Thoughts at Seventy-nine. By the Author of "Thoughts on Devotion," "An Autumn Dream," "The Christian Harp," etc., etc. London : Jackson, Walford, and Hodder. 1865.

THE first essay in this small volume is headed "Theism," its object being to shew that Christian Theism is superior to the merely philosophic. The second essay, "The image of the invisible," is a consideration of the person and character of the Lord Jesus. The third essay, "On New Testament precepts," involves an examination and explanation of many of the rules laid down in the New Testament. The last essay is on "Conscience and its perversions." A number of metrical prayers and translations follow, and the book concludes with "thoughts on sundry topics." The composition shews it to be the production of an active and well-disciplined mind, and while the tone of the work is healthy and Christian, its contents are fitted to interest and profit the reader.

The Hebrew Scriptures. Translated by SAMUEL SHARPE. Being a revision of the authorized English Old Testament. In Three Vols. Vol. II., 2 Samuel to Psalms. London: Whitfield, Green and Son. WE have already noticed the first volume of this work, and we find this volume characterized by similar features. It is a revision of the Authorized Version, with occasional explanatory or illustrative glosses. The text is arranged in paragraphs and parallelisms. Some of the renderings are improvements, but others we cannot adopt. When the work is completed we shall hope to notice it more fully. Meanwhile, we commend it to the notice of the earnest student.

The Righteousness of God, as taught by St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans. By the Author of "The Destiny of the Human Race." London Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 1865.

THE first part of this small work is an interesting endeavour to shew the course and connection of the apostolic argument in the Epistle to the Romans. The author believes that "the righteousness of God" mentioned in chap. i. 17 of the Epistle denotes "His equity towards us." The second and larger division of the book is a series of four appendixes, on human ignorance of divine things, on future retribution, on the doctrine of election, and on a promised restoration. The important matters thus indicated enter deeply into the domain of theology, and therefore personally interest us. It would not be fair for us to say we agree with all that is advanced; very far from it, but the writer handles his themes with a consciousness of their gravity, and although certainly somewhat of a speculative turn, he is earnest and religious. We notice with some regret that the peculiar views respecting the future of man, which were advanced in his "Destiny of the Human Race," are repeated here;—if we abandon the idea that this is the only state of probation, and that what we are here deter

mines what we shall be for ever, we shall leave certainty for uncertainty. Nor can we believe that we have nothing to do with the consequences of a doctrine; for if the consequences of a doctrine are not good, we must suspect the doctrine itself. However, let serious thinkers read this book and judge for themselves.

The Scriptural Doctrine of Acceptance with God, etc. In six Lectures. By A. G. RYDER, D.D. Dublin: Hodges, Smith, and Co. THESE lectures were delivered by their learned and accomplished author before the University of Dublin, and their publication will be welcomed by those who know the merits of the lecturer. The doctrine of acceptance with God is viewed in reference to Neologian hermeneutics, and is treated in a masterly and comprehensive style. Profound as some of its topics are, the book is singularly interesting, and the hearty outspokenness of its manner reminds us that the Irish Church is not without men who would adorn any church and country. The six lectures are followed by quite a mass of erudite and instructive notes embodying extracts from various authors, references to them, and observations upon them. All of us have our hobbies perhaps, and possibly our own favourable feelings have been evoked the more strongly that Dr. Ryder makes considerable use of names which we have learned to revere. The volume deserves to take an honourable place as a member of the Corpus Apologeticum, which is rising before our eyes in this age of controversy. Not that we agree to everything advanced by our lecturer. This cannot be expected, but we can endorse most of his chief conclusions, and thoroughly sympathize with the scope and tendency of the whole. We are sorry not to be able to exhibit the course of the argument, but we are sure thoughtful readers will profit by the book.

An Exposition of the First Epistle generally of St. John. By Rev. JOHN STOCK, M.D. London: Rivingtons. 1865.

THIS is a practical, and not a critical exposition of St. John's first epistle. The matter of it is pious and edifying, and rather falls into the form of devout musings and meditations, than in the form of learned or scholastic exercises and essays. Upon such a work, we have naturally but few words to say, especially when, as now, the author utters freely the thoughts and expresses the feelings of his heart as a Christian man, who regards Holy Scripture as the supreme rule and law of faith and life. The book is one for quiet hours and moments. It is very suitable for Sunday reading, and preachers may gather from it good and holy thoughts before they ascend the pulpit. We are always glad to meet with works of this kind. In these days of intellectual and outward activity, the moral and the spiritual are apt to be forgotten, and a contemplative mood is not one in which we often find ourselves. But it is well when age and experience place in our hands "thoughts that breathe and words that burn," waking up

our dormant energies, and lifting us above cold, dry and formal routine. The ministerial and Christian life of Mr. Stock has extended over many years, and we are therefore pleased to receive from him the warm and holy utterances of this volume upon that admirable epistle which it expounds.

Simony. In Two Parts. Part I., its history and effects. Part II., some account of the Puritan scoffers, A.D. 1622, and of the Simeon Trustees, A.D. 1836. By WILLIAM DOWNES WILLIS, M.A. London Rivingtons.

THIS is the second edition of Mr. Willis's book, and it is one which ought to be read by every clergyman. If legal simony is uncommon, constructive simony is common; so at least we should gather from the startling facts recorded in these pages. It is abominable that the cure of souls should be made merchandize of, to the injury of souls, the scandal of religion and the Church, and the dishonour of God. The subject is one which we cannot discuss, but we earnestly recommend this able treatise by Prebendary Willis. He has much to say upon the sale of the Lord Chancellor's livings, a proceeding by no means free from animadversion. What can be more absurd? and yet among these livings exposed to sale, are parishes without any church whatever. The inhabitants may be few, and the "living" poor, but the sale of the living will not bring them an inch nearer the enjoyment of Christian privileges. Mr. Willis is very impartial in his warnings and rebukes, and his whole book shews that he is fearless, honest, and has the cause of real religion at heart. We say so much, but we must own that on sundry points we do not agree with our author.

L'Eglise Evangélique de Lyon. La position au Milieu des autres Eglises. Lyon: Denis.

THIS anonymous composition is deserving of mention as almost an official document: "The Council of Elders unanimously recognizing that the true principles of the evangelical Church of Lyons are faithfully expounded in this writing, vote that it be printed." The separate ecclesiastical body in question was formed about five and thirty years ago, under the pastoral guidance of Adolphe Monod. Its principles almost accord with those of the Scottish United Presbyterians, but it is intensely missionary. The principal place of worship in Lyons is a substantial and capacious building, and the pastors, elders, and people, are worthy of confidence and Christian affection.

Das Judenthum und seine Geschichte. By Dr. A. GEIGER. Part II. Breslau Schletter.

THIS Contains twelve valuable lectures upon Judaism and its history from the destruction of the second temple to the end of the twelfth century. The author takes a critical survey of Jewish history and experiences; he writes with much calmness and moderation, and also

avails himself of the large stores of erudition which he has at his command. We are happy to recommend both this and the previous portion to the attention of students, who will find them interesting to read, and useful for reference. The reputation of Dr. Geiger will lose nothing by this new proof of his ability and learning.

Practical and Critical Commentary on the Epistles of the New Testament, for English Readers. Part III.-Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. By C. E. PRICHARD, M.A. London: Rivingtons. In this work the author briefly explains such passages as seem to him to require comment in order to be understood by English readers. Short prefixes are appended to the epistles, pointing out the place and leading truths of each. The English Authorized Version is printed at length, but the Scholia constantly keep in view the Greek text and its best exponents among us. The editor ought to be encouraged in this well meant and respectable endeavour to exhibit the true sense of the apostolical epistles, which both on doctrinal and on practical grounds are of exceeding importance.

The Logic of Life and Death; or, Words with the Unbeliever. In Two Parts. Part I. "The Logic of Death" refuted; or, Why the Atheist should fear to die. Part II. The Logic of Life; or, How to live for ever. By B. HARRIS COWPER. London: Elliot STOCK.

THERE are obvious reasons why the author of the foregoing should not have his little book reviewed in these pages. Instead of a review, therefore, we introduce from the preface a short sketch of the design and intention of the work :

"I have been anxious to let Christians know some of the atheistical and sceptical opinions which are now abroad; I want Sceptics to know what Christians believe and expect, and I wish to let both unbelievers and believers see how I should reply to the objections of infidelity.

"The first chapter is meant as a plain answer to The Logic of Death, by G. J. Holyoake. The second chapter is intended to appear as the converse of Mr. G. J. Holyoake's tract; and as such it deals with precisely the same topics from a Christian point of view. Both chapters are designed for those upon whom mere learning and scholastic exercises would be lost.

"I do not think logic can make Christians. Yet I use it, because God may employ it as an instrument in effecting the great spiritual change without which

no man is a Christian.

"If my language seems in any case rude and severe, I can only say it is far less so than very much to which I have listened, I think my judgments are just, and I know they are meant to restore the misguided."

Faith and Practice: a selection of Sermons.

M.A., F.R.G.S. London: Rivingtons.

By FRANCIS PIGOU,

THE twelve sermons contained in this well got-up volume were preached by the author, as Incumbent of St. Philip's, Regent Street, and they are dedicated to H.R.H. the Duchess of Cambridge. The style is neat, the treatment clear and judicious, the tone elevated and

Christian, and the doctrine pure and Scriptural. The subjects are such as ought to be taken by every preacher of the Gospel, who desires to be profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. We have seldom met with a preacher more natural, earnest, unpretending, and agreeable, to which we may add refined and intelligent. We highly recommend this little book.

Enlarged and Illustrated Edition of Dr. Webster's Complete Dictionary of the English Language. Thoroughly revised and improved by C. A. GOODRICH, D.D., and NOAH PORTER, D.D. Parts VII.-IX. London: Bell and Daldy.

We have already expressed our strong approval of this very cheap and excellent work. The parts before us are in every respect equal to their predecessors, and we hope all who can afford it will purchase the work. It ought to have a very large circulation. The quantity of matter it contains is something wonderful when we consider the price at which it is issued, and the vast amount of research it embodies.

The Saviour's Bible: a Plea for the Old Testament. By NEWMAN HALL, LL.D. London Nisbet and Co.

A SIMPLE, earnest, instructive, and persuasive little essay in a popular style, and well adapted for extensive circulation. The author writes in a very lucid, forcible, and attractive style, and all he says is steeped in evangelical principles. Scepticism in our day overlooks too much the Saviour's Bible, and the use he made of it.

Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgendländischen Gesellschaft. Bd. XIX., 1 and 2 Heft. Leipsic: Brockhaus.

THIS very important repertory of Oriental learning ought to be possessed by every one at all interested in the vast range of topics which come under that designation.

The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Vol. I., Part 2. London: Trübner and Co.

WE mention this along with The Journal of the German Oriental Society, as a publication which no one can dispense with who seeks to follow the march of modern researches in the East. Both this and the other are excellently illustrated, and ably edited.

June

A Charge delivered to the Clergy and Churchwardens of the Diocese of Worcester. By HENRY, LORD BISHOP OF WORCESTER. Visitation, 1865. London: Rivingtons.

A VERY useful and reasonable address; practical, plain, Christian-like, and appropriate; touching wisely upon many questions of present interest.

NEW SERIES.-VOL. VIII., NO. XV.

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