Lectures on the Pilgrim's Progress, and on the Life and Times of John Bunyan. By Rev. Geo. B. Cheever. New-York: Robert Carter & Brothers. pp. 522-12mo. The eighth edition of this valuable work has been issued. "The Pilgrim's Progress" is probably the most ingenious, beautiful, and useful allegory ever published. It is admired for its simplicity and power, alike by the learned and unlearned. Bunyan, though an illiterate man, will stand, as one of the world's greatest writers, to the latest posterity. Dr. Cheever has done a good service to religion by publishing these Lectures. He describes, in a thrilling manner, the temptations of the tinker and his delineations of the progress of the Christian in his journey to the celestial city. The book is worthy of a place in every library, The Bible and Gipsies of Spain. By Geo. Borrow. Same Publishers. pp. 380-8vo. We are glad to learn that the thirteenth edition of this excellent work has been issued. Mr. Borrow traveled extensively in Spain as an agent of the British & Foreign Bible Society, in 1835, for the purpose of circulating the Scriptures.The descriptions of his adventures, imprisonment and sufferings from the persecutions of the Roman Catholics are very exciting; and we commend the book to our patrons as we have done in a previous number.

Practical View of the Prevailing Religious Systems.—By William Wilberforce.— Same Publishers. pp. 456-12mo.

The author of this book contrasts the religion of the higher and middle classes, much of which he believes to be spurious, with "real christianity" or true piety. He maintains that much which is called piety is superficial, and far from evangelical religion. How true this is in respect to multitudes of professed christians. It is to be feared that many are deceiving themselves and others by supposing that they are heirs of glory when they are rapidly approaching the fires of the bottomless pit. We wish that every professor of religion could peruse this volume. Responses from the Sacred Oracles, or the Past in the Present-By R. W. Dickinson, D.D. Same Publishers. pp. 430-12mo.

The author of this book has given graphic descriptions of several scripture characters, and by them illustrated characters at the present day. It is an effectual way of impressing truth upon the mind. Dr. D. is an able writer, and has here, in an admirable manner, brought out the great truths of Christianity. We hope the work will be extensively read,

The Morning of Life: a Memoir of Miss An, educated for a Nun.--Same Pub. This is a very interesting little book, written by a lady. The subject of the memoir was a Roman Catholic, and became converted to Protestantism and to God in a remarkable manner, It is excellent for Sabbath Schools.

The Infant's Progress.-By the author of "Little Henry and his Bearer." Same Publishers.

This is a kind of allegory, calculated to interest children. The author imitates Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and, in the form of a dream, inculcates the fundamental truths of Christianity.

We have also received from the same Publishers a little book of Hymns for infant minds, and another containing Hymns for Children. They are excellent, containing a variety of religious poetry adapted to the capacity of children.— They are illustrated by beautiful engravings.

The Path of Life.-By Henry A. Rowland. New-York; M. W. Dodd.

This is an excellent little volume, containing instructions of a pastor to his flock. The author, in a simple and effective manner, points out the way from impenitence to contrition for sin. and leads the inquirer to the only refuge, and then points out the narrow way which leads to heaven. The book is evangelical, and pungent in its appeals.

Words in Earnest. Including treatises on the social position and influence of cities. By Rev. W. W. Everts. Young Men of Cities. By Rev. J. W. Alexander, D.D. The Theatre. By Rev. W. W. Everts. The Sabbath Day By Rev. G. B. Cheever, D,D. New York: E. H. Fletcher.

This volume comprises four tracts for cities, delineating in a forcible manner the dangers to which youth are exposed. and advocating the importance of mental improvement instead of resorting to amusements and vice. Finally youth are directed to true piety as the only sure safeguard against dissipation and ultimate ruin. The book ought to be in every family in the land.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

BY AN EMINENT STATESMAN.

SEE ENGRAVING.

THE REVEREND PORTER CLAY, of the Baptist church, the fifth son of the Rev. John Clay of the same church, and Elizabeth Hudson his wife, was born in the Slashes, in Hanover county, Virginia, in March, 1779. His father died before his recollection, and during his tender infancy. His education was very imperfect, consisting of such instruction as he could obtain at the country schools in the neighborhood, at which he was taught to read, write and cipher. His mother intermarried a few years after the death of her husband, to Mr. Henry Watkins, her second husband. In the year 1792, Mr. Watkins and his family, including Porter Clay, removed to the State of Kentucky, and settled in the county of Woodford. Shortly after their arrival there, Porter was bound out as an apprentice to a cabinet maker in Lexington, for a term of years, to learn his trade. He served the whole term, with the exception of the last year, when falling out with his master, he left his service, but he had acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. Such, however, was his sense of justice, that he prevailed upon his brother Henry to accommodate with his master for the year which he had quitted his service, and the matter was amicably arranged by making an ample indemnity. From Lexington, he went to New-York, and served in some of the shops there as a journeyman workman, and afterwards re· turned and established himself in his trade in Lexington. He pursued it there for several years, with great industry, displaying much skill and neatness in the articles which he made. During that period he intermarried with Sophia Grosh, with whom he lived in great happiness during her life, and by whom he had three children.

Not liking the trade of a cabinet maker, he determined to abandon it and study the law. After having some time continued to study it, he obtained a license and engaged in the practice of the profession, which he pursued for several years creditably and with some success. He was, about the year 18-, appointed by Gov. Slaughter, Auditor of public accounts, a highly respectable office, and, in a pecuniary point of view, one of the best in the State. He discharged his duties with ability and fidelity. During his service in that office, he lost his wife, and again intermarried with Mrs. Elizabeth Hardin, the widow of the Hon. Martin D. Hardin, formerly a senator of the United States, who yet survives him.

* Our readers will recognize in the writer of this sketch, one of our most distinguished United States Senators, though his modesty would not allow his name to appear.-ED.

After his second marriage, he continued in the office of Auditor, and, in right of his wife, occupied one of the best farms in Kentucky, in the neighborhood of Frankfort. But both of them becoming dissatisfied with their condition, they determined to sell the farm; he resigned his office of Auditor, and they removed and established themselves in Jackson in Illinois, whither the late Col. John Hardin, the son of the second Mrs. Clay, who so gallantly fought and fell at the battle of Buena Vista, had preceded them. Their removal was, perhaps, unfortunate, as by misfortune it led to the loss of all his property and some of hers. But at that he never repined, and bore it with the utmost resignation and Christian fortitude. He died in Arkansas, in February, 1850, having survived all his children, and having shortly before, witnessed the death of a most interesting and accomplished grand daughter, in the prime of life. An only grandson, Clay Taylor, of Missouri, remains behind him. In early life, after he had grown up to manhood, Porter Clay appeared to be a confirmed Deist; but about the year 1814 or 1815, he became seriously and religiously inclined, was converted to Christianity, joined the Baptist church, and became a preacher of the Gospel. He was a member of the Baptist church at Frankfort, and, having had some controversy with another leading and influential member, he quit the church; but prior to his death he had the satisfaction to be restored to bis membership, by its cordial and unanimous vote. He had the care of various congregations, from time to time, in the States of Illinois and Kentucky. He was a very popular preacher, and extremely esteemed and beloved by all his congregations, and by all who knew him. His style was not distinguished by any classic elegance, but it was by sound good sense, by fervent zeal, by great earnestness and sincerity, and by unaffected piety and devoutness. After he had been divested of all his property upon earth, and had not a cent remaining, his brother Henry offered him a residence and the means of support at Ashland; but he declined it, stating that he owed his service to God, and that his Maker, he had perfect confidence, would take care of him. Nor was he disappointed. His habits were temperate, and his wants few. These were amply supplied by the various congregations which from time to time he served. His health had been delicate and precarious for several years before his death, and he had repaired to Arkansas during the winter of 1849-50, under the hope of repairing it. There, amidst total strangers, he soon acquired their esteem and affectionate regard; they watched over him with care and tenderness, during his last illness, and upon his death, committed his remains to the grave, with profound respect and Christian decency. He died with the most perfect resignation, and in absolute confidence of obtaining an abode in the regions of bliss.