sopher and divine. We trust, however, that the wide dissemination of Dr. Müller's treatise among English readers will arrest their efforts, and convince themselves that they are but attempting to exhume and infuse life into the mouldering bones of a dead man.

The third theory to which Dr. Müller directs his attention, is that which traces evil to the contrasts of individual life. This theory was maintained by the Stoics among ancient philosophers, and by Lactantius and others in the early Christian Church; and hence it is no new thing. The advocates of this theory, whether ancient or modern, forgetting that contrasts may, and do exist without involving evil, and conceiving that all systems must resemble that with which we are familiar, have permitted themselves to be drawn into the extravagant notion that, if good is to have “a local habitation and a name," it must have its antagonist or contrariety. As the beauties of nature, and the refinements of art necessarily involve contrasts, so it is conceived, goodness and virtue cannot be known, or matured without evil. According to this theory, then, sin must be the everlasting attendant of man, and must appear in all worlds, in order that its dark and sulphureous cloud may bring out into vividness the golden light of virtue, and that its hideous deformity may impart finish and fascination to the beauty of holiness. But the monstrous conception, that evil must exist as a contrast and stimulant to good, and must remain enshrined in the very being of man, forbidding the hope of perfect holiness, and demanding the ruin of some in order to the consummated happiness of others, is sufficient to brand it as an impious slander on the Divine government, and consequently, to strip it of all claim to be admitted as a solution of the problem of sin.

The last theory which Dr. Müller examines, is the Dualistic, or that which assumes the eternity of the principle of evil as the foe or antagonist of good. It is of Oriental origin, and is now nearly extinct. The Manicheans are the sect that most frequently appears on the page of history, associated with its main

tenance, and the Parsees are its living representatives in the East. It attempts no explanation of the origin of evil; but assumes the eternity of its existence, as a clumsy way of accounting for the calamities and moral conflicts, which darken the history of our world. This assumption, it will be at once seen, is a direct outrage on that yearning after unity which lies so deep in the human spirit, and at the same time involves a forgetfulness of the important fact, for which Dr. Müller pleads with such originality and power—that "evil is dependent on the good, in so far as it only realizes its existence at all, as contrast with the good ;" and that it "ventures not to be itself; but is seized with a restless flight from itself, and hypocritically conceals itself behind every appearance of good." This theory, therefore, is the offspring of ignorance, and can lay no claim to the semblance of philosophy. It has been referred to by Dr. Müller, simply from "the desire for a certain completeness" in treating his subject, and paving the way, no doubt, for the exposition and advocacy of his own theory.

We have thus rapidly glanced at the part of Dr. Müller's treatise now before us, and must say, that it has yielded us very high satisfaction, diminished only by the provoking conviction that, in all probability, we must wait many months before we can see the completion of the work. We are the more anxious to obtain the second part of the treatise, because, from the high ability for metaphysical investigation, as well as profound scholarship, evinced in this volume, Dr. Müller cannot fail to propound some theory of his own, on the dark mystery of evil, which will merit the attention of all thoughtful and earnest men. If the second part of the work prove equal to the first, we shall unhesitatingly acknowledge, not only that Dr. Müller has reared for himself "monumenium ære perennius;" but that he has done much to put the "horrid crew" of infidelity to ignominious flight, and to pave the way for leading men practically and calmly to embody in their lives the words of inspiration. "Secret things belong unto the

the earnestness of the preacher.

The discourse contains a rapid and admirable sketch of Wellington's career, as a warrior and a statesman, and is distinguished by delicate and beautiful references to his private character, and religious sentiments. There are many passages we feel tempted to quote; but our limits forbid. The following, however, we cannot withhold, because an additional charm is lent to it by assurances as to the Christian character of the Duke, which have reached us from parties who had some of the best opportunities of judging :-" The reverence felt for such a remarkable person, stimulated, at times, the desire to know what the Duke of Wellington thought on the awful topics of sin, atonement, and grace; and how his mind stood affected towards God in dealing with such topics, in prospect of his final account. But, in carefully reading his despatches, both from India, and during the Peninsular war,-in taking close heed to the speeches delivered by him in the House of Lords, and in other places, I am unable to discover materials by which to satisfy, not an impertinent, but an enlightened and benevolent curiosity. I think it more than probable, that the tendency of the Duke's mind was to withhold from others his deep emotions; or, only to impart them when any great necessity pressed upon him. It is not inconsistent with what we do know of his character and habits, to allow ourselves to believe that he felt much more on the subject of religion than he ever expressed.

"Assuredly he was not one of those who make light of religion; who treat Christianity with contempt, or who set an example of neglect of the public worship of Almighty God. Few were more regular than he in frequenting his adopted place of worship; and none could be more reverential than he was in acts of public devotion, and when listening to the appeals of the Christian pulpit. Considering how large a portion of his life he had spent in camps, and how unfavourable the warrior's life is to the exercise of the highest functions of the spiritual life,

hope upon the religious habits of the Duke on the Christian Sabbath, and on other days. And it may yet be that his private memoranda may disclose states of mind which will reveal all that has hitherto been concealed from the public gaze.”

The discourse throughout is one which, we think, would have met with the approval of the departed hero himself, had he heard it, and must have been at once gratifying and instructive to the members of his household who listened to it.

FIDELIS.

LIGHTS OF THE WORLD; or, Illustrations of Character drawn fram the Records of Christian Life. By the Rev. JOHN STOUGHTON. Small 8vo. pp. 264.

Religious Tract Society.

THE idea of this volume is ingenious; and it is remarkably well embodied and carried out in the author's plan. He fixes on certain cardinal graces of the Christian life; and then he finds some prominent character in the Church's annals, by which to exhibit them in full, living action. Thus, we have William Tyndale; or, Labour and Patience.--Richard Hooker; or, A Soul in love with God's Law, and Holy Order.-Robert Leighton ; or, The Peacefulness of Faith. -Sir Matthew Hale; or, Secular Diligence and Spiritual Fervour.-The Honourable Robert Boyle; or, The Christian Philosopher.-John Bunyan; or, Spiritual Valour and Victory.-Richard Baxter; or, Earnest Decision.-Matthew Henry; or Meekness of Wisdom.-George Whitfield; or, Seraph-like Zeal.— John William Fletcher, of Madeley; or, Intense Devotion. John Newton; or, Social Afflictions sanctified: and, Henry Martyn; or, Self-denial.

-

All these inviting topics are handled in a very profitable-some of them in a brilliant-manner; with the author's accustomed happy talent for description, both of men and things. The volume will make an excellent Christmas present for the young; and will, at the same time, be read by advanced Christians with equal delight and edification.

that it may reclaim some who have been led astray by the reiterated conceits of the age. We wish some of our wealthy laymen, who take great interest in our colleges, would lay out a little property in putting a copy of Mr. Thompson's pamphlet into the hands of every student now in attendance at our theological seminaries. They could hardly perform a greater service to the Christian church at the present moment.

Mr. Thompson so well understands the tendencies of the age, and is, moreover, so well acquainted with German literature, that his views may be relied on.

Brief Notices.

1. THE UNSEEN HAND; or, Episodes in an Eventful Life. By the Rev. STOPFORD J. RAM, M.A., Incumbent of Warslow and Elkstone, Staffordshire. Crown 8vo., pp. 294.

Binns and Co., Bath: and Hamilton and Co.,
London.

MANY occurrences in real life are full of romance. This volume, which we are assured is substantially a record of facts, will abundantly prove this. The narratives are many of them very striking; all well drawn up, and of very useful tendency.

2. THE TEACHER'S OFFERING, for 1852. 18mo., pp. 348.

Ward and Co.

THIS is a deservedly popular little periodical with the young, in our Sundayschools, and private circles. It has never been better conducted than during the past year. The topics are well adapted to the very young; and the embellishments are excellent for a penny magazine.

3. "LOOKING UNTO JESUS"; a Narrative of the brief race of a young Disciple. By her MOTHER. Second Edition. Crown 8vo., pp. 178.

Binns and Co., Bath; and Whittaker and Co., London.

THIS is a very touching biography of a highly-gifted young lady, who was brought in meek submission to the feet of Christ. We have read it with peculiar delight, and can commend it earnestly to young people of cultivated minds. There

are great lessons in it, which we hope many dear young people will have grace to learn.

4. "THE DUKE:" A Sketch. By THOMAS ARCHER, D.D., Oxendon Chapel, Haymarket. Crown 8vo., pp. 32.

John Snow.

THIS is a powerful "Sketch," and though, in many respects, a glowing eulogy, yet very faithful to the interests both of truth and godliness.

5. THE MIGHTY FALLEN! or, Lessons taught by the Life and Death of the Duke of Wellington. A Sermon preached in the Independent Chapel, Bedford-row, Limerick, on Lord's-day Evening, November 21, 1852. By WILLIAM TARBOTTON. Crown 8vo., pp. 20.

Hamilton and Co.

A PLAIN, excellent Discourse, in which Wellington's "conscientious regard to duty," his "simplicity and truthfulness,” -his "stern and unwavering self-denial," -his "thorough decision," are well illustrated; and the practical lessons connected with his life and death are well brought out in a manner suited to the Christian pulpit.

6. PARTS II. AND III. OF CYCLOPÆDIA BIBLIOGRAPHICA : A Library Manual of Theological and General Literature, and Guide for Authors, Preachers, Students, and Literary Men. Analytical, Bibliographical, and Biographical. Imp.

8vo.

James Darling.

THIS valuable work advances hopefully. tion; and we are happy to see that great Accuracy will be its great recommendacare is bestowed upon it.

7. THE FADED HOPE. By Miss L. H. SIGOURNEY. Crown 8vo., pp. 200.

James Nisbet and Co.

WE most earnestly recommend this exceedingly affecting little volume to the attention of our youthful readers. It is a very interesting sketch of the celebrated Mrs. Sigourney's youngest child's life,-his mental pre-eminence, and his lovely disposition. He seemed to inherit