Biographical, it cannot be expected that on every point, the views advanced shall afford entire satisfaction to those who hold the doctrinal sentiments of our Westminster Standards; but the divergences are in very few cases marked, while a spirit of candour and reverential regard to Scriptural truth uniformly pervades the work. The supply of articles on denominational profession and order, by persons connected with the different ecclesiastical bodies, has the evident advantage of informing one of the exact sentiments of others, however we may feel constrained at times to disagree with them. We cannot withhold from this superior Cyclopædia our warmest commendation, and we feel constrained to express our earnest wish that the law of copyright were so modified that the work would be readily accessible to uninisters and theological students in Britain, as it is in America. The Publishers certainly merit all encouragement in their arduous and expensive undertaking. We may state, in conclusion, that it was at first proposed to issue the work in six volumes; the great increase, however, that has of late years taken place in matters of Biblical criticism, and the new light that has been thrown on subjects of scientific, historical, and topographical research, has necessarily caused the enlargement of the work. It is not likely to be completed till the issue of a ninth volume. Peter the Apostle. By the Rev. W. M. Taylor. D.D. Crown Svo., pp. 371. Harper & Bros. New York. 1877. THE Author of this neat and useful volume is already favourably known in New York as an able and eloquent evangelical preacher, and both in America and in these countries by several valuable popular writings. In 1876, he delivered to the theological students of Yale College, the series of the "Lyman Beecher Lectures," selections of which were afterwards delivered to the members of Union, Princeton, and Oberlin seminaries. These have been reprinted in Britain; and for Scriptural views of the Christian ministry, weighty practical counsels, vivid illustration, and lucidity of style, they are entitled to a high rank among the various excellent works on Homiletics and Pastoral theology which have been issued in late years. In this work on the life, work, and character of the Apostle Peter, Dr. Taylor, with singular clearness of thought, warmth of spiritual affection, and felicity of expression, and with not a little graphic power, delineates the marked features of the Apostle's mind, the excellencies exhibited in his ardent impulsive spirit in relation to the Saviour and his fellow-apostles, with his blunders and weakness, and the incalculable service rendered by him to the church and the world. The different chapters-some twenty-three in number-are judiciously arranged, and whether read separately or together, one cannot rise from their perusal without experiencing peculiar gratification. The practical lessons educed from the various incidents of Peter's life and character are of high importance, alike to the ministers and members of the Church. The account given of the Apostle's letters, and the sketch of his last days, are vivid and affecting. The author confesses that it was 66 a joy to him to find that he had to keep close company with the Master, in order to do justice to the disciple." This peculiar trait is conspicuous throughout the treatise, constituting, indeed, its chief excellence, which cannot fail to commend it to all who desire to see the mind of Christ reflected in the spirit and life of His servants. Daniel the Beloved. By William M. Taylor. D.D. Crown 8vo., pp. 245. New York. Harper & Bros. 1878. DR. Taylor, the author of this treatise, has already rendered important service to the cause of Scriptural exposition and of practical godliness, by the publication of similar volumes to the present on David, King of Israel," and "Elijah, the Tishbite." In them he has vividly pourtrayed the mental and spiritual features of character of these Old Testament worthies, exhibited their special place in the history of redemption, and the particular works assigned them for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ in the earth. This treatise on the life, work, and character of Daniel is, on many accounts, deserving of a careful perusal and extensive circulation. While it imparts instructions, the most weighty and valuable, to the youth of the Church, the author states that he has aimed to emphasize the lessons which the book of Daniel teaches to all who are engaged in business or in public life. This object he has, to a considerable extent, satisfactorily accomplished; and the faithful, heroic, and devoted spirit and conduct of the "man greatly beloved," are held forth in an impressive and attractive light to men in public stations, and to witnesses for truth, as an example worthy of constant study and imitation. The author, without any parade of learning, shows that he is well acquainted with the history of the times of Daniel, and with the literature of the exposition of the book. Although it did not enter into his design to give an exposition of the prophetic portions of the book, his views of the visions and special prophecies, as they refer to the Christian economy, and the future fortunes of the Kingdom of Christ, are lucid, and in general, highly satisfactory. The interpretation and application of the visions named in the concluding chapters of the book, cannot be perused without exciting a deep and heartfelt interest. The twelfth chapter of the work, entitled "The Epilogue of the Vision," is a fine specimen of clear forcible delineation, and earnest exhortation, and elevated conception of the future glory of the saints; and the portrait of Daniel's character, in the concluding chapter, is felicitous, and admirably fitted to enforce the most important practical lessons on persons of all classes in the community. The Lord's Supper: Its nature, ends, and obligation, and mode of administration. By Thomas Houston, D.D. Edinburgh: James Gemmel. 1878. WE rejoice that Dr. Houston has been enabled to make this substantial and important addition to his recently published works. The series would have been incomplete without it, and we heartily con gratulate the venerable author on its appearance. Knowing Dr. Houston's eminent qualifications for producing such a treatise as this, we looked forward to its publication with high expectations, and these, we need hardly say, have not been disappointed. There was room and need, we think, for some such work at the present time, and we believe the want could not have been better supplied. Like the companion treatise on Baptism, this on the Lord's Supper is a most exhaustive one, dealing with the whole subject, both doctrinally and practically, and to some extent also controversially. It is characterised, as all Dr. Houston's writings are, by fulness of matter, clearness of statement, admirable arrangement, an unctional spirit, and thorough practicalness of aim. Every sentence is full of meaning, and there is no mistaking what that meaning is. The author writes so as to be easily understood, his object throughout being the instruction and edification of the reader. The book consists of two parts, with a large appendix. The first part treats, in thirteen chapters, of the institution, nature and design, of the Lord's Supper, and kindred topics; while the second part, in eleven chapters, deals with the mode of administration, the exercises of communicants, and other subjects. At the end of part first are two very valuable chapters on Romish and Ritualistic perversions of the ordinance. In the appendix, amongst other things, are inserted an exposition of the Terms of Communion in the Church to which the author belongs, and a number of most admirable table addresses, which may be read with much profit at communion seasons. We observe that Dr. Houston is in favour of simultaneous communion, and of a more frequent celebration of the Supper than is common in our Presbyterian Churches. We regret we have not room for some extracts from the volume, the design of which is thus referred to by the author in the concluding paragraph of the introduction :— "As a chief design of this Treatise is to furnish to ministers, elders and members of the Church, a Scriptural Directory, for the administration and observance of an ordinance which so fully reflects the Redeemer's glory, and which is so intimately connected with the increase of faith and hope in the people of God, the author commends it to the prayers of brethren in Christ, throughout the different sections of the Church. Should this humble attempt be owned by Zion's King, in any measure, to preserve from neglect and perversion, the institution that commemorates His dying love, and to minister direction and spiritual comfort to any of Zion's travellers, he will enjoy an abundant recompense of reward.’ Believing that the work is most admirably adapted for the purposes here mentioned, we give it our warmest recommendation, and we earnestly trust it will have a large circulation on both sides of the channel, and also on the other side of the Atlantic. Inspired Psalmody: a Plea for the exclusive use of the Psalter in Christian Worship. excellent, and have been perused Most heartily do we thank the esteemed authors for their joint defence of the Psalter, and powerful plea for its exclusive use in the worship of the Sanctuary. We trust it will come into the hands of many of their brethren in the ministry, as well as others, and be productive of much good in the way of helping to check growing innovations, and bring back the Presby. terian Churches to whence they have so sadly fallen in respect of purity of worship. It is most cheering to find such sound Scriptural views, and such faithful testifying on this important subject, emanating from Oxford. What a rebuke does this fact administer to the whole host of our latitudinarian Anglicising Presbyterian ministers! Lays and Lectures for Working Men and Women. By the Rev. C. Marshall, Dunfermline. Vol. I., to Wives and Mothers, Vol. II., to Young Women. Fourth Edition. Edinburgh: James Gemmell. In these two small volumes, we have no fewer than 55 short Lectures, on a great variety of topics, all bearing upon personal and domestic happiness, each having an appropriate "Lay" prefixed, for the most part in the Scotch dialect. Both Lays and Lectures are full of sound, common-sense advice, and of spiritual wisdom, expressed in a style so attractive that the reading of them is not a task but a genuine pleasure. Were these little books put extensively into the hands of those to whom they are specially addressed, and were the important counsels they contain duly pondered and acted upon, how much social misery would be prevented, and how greatly would the sum of human happiness be increased! Every well-wisher of society must rejoice in the publication of such admirable books as these, and we trust they will be diffused far and wide. Ecclesiastical Entelligence. MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERIAN SECESSION SYNOD OF IRELAND.-The annual meeting of this Synod commenced its sittings in Rev. John Powell's church, Lisburn, on Tuesday, 2nd July, 1878. The Rev. J. C. Stuart, retiring Moderator, opened the proceedings with an appropriate sermon from Isaiah liii. 1. Rev. John Powell, Lisburn, was unanimously chosen Moderator for the current year, and, on taking the chair, addressed the Court at considerable length, and in appropriate terms. In the course of his observations the Moderator urged the importance of the members of this Church being thoroughly acquainted with their principles, that they might the better make known and recommend them to others; he said they had no reason to be ashamed of their principles, which were those of the Church of the Second Reformation; and though their numbers were few, that was no ground of reproach to them or their cause, for truth was not always or even generally found on the side of majorities. In his opinion, the great problem of the present day is, how the Church may make progress in what is so desirable, the cultivation of taste and refinement, and yet keep unspotted from the world. Wednesday, a deputation from the sister church in Scotland, consisting of Rev. On John Robertson, of Ayr, and Rev. Peter M'Vicar, of Coupar Angus, were introduced to the Court by the ex-Moderator, and cordially welcomed. Very seasonable and interesting addresses were delivered by the deputies, for which the Synod, through the Moderator, warmly thanked them. A very interesting conference on the state of religion in the several congregations was then held, special reference being made to the evils of Sabbath-breaking and intemperance-to the importance of family religion, and the proper parental training of the young. A committee was appointed to prepare a paper on parental duties, to be submitted to next meeting of Synod. On Thursday the Foreign Mission report was submitted by the convener, Rev. George Laverty, containing interesting details of the progress and prosperity of our mission in Seoni, India. The Synod heard with deep sorrow that their missionary, Rev. George Anderson, had recently been laid aside by sun-stroke, just at the moment when he seemed about to reap his greatest successes. They were, however, gratified to learn from latest information that Mr. Anderson was so far recovered as to be able to resume duty. The next annual meeting of Synod was appointed to be held in the new church-Rev. G. M'Mahon's, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, on the first Monday in July, 1879. The Moderator having briefly addressed the Court, brought the proceedings to a close with prayer and the benediction. CLOSE OF THE HALL.-The Hall was closed on the 30th July last. Besides the Professors, and students, the Rev. Messrs. J. Ritchie, Hobart, M'Kay, Gardiner, Sturrock, Yuill, and Millar, with Messrs. Hugh Howie, William Lyon, and John Dick ruling elders, were present at the closing services. The Rev. Thomas Hobart opened the proceedings with prayer. The Professors reported that all the students had been regular in their attendance, had conducted themselves with great propriety, and performed in a most satisfactory manner, all the prescribed exercises. Mr. Alex. Smellie, having completed his third session, was recommended to have trials prescribed, with a view to his being licensed with all convenient speed. After making the usual arrangements in regard to the Bursary competition, Mr. Sturrock closed the public meeting with prayer. FAITHFUL TESTIMONY-BEARING.-The following letter, taken from The Weekly Review (London), July, 6th, will be read with much interest, both for its own and for the writer's sake : SIR,-A copy of the REVIEW has been sent to me, containing some rather trifling remarks by a Mr. Menzies, regarding the Church of which I am. by Divine grace, the present minister. It may gratify that gentleman's curiosity, if I may be allowed shortly to inform him how this "ecclesiastical curiosity," as he is pleased to style it, originated, and why it exists. Brought up myself in the Established Church of England, and a graduate of the university of Oxford, where I had been, in the mercy of God, made acquainted with, and was finally led to adopt, as being in thorough accord with the word of God, the system of truth set forth in the authorised Standards of the Church of Scotland, I began to seek, naturally enough, for a church which might prove to be loyally attached to this "form of sound words." Judge of my keen disappointment when, after the painful results of severance from all old associations for conscience sake, I discovered that the "Presbyterian Church of England," which I am now so lightly bidden to join, had in worship (and must I not add, in some points of doctrine?) practically departed from that old Presbyterian faith, which I had from a mere theoretical acquaintance with its scriptural truth and beauty learned already to love. I mean not any departure merely from certain angular crotchets-such as e.g., traditionary methods of dispensing the sacraments, inflexible laws of a rigorous discipline, the use of an old and obsolete legal terminology, savouring rather of pedantic prejudice than of the simplicity of Christ. |
