Review of Books.

THE HOPE OF ISRAEL; An Exposition in a course of Advent Sermons of four prophecies, concerning, The Mission of Elijah; The conversion of Israel; The fall of Antichrist; and The reign of Messiah. By the Rev. Henry Girdlestone, Rector of Landford, Wilts.-Nisbet and Co.

“REJOICE ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her; rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: that ye may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out and be delighted with the abundance of her glory." So says the Lord by the mouth of Isaiah; and we appeal to such men as Mr. Girdlestone, and to those who can appreciate his work, for a confirmation of what we now say :-Even as seen by the eye of faith in the signs of these times, there is that in the COMING peace and glory of Jerusalem and her

restored Tribes, that fills the soul with a satisfying, a delighting joy unlike any thing else within the reach of man's attainment here. It is absolutely painful to us who are admitted to this feast to see many of our dear brethren turning away from it as from a shadowy illusion: and on the other hand, it ist doubly delicious to sit down to it with one like Mr. Girdlestone, whose soul is evidently filled with the abundance of the consolations in store for dear Israel under her own anointed king. We have to thank him for one of the highest treats we could have enjoyed, in the perusal of this glowing volume, and, excepting some few shades of difference under the third head (for we are very jealous for the Antichristian prerogatives of Popery) we can accompany him throughout, and bless God for the refreshment we have enjoyed.

The Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel has also written a book, which we opened next after Mr. Girdlestone's. Its title and subject are, "Christian Missions to Heathen Nations:" and if we could be content to exclude ourselves from the above-mentioned feast, to deprive ourselves of the rejoicing joy, to believe that Israel, as a nation, is blotted out; that the Prophets when they spake of Jews meant Gentiles, when they named Mount Zion thought of our parish Church, and when they foreshewed the glory of Christ's triumphant reign over the whole earth, described the preaching of missionaries in pagan countries, then we should accompany Mr. Noel: but as it is, we cannot travel his way by the same route that he has chosen.

THE LIFE OF CYPRIAN.
Society.

Religious Tract

THIS little book, like its predecessor, "The Life of Origen,” is calculated to do immense good. We cannot over-rate its value, as placing in a clear, rational, scriptural point of view the characters, histories, and writings of those early Christians who are respectfully called The Fathers. From their just merits, as pious, zealous and learned men, nothing is detracted; of the false glare thrown around them by the pro-Popery idolizers of Antiquity, which lures many into destructive errors, nothing is left. These brief memoirs are most ably, most admirably written, and we deem it a matter of serious moment to press them on the attention of all who desire to strengthen the bulwarks of our personal and national faith in these perilous days.

THE CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. The Primitive Hebrew Christian Church of Jerusalem; its history, character, and constitution. By the Rev. J. B. Cartwright, A.M., Minister of the Episcopal Jews' Chapel. Wertheim.

WE are mistaken if this book does not greatly astonish some, and indeed the majority of its readers; yet sure we are that Mr. Cartwright's history of this REAL"Mother and Mistress of all Churches" will stand any degree of scrutinizing research that may be brought to bear on it. We specially allude to

the subject of the Nationality of the Hebrew Church, in strictly observing the law of Moses, not only during the times of the Apostles, but for centuries afterwards; and, indeed, until it ceased to exist. The volume is one of intense, overpowering interest; and we greatly long to see the grand point to which we have adverted placed in its proper light, and brought under discussion.

The preface contains some interesting matter relative to the appointment of the Hebrew Bishop who now presides over the Church of the circumcision in the City of our God. To him the book is dedicated, and we pity the person who does not almost envy our dear friend Mr. Cartwright his delicious feelings when writing that dedication.

ANCIENT CHRISTIANITY, No. VIII. Protestantism of the Church of England (The Homilies and Liturgy.) Jackson and Walford.

THIS number completes the second volume of what we can truly call one of the most splendid works of modern times. Notwithstanding the steadiness of Mr. Taylor's well-sustained and effective fire against the strong-hold of Popery at Oxford, we were hardly prepared for such a parting shot as this. He was remarkably cool, moderate, we had almost said, slow and over-cautious at one time, though the weight of his metal compensated for comparative tardiness in discharging it; but the recent shameless declarations and wretched apostacies have roused him to such energetic action, that we stand amazed at the effects.

We read this number with delight and thankfulness unbounded; and we pray God to assist him in the farther prosecution of a work for which England may bless his name long after he has ceased to labour in the cause of her assailed faith.

Such a ripping-up of Antiquity as these two noble volumes contain, is the best of all earthly antidotes to the poison that circulates among us.

THE PULPIT; or, a Voice from the Irish Church, containing Sermons supplied and revised by their Authors. Edited by a Clergyman.-Robertson, Dublin.

No voice has ever reached us from the Irish church but to proclaim salvation, to publish peace, and to tell of men who are living epistles, beautifully exemplifying what they teach. Long may that beloved branch of our vine be preserved in the healthful state that enables her to bring forth so much fruit! It is feared that the blighting heresy of Oxford has touched some of her northern shoots; but in this volume we trace no indications of it: all is, as of old, scriptural; pure, lovely, and of good report. Such a volume as this, including as it does, forty sermons, breathing evangelical truth, from the lips of nearly as many devoted ministers of our church. besides some valuable miscellaneous matter, is really a boon to Christian families in days when it is needful, beyond all precedent, to watch and to sift every sentence from the pulpit and the press, lest the deadliest venom of Popery be conveyed under the semblance of the bread of life.