which
ought never to be approached but with the deepest awe and
reverence. Such, we are happy to say, has been the spirit in
which the author has ventured on a theme so sublime as the
redemption. The greatest attraction which this work pre-
sents to the Christian reader is, the religious tone by which
it is pervaded. The language throlghout the poem is so-
lemn, unaffected, and eminently adapted to the subject. The
imagery employed is natural and undistorted. The versifica-
tion is flowing and harmonious. We feel convinced that this
work must become popular among the Christian public. No
one can rise from its perusal without acknowledging that the
author is a man of commanding and original genius, and en-
titled to take his stand among the sacred bards of Great
Britain. We sincerely hope that the success attendant upon
the present effusion may stimulate him to future efforts.

Extracts from Holy Writ, and Various Authors, intended
as Helps to Meditation and Prayer, principally for
Soldiers and Seamen. By Capt. Sir Nesbit J. Willoughby,
R.N., &c. Lonaori : prinfed for. the Autlioi., or COmpiler,
for Gratuitous Circulation, by r." H. Coe, 27, Old Change,
Cheapside. 1839. _ _

This excellent compendium of scriptural knowledge is ad-
mirably adapted for the purpose for which it was intended by
its^benevolent author. It is composed of striking passages
from the Sacred Volume, pithy extracts from the works of
eminent divines, interpersed with several original reflections.
The extracts are neither arranged under distinct heads, nor
placed so as to have any peculiar connection with each other.
The volume may be opened at any page, and read, as it were,
by snatches. We trust that its perusal may be found useful.
to many; especially among those classes for which the author
feels such deep solicitude. We would particularly recom-
mend this volume as a companion in the sick chamber, where
works of a more connected character can seldom be read
without superinducing an aggravation of suffering.

Observations on the History and Evidence of the Resurrec-
tion of Jesus Christ. By Gilbert West, Esq. Edinburgh :
Adam and Charles Black, North Bridge.
This and the following form a part of the series of
" Christian Literature." now in course of publication. We
have already expressed our opinion of the plan and execution
of this invaluable series. From the extreme cheapness of
the treatises which have already appeared, we have no doubt
that they will obtain a very extensive circulation. The work
before us is one of considerable celebrity. It was written in
answer to a pamphlet, published about the middle of the last
century, entitled, " The Resurrection of Jesus constdered,
in answer to the Trial of the Witnesses; by a Moral Philo-
sopher." The author of that pamphlet, in order to overturn
the testimony of the evangelists, attempted to show that they
contradicted each other in the accounts which they gave of
the fact of the resurrection. The object of the work before
us is, to clear the sacred writers from the imputation of con-
tradicting each other, as well as to illustrate and confirm their
testimony. The author has fully and triumphantly succeeded
in his vindication of the divine records. His proofs are clear
and unquestidnable, and his arguments remain unanswered
and unanswerable.

A Practical Treatise on Regeneration. By John Wither-
spoon, D.D. Edinburgh Adam and Charles Black.
This work has always been considered a master-piece on
the subject of which it treats. In the author's views we cor-
dially concur. From the expression, " Except a man be
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," and other
similar expressions, the inference drawn is, that the change
implied, and which is meant under the term regeneration, is
not merely partial, but universal—that it is not merely ex-
ternal and imperfect,.but inward, essential, and complete—
and that it is supernatural in its nature and origin. We
cordially recommend this work to the notice of all who de-
sire a clear and evangelical elucidation of the subject.

The Omnipresence of the Deity. By the Rev. R. Mont-
gomery, A.M. Sixteenth Edition. Glasgow :.John Sym-
ington and Co.
This is emphatically "The People's Edition" of Mr,
Montgomery's popular works. The price, considering the
execution of the work, is exceedingly moderate, and we hope
it will obtain an extended circulation. On the merits of
The Omniprescence of the Deity we have already pronounced
our opinion. It abounds with glowing imagery, lofty thoughts,
and touching appeals to the purer feelings of our nature.
Poetry of the highest order is here allied to the most fervent
piety. That man must, indeed, be very destitute of religion,
taste, or feeling, who can rise from the perusal of this poem
without pleasure and edification.

The Christian Observer. January, ign.
This number contains several very interesting articles
" The Ten Virgins" is an excellent essay. The remarks on
" Court Circular Religious Announcements" are peculiarly
appropriate, and much called for. The meditations from
" Sir H. Wotton's Reliquge" are highly beautiful and elo-
buent. " A Fortnight in England : by a French Protestant,"
is a very characteristic diary, quaint and original in' its style.
The " Specimens of Romanist Superstitions in Germany"
will be perused with a melancholy degree of interest. They
exhibit Popery in some of its most hideous lights.

The Accordance of the Church of England with Scripture;
and the Dis-ordance of Independency and other Forms
Dissent from Scripture. A Sermon preached at St. Mi-
chael's, Liverpool, at the request of the Young Men's
Church of England Association. By the Rev. Joseph
Baylee, A.B. London : Whittaker and Co.; Liverpool :
Lace and Addison, Perris, and Newling. 1839.
This sermon constitutes one of the most masterly defences
of the Church of England that we have ever met with. The
respected author has most triumphantly established the po-
sition assumed in the title. He has irrefragably proved the
strict accordance of the Church with the revealed will of
Christ, and as triumphantly proved the manifest discordance
of Independency and other forms of dissent from the scrip-
tures. The sermon treats of the nature and purposes of the
Christian Church—the connection between Church and
State—the affairs of the Christian Church—the extent of the

authority in .tbe Church—the ordinances and doctrines of the
Church—and the unlawfulness of dissent or schism. All
these topics are handled with great ability. Many of the
Reverend Preacher's illustrations are striking and original,
and cannot fail to carry conviction into every candid and un-
prejudiced mind. His appeals to scripture are forcible and
unanswerable. His language, which it is chaste, eloquent,
and dignified, is, at the same time, plain and intelligible to
the most ordinary capacity. We cordially recommend this
sermon as a powerful antidote to the poisonous trash so ex-
tensively disseminated by voluntaries and infidels.

The Educator and Children's Cyclopcedia. By W. Martin.
No. 1. London: Sherwood and Co., Paternoster Row.

To this work, we are happy to say, we can give our
cordial and unqualified recommendation. It is especially
designed for the edification of youth, and very successfully
blends amusement with instruction. One of its main features
is, to convey religious instruction in connection with, but
not in subordination to, general information. The author is
an attached member of the Church of England, and he as-
sures his readers that "he con only teach according to the
convictions of his mind and conscience." He adds that "he
has long been of opinion, and is daily strengthened in his
conviction, that religion is the only sound basis of all educa-
tion ; and that, without it forms a prominent feature in every
course of tuition, there is no hope either for the teacher, or
the individual taught." The work embraces a series of ex-
positions of christian faith and practice—teachings from
nature—the philosophy of common things—natural history
—natural philosophy—ancient and modern history—the arts
and manufacturing processes—travels and adventures in all
parts of the world—tales, historical and social, grave and
gay—drawing and the fine arts—and sports and amusements.
From the specimen before us we have no hesitation in say-
ing that it possesses all the elements of popularity.

Report of the Chester Diocesan Board of Education. War-

rington : J. W. Booth. 1839.

In this valuable and carefully compiled report we have a
full exposition of the objects contemplated in the compre-
hensive plan of education for the middle classes, now in course
of developement, throughout almost every diocese in the
kingdom, under the auspices of the National Society. In
the introduction to this report we have a full explanation of
the arrangements approved of for the effectual working of
the plan to which we have alluded. The report itself embo-
dies all the rules and regulations adopted in the diocese of
Chester. together with a list of all the officers appointed in
each deanery. The analysis of the state of education in the
diocese is a very valuable document embracing very copious
statistical details respecting the population, and the number
of children educated both in connection with the Church of
England, and under Roman Catholic and dissenting tuition.
We rejoice to find that the Diocesan Society is going on
prosperously, and we trust that the next report will show a
great increase in the amount of subscriptions.