The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-03-24

friends of education ought to be acquainted
with this journal. The valuable knowledge it
furnishes will more than repay them for its cost
and perusal. It has also good Index, always
q mark of well-conducted journal.
The Atonemeni, its relations TO Law and Moral Govern
ment. BY ALDER, Barnes Philadelphia Parry l. Nc
MILAN. 1859.
Mr.. Barnes is a clear writer, man of great
candor, and yet firm in the maintenance Of his
views of divine truth. These characteristics
will be recognised in the volume before us. In
his letter to the "Hon. Hiram DEMO, IL. d..
Judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of
New York." with which he prefaces the work,
he says: "I have wished to commend the great
doctrine of the Christian Atonement to mind
accustomed to contemplate the nature and OBJ
legation of law. 1t is no secret to you, that my
own mind was early skeptical on the whole
subject of religion, and may say to you now,
that on no doctrine of the Christian faith have
l found that early skepticism give me more
embarrassment than on the doctrine of the
atonement." This fact is an important one for
any person whose mind has labored under diff
fculties as in respect to any great doctrine has
some peculiar advantages for entering into the
discussion of that subject, especially as it lies
before others similarly circumstanced. We think,
therefore, that Mr.. Barnes's book will be read
with attention by many, and we doubt not that
even such as do not accord with his conclusions
will feel that the sincerity is stamped on every
page Of man who loves the truth. 1t is
valuable contribution to theological discussion.
Debt and Grace, related the Doctrine Of Future
Life. By C r. Hudson. Fourth Edition Boston: John
p Jeweu & Co. 1858.
The subject-matter of this book, as well as
the authors point of view, will influence the
judgments of its readers. To some, his argu-
ments and conclusions will appear satisfactory,
others will deem them fallacious and unwar-
ranted by Scripture. He regards himself as
occupying a sort of middle ground between
Universalists and the believers in the doctrine
of eternal punishment, and seems to adopt as
his opinion the idea of the humiliation of the
wicked, or perhaps some form of future resto
ration! He quotes from great variety of au
thors, both ancient and modern, but it is almost
impossible in such vast number not sometimes
to misconceive or misrepresent the views of
some. Detached passages cannot give the
scope of long treatise or the force of its argu-
mentation. This we regard as a great defect
Of the work. The author evidently intends to
be candid, but we do not doubt that many to
L.. L l.. 4. 4.
have his statements of their views go for their
own sentiments. Besides, with his object in
view he could not array the positions antago-
nstic to his own, so briefly referred to as they
are, with the strength to which they may be en-
titled. There are many parts of the discussion
which are interesting, but we question whether
he will succeed in carrying convictions to the
minds of large majority of the religious pub
lie, who rest their belief on what they consider
as the established truth of Gods word.
The Foster Brothers New York: d. Appleton & Co
For sale by Taylor & Maury, Pennsylvania avenue,
Washington, d. c.
This is very pleasing book. The style is
easy, and the story is natural and well told.
Some of the scenes are finely wrought up, and
at times the author barely escapes being witty.
Aside from the mere narrative, the book will
make an interesting companion to "Tom
Browns School Days" as holding up to view
the manifold abuses of school and college life
in England.
The Methodist. BY Miriam Fletcher. New York Derby
Jackson For sale by F. Philip, Pennsylvania avenue
Washington
We extract the following from the introduc-
ton to this volume, written by W. F. Strick-
land, as giving full idea of its scope: This
work, though belonging to that class of books de-
nominated imaginative literature, bears inter
nal evidence of its truthfnness. Its style of mar
rative possesses an irresistible interest. Even
the details necessary to fill up the picture are
so readable, that it would be seasibly wanting
in beauty and tone without them. We have
perused these pages with absorbing inter
est, and frankly confess that no work of fiction
we ever read possesses half the charm which
this does; and what is vastly better, it cannot
fail to awaken the purest emotions, and improve
the heart" 1t only remains to say that these
volumes are gotten up by the publishers in their
usual beautiful and substantial style.
The Life and Remains of Douglas Jerrod. BY his son.
Blanchard Jerrold. Boston: Ticknor & Fields 1859.
For sale by Franklin Philip, Pennsylvania avenue
Washington, ID. C.
A book whose literary faults are to be for |
given to the warm ilial spirit that CLOVIS in every
page. We need no allowance for a sons par
ialty to see that the trenchant wit, the polished
the fierce political writer, was |
lutiful son and affectionate husband and father,
/ stanch friend, most tender-hearted and gen.
erous man. 1t is truth seldom perceived, sell |
lomer still acknowledged, yet none the less
ruth, that the springs of laughter rise fast by
he fountain Of tears.
One fragment from his writings will be found |
applicable to other longitudes than that for
which it was designed.
"a murder is committed, and the murderer |
becomes famous! He takes coffee On the |
instant, hundred goose-quills register the fact. |
The assassin eats one, two, three slices OF |
bread and butter; and one, two, three slices are |
aithfully registered by the historian Of blood. |
The murderer smiles, and the ever-watchful pub |
ic instructor makes inventory Of the homicidal |
limple. The man-queller* talks unconcernedly, |
md the light chit-chat of the ensanguined wretch
8 served up for families at Sunday tables. The |
niscreant sleeps; but is he left in solitude? o,
no for the press, harridan gossip, sits at the |
ballet of the man of blood, and counts his throes
lis groans; marks his conyulsed limbs, and the |
sweat of agony upon his Cain branded brow, |
md straightway vends her babbe to all BUYERS. |
To take hnman life is terrible; but is there no |
,uilt in moral murder? Is there no crime in |
killing the finest sensibilities of