The Parables of our Lord. By MARCUS DODS, D.D. [The Parables recorded by Matthew.] Macniven and Wallace.

DR. DODS, in this instance, writes well in all respects but one: he seems to use dry ink. He is supernaturally free from anything approaching to unction. Surely the Sahara is not more utterly parched. The same truth which with McCheyne would glitter with heavenly dew is with Dr. Dods as free from moisture as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego when they came out of the fiery furnace.

Contrary Winds, and other Sermons. By W. M. TAYLOR, D.D., LL.D. Hodder and Stoughton.

We have before had occasion to speak favourably of a volume of sermons by this author. Such originality of thought and familiarity of address can hardly fail to secure a large and attentive auditory. The subjects, too, are attractive from their frequent reference to matters of great public interest. The present volume is made up of sermons selected because of such references, and this, with all its advantages, has also its serious drawbacks. We care little for references to current events, and are far better pleased with frequent and prominent allusions to the distinguishing peculiarities of the gospel. Such allusions are always clear and forcible when they appear in Dr. Taylor's discourses.

The Doctrine of Sacred Scripture. By GEORGE T. LADD, D.D. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark.

We have a treatise here in two large volumes, each containing seven or eight hundred pages. The treatise is not so much upon doctrine as upon the inspiration of the Scriptures. What is the Bible? is the question that is professedly discussed. It is dedicated "to that great number of Christian teachers and thinkers who hold the Biblical system of moral and religious truth, but who are in doubt as to what they shall conclude concerning the sacred writings in which that system is contained." Shame that there should be a large number of such teachers. As we

do not come within the description, having no such doubts to be removed, we may be excused from a careful study of these numerous pages. Yet we have read enough to have formed an opinion upon this book, which is partly favourable and partly unfavourable. The inspiration of the apostles is considered to be the test of the inspiration of Christ; and the teaching of Christ to be the test of the inspiration of the Old Testament writers; but chiefly in reference to what is expressed to the exclusion of what is implied. That Christ did not quote from the ancient Scriptures with critical accuracy, is supposed to be a concession to their critical inaccuracy: this we do not admit; it arose from the simple fact that he was not speaking to professed critics, but to the common people who heard him gladly. Scarcely anything with respect to what portion of the Scriptures is inspired or what inspiration. teaches is considered by our author to be yet settled; but he thinks that the progress of modern investigation gives promise of such a desirable result. This may comfort doubters; to believers it is as much a bit of news as that the Dutch have taken Holland. That such volumes should have been needful is a sad reflection upon the history of Christianity, and it raises a grave question as to the purity of the Christianity of the present age. If not needful, however, for its main design, this work may be a valuable contribution for subordinate ends to the

religious literature of modern times. It is the result of years of minute and elaborate investigation both of the Scriptures themselves and of the researches of others-an investigation conducted with a conscientious desire to know the truth, and to make it known to others. This work neither sanctions the evangelical, or, as it is styled, the traditional theology of the past, nor the excessive scepticism of the present time. It teaches that the design of all Scripture is to reveal Christ as an object of faith for salvation, however imperfect and doubtful the revelation may be.

We fear that the main result of this treatise will be to unsettle the faith of many and to settle the faith of none.

A SKILFUL work of superfine criticism in which ancient manuscripts are examined, accurate translations canvassed, and the proprieties of punctuation considered with elaborate comment on ten notable texts of the New Testament. Though a small book, it requires rather close reading, and very clever people to read it. Our author has a righteous jealousy for that fundamental doctrine of the faith of every true Christian, the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. We could almost fancy that he was ready to pounce on the "Revised Version" before it was published. Some suspicion was evidently lurking in his mind, that the Arian views of certain of the company would exert a pernicious influence on the decision of the Revisers in respect to particular texts well known to most of us as the arena of fierce controversy in the days of the Nicene and Athanasian creeds, and since then of Socinian and subsequent strifes. The liveliest passage, with the deadliest illustration, will be found in the centre of this little volume. The question raised is whether we shall retain or reject the word "God" in 1 Timothy iii. 16. Our main objection in this instance to the Revised Version is its obscurity. We cannot make out what it means. Our author in this instance acts as one of the watch-dogs of the flock, and his deep baying must be very unpleasant music for the wolves.

Trans

Biblical Theology of the New Testament. By Dr. BERNHARD WEISS. lated by Rev. DAVID EATON. Two Vols. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark. THIS work will, no doubt, be acceptable to a limited circle of scholars as an important contribution to Biblical criticism. The author is careful to explain at the outset that his plan is entirely distinct from a "History of Christian Doctrine." He constructs no dogmatic system; he does not interfere with any theory of inspiration; he merely scrutinizes each book of the New Testament by itself to get at its meaning. In conformity with this scientific principle, he divides his treatise into five parts, and subdivides those five parts into numerous chapters,

and innumerable sections. Thus he begins with the synoptical gospels; then proceeds to consider the earlier discourses of the Acts of the Apostles, the first Epistle of Peter, and the Epistle of James; the third part is devoted to the preaching and teaching of the Apostle Paul; a fourth division includes the Epistle to the Hebrews, the second Epistle of Peter, the Epistle of Jude, and the Book of Revelation, all of which he attributes to "the Post-Pauline period," while he reserves to the last the study of the Gospel and Epistles of John. To the best of our judgment this particular species of commentary, exegesis, or whatever else you like to call it, took its rise among the Rationalists, and has gradually come into favour among the orthodox. But we can

assure our friends that it rather savours of profound erudition than of holy unction.

God's Time-piece for Men's Eternity. By Rev. GEORGE E. CHEEVER, D.D. Hodder and Stoughton.

THIS is a quaint title, but it gives us no clue to the contents of the book. Many great and important truths are here clearly and strongly expressed, and chiefly in opposition to the prevailing errors of modern times. The eternal consequences of sin and the readiness of God to pardon are strenuously maintained; but the pardon is for the sake of the love which the Son of God has shown to men in taking their nature and participating in their sufferings rather than because of the merit of his substitution in dying for their offences, and rising again for their justification. What is most needed in the present day is the clear shining of the Sun of Righteousness with healing beneath his wings. The atonement must be to the front in every case.

Heaven's Messengers: being a Series of Loving Discourses and Stirring Addresses by Eminent Preachers and Divines. Ward, Lock, and Co. EXCELLENT Sermons, no doubt; for the authors' names comprise such as Guthrie, Krummacher, and Jonathan Edwards. Nevertheless we do not think the book is worth 3s. 6d., though it is handsomely bound. One-fourth of it is catalogue.

Gertrude Ellerslie. A Story of Two Years. By Mrs. MELDRUM. Edinburgh Oliphant and Anderson. A HANDSOME volume externally, and within most gracious. So long as we must have fiction, we hope women like Mrs. Meldrum will employ their pure hands and loving hearts therein. Personal religion is here illustrated by a charming story. This would make an elegant present for a young lady. Fourpenny Reward Books:-Brave and True. Johnnie Tupper's Temptation. By GREGSON Gow. Poor Tom Oliver, and The Children and the Water Lily. By JULIA GOddard. Fritz's Experiment. By LETITIA M'CLINTOCK. Climbing the Hill, and A Year at Coverley. By ANNIE S. SWAN. Lucy's Christmas Box; or, How Georgie found his Cousin. Blackie. VERY pretty little Reward Books. Excellent within as well as without. Perfect marvels of cheapness and good

taste.

Walter Alison: his Friends and Foes.

By M. L. RIDLEY. J. F. Shaw. A BOOK boys are sure to read, if they get the chance; it will help to make them Christian and manly. The suburban boarding-school of thirty years ago, with the "manners and customs of each denizen, from the "principal" down to "buttons," is done to the life, and will prove an amusing reminiscence to many an "old boy."

Alick's Hero. By CATHERINE SHAW. J. F. SHAW and Co.

ANOTHER admirably written story for the boys, who in a very natural and yet winning way will learn from little Alick and his "hero" that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and that the choicest earthly blessing is a praying mother. To our mind, this is the gifted author's best effort.

May Lester; or, The Fruits of SelfDenial. By Mrs. JOHN BRETT. Partridge and Co.

A GOOD story, with the spirit of temperance running through the whole. It well illustrates the truth, "A little child shall lead them." May there be many more "Mays." We heartily commend these "fruits of self-denial" to all readers.

Dr. Blandford's Conscience. By SARSON C. J. INGHAM. Nisbet and Co. A THRILLING story illustrating the mischief which may be wrought by a sceptical mind. Dr. Blandford is the type of men whom we have known, whose presence in society is that of a leper spreading infection. He cleverly, for his own amusement, undermines the faith of others, while he himself might rather be described as without heart than without belief. The narrative runs in the usual manner, as a brook that ripples on; but in this case the stream is a pure and health-giving one. The way in which humble, personal testimonies tell upon the conscience of the listener is well set forth; and the force and safety of strong dogmatism, as instanced in the Particular Baptist minister, are also hit off most cleverly. Altogether, one is thankful to find a graphic pen occupied upon so useful a business. We would inform our friends as to price, but we do not know it.

Child Marian Abroad. By W. M. F. ROUND. Boston, U.S.: Lee and Shepard.

A CHILD's story of a visit to Europe from America, telling of sights and ad ventures in London, Rome, Venice, Vienna, &c. The incidents make the child Marian very precocious, and a capital letter-writer; indeed, that is the great disadvantage of the book, it is too old and mature for little ones. The visit to the Pope is a singular comment on the statement that Child Marian was a sturdy Protestant; but it is invidious to point out any one special blemish, the other faults might be jealous. We are afraid it will not be a favourite on this side the Atlantic it is "Helen's Babies" very much watered.

The Madman and the Pirate. By R. M. BALLANTYNE. Nisbet and Co.

JUST the kind of book in which Tommy or Harry will revel. As full of glorious adventure and exciting improbability as it is possible to be. A South Sea island is the principal scene, and a Christian madman one of the principal actors. It will make youthful eyes flash and hearts beat high, and certainly produce nightmare if indulged in till bedtime. How could we better recommend it ?

The Glories of Christ, as set forth in the Epistle to the Hebrews. By E. A. H. (Mrs. GORDON). J. E. Hawkins, 36, Baker-street.

We are pleased to see an enlarged edition of these Notes on the Hebrews. Many sermons have been suggested to us by them, and we shall look them through again with assured hope of more. Mere hasty tasters of books will care nothing for this "essence of meat," and will probably vote it incoherent and unreadable; but who cares for what they say? We hardly know of any instance of "much in little" which can rival this condensation of holy truth. Moral Education: an Elementary Manual for the use of Schools, Colleges, and Families. By the Rev. PETER PRESCOTT. Hodder and Stoughton.

VERY good. But should not our author have given us a fresh story or two? These are old, very old, medieval, patriarchal, antediluvian, pre-historic; no, not quite that, but in a Pickwickian sense all that and more. Our schoolboy days rise before us, and, as we read these ancient verses and twice-told tales, we say with Solomon, "The thing which has been is the thing which shall be, and there is nothing new under the sun." The young people "in schools, colleges, and families," who are not already familiar with these old friends, must be little donkeys. Apart from this, we highly commend the book, and wish it extensive use. The more of such moral education the better.

How is the Divinity of Jesus depicted in the Gospels and Epistles? By Rev. THOMAS WRITELAW, M.A., D.D. Hodder and Stoughton.

Is Christ divine? was the subject, as originally advertised, of Dr. Writelaw's contribution to "The Theological Library." The altered and elaborate title he now adopts is intended to offer a full explanation of the nature and design of his work as it is here submitted to the public. His avowed purpose is to devise an altogether new line of argument in conformity with what he speaks of as a new science of Biblical criticism. "Waiving all inquiry into when, where, or by whom

the several writings which compose the New Testament were produced, taking up the gospels and epistles at whatever date the newer criticism may be pleased to permit them to exist in the condition in which we now possess them, it will be the object of the following investigation to unfold the doctrine of Christ's

divinity as it lies depicted in their pages. "It will be found that, with a striking unanimity, they describe. it as existing in a threefold state or condition,-in Pre-incarnate Glory, in Incarnate Self-abasement, and in Postincarnate Exaltation." Such a treatise must necessarily trench on the most delicate points of orthodox belief; and it is not for us to define the limits within which there may be here and there a divergence of sentiment among the faithful disciples of our Lord; but the constant reference to authors of repute, ancient and modern, will suffice to protect every page from a suspicion of inadvertence or unsoundness. For students of the Greek its careful exegesis will have a special charm. Certainly it is not the sort of book that would secure for our colporteurs many customers; and probably it is rather too scholastic for most of our Sunday-school teachers to appreciate.

Mother's Queer Things; or, A Bag of Stories. By ANNA WARNER. Nisbet

and Co.

SURELY "Mother" must be the Anna Warner who wrote the sweet little hymn which every Christian mother's child knows by heart

66

"Jesus loves me, this I know,"

for these "Queer Things" and the 'Bag of Stories" are made to teach the little ones at home that Jesus loves them, and not them only, but also the little ones in China, and India, and Africa; and all sorts of queer people in all sorts of queer places. We will not give a further clue to the queer book, lest we "spoil the fun." Yes, fun in such a book, and lots of it, too; for there are two funny little American children in it, and they are "all there." There are many very sweet, terse expositions of Scripture truth in the book, and it ought to prove a gold mine to all missionary societies.

Life's Eventide; or, Loving Words to Aged Pilgrims. By WM. FRITH. Partridge and Co.

TENDER suggestions and exhortations, intended to cheer and gladden life's setting sun. Whilst there is nothing that is novel, there is much that is precious in these discursive papers, and to many of the Lord's lowly ones they will be as lights in the waning day.

Simple Words to Anxious Seekers. By the Author of " Light and Rest." Partridge and Co.

EXACTLY the thing to put into the hands of anxious souls: simple, yet profoundly true: evangelical, but not superficial; a plain finger-post, pointing always to Christ as the soul's hope. Every Sunday-school teacher and other Christian worker should have "Simple Words" at hand to back their perup sonal testimony and help to lead the longing spirit to the Saviour. It cannot but do good, for it supplies a need often felt in the inquiry-room.

A Brief Account of the Life and Labours of George Müller (of Bristol). By Mrs. MÜLLER. Nisbet and Co. ANYTHING that concerns our gracious friend Mr. Müller is of deepest interest to thousands of Christian people who reverence him for his "work of faith." This little sketch gives a brief outline of the wonders which prayer has wrought in his many institutions. It is a tender tribute of affection from the worthy partner of his labours. It is

the romance of Christian confidence in God in this prosaic, unbelieving, nineteenth century.

The Mould of Doctrine: a Study of Romans vi. 17. By J. B. THOMAS, D.D. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society.

A VIGOROUS Statement of the teaching of baptism as understood by our own denomination. The incident that called forth this statement was of temporary and local interest mainly, but the book will be permanently valuable. It is crisp in style, trenchant in logic, and, withal, devout in tone. Men whose minds are inquiring on the subject, and who want a safe guide, could not do better than read this.

Does God answer Prayer? By the Rev. R. McCHEYNE EDGAR, M.A. Hodder and Stoughton.

You That

Ir may be that there is some deficiency in our mental organization, but for the life of us we cannot see much in this treatise. It has been highly appraised by those for whose judgment we have great veneration; but to us it seems to be much ado about nothing. If these great vital truths must be treated philosophically, let it be done in first-rate style. In this case it seems to us that the author says, "Here's a difficulty! Fetch a broom, and let us raise a dust around it! There! There! can't see any difficulty now! question is settled for ever." With the dust in our eyes, we feel that we saw more before the broom was brought than we can see now. Our author is sound and right; and it may be that he will meet some people's doubts. We have no doubts, and if we had any we should find them increased by the treatment of our good friend. Still, let the reader peruse this treatise for himself, for our judgment is not that of most of the reviewers, and they may be right. Moravian Missions. Twelve Lectures. By AUGUSTUS C. THOMPSON, D.D. Hodder and Stoughton.

GOOD history, and yet dull reading. It is a wonderful story, the very romance of Missions, this grand labour of the Moravians. Everybody should read the record, and every library should preserve it. But yet we are disappointed. The subject is worthy of the pen of Sir Walter Scott; but in this volume it grows dreary. So little incident, so little of moving, living, thrilling picture, where one looked for so much. It is almost wicked to say this, for however dry the details, such a Christ-like work should fill the heart; but we are thinking of the many who ought to buy and read this book, and we do not believe they will do either. It is a fine volume, and as a history it is beyond all praise; we are perhaps unwise in looking for other qualities in it. Well, let this volume stand in the heavy-armed historical phalanx, but pray give us a popular book with all the glorious incidents in full march, casting darts of fire among this halfhearted generation.