Charles Scribner has published a new edition of _Young's Night Thoughts_, edited by JAMES ROBERT BOYD, with critical and explanatory notes, a memoir of the author, and an estimate of his writings. The editor has performed his task with evident industry and love of his author. His notes are generally brief, and well-adapted to their purpose. In some instances, they dwell on minute and comparatively unimportant points, which might safely be left to the sagacity of the reader. The edition, however, is designed as a text-book in schools, for the study of grammatical analysis and rhetorical criticism, and, in this respect, justifies an attention to trifling verbal difficulties, which would be out of place in a work prepared merely for the library of the adult. As a poet, Young can never become a general favorite. His day, we believe, is past. The prevailing taste demands a more genial, human, healthy expression of feeling--certainly, not of less religious fervor--but one breathing the spirit of serene trust, rather than of morbid gloom. Still, the lovers of his sombre meditations will find this edition convenient and ample. _Florence_, by ELIZA BUCKMINSTER LEE, is a story of singular sweetness and grace, recounting the history of a Parish Orphan, and filled with charming pictures of domestic life in the interior of New England. "A sketch of the Village in the last Century," is added to the volume, presenting a succession of rural descriptions in a series of familiar letters. Mrs. Lee is distinguished as a writer, for her exquisite taste, her power of graphic portraiture, her love of home-scenes and incidents, and her deep vein of cordial, kindly feeling. These qualities run through the present little work with a mild, silvery brightness, which gives it an irresistible charm. (Published by Ticknor, Reed, and Fields.) Under the title of _Words in Earnest_, a collection of valuable essays from the pens of several eminent clergymen, has been issued by E. H. Fletcher. The work includes two able discourses on "The Moral Influence of Cities," and an essay on "The Theatre," by Rev. W. W. EVERTS; an admirable appeal to the young men of cities on the importance of "Mental Improvement," by Rev. J. W. ALEXANDER; a sound and instructive article on "The Duties of Employers to the Employed," by Rev. WILLIAM HAGUE; an argumentative essay, maintaining the retributive character of "Punishment," by Prof. ANDERSON; and an eloquent plea for "Children," and for "The Sabbath," by Rev. GEO. B. CHEEVER. The work abounds in salutary counsels, expressed with pungency and force.