PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Ashley Down, or living Faith in a Living God. By. W. Elfe Tayler. —This is a new account of the beginning and growth of the Orphan Houses at Ashley Down, near Bristol. It differs not at all in point of fact or in spirit from that published some years ago by their remarkable founder, the Reverend George Miiller. Most of our readers know something, at least, of the " Bristol Miracle," and not a few, we pre- sume, have investigated the matter, and visited the establishment for themselves. Those who only know a little about it, and those who know nothing, should procure Mr. Tayler's little book. It is honestly and care- fully written, and brings the history of this primitive Christian institution down to the present time. Mr. George Milller and his coadjutor, Mr. Henry Craik (a sort of Luther and Melanethon), are both men of pro- found piety, and also of uncommon scholarship in theological and biblical matters. It is now a quarter of a century since they began to carry into execution the good work which now astonishes Bristol. They were young ministers of a small Christian sect in the West of England— without money or influential friends in the worldly sense of that term. Mr. Miiller, as far as we can learn from viva voce reports, and from facts stated in his own little book and in this new one, is the leader. He has the energy, the worldly knowledge, and self-confidence which his refined, delicate, and sbrinkingly reserved friend, Mr. Henry Craik, wants; neither could have done the work without the other, probably. They began an Institution for the increase of Christian knowledge and faith, and in connexion with it a school for the feeding, support, and teaching of orphans. They had no members, no committee, no regular subscriptions. They themselves have never had any regular stipend—living on voluntary and heterogeneous offer- ings from their flock and all interested in their work. Their orphan schools have been built and maintained for twenty-five years on this principle. Mr. Muller has firm faith in the efficacy of prayer—and he declares that, in all these years, his prayers for special mercies have never failed. When hundreds under his roof have had no food in prospect for the morrow, he has prayed for the necessary supply, and it has come— his orphans have never wanted. When the establishment had lasted ten years, the annual income was 12,000/. ; and, of late years, it has been more than 20,0001. Since the foundation, there have been 6945 children in the day schools. In the adult school, there have been 2952 persons. The number of Sunday school children amounts to 3227. Mr. Tayler says, "although Mr. Miller states in his last report that there will pro- bably be needed 25,0001. for the support of the orphans in the current year, 1861, we entertain no manner of doubt that, unless Mr. Miiller's faith should fail, he will obtain every shilling of that immense amount." We entirely concur in that opinion. It is not necessary to be of the church of Mr. Muller and Mr. Crary to recognize in them true heart-- whole Christian ministers, who act in faith, nothing wavering; and, as such, we tender them the respect and thanks which are their due. But we claim the right of judging all their facts and statements, and of tracing in all of them the operation of the regular laws by which humanity is governed. A miracle, i.e., something not in accordance with the laws of nature, this uncommon work of.man's goodness and intellect united cer- tainly is not. Let each man read this book, and judge for himself.

The Forms, Complications, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment of Con- sumption and Bronchitis, containing also the Causes and Prevention of Scrofula. By James Copland, M.D., &c.—The treatises on Pulmonary and Laryngeal Consumption, which form the first and second parts of this work, are revised and considerably augmented editions of the articles on the same subjects which appeared in the author's well-known Dic- tionary of Practical Medicine. The treatise on Bronchitis is nearly original. The article in the Dictionary on which it is founded was written thirty years ago ; and, strange to say, no other treatise on the disease has appeared in all that long interval Dr. Copland has, there- fore, thought it expedient to write the article anew, and to embody in it the results of a longer and more extensive experience. The work, col- lectively, is a concise and accurate digest of all the data belonging to its several subjects which have been accumulated by the author's observa- tions and researches, as well as by those of his contemporaries and pre- decessors. Its utility is completed by a copious table of contents and a good index. Dr. Copland regards Hospitals for Consumption as being "of at least very doubtful benefit to the community, as respects both the patients received into them and the advancement of medical knowledge." In common with every experienced and scientific physician, he admits the curability of consumption, especially in an early stage, but also even in a far advanced stage, the latter fact having been demonstrated, in many instances, by physical evidence discovered after death, in lungs which had healed many years before after extensive excavation by tubercular consumption. Among proofs of another kind, Dr. Copland

instances the ease of the celebrated Sir Hans Sloane who, though sub- ject to phthisis and htemoptysis, yet reached the age of ninety-two years ; and that of Mrs. Leigh Hunt, related in her husband's Auto- biography. This lady had been phthisical for a very considerable time when she went to Italy in 1821. Dr. Vacca, of Pisa, and others, gave little hope that she could survive beyond the year, yet she lived till the year 1857. The Autobiography states, that " the expectoration of blood, &c., sometimes in alarming quantities, and never entirely without re- currence, lasted throughout a life of no ordinary duration."

The Successful Treatment of Influenza, Sore Throat, Bronchitis, Asthma, Pneumonia, &c. By Horatio Goodday, li.R.C.S.—The author of this book understands the art of pushing a trade almost as well as Moses and Son. The book is an advertisement in disguise.

Geography Generalized. By R. Sullivan.—It is sufficient recommenda- tion of this book to state that the copy before us is one of a twenty- seventh edition.

27s Gastric Regions and Victualling Department. By an Old Militia Surgeon.—A great deal of good common sense, in dreadfully facetious form, is poured into these handsome pages of large type. Our Militia surgeon has learned more from men than from books, and all that he says has the loud emphatic tone of the conviction that is forced on the mind by contact with nature herself. The doctrine he preaches is, that good plain living, moderate work and amusement, and early hours, will help to re- store this nation in body and mind to what they were—before our present Agamemnon were born. He is loud in his appeal to the Volunteers to recur to wisdom's ways in the matter of eating and drinking.

Familiar Illustrations of Scottish Character. By the Rev. Charles Rogers, LL.D.—No one will look into this book, even for five minutes, without being surprised into a hearty laugh. It is a well-packed and well-arranged collection of racy Scotch anecdotes, of dry sarcasm, droll humour, and what Sidney Smith, in his pride of brilliancy, was pleased to call " scut ;" the thing in Scotland being as far removed from what Southern refinement calls "wit," as the pronunciation of the word there is from the correct one. This book could not be made up in a short time; it is composed of the accumulated "good things" of many years. We can quite believe that the thought of making a collection of such stories occurred to the author when at College; for there he would be likely to hear many of them, and feel the force of their fun. Since 1848, he has, he says, methodically jotted down such anecdotes as seemed worth preserving. He has also availed himself of some books which have contained such things as he wanted. In short, like a great French- man, "il a pris son bien oil il le trouvait." But he makes no pretension to being more than the collector of anecdotes illustrative of national and local peculiarities. A few of his shortest " bits " will give an idea of the contents of this volume.

"A clergyman in the West country enjoyed a reputation from his gift or power of prayer. The following is a specimen—' Oh, Lord, Thoo is like a moose in a drystam dyke ; aye keeking cot at us fra holes and crannies, and we canna see Thee."

"A probationer is reported to have thus improved the subject of the re• pentance of the Apostle Peter, as he was arrested by the cock's crowing. Brethren, that cock was a messenger to Peter. Peter afterwards became a messenger, or cock, to others. Paul, too, was a cock.' And, after enume- rating others of the Apostles and early Christians, the reverend gentleman, at the highest pitch of his voice, and throwing out his hands, exclaimed,' too, am a cock. "

" But the most extraordinary piece of pulpit declamation which has pro- bably ever been recorded is the following. The Reverend A— C—, of D—, in discoursing of a certain class of persons who were obnoxious to him, concluded with this singular peroration—' Ma freens, it is as impos- sible for a — to enter the kingdom of hevin, as for a coo to climb up a tree, wi' her tail foremost, and carry a craw's nest ; or for. a Boo to sit on the tap of a thistle and sing like a mavis.' "

The characteristics of beadledom are the same in kind evemr here, but they are strongest in degree among the Scotch Presbyterians q else- where.

"A beadle of one of the city churches of Glasgow, being asked by an'elder from the country, whether he could recommends person to act as a chutc.h- officer, replied that he could not. Had you wanted a minister,' he added, I could direct you at once, but where to get one qualified to undertake a beadleship, is miur than I ken.' "

"There is a story of another beadle, who, on appointment, desired the minister specially to remember him,—' by sayin' a word, that he micht be enabled to go out and come in aright.' "

"The late principal C— of Aberdeen, who keenly enjoyed a joke one t day addressed his hairdresser, who held ie position of deacon of his trade, 'Do you remember Mr. —, when nuns Pompilius was Provost of the Alton ? ' (old Aberdeen)—' I canna say, Principal,' was the deacon's reply, that I remember him myself, but my father used to say thee he was weel acquent wi' him.' " "A learned Professor of Edinburgh used to be annoyed by meeting fre- quently, in his meditative walks, a man reputed to be an imbecile. One day the professor said to him, ' How long, Tom, may one live without brains ?' I dinna ken,' was the answer, How long hae ye lived yersell ? ' " "A theological student, supposed to be deficient in judgment, in the course of a class examination, was asked by a Professor, Pray, Mr. E—, how would you discover a fool ?" By the questions he would ask,' said Mr.

"During a canvas for the representation of St. Andrews, the candidate, Mr. Dempster, called on a voter, who was not at home. He saw the gude wife' instead, and in the free and easy manner of the time, saluted her on the cheek, slipping at the same time a few sovereigns into the hand which had been modestly extended to protect her face. Delighted with the sight of the yellow pieces, the matron enthusiastically called to the candidate as he withdrew,' kiss my dochter too, Sir ! ' " The Life of Earl Dundonald. By Joseph Allen (Illustrated).—A life of Lord Dundonald intended for the million, but not spoiled, as too many popular biographies have been, by turgid pfaise, and exaggerations of incident. Lord Cochrane's career is described simply and effectively, without vindictiveness against his accusers, with cordial admiration for his feats as a sea-king; but with no attempt to raise him above his level as an administrator and politician. The book will fascinate boys, and in the present day, when " dash " is pronounced irregular and shiftiness unscientific, the new generation of middies could hardly have a fitter subject for study than the achievements of Thomas Lord Cochrane. The great lesson taught by his life, that a true workman can use any tools, is one which competitive examination will one day compel us all to relearn.

The Autobiography of Leigh Hunt. A neva edition, revised by the Author, with further revision, and an introduction by his eldest son.—A cheap edition of so good a work as this autobiography will be welcome to the many who have more taste than money to gratify it. Every one who is capable of judging this book knows that we have few autobio- graphies in the language more valuable than that of Leigh limit. It is his best work. His son's additions to it have increased its worth con- siderably.

Sons of Strength, Wisdom, and Patience. By the Reverend John Selby Watson.—Mr. Watson has apparently been seized with a desire to emulate lirummacher' whose Elijah the Tishbite was once popular in third-class theological libraries. He has accordingly written a life of Samson, partly scriptural, partly imaginary, and wholly superfluous. There may be minds in the world, to whom trashy talk between Samson and " Shephupham a son of Anak," seems instructive, and to such the book may be safely left. Lives of Solomon and Job arc added, and are equally valuable. Solomon is represented as a sage in the habit of hold- ing long conversations, in which he pours out platitudes in a style com- pounded of Mr. Martin Tupper and a village vicar of sixty. "The tenth commandment," for example, remarks the Wisest of men, "we must admit to have been most wisely added, prohibiting the indulgence of in- ordinate desire of that which belongs to others ; for he that keeps his desires under control will not be likely to transgress against morality in his acts." As for the life of Job, it is neither more nor less than an at- tempt to rewrite the Book of Job in language more intelligible to Eng- lishmen. The result is a production which, from the pen of any one not in orders, would be pronounced a parody. The intention doubtless is excellent, but Christian men shrink instinctively from the sight of the Almighty introduced as an interlocutor in a conversation, written by living and very feeble men.

Curiosities of Crime in Edinburgh during the last Thirty Years. By James id`Levy, Edinburgh Police Detective Staff.—In these latter days, there is nothing hidden that is not made manifest in the criminal curiosities of our civilization—except it be the Road murder. We have had recently published two or three cheap volumes of authentic, or par- tially authentic, records of the detection of criminals—all of them certain of more readers than any record of a good man's life. The reasons for the attractiveness of such narratives are not all to be found in our human depravity—some of them are framed by our higher range of faculties. The depths, as well as the heights of our nature, have a sacred significance to the beet among us—those who have learned to perceive in all God's creatures some trace of His hand. To such (as well as to minds of a much lower grade) this book of Mr. M‘Levy's will be full of matter for thought, and—perhaps oven for hope. Criminals are seldom born with an instinctive preference for crime. They go through a long curriculum of vicious education, and few of them take a double-first-class, clever as they often are. The greatness of stupidity prevails even among success- ful rogues. Mr. M'Levy's book contains his own account, edited by another person, of some remarkable cases of detection, in which he was the agent for law and society. He is well known in Edinburgh and Scotland as a detective officer of superior skill, honesty, and energy. He has been on the police staff of that city ever since 1833, and has been concerned in no less than 2220 criminal detections. He is an Ulster man, and the religious element is by no means inactive in his character, although he dwells so much among the wicked. He is seriously con- vinced that he has been guided by Providence in the discovery of many criminals. This conviction gives a double interest to the book in the eyes of Scotehmen.

Earning a Living; or, from Hand to Mouth. By M. A. S. Barber.— This is a valuable addition to the library of small books on great sub- jects ; it is written by one who understands thoroughly the evils caused among the poor by the want of proper sanitary arrangements in the domestic life. It shows how much work there is to do in the hamlets and villages of England as well as in the large towns, and it shows also how cultivated and religious women can most effectually help in this reform. It should be sent to the Committee of the Ladies' Sanitary In- stitution.

The Underground Railway, from Slavery to Freedom. By the Rever- end W. M. Mitchell, of Toronto, C.W. Second edition.—A timely re- production of a book that has been very popular among the Abolitionists of the United States.

Instinct or Reason. By Lady Julia Lockwood.—This pretty little volume contains tales and anecdotes of animal biography, written for young children. Its style is just the right kind of style for such enter- tainment. Children under seven will be delighted with it, and those older will be led on by it to make remarks for themselves in natural history. The illustrations are clever, but would have been better for more precision" of outline and less " roughness."

Annals of the Rescued. By the author of " Haste to the Rescue." With a preface by the Reverend Charles E. L. Wightman.—The records of the experience of reformed drunkards have always an interest for the social reformer—provided always the records be genuine, as they appear to be in this volume. Those who know how the English poor become destitute, and ultimately criminal, by their great besetting vice—drunken- ness—will find much important information in this little book.

Mysteries of Life, Death, and Futurity. Illustrated from the best authorities. By Horace Welby.—There may be many persons who will be glad to hear what "the latest authorities" have to say on the oldest subjects ; but they are not those who have felt acutely. "The burden of the mystery Of all this unintelligible world. Mr. Welby has collected various extracts from ancient and modem au- thors bearing on the subjects mentioned in his title-page. They are not assembled for the purpose of proving or disproving any particular theory of his own, as far as we can ascertain. His object in compiling this little book seems to be his own gratification in putting together kindred thoughts and speculations, which have been expressed in different ages and nations—and, perhaps, a hope that other persons may like to read them when so put together. There is no novelty of doctrine here— nothing but what is orthodox, in spite of the startling title.

The Smaller English Grammar. By R. G. Latham and Mary Caroline Maberly.—A good grammar for boys above fifteen, who wish, or are required to knew something of the interior structure of their own lan- guage. For younger children it is, perhaps a little too scientific. The clear exposition of the mode in which English grammatical forms have been developed from the Anglo-Saxon may interest all ages, but an ordi- nary lad at school would be somewhat puzzled by sentences, such as these—" Just as it when it begins a proposition is a subject, so is there a predicate. It is a predicate, however, which begins the proposition in which it occurs, and so doing, looks like a subject." "Propositions by combining with pronouns and substantives form parts of terms—parts of either subjects or predicates." The scientific terms employed are, it is true, most clearly explained ; but, in a very large number of chapters, the thoughts appear to be above the young. Mr. Latham, we perceive, like other grammarians, repeats the ordinary rules for punctuation, repudia- ting the usage which has killed the colon, and is abolishing the semi- colon.

Stammering and Stuttering : their Nature and Treatment. By James Hunt.—This is more than a new edition of Mr. Hunt's well-known Treatise on Stammering. The old work has been so altered, improved, and enlarged, that the present may almost be considered new. It should be examined by all persons interested in the cure of defective utterance.

Christ's Company ; and other Poems. By Richard Watson Dixon, M.A., of Pembroke College, Oxford.—We should not notice this volume, but that its author declares, on his titlepage, that he is an Oxford M.A. The art of poetry is a liberal, but not a licentious art, and does not allow nonsense. The two following passages were the first we lighted on, in dipping into the book- " When her holy life was ended, Eunice lay upon her side. When her holy death was ended,

Eunice died.',

" Her eyes, like lilies shaken by the bees, Her hair, a net of moonbeams in a cloud,

Her thinness like a row of youngling trees ;

And golden bees hummed round her in a crowd."

We must declare on our conscience that these are fair samples of the volume. Masters of Arts ought to know, that to write and publish such stir as this can answer no useful end.

Memories of Merton.—A volume of feeble verses, intended to be sung or said to the honour and glory of Oxford. They contain good sense good feelings, and good grammar—but they fall far short of being good poetry. The author may write much of this kind of composition, if he do not speedily get something better to do—which for his own sake we hope will be the case, but he should not publish what he writes. He will be sorry for it ten years hence—because he is evidently far from being a conceited, foclish person.

The Bee and the Wasp. A Fable in Verse, with Illustrations, designed and etched by George Cruikshank.—There is nothing note-worthy in this poem, except its inferiority to the printing and the illustrations—which last are extremely clever and full of fantastic humour—reminding us of George Cruikshank's best day.

The Post- Office Directory Atlas of England and Wales.—This is an admirably clear atlas of English county maps, with two of North and South Wales superadded, all executed on a scale which admits of the delineation of every park or any considerable place, and a rough plan of

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the county towns. Its specialty is to show every post-office, polling-place, and money-order office in the county. Short notes, never exceeding one line, supply the statistics of area and population, names of the hundreds, number of Members and places for which they are returned. The popu- lation of the Parliamentary boroughs might be added with great advan- tage, and some other returns not changing from year to year. As it stands, however, the atlas is a most creditable specimen of cheap map engraving.

EBRATUM.—Our paper of last Saturday contained an incorrect statement concerning Mr. Lever's novel entitled One of Them. It is not reprinted from All the Year Round, but, as we are informed by Messrs. Chapman and Hall, it has been regularly issued in monthly parts, and being now complete, is published in one volume.

Boors.

A Manual of the Present State of the Law of Wills ; adapted as a Guide for their Preparation in Simple Cases. With Forms for ordinary use. By George Booth, Solicitor.

Hood's Own ; or Laughter from Year to Year. Second series..

A Treatise on Fever ; or Selections from a Course of Lectures on Fever. Being pact of a course of Theory and Practice of Medicine, sielivered by Robert D. Lyons, N.C.

A Small English Grammar. By B. G. Latham and Mary Caroline Maberly. Pilate's Wife's Dream ; and other Poems. By Horace Smith, B.A.

The Squire. A Biographical Sketch.

Post Office Directory Atlas of England and Wales. Ancient Law ; its Connexion with the Early History of Society, and its rela- tion to Modern Ideas. By Hemy Sumner Maine.

Private Diary of Travels, Personal Services, and Public Events, during Mis- sion and Employment with the European Armies in the Campaigns of 1812, 1813, 1814. From the Invasion of Russia to the Capture of Paris. By Gene- ral Sir Robert Wilson, C.M.T. Edited by the Rev. Herbert Randolph, M.A. In two volumes.

Port Royal ; a contribution to the History of Religion and Literature in France• By Charles Beard, B.A. Two volumes.

Sons of Strength, Wisdom, and Patience. Sampson—Solomon—Job. By the Rev. John Selby Watson, M.A., M.R.S.L.