The Church and the World: Essays on Questions of the Day. By various Writers. Edited by the REV. ORBY SHIPLEY, M.A. London: Longmans and Co.

It is with regret that we feel precluded from the task of a detailed review of this book. For although ritual and ecclesiastical questions are not the only ones discussed in it, the greater portion brings us into contact with them. With such topics we profess not to interfere. Nevertheless, there are three or four of the essays in which we are directly interested, and to them we are happy to call attention. Essay No. 10 is on "Positivism," by the Rev. J. G. Smith, M.A. Though too limited for space, the author presents us with a tolerably correct account of the nature, grounds, and tendencies of positivism, and he shews the erroneous elements which it embodies. We have read this essay with pleasure for the most part, but we do wish that instead of confining himself to the Catholic Church as the true refuge of the soul, he had given more prominence to that written Word by which alone the Church is governed, and can justify its existence. The next essay upon "Revelation and Science: two interpreters of the will of God," is anonymous, but it supplies at the outset what we missed in the essay preceding it-a reference to the Scriptures as one of the two great fountains of truth and duty. Yet here again we find among much that all Christians will joyfully admit, the Church set forth as "claiming and exercising authoritatively her sovereignty on matters of faith, settling by dogmatic interpretations the definitions of Divine truth." This is surely not applicable to all religious doctrines and truths, for no Church nor age of the Church ever made so comprehensive a claim, at least not in a tangible form, so far as we know. The remark quoted must apply to the rulers of the Church, and not to individual members, by whom no dogmatic interpretation is possible, except in the exercise of private judgment. Such a principle seems calculated to diminish the direct benefit which private Christians expect, through the grace of God's Spirit, from their personal readings of Holy Scripture. While we speak thus, we gladly accept the main teachings of an essay of no mean excellence. We only add an opinion that nothing whatever is gained by regularly saying "Churchman" when the term "Christian" would be more natural and less affected. Are Churchmen not Christians?

There is one other essay, that on "Science and Prayer," by the Rev. MacColl, which contains many admirable points, and earnestly vindicates prayer from the reproach which has been thrown upon it. But with an almost amusing unconsciousness of the deep faith and living dependence in regard to prayer which characterises Christian communities, whose rigid simplicity would appal our essayist, he says, "The plain truth is, that the denial of the efficacy of prayer is a logical consequence of the rejection of the sacramental system of the Church." Surely it is not safe to say this, when we see that it is not a practical consequence, as prayer meetings and revival meetings in Europe and America for a century past, at least, make quite plain.

One cannot but feel sorry that an essay so intelligently written for the most part should be disfigured by statements so open to question. On that portion of the composition which treats of the ministry of angels, we express no opinion.

The remaining essays we must pass over. Of the book in general, we may say that it is very creditable to the learning and talent, the piety and energy of the section of the Church which it represents. And we may also say, that although not an official and authorized exposition of High Church, it is perhaps no error to regard it as a sort of manifesto, and it is certainly correct to say of it that it is full of information on topics with which few can now afford to be unacquainted. Essays on the Irish Church. By CLERGYMEN OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH IN IRELAND. Oxford and London: James Parker and Co. THIS is a very seasonable and interesting book, but seeing that it deals chiefly with matters somewhat out of our sphere, we can only mention the titles of the essays and their authors, who appear to have performed their parts in a very praiseworthy manner. "On the general principles of the establishment and endowment of religious bodies by the State; with special reference to Ireland:" by Rev. James Byrne, M.A. "Historical Sketch of the Church of Ireland:" by Rev. A. W. Edwards, M.A. "The Difficulties of the Irish Church :" by Rev. W. Anderson, M.A. Some Account of the Property and Statistics of the Irish Church :" by Rev. A. T. Lee, M.A., LL.D. "The Influences exerted on Ireland by the Irish Church Establishment:" by Rev. J. Byrne, M.A. Most of our readers will be glad to read the second essay-the "Historical Sketch of the Church of Ireland," which embodies a large amount of valuable and instructive matter.

Prosperi Aquitani Chronici Continuator Harniensis. Nunc primum edidit GEORG. HILLE. Berolini: Weidmann.

THE author of this little chronicle put down a number of dates of events in the latter half of the fifth century, and on to the thirtieth year of the reign of Heraclius, or A.D. 641. Chronological students ought to possess it.

S. Ephrami Syri Carmina Nisibena; additis prolegomenis et supplemento lexicorum Syriacorum. Primus edidit, vertit, explicavit Dr. GusTAVUS BICKELL. Lipsia: F. A. Brockhaus.

On the present occasion we can but announce the appearance of this work and its chief contents:-Prolegomena, pp. 1-36; glossary of unusual words, etc., pp. 37-70; Latin prose translation and index, pp. 71-234. The Syriac texts occupy 146 pages, and there are two pages of corrigenda et addenda. It is very apparent that we cannot depend upon a cursory inspection for a correct and reliable estimate of this work. We can only say the subject is one of much interest and importance in more respects than one.

Rivington's Ecclesiastical Year-book for 1865. London: Rivingtons. THIS book is in fact a summary, yet most comprehensive, history of the Church of England in 1865. It is, therefore, a volume which will be most valuable for reference in time to come. The plan is good and well wrought out. All that is necessary to secure for it an extensive sale is to make it known as a very compact, convenient, and accurate manual. As such it affords us pleasure to recommend it.

Ritualism and the Gospel: Thoughts upon St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatians. With an Appendix. By Rev. C. H. H. Wright. London Nisbet and Co.

THE "Thoughts " which Mr. Wright has favoured us with were addressed as sermons to his flock at Dresden, and are in fact a short practical commentary upon the chief portions of the Epistle to the Galatians. They are substantially evangelical in doctrine, and as such adhere very closely to the Scripture model. We have much pleasure in noticing so clear and faithful an exhibition of principle and duty, and warmly recommend it.

Novum Testamentum Polyglottum.

Edited by C. G. W. THEILE, D.D., and R. STIER, D.D. London: Williams and Norgate. WE beg to call attention to this most useful and well edited volume, which is both cheap and convenient as well as accurate. It contains the Greek text, the Latin Vulgate, the German of Luther, and our Authorized Version. All four texts are exhibited at every opening of the volume, which, moreover, displays important various readings, and references to parallel passages.

L'Idée de Dieu, et ses Nouveaux Critiques. Par E. CARO. Paris: Hachette.

THE learned and talented author of this work may congratulate himself on the success which he has achieved, and the rapid sale of his publication. The book is one which may be confidently recommended as one of great and varied interest on topics of paramount importance. We beg to call to it the attention of those who have not yet seen it, and to record our appreciation of its distinguished merits.

The Sacrificial Vestments are they legal in the Church of England? An Inquiry into the history and intention of the Second Rubric of the Book of Common Prayer. By WILLIAM MILTON, M.A. London Rivingtons.

A CAREFUL and comprehensive examination of authorities in regard to a question which it is curious should have been unasked till now. The question is one which we are prevented from discussing; but we fear that if everything is lawful in the Church so long as not in formal terms prohibited, peace and union will not be seen in our days.

Reunion with Rome, as advocated in the "Eirenicon" of Dr. Pusey. Two Sermons by S. BUTCHER, D.D. Dublin: Hodges, Smith, and Co.

THESE sermons are an able embodiment of facts and arguments bearing upon the Eirenicon; and are followed by a useful and carefully compiled appendix of notes. Dr. Butcher demonstrates, we think, that the English Church could not be united to Rome on any terms which would not exclude immense numbers of persons, or compel them to sacrifice not a few of their most solemn and conscientious convictions.

De la Date de nos Evangiles; ou réponse populaire à cette question: Quand est ce que nos Evangiles ont été composes? Par CONSTANTIN TISCHENDORF. Toulouse: Société des Livres Religieux.

WE are glad to see a French version of an essay which will instruct and please many who have no time or no taste for more elaborate and scholastic productions.

The Life and the Light. A Sermon by Rev. HENRY ALLON. London: Jackson, Walford, and Co.

MR. ALLON is the able minister of Union Chapel, Islington, and he preached this discourse on behalf of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. The sermon is liberal, but practical and evangelical in its tone, and it is worthy of high praise as an eloquent exposition of great principles and duties.

Christianity and Recent Speculations. Six lectures by Ministers of the Free Church. With Preface by R. S. CANDLISH, D.D. Edinburgh: J. Maclaren.

We live in the new apologetic age, and hence the constant issue of works in defence of Christian principles. The subjects of these lectures are: The Bible not inconsistent with science; The place and ends of Miracles; Spiritual Christianity in relation to secular progress; The purpose and form of Holy Scripture; Prayer and Natural Law; and The Sabbath. We have much pleasure in expressing the opinion that this is a most seasonable book, well executed, and fitted for extensive service in the cause of God and truth.

Christianity without Judaism. A second series of Essays. By Rev. BADEN POWELL, M.A. Second edition, revised. London: Longmans and Co.

WE willingly bear testimony to the great ability manifested in this book, the peculiar and original views of which are expressed with much force and freedom, and, as is well known, have won for it a position of some celebrity. Although we often differ from the author's opinions, we are glad that this new edition has appeared, because it will enable many to examine them who have had no opportunity of seeing the previous edition.

NEW SERIES.- -VOL. IX., NO. XVIII.

H H

Forty-nine Opinions of Eminent Men on the Authority and Observance of the Sabbath. London: 20 John Street, Adelphi.

A VERY useful and interesting tract on the Lord's-day question. The extracts are ranged alphabetically, and are well fitted to shew the opinions which many great men have expressed regarding the duties and advantages of the Christian Sabbath.

Les Apôtres. Par ERNEST RENAN. Paris: Levy, frêres. THIS second volume has no chance of causing a sensation like that which followed the appearance of the Life of Jesus. The former book flashed like a meteor upon the eyes of the world, or came like the booming of the gun which gives the signal for a war in which we must take a part pro aris et focis. But now we have had some experience in the war, the opening of a second campaign, as some will think it, rouses no great curiosity, anxiety, or enthusiasm on either side. It is unnecessary for us to describe M. Renan's literary and critical procedures, and we have not space at present to analyze and estimate the book. There are many things in it which are true and beautiful, few which have the air of novelty thrown over the Life of Jesus, and some which we think quite fanciful. Although we differ so much and so often from the author, we cannot but recognize in him a singular absence of that bitterness and spirit of vituperation and contempt which is common in our day. True, the book is avowedly a history, but it is an armed history, and one which comes to dispute the ground occupied by many preceding histories of the same times and events. We advise our readers to peruse the book, and we hope to have an early opportunity of reviewing it at some length.

Achtzehn Hebräische Grabinschriften aus der Krun. Ein Beitrag zur Biblischen Chronologie, Semitischen Paläographie, und alten Ethnographie. Von D. CHWOLSON. St. Petersburg: Eggers and Co. THE existence of ancient books and monuments among the Caraite Jews of the Crimea has been long known and frequently noticed, but it is not till recently that any considerable researches have been made in regard to them. Inquiries made in 1839 brought to light fifty-one ancient Biblical MSS. and fifty-nine copies of ancient sepulchral inscriptions. Of the MSS., one dates from A.D. 640. Further explorations were rewarded by additional inscriptions. These discoveries stimulated inquiry, and led to new revelations of a very curious and important kind. Not content with copies from the monuments, eight of the original inscriptions were procured in 1863, and deposited in the Asiatic Museum at St. Petersburg. Dr. Chwolson published facsimiles of these eight and of ten others, along with a mass of valuable information collected from divers sources, both in regard to the inscriptions and to Biblical MSS. as well as in regard to the history of the Crimean Jews. The dates assigned to the eighteen monumental stones are these: A.D. 6, 30, 89, 179, 197, 262, 305, 369, 625, 670, 678, 719, 807, 834, 898, 937,