WALLACE AND THE BRUCE.-The Bruce; or, The Metrical History of Robert I., King of Scots. By Master John Barbour. With Notes and a Memoir by John Jamieson, D.D. A New Edition. (Glasgow: Ogle and Co.)-Whilst Englishmen, either from private enterprise, or with the assistance of book clubs and learned societies, are issuing the masterpieces of early English literature, it is not surprising that Scotsmen should emulate their brethren of the sister country. Next to Thomas of Ercildoun, Barbour, the historian of Robert Bruce, claims undoubted precedence in any list of ancient writers, and his work, therefore, has wisely been selected by the publishers as the first of a series of "Moderately-priced Works in Early Scotch Literature." The present issue is, with unimportant exceptions, a verbatim reprint of Dr. Jamieson's edition of 1820. It was originally carefully printed from the only complete MS. extant, that in the Advocate's Library; and this edition, which is well printed, reads page for page with Dr. Jamieson's edition. The Memoir of the Life of Barbour, and the historical and critical notes, are also given. The volume is, in all respects, well adapted for the popular taste. Wallace; or, The Life and Acts of Sir William Wallace, of Ellerslie. By Henry the Minstrel. Published from a MS. dated MCCCCLXXXVIII. With Notes and Preliminary Remarks by John Jamieson, D.D.-The Blind Minstrel's narrative of the heroic deeds of the Scottish hero Wallace is here given from a similar source to that of the Bruce, and is printed uniformly. Of the author but little is known beyond the fact that he was born blind, that he was a diligent collector of legends concerning Wallace, and that he had the knack of stringing them together in a form intensely popular. The poem has never ceased to be popular. We have been surprised to find how many Scotsmen there were who knew both the Wallace and the Bruce, and could repeat whole passages indeed, until the time of Burns, these two poems, with those of old Zachary Boyd, must have formed the whole of the Scot's poetical library. Englishmen will now, at a moderate price, be able to add to their libraries these two Scottish classics. The same publishers also announce several other interesting reprints-among them, "Watson's Collection of Scots' Poems,' Zachary Boyd's "Last Battle of the Soul in Death," and "The Poetical Works of Sir William Alexander, Earl of Stirling." We wish them every success in their commendable work. The Odes of Anacreon. Translated by Thomas Moore. With Fifty-four Illustrative Designs by Girodet de Roussy. (Hotten.)-Every English reader who appreciates that class of lyric poetry at the head of which are to be placed the Odes of Anacreon, will be fascinated with this little volume. The drawings of De Roussy are in their way perfection. They may be described as more Anacreontic than Anacreon. "Seldom, indeed, have chasteness of expression and voluptuousness of character been so curiously blended." This sentence from the Introductory Notice characterizes the whole of them, for even when the thing expressed is voluptuous in the highest degree the manner in which it is expressed is unexceptionable. M. de Roussy has a higher merit. Anacreon, to us, we must confess, tires from the monotony of his theme; but the artist never. His fifty-four illustrations are as varied as they are graceful. We doubt whether the spirit of the poet is the spirit of the artist; but any one who examines the artist's work must confess that M. de Roussy has given an added charm to the famous "Odes." Mr. Hotten has done well in selecting Moore's translation. The charge of imperfect scholarship brought against it by the learned is groundless. Moore knew enough of Greek to comprehend Anacreon, and his version, free as it is, has best caught the air and motive of the original. Girodet's designs were first published in Paris shortly after his death, and in 1864 photographs of them on a reduced scale were published in a splendid form, accompanied with the Greek, at the press of Firmin Didot, at the price of two pounds. In this edition they make their first appearance in England. Anacreon in English, Attempted in the Metres of the Original. By Thomas James Arnold. (Hotten.)-In this edition we have sixty-five of the Odes attributed to Anacreon rendered into English by Mr. T. J. Arnold. The translation is attempted in the metres of the original, and we may say that Mr. Arnold has been successful in the measure he employs, and in a great degree he has infused into his translation the spirit of the original. But Moore's version, although much more free, is a nearer approach to the sprightliness and gracefulness of the Greek. Mr. Arnold has, however, given us a literal rendering, in which those who are unacquainted with the original will be able to judge for themselves why Anacreon has become a favourite among the admirers of the lyric poets of antiquity. Eden, and other Poems. By G. Washington Moon, F.R.S. L. (Hatchards.) The author of "The Dean's English," a book which some time ago produced a little sensation in the world of letters, appears now, for the second time, as a poet-his first poetic essay being "Elijah the Prophet." As the title-page of the volume before us bears the words "Second edition," we presume it has been a success. It deserves to be so, for it contains verses of more than ordinary merit, principally on grave and religious topics. Especially noticeable for a musical flow of words wedded to distinct ideas are the pieces entitled "A Higher Life," "The Power of Kindness," Deeds, not Words," "Boaz and the Reapers,' 'Lovely Flowers," "The Betrothal," and "The Lesson of the Beautiful." Mr. Moon possesses the enviable faculty of writing musical phrases which are something more than a mere stringing together of epithets, as witness the following from a poem illustrative of a passage from St. Mark-"And many said among themselves, 'Who shall roll away the stone from the sepulchre?' And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled "That which weeping ones were saying In the dark and dread unknown, Who shall roll away the stone?"" The Poetical Works of Eliza Cook. (Warne.)It is rather late in the day to criticize Eliza Cook's poems, seeing that they have for so many years been so fully accepted by the public as to have taken their own place in our standard literature. The production, however, of a new edition, containing, not only all the verses previously pub. lished, but many that are now for the first time rescued from the limbo of newspapers and magazines, is a fact, and worthy of record. In this handsome and compact volume readers will welcome many an old friend and find many a new one; both the old and the new possessing that simple energy and directness of purpose which won for Miss Cook's poems a wide and enduring recognition. The name of Eliza Cook has reached the popular heart, and the publication of this complete edition of her poems will serve to deepen the impression. Christ in Song: Hymns of Immanuel. Selected from All Ages. With Notes by Philip Schaff, D. D. (Low.)- Ancient, mediæval, and modern hymnologists are adequately represented in the beautiful volume entitled "Christ in Song." It is a complete "Lyra Christologia," comprising the choicest hymns on the person and work of Our Lord from all ages, denominations, and tongues. Confined in its scope to the second person in the Trinity, many favourite hymns have been omitted, and some-as, for example, the glorious "Stabat Mater"-have been shorn of those verses which have not direct reference to Immanuel. A large proportion of the sacred poems are "translations or transfusions from the Greek, Latin, and German; with a few from other languages.' English and American hymns are represented, however, by numerous examples, all of which, Dr. Schaff assures us, are given as they came from the inspiration of the poet, without omission or alteration." Indeed, 66 were we disposed to find fault with the selection, it would be for the too abundant supply of new and modern contributions. The volume is divided into two sections, one of which contains such hymns (mostly due to Pre-Reformation times) in which the great objective facts in Christ's life are celebrated; the other relates more fully to "the subjective application of His merits and our relation to Him.' Under each section the pieces are arranged in chronological order, to enable the reader to trace the history of "Christ's Life in Song." As a collection for private devotion, the volume has not been surpassed. Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry. Adapted by Richard F. Burton, with Thirty-three Illustrations,, by Ernest Griset. (Longmans.)-The thread on which these stories are made to hang is thoroughly ingenious. Some nineteen centuries ago the renowned city of Ujjayani witnessed the birth of a prince to whom was given the gigantic name of Vikramaditya. Even the Sanscrit-speaking people, however, who are not usually pressed for time, found this too long a word for them, and shortened it to Vikram. A little farther west, slyly adds Captain Burton, it would infallibly have been docked down to "Vik." Well, this prince, having murdered his eldest brother, who stood between him and the throne, succeeded his father as king. After reigning for a short time, Vikram left his kingdom in disgust, and proceeded to visit foreign countries, a regent being appointed in his stead. On his return to his own land, after many wanderings, he found at the gate of his city a monstrous figure, who relates to him a tale which had important bearing on his life. At the same instant with himself were born two other men, an oilman's son and a jogi, or anchorite. This jogi had compassed the death of the oilman's son, whom he had suspended head downwards from a tree in the cemetery of the city, and now compassed the death of Vikram. With this information Raja Vikram returned to his palace. One day, shortly afterwards, as he sat on the judgment seat, a young merchant appeared, and, having been received with condescension, presented the Raja with splendid rubies, in return for which he offered the merchant anything he might desire. "This thing I ask of you as alms," replied the merchant, "that you and the young prince your son will pass one night with me doing my bidding. The Raja consented, and, at the proper time, arrived at the cemetery, the place appointed, where he finds the merchant in the guise of a jogi, who orders him to go to a certain spot and bring back a body which hung from a tree. This body is the Vampire. Vikram and his son arrive at the foot of the tree, and, after a world of trouble, seize the Vampire, who, avowing an inclination for loquacity, indulges himself in sprightly tales and profitable reflections. He, however, makes a covenant with Vikram to go with him in peace, if only, in reply to any questions arising out of the tales, the Raja would make no reply. This is agreed on, and the three proceed back to the jogi, the Vampire relating his first story, "In which a Man deceives a Woman." At its termination he asks a question, to which the Raja, forgetful of the agreement, replies. Thereupon the Vam prie escapes, and the same trouble has to be again undergone in his capture. This happens ten times. On the eleventh occasion the questions which succeeded the eleventh story remain unanswered, and the Vampire therefore, finding himself vanquished, gives to the Raja the important piece of intelligence that the jogi intends to kill him, and furthermore informs him how to evade his doom. The result is that the jogi is killed, and Vikram reigns in prosperity thenceforward, having brought the whole world "under the shadow of one umbrella." A valuable introduction, in which the whole question of Hindu superstitions and Eastern fiction is ably discussed, precedes the stories. Captain Burton's volume, admirably illustrated by Ernest Griset, is a worthy companion volume to the "Arabian Nights' Entertainments." The Knight's Ransom. By L. Valentine, editor of "The Home Book." (Warne.)-Originally known as "The Ransom," this Historical Romance has now been added to "Warne's Household Novels," a cheap, elegant, and popular series. Carefully revised and appropriately illustrated, it seems likely to acquire increased reputation. The period of the story is that of Henry III., the scenes being principally laid in Oxford, Paris, and Palestine, whither the Knight goes with the Crusaders and is taken prisoner. Of course, there is more than one tender episode, and not a few stirring accounts of battles and sieges, with here and there an incident very characteristic of that rude but warlike age, and no lack of gallant chi valry and womanly devotion. The whole is written in that quaint style which has "grammercy," "by our Lady," "of a truth," "I pray you," and such like phrases for its ornaments, though it may be fairly stated that the main interest of the story lies in a well-devised plot, cleverly worked out. Many Happy Returns of the Day! By Charles and Mary Cowden Clarke. New Edition. (Lockwood & Co.)-Mr. and Mrs. Cowden Clarke have done good service to literature, and, by a certain section of the public-the young of the household, to wit-the literary performance we have named will be considered among their best works. The book is a book about birthdays-"incidentally discussing pursuits and pastimes most generally attractive"-and, as everybody has a birthday, everybody must naturally be interested in it. Indoor amusements, out-door sports, manly games, studies in popular science, and a variety of topics interesting alike to the imaginative as well as to the matter-of-fact reader, are discussed by the authors in an attractive manner. Several additional woodcuts have been added to this edition. Many Happy Returns of the Day" forms a very appropriate birthday present. Womankind in Western Europe, from the Earliest Times to the Seventeenth Century. By Thomas Wright, M.A., F.S. A. Small 4to. (Groombridgeand Sons.)-Such at itle as this might, without creating surprise, have been a satire upon woman, or a vindication under the form of a history of woman's rights. But it is neither. It is a very valuable and entertaining history of the female sex in that division of mankind to which we belong, by an antiquary fully equipped by previous investigations for the task. Mr. Wright describes the condition, character, and manners of the sex in western Europe, through the various revolutions of western society. The view is occasionally interrupted, but we never altogether lose possession of the thread which runs through the pages, and connects the woman of Gaul and Britain under the Celt and Roman with the woman of the Renaissance. There were, of course, transitional periods-periods in which the development of female character advanced quicker than at other times but in the page before us we seem to be able to trace the modern woman in her ancestor among the Anglo-Saxons, of the feudal castle, and of that time when the line of division between the old society and the new became marked in the earlier part of the seventeenth century. As fully as his materials permitted him (for the early times they are very scanty), the author has done his work, and we cannot refer to any work which will give the reader as good an acquaintance with the social condition of Europe from the earliest times to the end of the seventeenth century. The illustrations in woodcuts and in colours, a quaint collection of subjects, are numerous and well selected. The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner. Now first correctly reprinted from the Original Edition of 1719, with an Introduction by William Lee. (London: J. Camden Hotten.)— About the last subject of novelty that could be expected in this day of surprises is anything fresh regarding The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." For at least a century this book has been the delight of old and young. The present edition sets forth, however, especial claims for popularity. It is an exact reproduction of the first edition, published in 1719, now an exceedingly scarce and rare book. The work is also, perhaps, the first reproduction of the real original in modern times, as it contains neither alteration, amendment, nor abbreviation of the copy referred to. In a brief introduction Mr. Lee gives the I most reliable account of the history of Alexander Selcraig (subsequently changed to Selkirk), the mariner, on which De Foe founded his story. He also affords a history of the work, and the names of the numerous rivals that its success called forth. About 100 illustrations, from the pencil of the eminent French artist Ernest Griset are given, in which the grave and gay, the animated and grotesque, are combined for the delight of the young reader. It may be added that the ornamental head-pieces and initial letters are exact fac-similes of those used in the first edition of "Robinson Crusoe." Picture Natural History, including Zoology, Fossils, and Botany. With upwards of Six Hundred Illustrations. The Text by Mary E. C. Boutell. Edited, with Preface and Introduction, by her Father. (Cassell.)-This Natural History contains accounts of lives, first of the different kinds of animals, and then of the different kinds of vegetables; so that "here in a single volume are placed together what may be called two chapters taken from Nature's great book of life." The illustrations will, of course, aid the imagination of young people, who will be highly pleased with their number and excellence. volume with which she has reason to be proud. Strong Drink and Tobacco-Smoke; the Structure, Growth, and Uses of Malt, Hops, Yeast, and 1obacco. By Henry P. Prescott, F.L.S. (Macmillan and Co.)-This is a posthumous work, with a brief preface by Professor Huxley, who has merely undertaken to introduce the author in a few biographical facts. Its object is not to show the physiological effects of drinking and smoking, or to discuss the moral influence of those prevalent habits, but to instruct the unscientific public on interesting botanical subjects and manufacturing processes. It contains useful information for practical men, such as farmers, brewers, and malsters, and valuable suggestions as to the method of avoiding the waste of material common in the granary, the brewery, and the malthouse. Official experience in connection with the Excise assisted the author in investigating several of the questions of which he treats. The best means of detecting spurious tobacco is explained, to the smoker, and the variations of nature in the minutiae of various plants are described in an interesting and simple style free from the technicalities of science. Numerous steel engravings of seeds, roots, and leaves are appended, with descriptions. Miss Boutell has produced a THREE SCRIPTURAL NOVELS.-To write a successful novel, the events and characters of which are derived directly from the Scriptures, requires great delicacy of treatment. A little too much familiarity, and the adapter's freedom becomes irreverent levity; a slight variation from the Bible narrative, and the story is an attempt to subvert the plain meaning and teaching of the Inspired Penman; a too great abstinence from quotation and Bible reference, and the novel lacks the earnestness all such stories should possess; a too frequent use of the actual words of Scripture, and then the story is an impudent and mischievous parody that should be rigorously excluded from every pious and wellconducted family. The writer who dares all these dangers, and yet succeeds, if not in answering all objectors, at least in making no enemies, must be either very clever or very fortunate. Dr. Ingraham, of Holly Springs, Mississippi, United States, is both; for he has written, not one religious novel only, but three religious novels, and has had the good fortune to find sympathising and attentive readers in two hemispheres. The first story of the series is The Pillar of Fire; or, Israel in Bondage— the main incidents of which are found in the Book of Exodus. The slavery of the Israelites-the finding of Moses the forty years' wanderings in the wilderness, are detailed in a series of letters, supposed to be written to his parents by a young Phoenician prince during his stay in Egypt; some of the events described being supposed to have transpired under his own immediate observation. The second volume, The Throne of David, describes-this time, in letters supposed to be written by an Assyrian ambassador, resident at the Courts of Saul and David-the rebellion of Absolom and the grief of his father, shepherd, poet, warrior, king, and prophet-the ancestor and type of Jesus. The last of the series, The Prince of the House of David, is supposed to be the narrative of a Jewish maiden residing for three years in Jerusalem, and eye witness of some of the most remarkable scenes in the life of the Messiah. Whether such subjects should be chosen as the groundwork of a novel, or whether, being chosen, they are likely to find a remunerative sale, is not for us to inquire; this much, however, is certain: the present publishers must have had faith in both author and readers, for they have gone to the expense of illustrating and otherwise producing these novels in a more elaborate style than is usual with novels generally. The History of the Life of Albrecht Dürer. By Mrs. Charles Heaton. (Macmillan.)-We agree with Mrs. Heaton that at first sight it appears strange that a separate life of the greatest of German artists should never have been published in England. We cannot, however, altogether assent to the reason she assigns for this fact. The secret of Dürer's strength undoubtedly lies farther from the surface than that of any of the Italian masters; but it is easily learnt. His obscurity is more ap parent than real. In the artistic manifestation of the restlessness and aspiration of the new faith, his motive cannot be very obscure to Protestants; and what Mrs. Heaton calls the "hidden" meaning in his works is never difficult of discovery, even when it is designedly and distinctly symbolical. For instance, there can be no doubt as to the meaning of the plate known as The | Knight and the Lady," representing a loving fifteenth-century couple, of dignified mien, taking a quiet evening walk, whilst from behind the trunk of a beech tree a skeleton grins sardonically, with an hour-glass on its head. The bold spirit of Dürer perpetually manifested itself in depicting the contrast between life and death-in showing the weakness of our common human nature-in reiterating the notion that all the joys of life have their end in vanity. Underlying his homely and realistic representations were the artist's questions, doubts, and despairs. Everywhere, however, he is the exponent of the new spirit of Protestantism that had arisen, and it is not therefore to be wondered at that the life and works of such a man should in England receive attention. Mrs. Heaton --although she persists in believing there are hidden mysteries in Dürer's art, with which she does not pretend to deal-has given us a satisfactory life of this great artist of the Reformation. She has told the story of his life, using wherever she could Dürer's own words, so that we have reflected in these pages the simple, loving, earnest heart of the man himself. The volume is divided into two parts, the first being a narrative in strictly chronological order, and the second, a consideration of the artist's works. The letters, journal, and other papers relating to his personal history, left by Dürer, have been carefully translated by the author, and used very judiciously in her memoir. For the second part, she acknowledges herself indebted to the voluminous catalogue contained in Heller's "Life and Works of Dürer,' and to Tom Pye's work under the same title-the two sources of available information that are undoubtedly most trustworthy. Artists, antiquaries, students of manners, as well as the special admirers of the strange and grim personality of Dürer, will find they have much to interest them in these pages. An introductory chapter on "Nürnburg in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries," which supplies a vivid and intelligible picture of this most picturesque city in the time of its glory; and a third part, consisting of Dürer's "Journal" and an account of his last years, are useful appendages to the work. Without engravings such a volume would, of course, be almost useless; and accordingly more than thirty of his works have been reproduced, giving examples of his manner as an engraver on wood and on copper, and as a painter and designer in plastic works. A curious feature in the volume is that ten of the illustrations are reproductions by the autotype (carbon) process. These are printed in permanent tints by Messrs. Cundall and Fleming, and are capital imitations of the criginals. The New School History of England. From Early Writers and the National Records. By the Author of "The Annals of England." (James Parker and Co.)-Any opinion expressed con cerning such a work as this should obviously be well weighed. So important an influence do the first views of life presented to youth exercise upon them that, in the selection of books designed for their especial instruction, the utmost care should be manifested. Just as a man born and bred in Christendom becomes a Christian, or in Turkey a Mahometan, so a child, nurtured in certain views regarding the chief personages and events in our history, will in after life almost invariably manifest a leaning towards what he has thus learned. Few men have the animus to evade the influence of their early training. The opinions they formed in youth are likely to be the opinions which, in an intensified degree, they profess in manhood. It is, therefore, important in a national sense that a school history of our country should excite in young minds a healthy and patriotic interest in our annals. For this reason we are glad to be able to recommend this new school history. Truth seems to have been the compiler's first aim; afterwards, his object is to be interesting. In neither aim has he failed. From the Statute Book and the Public Records, and from the various works that have been issued of late years by the Record Commission, much has been drawn that will be new to the ordinary reader; and, as a consequence, many opinions to which we have all been accustomed to give unqualified assent will have to be greatly modified. The compiler is, however, no Dryasdust. His | style is unaffected, clear, and frequently picturesque; and, although condensation had of course to be practised, none of the most salient events of the History of England have been omitted or unduly curtailed in the narrative. The work is prefaced with a geographical outline of the British Isles; and maps, clear and distinct, are supplied, in which appear the ancient and modern divisions of the country. The arrangement has much to recommend it. One part of our annals is not treated as being unworthy of little notice, and another as if all important. There is a due approach to uniformity observed, and matters which in their result were of real moment are not neg lected. Except that it lacks an index, "The New School History of England" is a work that we have no hesitation in recommending without reservation. The Great Battles of the British Army. A New Edition, including the Indian Mutiny and the Abyssinian War. With coloured illustrations. (Routledge.)-After a brief account of the English army, from the reign of the Conqueror to that of Edward III., the author enters upon his subject proper. He describes, in picturesque style, the chief incidents in the lives of our most heroic leaders, and the bravest deeds of our most distinguished troops. The great battles, from Cressywhere Edward, under great disadvantages, fought victoriously against the flower of France-to Waterloo, where Picton gave his countrymen so fine an example of British courage, are all graphically narrated. In this new edition the Indian Mutiny and the Abyssinian War have been added; but we are surprised to find in the history of the latter no mention whatever of the gallant Colonel Penn, whose mountain batteries, or "steel pens,' effectually brought King Theodore to his senses. This book stimulates the young mind to emulate deeds of daring achieved in patriotic service, and ought to be in the possession of every English youth. The plates, which are in colours, are spirited in execution. SO Devotional Commentary on the Gospel Narrative: Our Lord's Nativity. By the Rev. Isaac Williams, B. D. (Rivingtons.)-To a large number of persons it will seem absurd to say more than that Messrs. Rivington are republishing the Gospel Commentary of Isaac Williams in monthly volumes. There is, however, a new generation to whom Mr. Williams is almost unknown to them it is necessary to say a few words more-to them, therefore, we address ourselves when we say that the Gospel Commentary referred to consists of eight volumes. The first, containing "Thoughts on the study of the Gospel," points out the characteristic differences of the four Evangelists and the substance of their teaching; the second is a "Harmony" in which the chief events are detailed in what appears to be their natural order, Scripture being compared with Scripture. That which should be the third is now published first on account of the holy season to which we are so near. It is "The Nativity." It commences with a comprehensive survey of the circumstances preceding and attending the birth of Our Lord, His baptism, fasting, and temptation, and goes down to the time of the first Passover at Jerusalem. Mr. Williams was deeply versed in patristic lore, and in these volumes has given us less his own opinions than the result of his readings. The opinions of Sts. Augustine, Chrysostom, Theophylact, Jerome, and others are here, as it were, amalgamated or fused, and then moulded by the author or compiler into a form such as the English Church recognises. There is about these comments a spice of mysticism, but it is such a kind of mysticism as the author of "The Christian Year" considered the truest and best kind of Scripture criticism. The other volumes are "Our Lord's Ministry, Second Year," bringing the narrative down to the sending forth of the Twelve; "Our Lord's Ministry, Third Year," principally occupied with an account of Our Lord's teaching and a commentary upon his blessed words; the sixth volume is an account of the doings of Holy Week up to the time of the Last Supper; the seventh is entirely devoted to Our Lord's Passion; and the eighth to the Resurrection and the doings of the great Forty Days. Sermons Bearing on Subjects of the Day. By John Henry Newman, B.D. (Rivingtons.)-No more acceptable present could be made to a young clergyman, or to one about to enter holy orders, than a set of Dr. Newman's sermons as reprinted under the superintendence of his friend, Mr. Copeland. They are republished from the editions printed before the author's lamented secession to the Church of Rome, and are consequently free from objection with respect to their teaching: they are Catholic, but Anglican-" Churchy," but at the same time thoroughly practical; they do not let the hearer or reader suppose that they are not addressed to him. They pre-eminently do what all sermons should do: they set him a-thinking. The first sermon in this volume was preached as long ago as the year 1824, when the author commenced his ministry, being then, we believe, what is called an "Evangelical"-a character which, notwithstanding his later changes, he has always retained to a greater or less degree. With the alteration of a few words, some of these sermons would suit an Evangelical pulpit of the present day. All are characterized by great earnest ness. THE NEW THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY.-The first part of Mr. Blunt's Dictionary of Doctrinal and Historical Theology, by Various Writers (Rivingtons) has come to hand too late to allow of more than a mere repetition of the publishers' notice. They say :-"This is the first portion of the Summary of Theology and Ecclesiastical History' which Messrs. Rivington propose to publish in eight volumes as a 'Thesaurus Theologicus' for the clergy and reading laity of the Church of England. It consists of original articles on all the important doctrines of theology, and on other questions necessary for their further illustration, the articles being carefully written with a view to modern thought, as well as a respect for ancient authority. The dictionary will be completed in two parts." Such a work as this has long been a desideratum in the Church of England, which has up to this time been content with such a wellintentioned, but utterly unsatisfactory, work as that of Dr. Hook. By The Rocky Island and other Similitudes. Samuel Wilberforce, D.D. (Seeley, Jackson, and Halliday.)--The Bishop of Oxford's "Similitudes," a series of eight stories for children, are here produced in a new and handsome form with appropriate illustrations. Like its predecessor, "Aga. thos," it is intended for Sunday reading in families; and certainly we have seen nothing which strikes us as so thoroughly well fitted for its purpose. From its opening paragraph-" I saw in my dream a rough rocky island rising straight out of the midst of a roaring sea"-to its last, "Prayer should make us more humbly remember our sins and unworthiness, and strive to show forth our thankfulness not with our lips only, but in our lives"-there is no sentence without its lesson; no page without its words of hopefulness and kindly warning; no section without a deeper meaning than at first appears. Those who read this book with thoughtful care will see that the religion it advocates is not harsh, gloomy, or threatening, but a warm, kindly, hopeful system, calculated to attract the careless and strengthen the faithful, as is taught by the father in answer to the childGod's word is the book of light; conscience enlightened by God is the little lamp of each; the oil in the golden vial is the help and teaching of God's grace; and the staff is the help and assistance of the Church." 66 Herbert Tresham: A Tale of the Great Rebellion. By the Rev. J. M. Neale, D.D.-About thirty years ago, soon after the commencement of the great revival in the Church of England, some young enthusiastic men conceived the idea that one of the best means of conveying their ideas to the minds of the rising generation would be by tales connected with Church History. One of the most talented of these writers was Dr. Neale, author of "Herbert Tresham," the first of the series. The time selected is that of Charles I., which monarch, and his friends and advisers, are all considered to be little short of saints, professors, and martyrs, while the Roundheads are just the reverse, and although successful for a time, eventually reaped the just reward of their misdeeds. volume has been long out of print, and is apparently reprinted for the purpose of putting forth a short In Memoriam of the learned author. The |