The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-02-02
LITERARY NOTICES.

SPIRITUAL. PRoGRFss or, Instructions in the Di-
vine Life of the Soul From the French of Feue-
Ion and Madame Guyon. Edited by James W
Metcalf New York w. Dodd Sold by Gray &
Baantyns, Seventh Street, Washington. One
volume.
The name of the author of " Christian Coun.
Sels," which constitutes the first part of the
volume before us, liz sufficient recommendation
to thoae who gre familiar with his graceful
style, and especially with bis holy and deyout
life. 1t is the offspring of mind rich in
Christian experience, and thoroughly acquaint-
cd with the human heart He has looked with
searching eye into the Questionable depths of
the spirit and having seen tho mysterious
workings of sin there, and how willy it cheats
us of our souls, he gives US wise and uncrring
directions how to deliver ourselves from its
power. The eye can hardly rest upon a page,
or even paragraph, which is not full of val
able instruction. 1t possesses the "pith and
marrow" of tho Puritan writers, without their
numbering phraseology. The design of the
book is to lead to a higher Christian expert
enco and stronger faith in short, to make
such Christians as our fathers were. The
work is well calculated to meet the wants Of
the present time, when the earnest desire for
progress" in almost everything but the d.
vine life, has left no room for secret self
munings and quiet meditation 1t will prove
a valuable guide to the Christian, and would
be suitable companion for the Bible at morn
inc and evaninp priyata devotions
The Short and Easy Method Of Prayer"
and "a Concise View of the Way to God" by
Madame Guyon, which forms the second part
of the book, is beautifully written, and breathcs
much the same spirit as do the writings of hor
friend Archbishop Fenelon. She differed in
many points from theologians generally, but
she was a woman Of pure and elevated mind,
and high aims and purposes. Her writings
are highly devotional, and her graceful and
elegant style and holy fervor will recommend
them to overy reader of good taste and real
pioty. G.
CONVERSION its Theory and Process, Practically
Delineated. By Rev. Thco Spencer. New York:
NJ. w. Dodd. Sold by Gray Il BalIantyne, Seventh
street, Washington. One volume.
The object of this work is to direct the sincere
inquirer in his search after God and holiness.
The familiar colloquial style adopted by the
author brings it down to the capacity Of the
uninstructed, and it's freedom from dry theo-
logical discussion, while at the same time it pre-
sents clearly the cardinal doctrines Of religion,
will be a recommendation to the general read
err The author has examined the subject care
fully and critically and has gone through,
step by step, with the process of conversion,
with the fret turning Of the thoughts
toward divine things, distinguishing accurately
between true and false conversion, and bring
ing the inquirer to the full assurance Of faith
in crucifed Saviour. G.
BUR CLIFF: its Sunshine and its Clouds. BY Paul
Creyton, Author of :" Father Brighthopes, Hearts
and Faces, etc. Boston Phillips, Jamson, Co. |
Sold by Taylor Maury, Washington One vol
An amusing racy little volume, consisting Of
a series of family pictures VOL and truthfnly |
drawn, in which clouds andsunshine alternate,
but the latter predominstcs Ii presents, in