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Literary Notices.

The Key Of David, David The True Messiah, &C., By Warder Cresson. Philadelphia: 5614. 12mo., 344 pp.

Our readers have had, in former years, several specimens of Mr. Cresson’s style, in various papers which he communicated for our pages, immediately upon his return from Palestine, after his conversion to Judaism. In the present publication, which contains the above papers, with many others superadded, Mr. C. endeavours to justify himself for the step he has taken in embracing our religion, and he moreover <<103>> carries on the war vigorously against his former associates. The work itself displays a great degree of shrewdness, and not a small share of scathing argumentative power; and though it is not written in the style usual among elegant writers, it is full of arguments not easily refuted. Mr. C. has not met with the blandest treatment from his relatives since his conversion became known, and a court of justice had even to decide upon the soundness of his intellect. Hence we do not wonder that he has felt the desire of both vindicating his own right to choose the faith he deemed the best, and of showing off the weak points of the one he has left. We do not wish to be considered as endorsing all Mr. C. advances; nor are we inclined to enter into a regular review of the work; but we must refer those of our readers who are fond of high-seasoned polemical writings, to the pages of Mr. Cresson.

A Critical Review of the Claims Presented by Christianity for Inducing Apostacy in Israel. By Honestus. New York: 1852. 8vo., 34 pp.        

The author of this pamphlet endeavours to show that the claims of Christianity to be called a religion of love and mercy, are entirely unfounded; since persecution, especially to Israel, has characterized its followers, of various denominations, from its beginning to the present moment. It is the first time that we have met the author in a con­nected work; and though we could point out several defects in style and argument, it still contains much which will enable an Israelite to stand up in defence of his religion, when assailed by others. We would remark in this connexion, that we are pleased to see, every now and then, a book or pamphlet on our religion making its appearance in England and America; and though we have as yet not been able to recommend the works very highly, with the exception of those from the pen of Miss Aguilar, they betoken the happy fact that the mind of Israelites is at length awakening from a long slumber, and that they are the forerunners of something better hereafter. The “Review” can be obtained at the bookstore of Mr. A. Hart, in Philadelphia.