LITERARY NOTICES.

The Nile Boat, or Glimpses of the Land of Egypt.-By W. H. Bartlett. New-York: Harper & Brothers. pp. 226-Royal ctavo.

This is an elegant work. It consists of passing sketches of a traveler in a country of the greatest historic and scientific interest. The author does not profess to have furnished a profoundly erudite or an exclusively original work upon the unique wonders of the Nile; but he gives an accurate, though necessarily brief view of the most remarkable antiquities of Egypt. He has made free use of Sharpe and other distinguished writers on Egypt, and his own descriptions were made from personal observation. He seizes upon those localities and incidents which are most attractive to the learned, and yet describes in such a pleasing manner as to fix the attention of the general reader. His style is pure, natural and elevated. It has a smoothness, which, connected with the romantic and wild scenery described, makes it perfectly charming. The book is adorned with fifty-two splendid engravings, including an accurate map of Egypt. These were carefully drawn upon the spot, and the author is sure that they are strictly correct. They are not numbered in the pages of the book, thus making it much thicker than the number of pages indicate. The work is printed on fine paper, splendidly bound in gilt, and will make one of the best gift books we have seen. Many passages of Scripture are illustrated, enhancing the value of the work to biblical students.

Memoir of Rev. Edward Bickersteth.-By Rev. T. R. Birks, M.A., with an Introduction by Rev. S. H. Tyng, D.D. Vols. I. II. pp. 410, 415. Same Publishers. Mr. Bickersteth was a clergyman and an advocate of the established church; but had very liberal feelings towards dissenters. He, like some others in the Establishment, was a truly and eminently pious man, and labored incessantly for the promotion of real godliness. He was a man of respectable talents, and an extensive author. He was a great friend of the missionary cause, and was for years Secretary of the Church Missionary Society. He has published more than twenty useful volumes, some of which exhibit more than ordinary discrimination and intellectual power. The Memoir before us is well prepared, (at the request of Mr. Bickersteth) by his oldest daughter, aided by her husband, presenting the most interesting parts of his diary and correspondence. The private life of a good man is faithfully portrayed in a pleasing style. We heartily commend the volumes to the perusal of all.

Travels in the United States, etc., during 1849 and 1850.-By the Lady Emeline Stuart Wortley. Same Publishers. pp. 463-12mo.

This entertaining volume is composed mostly of the letters written by Lady Wortley to her friends in England, while she was taking the tour of this country. She informs us that she had determined not to write a book, and therefore did not take notes. Finally, after returning to England, her friends persuaded her to embody her interesting letters in a volume. Her style is not elevated, though she generally writes in an easy, familiar manner, as she would converse with her friends in respect to what she saw in this great Western World. Different from most English writers upon America, she seems pleased with almost every thing which came under her notice, and allows her feelings, in some cases, to make her an admirer of real faults in American character. Her description of Niagara is extravagant and in bad taste. But, on the whole, the book will be read with interest. Its vivacity and cheerfulness will keep one awake.

Manual of Roman Antiquities, with numerous Illustrations.-By Charles Anthon, LL.D. pp. 464-12mo. Same Publishers.

This is a continuous work on the subject on which it treats, compiled mostly from Smith's and other larger works, and is written in a style adapted to the use of the general reader. It gives a correct and full view of Roman Antiquities, without entering into extended and critical details. Such a work is called for, and coming holar as Dr. Anthon, it will doubtless be extensively cire d. I ill,

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The Odd Fellow's Offering for 1852.-New-York: Edward Walker. pp. 320-8vo. This is truly an elegant gift book, containing a great variety of rich intellectual viands, served up in the most exquisite style. In the first place we have, as a frontispiece, one of the most beautiful engravings, entitled "Peace," which we have ever seen; next a splendidly illuminated title page. Then follow interspersed, poetry and prose from Lossing, Coles, Lockwood. Tuckerman, Saunders, Mrs. Eames, Mrs. F. S. Osgood, Mary E. Hewitt, Mrs. Kirkland, Mrs. Kimball, and other distinguished writers, upon themes, literary, moral and religious. Here will be found repasts for the cheerful, sad, and those of every mood. The writers seem to have prepared their articles with great care; the style is elevated and very attractive. The volume is adorned with eleven engravings on steel in the highest style of the art. The binding is superb, the book being literally covered with the shining dust. The work is general in its character, and is just as suitable for those who do not belong to the order of Odd Fellows as for those who do. We doubt not it will have a large sale.

Miscellanies.-By M. Stuart. New-York: Van Nostrand & Terrett. pp. 380-12mo. This volume consists of two letters to Dr. Channing, one on the Trinity and the other on Religious Liberty; four sermons, and a variety of notes and postcripts of a critical character. The book is mostly occupied in considering the cardinal doctrine of the Atonement, particularly in reference to the views of Unitarians. Prof. S., in a candid manner and with a Christian spirit, thoroughly exposes the fallacies of Unitarians in respect to the Deity of Jesus Christ, and irrefragably establishes the doctrine of the trinity. We consider Prof. Stuart as one of our most critical, candid, judicious and reliable theological writers, and value the productions of his pen very highly.

An Exposition of the Apocalypse.-By Thomas Wickes. pp. 437-12mo.

New-York: M. W. Dodd.

Here is another treatise on the visions in Patmos. Great attention has been given, within a few years, by theological writers, to the elucidation of that wonderful book, the Apocalypse. The writer of this volume informs us that he was induced to commence the examination of the subject by reading Mr. Lord's views in reference to it, and adopts his method of interpretation, though in some cases he arrives at different conclusions. The book of Revelation is evidently designed to present a view of the church of Christ down to the end of time. In giving this view, the inspired writer refers to the enemies of the church and to the obstructions to her progress. Thus allusion is made to the great monarchies, empires and hierarchies of ancient as well as of modern times. The author of the work before us presents a historical chart of the book of Revelation, which is an important addition to the volume. We commend it to those who love to study the mysteries of the divine word.

A Wreath around the Cross.-By Rev. A. M. Brown, with a recommendatory Preface by J. A. James. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. New-York: for sale by L. Colby. This is an excellent little volume, presenting various practical considerations in reference to the glorious central point of christianity, the Cross. It is written in a pleasing style, and is especially adapted to the wants of young disciples. It is beautifully bound, and would make a fine gift book.

The Royal Preacher-Lectures on Ecclesiastes.-- By James Hamilton, D.D.,F.L.S. New-York: Carter & Brothers. pp. 377-16mo.

This excellent work consists of a series of twenty-one lectures, delivered by the author to the people of his charge, and is adapted to all minds. While Mr. Hamilton expounds the remarkable book of Ecclesiastes in a sufficiently thorough and accurate manner, his expositions and reflections are given in a popular style, and furnish a very entertaining as well as instructive book for the common reader. We cordially commend it to our patrons. It is adorned with a beautiful portrait of the author.

We have received from the Amer. Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia, six valuable Sabbath School books, entitled "Infant Baptism a Part and Pillar of Popery," by John Gill, D.D., revised and edited by George Ide, D.D. (thorough and critical for so small a book); "The Way to Christ and the Walk in Christ." by Rev. G. W. Anderson, A.M. (practical and excellent); "Manual for Sunday School Cele brations," by Rev. E. M. Levy, (very convenient and appropriate); "The Bereaved Mothers, or the Contrast," by a teacher; "Voyage of the Ship Christian," by Rev. T. T. Devan; Henry Curran, or a Reminiscence of my School," by a teacher.

THE WALDENSES-THEIR ORIGIN AND SENTIMENTS.

BY THE EDITOR.

THE Waldenses have been regarded from time immemorial, as a remarkable people. They dwell in the Alpine vales amid some of the boldest and sublimest scenery of nature, and their moral charactèr seems to partake of the rude grandeur of their rugged homes. They have for ages been oppressed by a corrupt Church, and though hunted like wild beasts, tortured and slain, they have strictly adhered to their principles and resisted the offers and demands of the Church of Rome. At one time they have suffered imprisonment and death without a murmur, and then sallied forth upon their enemies with the utmost fury in self defense, striking terror to the hearts of their oppressors. They have ever been feeble, but utterly unconquerable. Their luxuriant fields have been deluged with the choicest blood of their noble sons, but still they have not "bowed down to Baal," nor in any way violated their consciences. Let fire, sword, gibbets and death in their most terrific forms come upon them and they would not give up their religion. While long standing kingdoms have been overthrown, and all Europe has been convulsed by revolutions, this people, amid their rocky fastnesses, have maintained their independence. Neither the overwhelming of the empire of the Cæsars by the barbarians of the North, nor the rushing of the Crusaders of the West to the rescue of the Holy Land, nor the consternation and slaughter of the French Revolution, nor the triumphal marches of Napoleon, have caused them to forsake their simple, apostolic religion. Though gazing on their smouldering villages and desolated homes, though driven to the caves of the mountains, or carried captive to foreign lands, they still have maintained their principles and rebuked the doctrines and practices of their ecclesiastical oppressors. They are truly a wonder to Christendom-a model of perseverance, heroism, and piety.

The origin of the Waldenses is somewhat doubtful, though it must be very ancient. They claim that their doctrines are derived from the Apostles,and that they have not swerved from the original tenets of their Church. Mosheim says: "Nor are those destitute of arguments, who assert that the Waldenses even in this age, (seventh century,) had fixed their residence in the valleys of Piedmont, and inveighed freely against Roman domination."* It is well-known that the Waldenses are generally supposed to have originated from PETER, a rich merchant of Lyons,

* See Mosh. Hist. Eccl., B. II. Cent. VII. P. II. Chap. II. §. 2.