acteristics of the primitive New England Puritans, are well delineated. The volumes are brought out by the publishers in an attractive and sub. stantial style.

Lectures on the History of the Jewish Church. Part II. From Samuel to the Captivity. By ARTHUR PENRHYN STANLEY, D. D., Dean of Westminster. New York: Scribner and Co. 1866. pp. 656. This continuation of Dean Stanley's Lectures on the history of the old dispensation, is fully equal in the absorbing interest of the narrative to the previous volume. The mode of treatment is not that of a dry record of historic events, but rather an animated picture of historic scenes and of the actors in them. And Israel under its Kings is a worthy subject for a great historic artist. In all that concerns the external characteristics of the scenes, Dr. Stanley is entirely at home. The human motives and aspects of the events are brought out in bold and full relief. The divine element is not made as prominent as it is in the Biblical narrative. The divine interposition is not denied: miracles are allowed: but still the supernatural element is kept in the back-ground.

The critical student of this History will often find himself at a loss, as to the precise opinion entertained by the author, on many of the most difficult and debated points. He wavers as to the authority to be ascribed to the sacred text. It has manifestly with him about the same position with the annals and traditions of other nations, and not a special value as an inspired record. Dean Stanley makes as free use, for example, of the Septuagint where it differs from the Hebrew, as of the Hebrew original itself, and he is content with vague views where criticism demands greater definiteness. As a critical work his history cannot be compared with Ewald. But it is a picturesque and even brilliant narrative of the course of events in a form adapted to a deep popular impression.

History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth. By JAMES ANTHONY FROUDE, M. A. Vols. V. VI. New York: Scribner & Co. 1866. These two volumes continue Mr. Froude's noble history from 1547 to 1559, from the death of Henry VIII. to the death of Mary. They exhibit in a striking way the same characteristics which we have noticed in giving an account of the previous volume; the same fullnes of facts; a like impartiality in construing the facts; the same easy and continuous flow of the narrative. Mr. Froude's work is in almost every point of view a real addition to the history of England, in the most important period of that history-in its transition to those institutions which have made Great Britain so truly great and powerful. We intend to recur to these and the other volumes, giving a fuller account and estimate of them, when the reprint of the work shall be completed. Mr. Scribner deserves all encouragement in bringing such a beautiful edition within the reach of American scholars.

Life of Benjamin Silliman, M. D., LL. D., late Professor of Chemistry, Geology and Mineralogy in Yale College, Founder and Editor of the American Journal of Science and Arts, etc. By GEORGE P. FISHER, Professor in Yale College. 2 vols., crown 8vo. With fine Portrait and other illustrations. New York: C. Scribner & Co. 1866. This is the biography of no ordinary man and is full of interest and instruction. It is especially valuable as containing a full history of his labors in connection with the College with which his name is identified for more than half a century. Besides this historical narrative the volumes are ex

ceedingly rich in reminiscences of distinguished personages, with whom Professor Silliman had personal intercourse or maintained correspondence. His letters to and especially from his many correspondents, among which were Chancellor Kent, Fenimore Cooper, Carl Ritter, Humboldt, Agassiz, Lyell, Murchison, Herschel, Mantell, and others equally celebrated, form a very remarkable and deeply interesting feature of the work. Prof. Fisher has discharged the delicate task assigned him for the most part with judgment, drawing the materials, and generally the language of the Memoir, from the reminiscences, diaries and correspondence prepared to his hand.

The Women of Methodism: Its Three Foundresses. By ABEL STEVENS, LL. D. New York: Carlton and Porter. 1866. The sketches here given of Susanna Wesley, the Countess of Huntington, and Barbara Heck, with brief notices of their female associates and successors in the early history of the denomination, are exceedingly interesting. Prepared at the request of the "American Methodist Ladies' Association," and denominational of course in its character, the book is still highly instructive to the general reader.

Dr. Stevens, who is thoroughly informed on this subject, briefly traces the influence of the Methodistic movement on the Nonconformity of England, and shows the active and commanding genius of woman in its accomplishment. Wesleyan Methodism was virtually founded by Susanna Wesley, the mother of Charles and Samuel; Calvinistic Methodism, by the Countess of Huntington, in co-operation with Whitefield; while to Barbara Heck belongs the honor of initiating the unparalleled career of American Methodism. The remarkable character of these women has been influential in the world for good to an extraordinary degree.

The Missionary Jubilee; an Account of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the American Baptist Missionary Union, May, 1864. With Commemorative Papers and Discourses. New York: Sheldon and Co. 1865. pp. 500. This is a volume of great value, not only as illustrating what the American Baptists have done for Foreign Missions, but also as showing their ser vices in helping build up a manly Christian literature and educational and benevolent institutions in the country. After a full account of the Jubilee services in Philadelphia, we have an excellent discourse of Dr. Caldwell on the Missionary Resources of the Kingdom of Christ; Dr. Stow, on the Early Missionary History; Biographical Sketches, by Drs. Stow and S. F. Smith; a chapter on the Use of the Press in Missions; Missions in Relation to Denominational Growth, by Rev. K. Brooks; Missions in Relation to Denominational Belief and Polity, by Rev. Dr. S. Bailey; Missions in Relation to Educational Institutions, by Rev. Dr. H. J. Ripley; Development of the Benevolent Principle in the Baptist Denomination, by Dr. Babcock; Literature of American Baptists, by Rev. Dr. Wm. Crowell-a full and convenient summary, not elsewhere to be found; and other papers. The whole number of missionaries appointed has been 192, and 194 female assistants; of these 102 are deceased. In the Asiatic Missions, 200,382,898 pages of works in different languages have been printed, besides three millions in the Indian Missions. The contributions of the American Baptists for evangelizing purposes for the last fifty years amount to $15,579,220, of which about three millions stand to the account of Foreign Missions. Such an exhibit of faithful Christian work gives high promise for the future. This numerous and powerful body of Christians has a great work before it in this and in other lands.

Temperance Recollections, Labors, Defeats, Triumphs. An Autobiography. By JOHN MARSH, D. D., Secretary of the American Temperance Union. New York: Scribner. 1866. This work of Dr. Marsh is the best and most authentic history of the Temperance Reform in this country that has been published. It is written in a candid and truth-loving spirit. The author is a veteran in the service, and is thoroughly acquainted with his subject. The volume deserves to have a wide circulation. The friends of the cause could not do it a better service than to aid in promoting it. The Presbyterian Historical Almanac, and Annual Remembrancer of the Church for 1865. By JOSEPH M. WILSON. Vol. VII. Philadelphia: Joseph M. Wilson. 8vo. pp. 407. The character of this "Almanac by this time so well known as not to need a description. It is an invaluable compendium of statistics of the whole Presbyterian family, and every pastor, church session, and intelligent Presbyterian ought to possess a copy of it. Mr. Wilson shows a degree of enterprise and industry in the preparation and publishing of this work, which certainly deserves not only commendation but pecuniary remuneration; and this can only be secured by securing a goodly circulation for his annual volume.

PRACTICAL RELIGION.

is

The Appletons publish another excellent work by Dr. EDWARD M. GOULDBURN, entitled The Idle Word, (pp. 208,) made up of short essays, originally in the form of sermons, on the gift of speech, and its employment in conversation. Among the topics considered are, the connection of speech with reason, the heavenly analogy of this connection, the definition and characteristics of "idle words," and hints for the guidance of conversation. The tone of the book is thoughtful and devout, and the practical directions are equally free from vagueness and exaggeration.

The Christian's Daily Treasury. By EBENEZER TEMPLE. Boston: Gould and Lincoln. 1866. pp. 432. The call for a second edition of this work is good evidence of the estimation in which it is held. It is made up of texts with brief and pertinent comments for each day of the year. Its use cannot fail to be of great benefit. The sentiments are evangelical. Battle Echoes; or, Lessons from the War. By GEORGE B. IDE, D. D. Boston: same publishers. 1866. pp. 325. The religious aspects of our late war are brought out in this volume in a series of eloquent and forcible meditations and addresses. A patriotic and Christian spirit pervades and gives tone to the work. These religious lessons of the war we are but just beginning to learn, and they cannot be too impressively

set forth.

The Young Lady of Pleasure. American Tract Society: New York. pp. 316. In a series of plain and familiar letters, the evils of a life devoted to the love of pleasure are forcibly depicted; the means are also indicated by which the vicious tendencies of our present social life, especially in the case of young ladies, may be guarded against and overChristian mothers, and fathers, too, should ponder these wise suggestions. The evil aimed against is rapidly growing.

come.

A Hand-Book of Scripture. Harmony. New York: A. D. F. Randolph. 1865. pp. 94. This is a convenient and useful manual, containing directions for reading the whole Bible in chronological order. The arrangement of the Old Testament is taken from Dr. Townsend's well known

work; the Harmony of the Gospels is from Dr. Robinson; and the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's Epistles are arranged on the authority of Dean Alford. The whole Bible, too, is divided into subjects.

Hymns for the Sick Room. New York: Randolph. 1866. pp. 130. The selections of hymns in this volume are very appropriate for all the exigencies of the sick room. It is a collection of hymns, and not of poems, and it will be found a source of comfort and strength to all who are in sorrow. Texts of Scripture, meditations and prayers are interspersed. Like all of Mr. Randolph's works, this is issued in an attractive style. The American Sunday School Union has published two excellent works, brought out in good style: Children's Party; a Day at Uplands-a series of short tales and poems for children; and Isa Graeme's World, pp. 360, founded on fact. The latter story is exceedingly well told, and breathes throughout a healthful and elevated religious spirit. Such books cannot fail of doing good to a large circle of readers.

The Presbyterian Publication Committee have added some valuable works to their growing list, among which we note the Social Hymn Book, being identical with "The Social Hymn and Tune Book," which has become deservedly popular, (the tunes omitted) to adapt it to the lecture-room, prayer meeting and family. Dutch Tiles, or Loving Words about the Saviour. By EMMA S. BABURK. What to do. By E. L. LLEWELLYN. Niff and his Dogs. And Black Steve, or the Strange Warning. By MARTHA FARQUHARSON. The latter a strange and harrowing story of crime and hypocrisy; the others interesting Sunday-school Books. "What to do" will especially interest the young folks.

Sure Words of Promise; the Soul-Gatherer; The Cross of Jesus; by Rev. DANIEL THOMPSON; and Plain Words, by CHARLES JOHN VAUGHAN, D. D. These four neat and tasty volumes (Carlton and Porter) are all on subjects of deep and general interest. Practical in cast, thoroughly evangelical in spirit, earnest and often vigorous in expression, they are books which the Christian may feed upon, and which all classes may read with profit. They are printed on tinted paper, uniform in size and binding, and would be a valuable addition to any Sunday-school library.

Six Months among the Charities of Europe. By JOHN De Liefde. 2 vols. Alexander Strahan: London and New York. 1865. This celebrated English house has established a branch in this city, which brings its nomerous publications directly to the notice and within the reach of the American public. The present work is an unpretending yet deeply interesting account of the rise, progress, and glorious results of the leading institutions of Germany, which are engaged in the work of Home Missions. The author spent six months in personally inspecting and acquainting himself with the history of twenty-six of these, and in refer ence to fifteen of them he gives us the benefit of his labors. He writes not in the spirit of criticism, but in full sympathy with the agencies and actors of whom he writes. The Institutions described are: The Dea coness House, at Kaiserwerth; Father Zeller's School, at Beuggen; The Deacon House, at Duisburg; The Asylum for Discharged Prisoners and Neglected Men, at Lintorf; The Establishment for Indigent Children, at Newhof; The Asylum for Poor Children, at Disselthat, and at Neukir chen; The Orphan House, at Lahr-Dinglingen; Pastor Heldring and his Establishments, near Hemmen; Agricultural Colony, at Rijssett; The Blind School, at Ilizarh; The Agricultural Colon, at Sainte Foy; Esta blishment of M. Bost, at Laforce; and The Deaconess Institution, in

Paris. The history of some of these, as here simply related, brings out the power of faith and prayer, and the efficiency of individual effort when nobly directed, in a most wonderful manner. This Inner Mission work has been of inestimable worth to the States of Germany during the last fifty years, the first great necessity for which was made painfully manifest by the wars of Napoleon, filling the land with widows and orphan children: it has done much to counteract the spirit of Rationalism and to revive the Evangelical faith and life there.

GENERAL LITERATURE.

Social Life of the Chinese. By REV. JUSTUS DOOLITTLE. With one hundred and fifty.engravings. 2 vols. New York: Harper and Brothers. 1866. The author of this valuable work on China spent fourteen years, as a missionary, at Fuhchau, in the service of the American Board. He has therefore enjoyed the best of opportunities to acquaint himself with the inner life of this peculiar people; and we hesitate not to say that since the appearance of Williams' Middle Kingdom," no work on China equals this in the amount of exact and reliable information which it gives as to the customs, opinions, social life, and religious belief and practices of this singular people. A large part of the contents of these volumes originally appeared, in 1861-4, in the Chinal Mail, a newspaper published at Hong Kong. On his return to this country, Mr. D. was strongly urged by many of the most intelligent residents of China (English and American) to republish them in this country. The only regret is that the author could not have found the time to subject them to a more thorough and careful revision, and a systematic arrangement, which would have greatly added to the interest and value of the mass of facts which are here gathered up. But even in its present state, the work is a highly important contribution to a better understanding of that ancient, anomalous and little understood nation. The numerous illustrations, chiefly derived from photographic views, and from pen and ink sketches drawn by Chinese artists, are not the least novel and interesting feature of the work.

Thirty Years of Army Life on the Border. By CoL. R. B. MARCY. New York: Harpers. 1866. pp. 452. This volume is handsomely got up, and fully illustrated, and contains vigorous and attractive accounts of Indian life upon the western plains; a trip across the Rocky Mountains in winter; descriptions of rare plants and animals; striking incidents from the lives of officers and army men and frontier men. interesting volume.

It is a very

Shakspeare's Delineations of Insanity, Imbecility and Suicide. By A. O. KELLOGG, M. D. New York: Hurd and Houghton. 1866. pp. 204. Dr. Kellogg's experience as physician in the State Lunatic Asylum, Utica, N. Y., is turned to good account in this valuable criticism of Shakspeare. It illustrates by ample citations the great dramatist's acquaintance with the abnormal mental states; and shows that treatment of these diseases which is confirmed by modern science.

Esperance. By META LANDER. New York: Sheldon & Co. 1866. pp. 336. The author of this novel is favorably known by her previous works, "Marion Graham," etc. The aim of Esperance is to show how a true religious faith can be maintained under the most trying temptations, and to illustrate its influence over even the most abandoned. The author shows, especially in the more simple scenes and characters, de