berland, but from Norway. In Sweden, large rocks occur which have been borne evidently from the north to the south." "In America," says Dr. Bigsby, "the shores and lake of Mount Huron appear to have been subjected to the action of a violent rush of water. That such a flood did happen is proved, not only by the abraded state of the surface of the northern main land, but by the immense

deposits of sand and rolled masses of rock, which are found in heaps at every level; since these fragments are almost exclusively primitive, and can be in some instances identified with the primitive rocks in situ in their position on the northern shore of the lake."-(Geological Transactions, Vol. I., p. 205.)-Moses right and Colenso wrong.

Anti-Colenso: An Essay towards Biblical Interpretation. A Hand-Book for Thinkers. By JOHANNES LAICUS. London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co. Ir is one indication among many of the ever-watchful providence of God, that the most calamitous events which have happened to His church have been overruled for its welfare and for the promotion of His own glory. This is manifest in the persecutions which His people have endured in ancient and in modern times. The results have illustrated the declaration of the Psalmist, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain."

And so it has happened with the attacks which have been made on the authority of revealed religion. The early attempts of learned heathen and Jewish writers to undermine Christianity, led to the publication of apologies by Justin Martyr, Origen, and Clement of Alexandria, by which it was effectually vindicated and shown to be Divine. In modern times the rash attacks of infidelity have called forth calm and irrefutable vindications of the faith, by Bishop Butler, in his " Analogy of Religion;" by Bishop Watson, in his "Apology for the Bible;" and by other well-known advocates of Christianity. This likewise is the case with the latest attack on the authority of the Bible. The publication of Bishop Colenso's work on the Pentateuch has called forth an amount of intelligent

criticism in condemnation of its general principles, and of specific refutation of its objections, which cannot fail to be gratifying to the friends of the Bible. Nearly all the organs of public opinion, with the exception of those that are infidel, have united with singular zeal to vindicate the common faith. The foundations and evidences of Christianity have thus been fully placed before the public mind, and specific renewed attention has been called to a class of truths we were in danger of forgetting. The discussion has been eminently beneficial in various ways, and especially in teaching Christian people that their faith is built not on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. Among the works which this controversy has called forth, one of the ablest is now before us, entitled, "Anti-Colenso." Dr. Colenso appealed to laymen, and here one of their number has come forth from "the seclusion of his quiet home," and after "working at such intervals as he could find, at the termination of his daily labours in an arduous and fatiguing public office," has given to the world a volume replete with information, logical in its form, and conclusive beyond the common run of theological works, in favour of the authenticity and inspiration of the Pentateuch.

The book is divided into two parts. The first is entitled "Objective,regarding Revelation;" and the second, "Subjective, regarding Inspiration," Under the first head we have ten chapters, and

under the second, seven chapters of careful examination and close "analysis." In these chapters all the objections raised by the Bishop of Natal pass under review, and are subjected to a most thorough and sifting examination. After a valuable introduction, exposing the fallacies of the rationalistic school in general, our author proceeds to discuss the various questions at issue in relation to the numbers of the Israelites, the Exodus, the miracles of the desert, the observance of the Passover, and the war on Midian. Each of these subjects is discussed with fulness and precision, and in such a way as to carry conviction to the candid inquirer after truth. We rose from their perusal with a high degree of satisfaction, which we doubt not will be largely participated by many. Not less valuable is the second part of this interesting volume, which has regard to the inspiration of the Bible; and which examines the authorship of the Pentateuch, in view of the creative record; the Noachic deluge; the names Elohim and Jehovah, as related to the theory of a double authorship of the Pentateuch; and the question of Hebrew servitude. The argument is conducted by ever-ascending steps to a triumphant issue, and few persons, we imagine, will study it to the end without a strong conviction that the five books of Moses are as truly inspired and authoritative as the four Gospels of the New Testament. Our thanks are due to the author for this contribution to Biblical interpretation. The style in which the book is written is easy and flowing, and not devoid of a certain majesty of language and manner, reminding one of some of the celebrated orations of Edward Irving. We heartily commend the production to our readers, and furnish one extract as a specimen of the work. In relation to the Scripture narratives of the creation of man, the author says, pp. 198—200 :—

"We have thus vindicated the unity and integrity of this record, viewed in its external literal structure alone. This unity and integrity might, no doubt, be shown from a deeper ground, were the analogical sense of the narrative opened

up and systematically expounded, but such an undertaking would not consist with our present effort, and we therefore leave the question where it now rests. As the created is one, so the representation is one; but as it has both a Divine and a human side to it, so the representation may now have respect to the one and now to the other of these aspects. Again, the created may be representatively given in a series of perfected acts, and it may subsequently be referred to with the view of introducing a continuing process related to it, as one of growth or development; and this substantially is what is done in the supplementary narrative. It cannot be that in the opening of the Record there is any real disclosure of a double and competing authorship, as is assumed in Dr. Colenso's argument. God himself could alone deliver a Record so transcendent, and as He is light itself, He cannot be the author of confusion. What is needed, then, is not the reconstructive analysis' of the natural reason of man seeing ever as in a glass, darkly; but the deep and reverent intuition of an energizing faith, born from above, which has power to intromit the spirit within the inner shrine of revelation, where all dissonance ceases, and the beauty and majesty of essential truth alone are perceived."

The Swiss Family Robinson; or, the Adventures of a Swiss Pastor and his Family, in a Desert Region of South America. Simpkin and Co.

THIS publication is already well-known and highly prized. It has been most extensively read, and the circle of its influence, we doubt not, is still extending. As a narrative, it is simple, beautiful, and every way attractive. It is a book for the young; and by the young it will be highly prized. From beginning to end, it sparkles with points, appealing at once to the understanding and the affections, alternately playful and pathetic, and fraught with the happiest influences. If it does not teach religion directly, it will not indispose for it. Its tendency is not to debase, but to elevate the mind, and to awaken intellectual inquiry. Poems. By B. H. FARQUHAR. Author of "The Pearl of Days." F. Pitman.

THIS Volume is dedicated to a queen of her sex, Mary Howitt. That single fact would lead to the inference that it is at once pure in sentiment, and benevolent in spirit, for Mary Howitt would accept nothing destitute of these attributes. Not a few of our readers will be pleased to find that it is by the author

of "The Pearl of Days," the far-famed prize Essay on the Sabbath, published a few years back. We did not know till now the name of the fair authoress, and are pleased with the discovery.

The volume consists of pieces under a twofold classification. We have first a very long roll of religious poems; but, in so saying, we must be understood as announcing that all sorts of themes are discussed, only in a religious spirit. We have, for example, "Do not Elbow your Way," "The Artist," "The Song of Weakness," "Little Elsie," "The Frog, the Crow, and the Bee," and other little light things of beauty, finely varying the more solid and substantial pieces. The second part consists of poems for children, comprising "The Tale of Annie," "A Ballad for Boys," "Tom Miller," "Annie Merton," "The Little Maid," "To a Baby," "To a Little Boy on his Birthday," and suchlike.

After what we have said, we need scarcely add how much pleased we are with the publication. We were not aware that Miss Farquhar for that is the lady's name-was addicted to verse, or, indeed, that there was a vein of poetry in her. By her first effort she gave satisfactory proof of a fine mind, approaching, at least, to the precincts of genius. Her prize was beautifully written, and it taught the public to hope for something more, but not for poetry. Her piece entitled "Real Religion" was worthy of the prize and of the author, while the present volume bids fair to soar above either.

Mary Mansfield; or, "No Time to be a Christian." By M. H., Author of "Labourers in the Vineyard." Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

THE object of this pretty volume is to expose a widely prevalent error. It clearly and impressively shows that they who have not time to reflect or pray, have yet time to be sick and to die! The lesson is the greatest that can be taught to mortals, and we can only wish that all who read it might seriously ponder these impressive pages.

Witless Willie, the Idiot Boy. By the Author of "Mary Mathieson," &c. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

THE theme of this volume is one deeply humbling to human nature. There is no aspect in which humanity can be contemplated so affecting, or so strikingly exemplifies the physical prostration of the creature, who was made in the image of God, and destined to be the head of creation in this lower world. Idiotcy, however, admits of various degrees of mitigation, as has been beautifully illus

trated. Both in France and in England wonders, almost miracles, have been wrought on the hapless creatures, who were utterly excluded from the rational society of the race. Mind has been awakened, and faculties to some extent developed, whereby the creature became capable of holding converse with his fellows and with his God. Such cases possess a peculiar attraction to the philanthropic mind, having much of the power of infancy to interest and to gladden. The present volume, although brief, is pregnant with much thought and many instructive facts, and it will, we feel confident, be read by the benevolent with more than ordinary attention.

The London Quarterly Review. H. J. Tresidder.

WE always prize this journal, alike for the principles it embodies, the doctrines it proclaims, the learning and the power it indicates, and its tendency to promote the cause of liberty, humanity, and religion. The present number is a very excellent one, dealing with topics in which we are all deeply interested. The subject of penal servitude, and the best method of dealing with criminals, is vigorously and luminously elaborated. It clearly shows, that this is a matter with which statesmen have not yet proved their competence to deal. The truth is, that more religion must be put into the matter before much good can be done. They look at the mere schoolmaster, separate confinement, lashes, and bribes, to work those changes which "the fear of God" alone can produce. That is "the beginning of wisdom;" let that enter, and reformation will follow apace. The article on the Church Congress at Manchester, is replete with interesting facts and important suggestions. While that Congress tended a great deal to instruct Dissenters, Dissenters have done more than a little to produce that Congress. After a few more lighter, but interesting articles, we are conducted to the work of Renan, which has found a critic equal to the task-a critic who has most thoroughly analyzed, and most completely exposed the ignorance and the impiety of this sprightly but most illogical writer. The article is decisive of the question-a question, in fact, which, to true Christians, requires no decision. It is, nevertheless, instructive and edifying to read such dissertations; and it is, moreover, calculated to strengthen faith and brighten hope for this distracted world.

The Detection of Sin. H. J. Tresidder. THE title of this book is not quite correct. In this case sin is the detector, not the detected; and assuredly it is a searcher, whom it will

be difficult to elude. The address is exceedingly close, searching, and forcible, and the illustrations are such as will serve to convey the truth to the heart.

Counsel and Comfort Spoken from a City Pulpit. By the Author of "The Recreations of a Country Parson." Ninth Thousand. Strahan and Co.

THE writer of this volume is already well known to fame, and those who are conversant with his works already published, will be prepared to look for something racy, terse, and telling. The fact that 9000 copies are already before the public, is proof positive of its immense popularity, and where there is such a demand, there must of necessity be a measure of merit. The book is not sermons, but essays, highly characteristic both for their thinking and their style. Originality, blended with genius, is apparent throughout. The reading is that of which the thoughtful man will never tire; and the book is such that they who have read it once will read it again. The following are some of the topics discussed :66 Thankfulness," ""The Blessed Comforter," "Nothing without Christ," "Departed Trouble and Welcome Rest," "Continuance, the Test of Religious Profession," "The Desire to be Remembered," "No more Pain," "The Victory over the World," "Agency of Evil Spirits," and "Love to Christ," and the others harmonize with these. Altogether, the work is a gem, and its production renders the author a superior public benefactor.

Life in a Risen Saviour. By R. S. CANDLISH, D.D. Adam and Charles Black. Edinburgh.

THIS volume, without much pretension, is a truly great work, and its acceptance is evidenced by the fact that this is already the third edition. It has been carefully revised, and in divers points somewhat improved. It is a striking specimen of the "lecturing" of the Scottish clergymen. It may be likened to a strong chain, which no man's hands can break. We believe the argument to be not only satisfactory and convincing, but absolutely irrefragable. The power of its celebrated author is the power of intellect. There is but little fancy, and not much passion in him; but there is an understanding which, for vigour and ability, clearness and penetration, has few equals on either side of the Tweed. The great argumentative capability of the author is impressively exemplified in the present volume; its perusal will not fail to brace and invigorate the understanding of any man who shall thoroughly master it, from the first page to the last.

Such is the production, and we anticipate for it a continued and still extending popularity. It is too elaborate, too intellectual, too logical for the immense mass of this frivolous generation. But there are, nevertheless, multitudes who will understand it, prize it, enjoy it, and derive from its careful study special spiritual benefit.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, D.D. General Preface by JOHN C. MILLER, D.D., and Memoir by ROBERT HALLEY, D.D. Vol. VII. Nisbet and Co.

THIS great undertaking has progressed steadily, and when completed, it will be one of the principal literary achievements of the generation. The present volume comprises some of Goodwin's best treatises, opening with that on "The Creatures, and the Condition of their State by Creation." It then presents "Gospel Holiness in the Heart and Life," in four admirable books, full of the most precious truth, presented in the most impressive manner, and pervaded by an unction that never fails to move the reader. These are followed by "The Blessed State of Glory which the Saints possess after Death;" "Three several Stages of Christians in Faith and Obedience;" "Man's Restoration by Grace," and "Repentance." Such are the materials of this well-crammed, noble volume.

The Divine and the Human, in Nature, Revelation, Religion and Life. By THOMAS HUGHES. Hamilton, Adams, and Co. MR. HUGHES has here discoursed with great ability on the difficult theme he has selected for the exercise of his superior abilities. His excellent works, "The Great Barrier," "Mental Furniture," "Prayer, and the Divine Order," all indicate the operation of a highly cultivated mind. The present volume differs from these in its scope and object, and it is equal to the best of them in its execution. The truth is, it is too good for the superficial multitude of the present generation, who feed upon trash; and yet it is the very thing they require-solid truth, well-digested, clearly and strongly expressed, and exhibited in a way much fitted to enlighten and to sanctify.

A Pastor's Legacy: Being Extracts from the Manuscripts of the late Rev. ROBERT B. NICHOL, Galashiels. With Introductory Notice by the Rev. J. A. WALLACE. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

THE title of the present volume correctly expresses the character of the book. It is truly a legacy, and one of more than ordinary value. It consists of passages, very numerous, all on themes of great moment, briefly and clearly

expressed. It is, in fact, a scrap-book of the best description, and for our own personal advantage we should prefer it greatly to a volume of sermons; for we have here, extended through 224 pages, the very cream apparently of the author's excellent evangelical ministry. Without any pretension, we do not know that the Free Church, since the disruption, fruitful as it has been in excellent authorship, has produced anything so much fitted to be useful to the masses. Each of the very lengthened roll of articles is so brief, that the busiest may read; and yet so full, that all who read must be benefited, or the blame will be their own.

Prelacy Tried by the Word of God. By the Rev. JAMES N. MILLER. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

THE present publication deals with a great subject in a very able manner. The author, in seven sections, answers the question, Who are bishops? and to this he adds another, Who are the highest permanent officers in the Christian church? adding a chapter of seven sections, in which the arguments for prelacy are answered. The publication is decidedly a good one; but as to its practical bearing, either in Scotland or England, little can be said. Scotland has bishops, and is likely to have for a thousand years to come, and so has England; we look, then, for benefit to result from the publication, not in prelatical circles, so much as in other denominations, which it is fitted to instruct touching this important point in the Christian economy. The publication may be serviceable to those who aspire to exercise a prelatic ministry, or those who desire to enter a prelatic communion. They will see what is to be said pro and con on the subject, and thereby be enabled to adopt a course that conscience may dictate.

The Blank Page, and What will you Write
on it?
A New Year's Address. H. J.
Tresidder.

A VERY ingenious and interesting publication, the importance of which is in the inverse ratio of its bulk. The illustrations are numerous and striking, and the little tractate is well fitted to leave a blessing behind it.

Stars for a Light by Night. By the Author of "Daily Thoughts for the Young." John Snow.

THIS is a little book corresponding with that class of publication known as "Daily Bread," "Helps by the Way," and so forth. A selection of texts is made, a very brief comment follows, and the whole is generally shut up by a stanza of religious poetry.

The Cross and Common Sense; or, the Working Man's Gospel. H. J. Tresidder.

THE title presents a somewhat doubtful conjunction. The cross, once understood by teaching from on high, will commend itself to common sense; but that sense, as existing in the hearts of the godless millions, piques itself on rejecting the cross, as a thing of foolishness. Nor do we like the "Working Man's Gospel." The truth is, there is but one Gospel for the laborious and the idle, the peasant and the prince. But, whatever objection may be taken to the title, assuredly there will be none to the book, which, though brief, is replete with very important matter. The dialogue is animated and well-sustained, and the whole is fitted deeply to impress the great lesson on the mind of the reader.

The Life of Jesus; a Fact, not a Fiction. By J. A. GAGE. H. J. Tresidder.

MR. GAGE, within a limited compass, has performed a service of considerable merit. If Renan must be touched at all-which we sometimes question-this is the way to deal with him. We are not sure, indeed, but that this excellent dissertation will be more effective than much larger publications. The pith of the matter is here presented, which Mr. Gage, we have no doubt, could easily have driven out into a half-guinea volume; and by so doing he might have realized for himself more notice and greater fame; but we believe he would not have done one tenth as much to further the interests of the truth. All that was required to be done is done here, and done very creditably. Within a limited compass Mr. Gage has thoroughly exposed the absurdities of the author.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF SABBATH OBSER. VANCES.-By keeping a Sabbath we acknowledge a God, and declare that we are not atheists; by keeping one day in seven, we protest against idolatry, and acknowledge that God who in the beginning made the heavens and the earth; by keeping our Sabbath on the first day of the week, we protest against Judaism, and acknowledge that God who,

having made the world, sent His only begotten Son to redeem mankind. The observance, therefore, of the Sunday, in the Christian church, is a public weekly assertion of the first two articles in our creed,-the belief in "God the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord."-Bishop Horsley.