THE PARLOR TABLE. SERMONS not before published, on various prac. tical subjects, by the late EDWARD DORR GRIFFIN, D. D., N. Y. M. W. Dodd. "The Prince of preachers" was the title which Dr. Griffin often received, and which he deserved as well as any man of the age in which he lived. With a beauty and brilliancy of imagination never surpassed, he combined close reasoning powers rarely equalled. Both were exercised with a refinement of taste which gave a charm to the productions of his pen; and his style of delivery possessed all the characteristics of the loftiest eloquence; so that no pulpit orator in this country drew more attentive crowds or produced more immediate and permanent impressions. Mr. Dodd has published a volume containing sixty of his sermons, and we doubt not that they will become standard family discourses, to be handed down from generation to generation. And so long as the glowing genius of man employed in elucidating and impressing the highest truths of the Divine Word, has admirers, so long will these sermons stand in the front rank of American sacred literature. Under this title THE MARTYR MISSIONARY. the American Sunday School Union are just issuing the life of the Rev. John Williams, the English missionary, who was murdered and devoured by the savages of one of the South Sea islands, a few years ago. The volume is one of the most interesting that has ever been published by this Society, abounding in striking anecdotes and descriptions of the manners and customs of a barbarous race; and showing also most glorious triumphs of the gospel, converting the ferocious and cruel cannibals into meek and humble followers of Christ. We would that this little volume were in the hands of every child. It is specially calculated to be useful from the fact that it shows the great good effected by a man who was once an apprentice in a blacksmith's shop, but who, by the grace of God, became one of the most distinguished missionaries of modern times. AWAKE, THOU SLEEPER, a series of awakening discourses by the late Rev. J. A. CLARK, D. D., author of "The Pastor's Testimony," &c., &c. N. Y., Robert Carter, 1844. Dr. Clark was a beautiful writer, and his books have been widely popular, not only among Christians of his own denomination (the EpisIcopal), of which he was so bright an ornament, but among all who love the Evangelical spirit which they breathe. These discourses are rich, fervid, and eminently calculated to produce a deep impression, and we commend them cordially. CHRISTIAN RETIREMENT, or Spiritual Exercises of the Heart, by the author of "Christian Experience as displayed in the Life and Writings of St. Paul." N. Y., J. S. Taylor & Co., 1844. This is the third American from the eighth London edition of a beautiful book for the Christian to keep in his closet, for reading in hours of retirement; and the popularity it has obtained in this country and in Europe, shows that it reaches the wants of those who love to have their meditations judged by the suggestions of those who have made great attainments in the divine life. OLD HUMPHREY'S COUNTRY STROLLS. "The course of time seems back to roll Where nature's varied charms abound; And when through country scenes I stroll Admiringly, and gaze around With eager eye and swelling vein, I feel my heart grow young again." We love old Humphrey. He has an eye for the beautiful and true in nature and books, and his former volumes, " Observations," "Addresses," "Hints," &c., have been the source of pleasure to us, many an hour; we thank Mr. Carter for this addition to our Old Humphrey series; and when he hears from him again, we should like to know it. MISCELLANIES, by JOHN HARris, D. D. There is not at this moment in the sacred profession, a man who stands higher as an elegant writer than Harris, the author of "Mammon," "The Great Commission," and other works. He has risen from being a poor boy, to his present eminent position, and his example should be a stimulus to all the young. These essays are worthy of being read with attention, and we doubt not that they will find many admirers. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln, 1844. HISTORY OF MISSIONS. The most elegant volumes recently issued from the American press, are the two just published by Robert Carter, containing a complete history of the rise and progress of modern missionaries to the heathen world. In every family, they would prove an unfailing source of entertaining and valuable instruction, as they would serve to interest both the old and the young in the cause of missions. They are adorned with a large number of hand some engravings, and abound in rich anecdotes and striking facts, such as ought to be familiar to every one. Mr. Carter has issued these volumes at such a price as cannot fail to secure for them an extensive circulation. |
