The work recently published by Macmillan, on "The Authorship and Character of the Fourth Gospel," by W. Sanday, Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford, is said to be "a most elaborate critical inquiry into the internal evidence as to the date, authority and authenticity" of this Gospel.

Philosophical Works: Wm. Graham, "Idealism: an essay, Metaphysical and Critical;" A new edition of Hume's "Philosophical Works" in 4 vols. edited with a dissertation and notes by T. H. Green, and T. H. Grose, of Balliol College, Oxford; Buckle's "Miscellaneous and Posthumous Works," edited by Helen Taylor, 3 vols., comprising chiefly the collections for his history, voluminous and unmethodical; Dean Mansel, "Lectures, Letters, and Papers;" Huxley, “Critiques and Addresses; " J. J. Murphy, "The Scientific Basis of Faith; Rev. T. A. Picton, "The Mystery of Matter;" J. E. Cairnes, Prof. in Univ., London, “Essays on Political Economy; " W. T. Thornton, " Old-fashioned Ethics and Common Sense Metaphysics;" J. H. Stirling, "Lectures on the Philosophy of Law;" with criticisms of Hegel, Whewell, etc., these lectures are also in the course of publication in the St. Louis "Journal of Speculative Philosophy."

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The British and Foreign Evangelical Review for January is of unusual interest and value. It opens with the concluding portion of a very learned and exhaustive article on the Dogma of the Triduum; or Christ's Three Days' Presence among the Departed, by the Rev. S. D. F. Salmond, with especial reference to that hardest problem for exegetes, the proper interpretation of 1 Peter iii. 19, or what is meant by Christ's "preaching to the spirits in prison.” He comes to the conclusion that evangelizing work was not performed by Christ in Hades, but that the context and the harmony of Scripture all indicate that it means Christ's preaching by Noah and other patriarchs, as well as by the strivings of his Spirit to the antediluvians. similar view is ably maintained by Prof. Bartlett, of Chicago, in the Oct. No. of the New Englander. This is followed by a judicious paper on the Intrepretation of Paul's Epistles, by Dr. Gloag. It is very much a development of the pregnant say. ing of Lord Bacon, "that the Scriptures being written to the thoughts of men, and to the succession of all ages, are not to be interpreted only according to the latitude of the proper sense of the place, and respectively towards the present occasion whereon the words were uttered; but have infinite springs and streams of doctrine to water the church on every part; so that I much condemn the interpretation of Scripture which is only after the manner as men use to interpret a profane book."

The article which appears to us of greatest present moment is that on the "Proper Limits of Creeds," by Prof. Blaikie. The subject is discussed with judicial candor and comprehension, but with decided force and vivacity. Holding the balance evenly and firmly between anti-creed men of all sorts, and those who would impose all the ipsissima verba of extended and minute confessions as a sine qua non of office-bearing in the church, he brings the discussion to bear upon the difficult subject of requiring assent to all and singular the articles and phrases of the Westminister Confessions and Catechisms, which is now somewhat agitated in Great Britain, and is likely to be more so. Such acceptance of the "whole doctrine" of the Confession of Faith, is what the church of Scotland now requires of her ministers. Prof. Blaikie presents cogent reasons for some relaxation of this, and after discussing different methods proposed for such relief, concludes in favor of that adopted by the Presbyterian church in this country; in which the candidate is required to "accept the Confession of Faith as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures." We believe this the true and adequate solution of the problem. We also quite agree with Prof. Blaikie that, whatever its creed, no church will maintain any higher or purer doctrine, than the Holy Spirit enables its members to see and live. He is the great conservator of truth.

In other articles, the materialistic philosophy of Bain is vigorously refuted; the character and opinions of Thomas Erskine are analyzed, and the secret of their temporary power and the ultimate decline of his influence pointed out by Prof. Candlish. Erskine's writings were much read and felt in this country, a generation ago. Then follows a very interesting and thorough article on Dr. John Duncan of Edinburg, one of the most learned and extraordinary men of his day. The last is a brief paper on the Deluge and Archæology, and pleads the latter in behalf of the local limitation of the former. The critical notices are extended and discriminating.

THE PARISH MUTUAL ASSOCIATION.

(INCORPORATED IN 1870.

OFFICE, 38 JOHN STREET, NEW YORK.

A FEW GENERAL FACTS.

1. There are in the United States, at present, about 65,000 clergymen belonging to the various denominations of the Protestant Church.

2. Their average annual salaries are from $600 to $650 only.

(a.) The Presbyterian Church average being about $650, or, for three-fourths of its Parishes, exclusive of the wealthier ones, only about $600.

(b.) The Protestant Episcopal Church average is at least $50 lower, and, leaving out of account the large salaries, not more than $500 to $550.

(c.) The Baptist Church average is about the same as the Protestant Episcopal Church.

(d.) The Lutheran and German Reformed Churches average lower still. (e.) The Reformed (Dutch) and Congregational about the same as the Presbyterian.

(f.) The Methodist average is about $700, and the largest of all.

3. Our statistics show that but about one in nine of these clergymen have made provision by Life Insurance for their families, and that, including Clergymen's Leagues, our own Parish Mutual, and other organizations for affording similar relief or protection, only about one clergyman's family in eight, all told, is so cared for; also, that of clergymen attempting, by Life Insurance, such provision for their families, but about half succeed; fifty per cent. at least of the policies taken out upon the lives of our ministers lapsing, from failure to pay premiums. These are facts in regard to a service, the most vital of any to the real prosperity of our country, and the highest interests of our people. With such striking and painful proofs of the insufficiency and uncertainty of the salaries paid our clergymen, of the absolute want of provision for the future of their families to which the most of them are condemned, and of the struggles, too often ineffectual, at the cost of which such provision is made by the few who do make it—who can wonder that the number, and average quality, of the recruits to the ranks of our religious teachers have declined as they have of late years. When it is also considered, that marriage is almost obligatory upon our ministers, as a condition of unembarrassed usefulness, the hardships of their calling, as contrasted with that of men of family in other employments, is still more painfully emphasized.

It is to redress this wrong, by inciting the Church to the performance of a plain duty, which would do more to increase pastoral efficiency by putting heart and hope into our ministers, and more to invite to their ranks young men of promise than anything else that can be done-that this Society has been organized upon a purely benevolent and disinterested basis, and so far maintained by the contributions of those who originated it.

PRINCIPLES ASSERTED AND ADOPTED.

1. The radical idea of this Society is Provision—a general provision in advance of the need—not specific "relief," in exceptional cases. 2. We urge this provision on the eternal basis of right and obligation—not as a "charity"-and

we solemnly protest against the false sentiment and practice prevalent that the ministers of God's Religion are a "mendicant caste," to be regarded and treated by the Church they serve as the State deals with her pauper class. 3. We lav the duty and cost of such a provision on the Brotherhood, where they obviously belong,-not impose it upon the class of men who are already taxed and bur dened more than any other. 4. We aim to put this provision on a business basis— to make it a permanent attendant on pastoral settlement-and thereby take out of the sphere of church collections and secure for it the same attention and place which are now given to the matter of current salary.

METHODS.

As to the Plans or Methods for giving practical effect to these principles, we present two general ones, with variety of details, both of which have their advan tages; they supplement each other; and, combined into a system under a chartered organization embracing gentlemen eminent for business experience, mora! worth, and pecuniary ability, they present the most feasible and hopeful scheme for ministerial relief and provision, which at present claims the attention and recognition of the Church.

I. One method is that of ordinary Life Insurance, in the forms best adapted to the circumstances of clergymen. It is a remarkable fact that this mode was originally adopted, both in the mother country and in our own, for this specific work. The chartered corporations in the Presbyterian and in the Episcopal church have existed over a century. It is no new thing, therefore, but old and proved; and in late years it has received the practical endorsement of the business and financial world in an eminent degree.

All the advantages and facilities which inhere in this benignant system have been secured by this Society in behalf of this object. It has utilized its best results, and made them available to our ministers at a material reduction from the ordinary cost, and with no inconvenience or expense to them in the way of

agency.

The Society has already done important service in this field, and bids fair to be the medium of relief to thousands of our ministers. It has gained the confidence of the best companies. It is their accredited agent for the entire Union. The leading officers of these institutions are in full sympathy with our work, and the rates conceded are more favorable than those of the corporations referred to, although they were put on a "benevolent foundation."

THE PARISH MUTUAL ASSOCIATION.

2. The second method is the association of churches on the principle of mutual protection, for the benefit of their respective pastors.

The end sought by this plan is to free Life Insurance for the clergy from the heavy tax imposed for "commissions," salaries and other expenses, to provide for all clergymen in active service, whether insurable under a rigid medical examination or not; to give them the benefit of their superior longevity, which they do not get in our insurance companies; and to present a simple and flexible plan that will readily adjust itself to the varied and changing conditions of ministerial life. This end, we think, is fully secured in the Plan here proposed.

The Plan is to associate 500 ministers, or churches in behalf of their pastors, (both are eligible) in a class. Each one pays $10 at the time of joining the Asso

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ciation. Nothing more is paid until the death of a member occurs, when each surviving member is assessed $10, which is collected by the Society and paid over to the family of the deceased. This simple arrangement secures to the family of each member the sum of $5,000 at his death.

Devised at first to meet a large class who could not be provided for by the usual method of life insurance, and also to reduce the cost to the lowest possible rate, it has steadily grown in the estimation of the public and bids fair, in time, to become highly popular and the method most approved of by the clergy and by the churches in the prosecution of this work. The plan is so simple as to be easily comprehended by persons of ordinary intelligence. It frees insurance from the severe tax which the insurance system lays upon it to meet commissions and other expenses. It puts the clergy in a separate class, so that they get the full advantage of their superior longevity. It requires no fund to start with. No advance payment is made, and hence no "forfeitures," on this principle are possible. Each year pays its own death-rate and nothing more. While on a sound financial basis, it is likewise eminently fraternal and Christian in all its aspects. It fulfils the Scripture injunction, "Bear ye one another's burdens." Each member of it has the satisfaction of knowing that every dollar he is called upon to pay goes direct to the widow and orphans of a deceased brother member; not a cent is added or subtracted for salaries, commissions, rent, or expenses of any kind; and that, in turn, as much will be done by his associates for those he loves and leaves behind him.

It is not possible to devise a method that will bring down the cost below this point. The Executive Committee, as the result of careful study and some experience, are increasingly confident that their "Parish" plan furnishes the simplest, best and most economical means of meeting a great and most urgent want of the times, that has hitherto been devised, and that its merits need only to be known and understood by our clergy and laity, to secure for it a cordial recognition and general adoption in the Church.

PROBABLE COST OF MEMBERSHIP.

It is believed-and the estimate is made on the basis of extended investigationthat the cost per year in a full class will not exceed $50, or $60. It will vary, of course, according to the mortality of each year; but the average for any number of years will probably not be above these figures.

Thus far the cost has been but a trifle to each member. A half membership will cost only half of this sum.

A GOOD BEGINNING MADE.

The "Parish Mutual Association" has carefully prepared twelve permanent Documents bearing on the subject, embodying the results of patient and thorough study and investigation, and discussing the underlying principles, and the best methods of accomplishing the end in view.

Of these documents it has put into circulation, in 'all, nearly 150,000 copies. It has secured valuable concessions from the best class of our Insurance Companies, in behalf of the clergy of the United States.

It has devised a simple, comprehensive and efficient Plan of its own, by which the cost of Life Insurance is reduced to clergymen to about half the rate in the ordinary way, saving the large item of "expenses," and securing to them the great advantages of their superior longevity. It has awakened a new and wide

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spread interest on the subject, enlisted the Press, both secular and religious, in its advocacy, and demonstrated at least the justice and urgency of the claim put forth in the name and in the interest of our clergymen, as well as the feasibility and great economy of the methods proposed by-it for their re lief, as well as the failure or insufficiency of the modes and agencies hitherto relied upon to secure the end sought.

In the way of direct results it has also done something. Nearly 400 of our minis ters have availed themselves (or their parishes for them) of its agency and methods, and made provision for themselves and families in sums varying from $1,000 to $10,000. Considerably more than half have adopted the "Parish plan.

Small as the number is, it is yet three times the present number provided for in connection with the "Presbyterian Annuity Company," which has been in existence since 1759, and has a cash fund of over $100,000. It is more than the total number provided for by the three similar corporations in the Episcopal Church, which are also over a hundred years old, and whose accumulations amount to half a million of dollars. So that this infant Society, without a dollar in the way of a" Fund," with not a solitary collection from the churches, and hitherto with no denominational favor from any quarter, is doing a work in the way of Ministerial Provision equal to them all. We regard this as a decisive, practical argument in favor of its modes of relief. No "Permanent Funds are requisite. They are proved to be of little avail by the experience of the past. Provision for our ministers can be made without them-more readily and generally, we believe, than where they exist. The Church has only to afford the needed facilities, and skilfully devise and apply the best methods, and educate the ministry and the churches as to their duty in the matter, in order to bring about speedily a great and happy change-a change that will tell on the character as well as on the number of those who devote their lives to the Christian ministry.

THE TESTIMONY OF EXPERIENCE.

The First Class under the Parish plan was organized July 1, 1870. But three members in all have died; one only during the last 13 months! The most that any member has paid is $40-$10 as a membership fee, and $10 each for three assessments; nearly half have paid $10 only. The present number of members secures nearly $2,500 to the family of each, in the event of death, with the prospect of its being increased to $5,000, the maximum sum, in a brief time, probably within six months.

This is certainly a remarkable experience. While we cannot expect continued exemption to this extent, yet the plan is an economical one beyond a doubt. And our ministers, therefore, need no longer be distressed by the thought, that if God should remove them by death, their dependent ones must be thrown upon the charity of friends. The moderate sum of $50 or $60 a year, or even the half of this sum, will provide a fund sufficient to shelter and keep them at least from suffering. By dint of exertion and self-denal, a large part of our ministers might do as much as this for their families. And the object surely is worth the attempt. No class is so absolutely dependent on life and health, in a pecuniary sense, as clergymen ; and hence they should exert themselves to the utmost, beginning early, to provide against the day of evil. "The life of a minister should have a pecuniary value to his family, far beyond that of the