the ultimate solution and fulfillment of any part of the ambiguous symbolism of the Book in those tragic events which, while the present pages are passing through the press, have been convulsing the nations." "He undertakes to expound or defend formally and systematically no one of the varied prophetic theories, be they 'historical,' 'preterist' or 'futurist,' which divide apocalyptic expositors." Yet he finds, in the descriptions and testimonies furnished by the Revelator's visions, enough less debatable materials for edifying thought and for encouragement to all believers. "The great words and visions" selected are "mainly from the opening and closing chapters." Without being in the form of a commentary, the work shows careful study of the language, with the use of approved recent helps. The style is animated, and the method fitted to arrest attention and leave salutary impressions.-We notice on p. 44 the phrase, " In their midst," which (as also "our midst ") has been complained of as an Americanism. Worcester gives it as of recent introduction," but cites Ec. Rev. and J. Montgomery for authorities.

THE SEALS OPENED.*-The author takes the ground that the Apocalypse was written by John the Apostle, near the end of his life and after the overthrow of Jerusalem. His summary of the arguments in support of these positions is brief, but clear and forcible. He adopts the general plan of interpretation which has been more commonly received by evangelical commentators, following Newman and Newton; but does not attempt to determine the events foretold so minutely as some of his predecessors. He supposes the opening of the seven seals to foretell the progress of Christianity and the persecutions attending it to the time of Constantine; the seventh seal, however, indicates in brief all that the trumpets more fully disclose, and declares the final triumph of the Church. The trumpets foretell the overthrow of the Eastern and Western Empire, the rise and conquests of the Mohammedan power, and the corruption of the Church under the Papacy. The two witnesses, prophesying in sackcloth, are the faithful in the dark ages; their death is the seeming triumph of the Romish Church in suppressing their testimony; their resurrection is the Protestant Reformation. In respect to the three days (years)

*The Seals Opened; or, the Apocalypse explained. By ENOCH POND, D.D., Professor in the Theological Seminary, Bangor. Portland: Hoyt, Fogg, and Breed. 1871. 16mo, pp. 240, with a portrait of the author.

and a half during which they lay unburied, the author says that in 1513, at the 9th Session of the Council of the Lateran, and three years and a half before Luther commenced his attack on indulgences, a remarkable proclamation was made, that all opposition to the papal rule had ceased. The trumpets, like the seals, extend to the Millennial triumph of the Church. They are supplemented by the seven vials, and some other symbols, referring more particularly to the later events preceding that triumph; such are the development of that type of thought and action of which the French Revolution is an exponent, the decadence of the Turkish and Mohammedan power, and the overthrow of the Papacy. In the closing chapters the Millennial prosperity of the Church is foretold.

The vision of the mighty angel, in the tenth chapter, is regarded as an episode. His proclamation, "that there should be time no longer," is translated "that the time shall not be yet." This is designed to correct the error, which has from time to time appeared, that Christ's coming was to be premillennial and in connection with the wants set forth in those visions.

We do not open a new volume on the Apocalypse with sanguine expectations. Those who have studied previous commentaries on this difficult part of the Bible will probably not find in this volume much new light on the difficulties which they have already encountered. But all who wish for a clear and concise presentation of the interpretation more commonly given by devout evangelical commentators, will find this little volume admirably adapted to their wants. It is not intended to be a critical commentary; it is not encumbered with learned discussions. It is a straightfor ward exposition of the author's views of the meaning of the book and of his reasons for them; is written in a perspicuous style, easy and agreeable to read; and is pervaded by a devout and reverential spirit, as would be expected from its venerable author.

It is published simultaneously in this country and in Great Britain.

MEDIATION,* by an anonymous author, is a single chapter from an unfinished work, to be entitled "Thoughts on the Mediator; or the relation of Christ to the World." When complete it will be preceded by an Introductory chapter, and followed by another

* Mediation. The Function of Thought. Andover: Warren F. Draper. 1871.

on the Divine Being, and still another on the Occasion for Mediation. This chapter is published tentatively to ascertain whether the course of thought in the volume will meet the wants of others sufficiently to make it worth while to complete the discussion.

We have looked through the volume with, some care, and have been struck by the marks of originality and freshness which it exhibits. Though the work is small in compass, it contains the results of careful reading and discriminating thought upon a great variety of the most important topics. Upon the æsthetic and emotional side there are some striking criticisms, and not a few passages which are rarely felicitous in imagery and diction. We do not always follow the author in the points which he makes nor do we always accept his distinctions, but we never lose our respect for his candor, his comprehensiveness, and his freshness. We trust he may be induced to complete the treatises.

PRESIDENT WOOLSEY'S SERMONS.*-Among all our readers there can be no need of any other recommendation than the name of the recent President of Yale College, for these two discourses preached by him in the Chapel, in connection with his retiring from the post he has so long honored. It is enough to say that in thought and style they are characteristic of the writer, and are issued in a becoming form.

ARNOT'S "PARABLES of our LORD."-As the Scriptures generally have never been so industriously explored and unfolded as now, for the benefit of common readers, so the Parables come in for their share of devout and critical attention. And this volume may be safely commended as one of the most valuable in this department. Mr. Arnot is a prominent Presbyterian clergyman in Scotland, already well-known in some quarters by other useful works. He writes for the Christian community at large, yet from the resources of study and experience. If he has not all the grace of style with which Trench has treated the same subject, and does not introduce as much patristic and other lore, yet as an expositor he is not less studious, judicious, and reverent, and will be the

* Serving our Generation, and God's Guidance in Youth. Two Sermons preached in the College Chapel, Yale College, by PRESIDENT WOOLSEY. New Haven, Conn.: Charles C. Chatfield & Co. 1871. 12mo, pp. 51. + Parables of our Lord. Carter & Brothers.

1872.

By the Rev. WILLIAM ARNOT. New York: Robert 12mo, pp. 500.

more acceptable, except to the devotees of ecclesiasticism, for not making so much account of the churchly element. The first sixteen pages are occupied with an introduction discussing the nature of analogy, of parables as a mode of instruction, of the Lord's parables, and of the requisites for their interpretation. The work is a solid addition to evangelical literature in this department.

THE MISSION OF THE SPIRIT.*-We have no previous knowledge of the author of this work, and can only conjecture which "branch" of the Church he belongs to from the date of the preface at “St. Paul's Parsonage, Elizabeth, N. J." This circumstance led us to look for, but without finding, indications of "exclusive churchmanship" in the treatment of a subject so eminently spiritual. It is an earnest presentation of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, as not having had its proper place, and now especially needed in Christian literature. The Personality and Godhead of the Spirit being the subject of the first chapter, others follow on his relation to Christ's work and to the Scriptures, and his offices to mankind, especially to believers. Without claiming originality or subtlety of thought, the views held are fervent, and in the main scriptural. He ardently maintains the Wesleyan doctrine of "the witness of the Spirit," as giving assurance of "present" thought not of "eternal salvation" (p. 135). The great hope of the Church respects, in his view, a more abundant effusion of the Spirit, rather than, as an increasing number think, Christ's personal coming. "We are living," he says, "in the very midst of its culminating glories." "The rushing fires of another Pentecost are coming upon the Church now, as they have not during the centuries preceding the one in which we live" (Preface). Therein he is certainly more sanguine for the times than most of us. The style is here and there florid or declamatory to a degree more allowable for the utterance of the pulpit than for the printed page;-as in the opening of the fourth sentence in the Preface,-" Or ever his triumphal chariot, &c.," and on p. 260, "the trumpet-blast-rever berated from the chalky cliffs of Britain's isles," &c. To use the verb "substitute" as alone equivalent to the whole phrase "supply the place of," as on p. 264, is unauthorized. We agree with the author that the subject demands now renewed attention. The

*The Mission of the Spirit; or the Office and Work of the Comforter in Human Redemption. By Rev. L. R. DUNN. New York: Carlton and Lanahan. 187112mo, pp. 303.

spirit of his book is excellent, especially for its animation and hopefulness. It is enriched also by the Latin copy of the eleventh century Hymn, "Veni Sancte Spiritus," with Dr. Coles' translation, at the beginning, and the "Veni Creator Spiritus," with a translation from the same hand, at the end. The mechanical execution of the volume is attractive.

GOD'S RESCUES. *--We have heard that some years ago a prominent clergyman of New York, on being asked whom he would rank first among his brethren of that city, of all denominations, answered, that for one good quality he might single out one, and for another quality another, and so on, giving several names, but for the happiest combination of all the virtues, gifts, and attainments wanted in a Christian minister, he should not hesitate to put William R. Williams at the head. Be this as it may, his name will recommend all that comes from his pen, and this little volume is characteristic of his mind and heart. It is made up of thoughtful and practical meditations on the three parables named, bearing throughout the marks of his scholarly culture, careful discrimination, and devout spirit. The style, as in all that we have seen of his writings, is remarkable for delicacy of delineation and affluence of diction. In the first of the three discourses, and in a concluding note, the parables are distinguished as referring to the different persons of the Trinity; that of the Lost Sheep setting forth the work of the Son, of the Coin that of the Spirit, and of the Prodigal that of the Father. A similar view is named, though not made so prominent, by Trench on the second Parable, in connection with the interpretation which supposes the woman searching for the coin to represent the Church. We might hesitate to admit this distinction as answering to the Trinity, or to make it of so much account. In connection with the rhetorical merit conceded to Dr. Williams, we might speak of a certain scholarly, not to say scholastic, quality of his style as sometimes impairing the best popular effect. The mechanical appearance of the volume comports with the sacredness of the theme and the beauty of the contents, fitting it for a gift of Christian friendship.

God's Rescues: or, the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son. Three Discourses on Luke XV. By WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS. New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Co. 1871. 12mo, pp. 95.