That mild-tempered and candid man, Mr. Bickersteth, has lately published three works, all of course characterized by his peculiar views, viz., “Christian Truth,” “A Voice front the Alps,” and “Dangers of the Church.” The second of these will be valuable to those who wish to know the state of the French and Swiss Protestant Home Missions, or “Evangelical Societies.” Mr. Merle D’Aubigné, whose Discourses are embodied in it, upholds the three first centuries as the time when the Church was “a living form.” Mr. Bickersteth seems to be of the same way of thinking from his volume of extracts from the early Fathers.

How remarkable a contrast to such thinkers does the author of “The Natural History of Enthusiasm” present, who, speaking of the Fathers’ views about celibacy, “says boldly,” in a new work which we have noticed in another place, that “popery, foul as it is, and has ever been in the mass, might yet fairly represent itself as a reform upon early Christianity.”—p. 79. We may here add how much we are obliged to this latter writer for his seasonable production, which must do good. He gives high praise to the authors of the Tracts for the Times for their opposition to Rationalism, summarily disposes of Dissenters and Ultra-Protestants of all sorts, and brings out usages and opinions in the early Church which the Oxford writers have been amiably reluctant to insist upon.

We have several other pamphlets to announce in the same controversy, one is on the “Idolatrous Tendency of the Oxford Tracts;” another, on the Heathenism of the Reserve inculcated in them (by Mr. Bird), we have noticed above; a third is, it seems, to show that their writers are not members of the Church of England; a fourth, by Mr. Fitzgerald, has the appearance of being the work of a young man, which the affix of B.A. to his name would confirm. It is not very deep, but the tone is good and Christian. Mr. Bird also exhibits an improved temper in the controversy, which is encouraging, and deserves the thanks of all lovers of peace.

Dr. Pusey, in a Letter to the Bishop of Oxford, discusses at length most of the subjects in controversy, under the heads of the Rule of Faith, Justification, Sin after Baptism, the Sacraments, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Apostolical Succession, Prayers for the Dead in Christ, Invocation, and Celibacy.

Two more Tracts for the Times have been published, No. 85, “On the Scripture Proof of Church Doctrines,” and No. 86, “On the Indications of a Superintending Providence in the Preservation of the Prayer Book, and in the Changes which it has undergone.”

Mr. Pugin has written an intemperate attack on the Cranmer Memorial, which its supporters have very rightly not answered. The subscriptions to this “national work” amount to more than £5000. £25,000 are wanted for the whole design, including the decorations on the exterior. In consequence some prominent persons on the committee propose to pull down St. Mary Magdalen Church, which lies nearest to the place of burning, and to rebuild it with the money subscribed; this would be a saving of site and endowment. We are glad to see that some Wesleyans have contributed their mite to this truly Protestant undertaking.

“Reminiscences of Rome” is a Roman Catholic production forming a superfine illustration of that species of talk which Mr. Burchell recognised in Miss Carolina Wilhelmina Skeggs, or viewed at the best estate resembling the courtesy dropped by Sisters Angelica and Seraphina to the Pretender, which was “so profound that the hoop-petticoats which performed the feat seemed to sink down to the very floor, nay, through it, as if a trap-door had opened for their descent.” If we are to be converted to Romanism, we certainly shall bargain for something in the way of argument more manly and robust, less puffy and mawkish than is exhibited in this and other productions of the same school.

A valuable work has been commenced called “The Voice of the Church” (Burns), being selections from Divines and other writers of the Church. The part now published contains a great deal of matter and is very moderate in price.

We recommend to notice “Letters of a Reformed Catholic” Nos. 1-3, on the leading Principle of the Reformation, on Private Judgment and Authority in matters of Faith, and on the Apostolical Succession; they are written clearly and solidly, and will prove useful for distribution. The last of these advertises, as likely soon to be published, “The Tree of Apostolical Succession, from an Engraving published in 1672.” Such a table has been long a desideratum, and it promises to be an appropriate decoration for the chimney-piece or closet of the Churchman.

If any one wants information on this last subject, he should read a bold and striking publication called “The Church, the Bishop, or Corah, which?” (Roake and Varty.) It is not always written in good taste, but it contains enlarged and noble views becoming an Anglo-Catholic, and suited to these times.

Maclaurin’s “Plea for Primitive Episcopacy” (Bell and Bradfute, Edinburgh), is a spirited but not very discreet or well-judging composition. We have no doubt it will do good among Dissenters.

Mr. Oldknow’s essay on “The Catholic Church” (Rivingtons) is a work of the same kind in a very calm and pleasing spirit. It was to have been dedicated to Mr. Rose, instead of which the author has been forced to satisfy himself with an announcement, of which we cite the first sentence:—“The English branch of the Catholic Church has recently lost one of its greatest ornaments, who devoted to its service, and to the maintenance and spread of that religion which it is its object to perpetuate, the rare endowments of commanding talent, extensive learning, high and undeviating principle, and Christian piety; and whose exertions in its behalf, both in removing misapprehension and prejudice, in exposing the designs of its enemies, and in furthering plans for its greater efficiency, it may be safely said, were not less effectual than those of any living man.” The concluding words might well be made stronger than they are.

The “Vox Ecclesiæ” (J. W. Parker) is a collection of the Judgments of our Bishops against the Ecclesiastical Commission. It is well worth attention.

Dr. Dealtry has published a Charge “On the Obligations of the National Church.” It is full of interesting facts, and contains in an appendix Remarks on our Church by an American Writer, in which there is much that is valuable, not a little that is inconsistent.

Mr. Molesworth’s “Domestic Chaplain” (Rivingtons, London), is a collection of sermons on family duties for every Sunday in the year. Mr. Molesworth’s name is known and respected by all Churchmen; and these Sermons are in the tone and on the principles of his former works. He is always instructive, but we could wish there were always consistency in his theological and ecclesiastical views. Consistency, he may be quite sure, is the only strength and security of doctrine in an age of inquiry; all other teaching jars and cracks.

Mr. Scott, Fellow of Balliol College, has published an excellent sermon (Rivingtons) on the important subject, which elicited Dr. Pusey’s and Mr. Oakeley’s sermons noticed in our last number, the Claims upon Churchmen of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.

We have to notice also Mr. Wilberforce’s sermon on “The Power of God’s Word needful for National Education” (Rivingtons), Mr. Dodsworth’s on “Romanism successfully opposed only on Catholic Principles” (Burns), and Mr. Gray’s on “Church Union” (Southampton).

Mr. Bartlett has published “Memoirs of Bishop Butler” (J. W. Parker). There seem to be such slender materials for a life of this eminent man that we ought not to severe but rather grateful towards those who attempt it. At the same time we must confess for ourselves, that we had rather read but a little of Butler than much of Butler’s admirers and critics. We care less than Mr. Bartlett does what Sir. J. Macintosh, Dr. Parr, or the Edinburgh Review thinks of Butler’s Sermons (ch. 2), or of the Analogy (ch. 3); and we scruple at his devoting a chapter to Secker’s character and habits (ch. 12), and another to Berkeley (ch. 13), in so brief a memoir.

“The Pilgrim’s Staff,” (Ball, London) is a pleasing and useful collection of meditations and prayers from the most various sources adapted for every day of the year. It is compiled, however, on the delusive notion that men of opposite doctrinal sentiments think and feel alike. St. Cyprian, Romaine, Hopkins, St. Anselm, Wesley, and the present Bishop of London, among others, are made to contribute their portion.

Mr. Bosanquet’s “New System of Logic” (J. W. Parker) is not a work which can be despatched in one or two sentences. We are not prepared to say that we should agree with all he advances or that he has placed his argument upon its simplest principles; but it bears the marks of an original, and (what is better) a deep and true thinker. We thoroughly acquiesce in the statement with which Mr. Bosanquet opens:—“Aristotle’s system of reasoning is not consistent with Holy Scripture. The sacred writers adopt a style of reasoning which is wholly opposite to it in character.”—p. v. No one can doubt that the Aristotelian system provides an adequate analysis of the reasoning process; but so might theories of physical astronomy before Newton solve adequately the motions of the heavenly bodies. The question is not whether it is not sufficient, but whether it is the most simple, natural and Christian.

Mr. Smart in his “Beginnings of a new school of Metaphysics” (Richardson) agrees in criticising the Aristotelian logic: but excels neither in his metaphysical principles nor his tone.

Collins’ “Cheap Edition of Select Christian Authors” (Glasgow) has started with giving us two good works and spoiling them by introductory essays. Why administer Thomas-à-Kempis in a dose of Chalmers and dash Mr. Wilberforce with the present Bishop of Calcutta?

“Christian Literature” (Fraser and Crawford, Edinburgh,) is a work apparently of the same kind. It has published “Leslie’s Short and Easy Method with the Deists,” Bishop Taylor’s “Holy Living” and Witherspoon on “Regeneration.”

“Pascal’s Thoughts” have been newly translated and published at Glasgow (Collins), but here again we are haunted with an introductory essay, though from the pen of an able man, Mr. Taylor.

“An attempt to illustrate the Connection between the Catechism and Articles of the Church in a Letter to a Friend” (Parker, Oxford,) is well calculated to remove the difficulties which certain minds find in understanding the latter.

Mr. F. W. Faber’s Tracts on the Church and Prayer Book are now published in one volume. They are, what some persons would call, young; but that does not interfere, to say the least, with their being eloquent and interesting, as well as instructive. They are well adapted for distribution.

Bishop Henshaw’s “Horæ Succisivæ, or Spare Hours for Meditations,” have been republished (Darling). The volume consists, as its title implies, of short reflections upon religious subjects. It is one of those books which have been condemned to an oblivion of years, and which changes in the religious world have brought down from the book shelf. The profits are to go towards defraying the expense incurred lately in erecting a chapel in Edinburgh. It is a pleasing publication for an excellent object.