any really light' wine will find its way to John Bull, nor would he care for the sour stuff if he got hold of it.

At Tavistock we have had Sir John Trelawney treating upon the Treaty, the Paper Duty, the Ballot, our War Expenditure, &c. Mr. Berkeley has made another ballot speech. Mr. Bass, the brewer, has tried to be statistical in a new direction, having counted the number of times each member of the House of Commons opened his mouth during the session. He made a special thrust at the member for the Tower Hamlets, Mr. A. S. Ayrton; and that honourable gentleman has returned the compliment in appropriate terms. The pale ale brewer will be cautious, in future, how he foams at Mr. Ayrton, who is not unacquainted with either the tactics or the tricks of the trade. Another M.P. brewer, Mr. Buxton, has announced, in one of his public addresses, that a valuable substitute has now been adopted, or is about to be adopted, by the London brewers. He does not think they have used it before. The only drawback to the excellent qualities of the bitter' ingredient is, that it has been calculated that it will kill fifteen per cent. extra of their customers. But, notwithstanding that trifling difficulty, the strychnine must be used, and perish their customers must. Surely some member will ask the honourable gentleman, when the House sits, to explain the political economy and ethics of this wonderful discovery.

At Greenock, Mr. Dunlop, M.P., in discoursing before his constituents, declared himself favourable to the extension of the wine licence scheme of the Chancellor to Scotland; but, at the same time, he also declared that he would be favourable to the permissive power being given to the people to sweep away the whole liquor traffic. At Exeter, the other day, Sir L. V. Palk, bart., M.P., presided over a meeting in favour of the Permissive Bill as expounded by Dr. F. R. Lees. The worthy baronet delivered an able and eloquent speech, and said that a more important resolution than the one adopted by the meeting had never been confided to him, and that he should have the utmost pleasure in forwarding it to the Premier and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. John Bright has addressed large

meetings at Birmingham, Wakefield, and Leeds, on all the most stirring and important topies of the day, with but one exception. And, unfortunately, that is an exception Mr. Bright always studies to make. He could not so utterly and constantly avoid the great question of the intemperance of the nation if he did not deliberately and purposely resolve to shun it. He never makes a speech, but the question seems to lie right before him and invite his attention; but he always manages to skip it, shirk it, or blink it. He cannot be blind to it, and yet he will not see it, or, at least, he will not say a word about it, though he must know that millions would respond to any honest utterance from his eloquent lips on that great question of real and practical philanthropy, as well as of wise and magnanimous statesmanship, the repression of intemperance by the permissive power of the people.

In America we have seen a magnificent struggle, and a glorious result. The dominance of the slave power in the Federation Council is now, we may hope, destroyed. Freedom now breathes freer, and all the hopes of humanity have a more glorious future. The crisis is not over, but the die has been cast, and Liberty waves her starspangled banner aloft.

On the continent of Europe we have another glorious spectacle-a UNITED ITALY-free, with a self-acquired liberty. Rome and Venetia have not yet been rescued from the Austrian and French bayonets; but Garibaldi has pledged his word; and none of his words, hitherto, have failed. May liberty be preserved and extended without any further effusion of human blood! but if anything is worth living or dying for, it is simply liberty and fatherland.

We have no space and no heart to refer to China, Australia, or India. English honour, English diplomacy, and English statesmanship do not shine with much splendour in these far-off' regions.

Mr. Cobden has, at length, nobly completed his great diplomatic and statesmanlike achievement-the new commercial treaty with France. And in this magnanimous effort, Mr. Cobden has not only added to his former world-wide renown, as a clear-sighted and honest-hearted statesman, but he has laid the foundation of national prosperity

prosperity and of international amity, we doubt not, for centuries to come. The only great drawback we can perceive is one which Mr. Cobden, we would fain believe, has rather accepted from the political exigencies of the case than deliberately chosen and adopted. If Mr. Cobden has not forgotten or recanted some of his own once deeply cherished sentiments, even he cannot but regret that feature of his great commercial treaty, which will facilitate the exchange of the solid and most useful products of English soil and English labour-our coal, and iron, and earthenwares, for the delusive and pernicious French wines, an article which as diet is utterly worthless, as a luxury is deleterious; but as a means of intoxication is only calculated further to demoralize and impoverish the people. The only way open to Mr. Cobden to redeem himself from the moral responsibility of this blunder, will be for him to join heart and hand in the great movement in behalf of a Permissive Prohibitory Liquor Law.

At Glasgow a memorial has been adopted and extensively signed, praying the municipal authorities to pro

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hibit street-smoking; and in the Man chester City Council, on the motion of Mr. Fieldes, a memorial was unanimously adopted, praying the government to institute an inquiry into the effect of capital punishments, with a view to their abolition.

Co-operative institutions, street railways, a system of cheap telegrams, the deodorizing of town sewage, steam agriculture, and various other schemes of improvement, social and mechanical, are being initiated and put into practical operation, the results of which, there can be no doubt, will tend to inaugurate a yet higher and happier state of civilization and social well-being.

The nation and the world have recently had to mourn the decease of some of our great men who have been in the foremost ranks of action or council in connection with those great events which give their impress upon the age and its history. Lord Dundonald, better known as Lord Cochrane, Admiral Sir Charles Napier, the Earl of Aberdeen, the Duke of Norfolk, Baron Bunsen, and other names of illustrious mark, are now all inscribed upon the tablet of earth's departed great.

Academic Reform and University Representation. By James Heywood, F.R.S., B.A., Trinity College, Cambridge, London: Whitfield, 1860. THE author of this volume has a

right to claim the attention of the public. He acted as the pioneer of University Reform, and has been, from the first, successful in clearing away obstacles and defeating opposition. In 1848, his supporters presented a memorial to government in favour of an inquiry into the universities, and in 1850 royal commissioners were appointed to inquire into the State, Discipline, Studies, and Revenues of the Universities and Colleges of Oxford and Cambridge. The result of these inquiries was a bill of reform which introduced the following changes-The abolition of religious tests for inferior degrees, the opening of fellowships and scholarships to merit, the extension of the professionate, and a modification of

the existing university constitution. In carrying on the work of reform the commission had of course considerable difficulties to contend with. Old statutes were clung to with some tenacity and in most cases a compromise had to be effected. This fact accounts for the imperfection of the results attained. Reform must necessarily be progressive; and a reformer who at once proposes extreme measures often hinders the accomplishment of his ultimate object.

We cannot say that Mr. Heywood has been so successful in book-making as he has undoubtedly been in billmaking. He falls into a fault which is becoming too common amongst writers of the day. The chief merits of a compilation are just discrimination and careful arrangement; but these qualities require labour, which few compilers of facts now-a-days care to bestow on their works. A writer of newspaper correspondence may justly lay claim to some excuse for saying what comes uppermost,'

uppermost,' but we expect more methodical composition from a writer on university reform. The reader is disappointed, therefore, when he finds mingled together in curious confusion memorials, examination papers, short prayers, German rationalism, and American development.

Mr. Heywood apparently considers that no distinctive theological tenets should be held by the governing body of an university. They may, to be sure, recognize the existence of a Supreme Being (p. 296), but beyond that anything definite is injurious. In his discussions on this topic our author seems to confuse two things-religious tests and religious discipline. The former are not only injurious but futile, religious discipline, however, is necessary to the true life of a college, and unless tyrannically used as a substitute for a test can be open to no reasonable objection. The recognition of the fact that Christians have differences as well as more essential points of agreement will do more to promote a spirit of true charity than a spurious liberality which would merge all distinctive doctrines in a dim and hazy eclecticism. A liberality of this kind pervading a college would lead the authorities to look with much more dislike and intolerance on any student who held distinctive religious views than would exist under a true system of religious discipline kindly administered.

When a new Reform Bill shall have removed the few restrictions which still remain in the universities as the results of compromise, we shall see these venerable corporations becoming truly national and thoroughly educational, and sending forth year by year men fully equipped for their labour of life, and willing to lend a hand in helping forward every good word and work. Historical aud Descriptive Geography of Palestine, with Illustrations. By Joseph A. Meen.

Bible Months; or, the Seasons in Palestine, as illustrative of Scripture. By W. G. Groser, F.G.S.

Branches running over the Wall; or, Incidents illustrative of the Collateral Benefits of Sunday-school Instruction. By R. E. Cranfield. London: Sunday-school Union.

THE Sunday-school Union has done great service to the Christian instruction of the young throughout this em

pire; but its beneficial influence on teachers is not the least of its philanthropic works. By means of its serial literature-whose aggregate circulation in 1860 was 1,300,000,-its preparation and model classes, its conversaziones and its libraries, it has done much to develop the efficiency of a most useful class in the Christian church, Sundayschool teachers. In an age like the present, when common school instruction is advancing so rapidly under able and intelligent teachers, there is danger lest Sunday scholars, accustomed to such thorough education during the week, should not be sufficiently interested in the lessons of the Sabbathday when they are under non-professional teachers. It is therefore of the highest consequence that Sundayschool teachers should cultivate their abilities and improve their adaptation to their work. They should be thoroughly informed on Bible doctrine and illustration, and be able to teach with tact. A great service is rendered to them by the publications of the various Sunday-school organizations throughout the country, and by none more so than by the Union which has issued the books on our table.

Mr. Meen's work on the Geography of Palestine is an admirable text-book. It is compiled with care, and written with clearness of style. Within small compass, it condenses much information. The subject is so intimately interwoven with the Holy Scripture, that it ought to be familiar to all teachers, who will not easily find so accurate a compendium as that which Mr. Meen's industry and skill have furnished them.

Bible Months contain a calendar of the Holy Land, and is a most ingenious and instructive book. Every month of the year has its chapter full of matter on the, seasons to elucidate the Bible. Accuracy is guaranteed by the best authorities, and interest is sustained by the happy style of description. Pictures, too, aid the realization of the scenes described. The other work contains sketches calculated to encourage the patient labour of Sundayschool teachers. It is well written, and fitted for the libraries of schools.

The serial publications for the year 1860 arc, with a few exceptions, before us. They include two magazines for Sunday-school teachers; along with a Biblical Treasury' for illustrating Scripture, and Notes on Lessons,' and a Pocket

a Pocket-book, elegant and useful, all full of suggestive matter; a magazine for young men, another for Bible classes, and a third for children, each skilfully edited and adapted to the intelligence of the youth. To these are added music both for congregations and schools. Select Psalmody, including many chants, has just been issued. When we mention that its only fault, in our esteem, is its size, readers may be lieve it has many excellences. Much good may be done by Sunday-school teachers regularly perusing such of the above as are suited to themselves, and endeavouring to get one magazine into the hands of each scholar of their respective classes. By such means the minds of teachers and scholars are kept interested all the week in the exercises of the Sunday.

Science and Suffering: Memoirs of the Life of the Rev. John Morison, Ď.D., LL.D., late Minister of Trevor Chapel, Brompton. By the Rev. John Kennedy, M.A., F.R.G.S. London: Ward and Co. 1860.

THIS volume traces the career and labours of a most excellent, zealous, and useful minister. It is performed with much judgment and good taste, and well calculated to instruct and stimulate the minds of all who peruse it. There is not too minute detail, while there is ample material for forming a right estimate of the man. This is biographic wisdom worthy of Mr. Kennedy's abilities. The book is divided into three parts-the learner, the worker, and the sufferer. The first contains an interesting sketch of the state of religion in the north of Scotland in the early part of the present century. The second exhibits a busy minister in the difficult sphere of the metropolis, where Dr. Morison not only provided for the spiritual instruction of a_congregation, but conducted the 'Evangelical Magazine' for more than thirty years, and prepared several works for the press. In this we have quite a model of clerical devotedness and philanthropic zeal. The third part draws aside the veil of domestic life, and reveals a sufferer who for twenty-five years scarcely spent a whole night in bed, and whose family was thinned by very trying bereavements.

Our Exemplars, Poor and Rich; or, Biographical Sketches of Men and Women, who hare, by an extraordinary

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use of their opportunities, benefited their fellow-creatures. Edited by Matthew Davenport Hill, Recorder of Birmingham. With a Preface by Lord Brougham. London: Cassell, Petter, and Galpin. 1861.

A VERY laudable effort is made in this book to hold up to admiration persons of eminent worth. It is not high talent, great wealth, or brilliant genius which is pointed out; but personal excellence in public usefulness. There are twenty-eight sketches of real philanthropists, several of them yet alive. They belong to different classes, from the king and the peer down to the humble domestic servant, and to various countries. Their walks of usefulness were such as can be followed by many; for in our world opportunities are numerous and necessities great. In this book'social reformers' occupy an honourable position. By the extensive circulation of a volume so suggestive and stimulative, incalculable good will be done. Both Lord Brougham and Mr. Hill deserved a place among Our Exemplars; but that will yet be done for them which they have here done for others.

Mary Bunyan; or, The Dreamer's Blind Daughter. The By S. R. Ford. Journey of Life. By Catherine Sinclair.

Life in Israel. By Maria T. Richards. Nemesis; or, The Avenger. By the

author of Alone.' London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. THESE Volumes belong to what is popularly known as 'The Run and Read Library, which for high moral and often Christian tone stands quite at the head of libraries for railway reading. In Mary Bunyan' we read anew the touching story of the great dreamer's sorrows. They are vividly described by the writer, and must deeply interest readers.

Miss Sinclair's Journey of Life' contains many striking anecdotes of the good regarding the solemn realities of life in relation to a world to come. Though connected by the faintest thread of argument, the chapters will be perused with interest and profit in the homes of affliction.

Life in Israel' exhibits the facts of Hebrew history in the attractive garb of tales, and the attempt is most creditable.

'Nemesis'

Nemesis' has not much merit as a

story.

Altogether we hail this library, and should rejoice to learn that its volumes find their way to the homes of the people by the book-hawkers who perambulate the country.

Sermons preached in

Marlborough

Chapel. By J. Gage Pigg, B.A. Second edition. London: Ward and Co.

THESE discourses are evidently the production of a mind highly cultivated and endowed with the gift of expressing noble thoughts in graceful eloquence. In some of them we should have liked a more distinct doctrinal utterance, especially where Reconciliation to God' is the theme. But it is hardly fair to judge an author's orthodoxy by his omissions in a volume of sermons, which represent but a small portion of his pulpit instruction. Yet when any preacher ventures into print we expect more in a discourse than might be contained in an average sermon. There are many beauties, much suggestive thought, and spirit-stirring appeals in the sermons of Mr. Pigg.

Pilgrimage from the Alps to the Tiber; or, the Influence of Romanism on Trade, Justice, and Knowledge. By the Rev. J. A. Wylie, LL.D., author of The Papacy,' &c. Edinburgh: A. Elliot.

We know of no volume of its class to compare with the one before us. For profound argument, impressive example, entertaining incident, graphic description, and lofty eloquence it stands alone in the realm of literature like Tabor among the mountains of Galilee. When travelling through Italy, Dr. Wylie kept both eye and ear open; and while, on the one hand, he has been enwrapt with the sublime beauties of nature and art, he has, on the other, been unspeakably distressed with the moral and religious state of the different localities he visited. In this goodly volume he has honestly and fearlessly recorded his judgment of the relative merits of Romanism and Protestantism, viewed socially, commercially, and politically. Such a work most eminently deserves a place in every library throughout Christendom; and no doubt will obtain it in the course of time.

Life in Bethany; or, the Words and Tears of Jesus. By the Rev. Edwin Davies. London: Heylin. 1860. THE family of Bethany has occupied many pens, but this new volume is fresh and engaging. It is written with much taste, and pervaded by a generous sympathy and earnest piety. which make it eminently fitted to comfort the sorrowful and edify the Christian. Tercentenary of the Scottish Reforma tion, as Commemorated at Edinburgh, August, 1860. With Introduction by the Rev. James Begg, D.D. Edited by the Rev. J. A. Wylie, LL.D. Edinburgh: Maclaren. 1860.

THIS volume contains many of the papers read, speeches delivered, sermons preached at the National Convocation at Edinburgh last autumn to commemorate the great Reformation of the sixteenth century. The sermon of Dr. Guthrie on God's Truth and Man's Freedom' is a noble production--sufficient to float the volume into fame; but we greatly regret that the editorial scissors were used in this masterpiece of Christian oratory which the audience could not hear without expressed enthusiasm. It is a splendid contribution to truth and liberty, and closely connected with social science. The other papers are worthy of their authors, and contain much information, some of it new, all of it interesting. The volume forms a valuable permanent record of a most becoming commemoration. Lives made Sublime by Faith and Works. By the Rev. Robert Steel, author of 'Samuel the Prophet,' &c. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 1861.

THIS volume is handsomely got up, and contains a gallery of portraits deserving the study of those who would consecrate common life by Christian faith and works.

Altar Light: A Tribute to the Memory of the Rev. Alexander Fletcher, D.D., London. By the Rev. John Macfarlane, LL.D., Glasgow. London: Nisbet and Co. 1860.

AN eloquent and merited eulogium on one of the most useful preachers of the metropolis. The sermon will be read with interest and pleasure. Similitudes and Substance. By the

Rev. John Cox, of Ipswich. London:
Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.

MR. Cox has unfolded with much tact sundry