in holy orders. Being appointed to deliver a course of lectures against heretics he received a licence to read their works. Gradually the light of Divine truth dawned more and more clearly on his mind; and the more earnestly he strove and prayed to be led into the right way, the more did his growing persuasion of the errors of the Church of Rome deepen in intensity. To maintain a struggle against conviction was inconsistent with the candour and integrity conspicuous in the character of Desanctis; and henceforth he resolved to preach the faith which he lately studied to destroy."

Written by one so throughly qualified both by learning and experience, the work, we need hardly say, is a masterly one, treating the whole subject, within narrow compass, in a most interesting and conclusive manner. After stating what confession is, as practised by the Church of Rome, the writer proceeds to prove that it has no foundation in the Word of God, that it receives no countenance from the teaching or practice of the primitive Church, that it is opposed to sound reason, injurious to faith and morals, entails most grievous injuries on the individual, the family, and society at large, and that neither religious nor civil progress is possible under the discipline of confession. There is a chapter giving a brief history of confession, in which it is shown that confession was at first simply a voluntary practice; that it was formally established as a part of religious discipline by an edict of Pope Innocent III. and the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215; that it was then established in order to assist the Inquisition, and that it was not till the 14th century that it came to be regarded and enforced as a sacrament of the Church.

As the translator informs us, "When the work appeared, incontestably proving, to the astonishment and delight of the Italians, that the system of confession was as contradictory to Scripture, antiquity, and reason, as it was fatal to social happiness and national prosperity, its publication was welcomed with eagerness. Edition after edition was exhausted; and a shock was communicated to the Papacy in Italy, under which it continues to reel and stagger to this hour." And most heartily do we agree with him when he adds, "England for more than three centuries has been happily exempt from this moral pestilence; but lately the plague has re-appeared; the infection has been propagated with marvellous rapidity, and 'The Confessional' of Desanctis will be, at least, a timely, and in many cases, it is to be hoped, an efficacious antidote." The book, which is neatly got up, we have every confidence in recommending to all who may desire to inform themselves on the subject of which it

treats.

The National Birth-day Book. (Price 2s. 6d.) Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. "THIS book," the preface informs us, "is intended to serve a threefold purpose. First, on each page a sentence is given which may be adopted as a motto for guidance in the general affairs of life; second, the name of a celebrity in science or art, in war or peaceful pursuits, in the world of letters or in the pulpit and platform is furnished, whose life or morals, inventions or deeds, may stimulate the reader to attain like eminence; third, a poetical quotation is inserted that may

serve to warn, instruct, arouse or elevate the thoughts to something higher and nobler than the whirls and eddies of everyday life is likely to inspire." Without pretending to any great acquaintance with such productions, which are both plentiful and varied in character, we think the plan of this new Birth-day book is a very happy one, and it is admirably carried out. It is beautifully got up, and will form an appropriate and acceptable Birth-day present to young folks who are interested in such things.

The Catholic Presbyterian.

May-August.

London: James Nisbet & Co.

WE continue to read this new monthly with unabated interest. The subjects treated from month to month are varied and important, and as a rule are very ably handled. We come upon things, of course, here and there, which do not quite meet with our approval, but for the most part the views set forth, and the tone of the papers, are very satisfactory. The opening article in the number for August, by the Editor, on "Life-blood Ecclesiastical," is admirable, showing that Churches must be "nobly active" in the Lord's work if they would enjoy true prosperity.

"The sense of obligation to Christ," remarks the writer, "lies at the root of all true Christianity. Prince and peasant, peer and pariah, owe the same to Christ, and are under the same obligations to show their gratitude by diligence in His service. How comes it, then, that so few persons are active and hearty in that service? It is because they think little of their obligations to Him on the one hand, and the work He has for them to do on the other. If they would think more of their obligations they would be more ready for His service; and if they would think more of what needs to be done for Him, they would come to a deeper sense of their obligations. It is a mistake to suppose that a high position and great natural talents are needed for serving Christ efficiently. What is needed mainly is great devotedness, a deep sense of obligation, the constraining power of the love of Christ. No one that looks round our congregations can doubt for a moment that if this force were warm and strong in every bosom, a moral and spiritual revolution would ensue. If it were the rule instead of the exception to have a vivid conception of what we owe to Christ, and a readiness to serve Him as He requires, the army of the Church would rise in efficiency at least a hundredfold. There are whole mines of undeveloped force in our Churches. There are stores of fuel, to which the seams of coal in the bowels of the earth hardly furnish a suitable analogy, waiting to be dug out, and turned into heat and motion. The one thing needed for this is that redeemed men should have a vivid conception of what they owe to their Redeemer, that there should be kindled among the masses of the redeemed on earth something of the enthusiasm that glows in their hearts in heaven when they sing the new song: Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seal thereof, for Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by Thy blood, out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.""

To the same number Dr. Stuart Robinson of America contributes an interesting paper on "Sabbath Laws in the United States ;" and it is thus that an American Layman' concludes a well-written paper on "Lay Evangelism: "

"I write from the standpoint of the pew. The laymen of the Presbyterian Church are, as a rule, abundantly endowed with the gifts and graces of common sense. We want no quack doctors, quack lawyers, quack preachers; no shoddies nor shams. For us and ours the sacred office was instituted by Christ. It is

necessary to our spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; to the peace and comfort of our lives; to the nurture and admonition of our children. But then our ministers must be real ministers of Christ, and full of His spirit. It is the coldness of many ministers that gives their chance to uncalled laymen. We ask for men of God, men of learning, of prayer, of experience, of discretion, of thoughtful minds and tender hearts. God can bestow upon His people no more precious gifts than such pastors to lead them by the quiet and beautiful waters of truth and grace. We protest against any cheapening of the sacred office, against any confession that our ministry is inadequate to the work divinely assigned to them. We want no sacerdotalism, no presumptuous prelacy, but we do love to see our pastors maintain the dignity and honour of their office as ambassadors for Christ, and as messengers speaking to us in His name.'

The Christian Treasury. January-August. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Ca WE rejoice to see this valuable periodical continuing to maintain its high character as a magazine specially adapted for Sabbath family reading. Its contents, both original and extracted, are suited to old and young, to the more learned and thoughtful and the more illiterate-to readers of every capacity. It has passed lately, we understand, into the hands of a new editor, who, if rumour be correct, is well qualified by editorial experience and otherwise to occupy the position with advantage to all parties interested. The 'Treasury'

has our best wishes for its future success.

The New Theology, as taught and professed in the United Presbyterian Church. An Exposition, with Critical Remarks. By a Minister. Edinburgh: James

Gemmell.

In a most sarcastically trenchant manner the author of this pamphlet lays bare the unscriptural, unintelligible, and self-contradictory character of the "new theology," as set forth in the recent publications of one of its most prominent exponents, the Rev. Fergus Ferguson of Glasgow. The writer shows himself to be thoroughly competent for his self-imposed task, and anything more racy and conclusive in its way, we have not come across for a long time. trust it will be widely circulated and read.

We

Fifty Years Ago; or Erin's Temperance Jubilee. Personal Reminiscences and Historical Notes. By various Contributors. Edited by Frederick Sherlock. Pp. 126. W. Erskine Mayne, Belfast. 1879. THIS neat and well-executed volume has appeared most seasonably at the period of the commemoration of the jubilee of the first Temperance Reformation in Ireland. After a brief well-written introduction by the Editor, it contains a number of vivid sketches as personal reminiscences of those who took part in the movement-two of these are by the Rev. Dr. Houston and Mr. Alexander S. Maguire, who remain of the six who signed the first temperance pledge. Then there are given most interesting accounts of subsequent Temperance movements in Ireland, and of the success that has attended them, and of the different Temperance organizations throughout the kingdom. In the close, there are presented characteristic sketches

of a few of "Ireland's Temperance Worthies,"-and a description of Bessbrook, a manufacturing district, from which, through John G. Richardson, its excellent proprietor, all sale and use of intoxicating liquor are entirely prohibited. This little work is a precious historical record of one of the most important movements of the age; and cannot but be perused with the deepest interest by all who desire the success of the Temperance cause.

CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING SECESSION RECORDS.

THE following correspondence, with relative documents, which appeared lately in the Edinburgh Courant and Daily Review, is inserted at the suggestion of friends, as the matter referred to is one in which it may be presumed a number of our readers will feel interested. We refrain from making any comment on the subject.

On the closing day of the recent meeting of the Free Assembly, there was submitted a Report on Secession Records, of which, and the proceedings connected with it, the following account was given in the newspapers.

Dr. WYLIE, Edinburgh, submitted the report of the Committee on Secession Records. It stated that

There have now been lodged in the archives of the Church, for preservation for historical purposes, the following records, viz. :-Of the Associate (Burgher) Synod, which united with the Church in 1839, 3 volumes, beginning 2d October 1799, and ending 9th May 1837 Associate (Burgher) Presbytery of Edinburgh Record, one volume, extending from 3d September 1805 to 10th April 1838; Associate (Burgher) Presbytery of Glasgow Records, three volumes, beginning 3d September 1805, and ending 8th December 1840; Associate (Burgher) Presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline Records, three volumes, beginning 3d September 1805, and ending 26th February 1839; Records of the United Original Secession Synod, which united with the Church in 1852, three volumes, beginning 9th May 1808, ending 1st June 1852; Original Secession Presbytery of Edinburgh Record, one volume, extending from 19th June 1827 to 6th April 1852; Origi nal Secession Presbytery of Aberdeen Record, one volume, extending from 11th May 1827 to 11th October 1841. The Committee express the hope that of the records still lacking to complete the history of their respective denominations, some may yet be recovered and committed to the Church's keeping; and with regard to those now placed in her archives, the committee recommend that while due access be afforded to them for consultation, they shall not be allowed to be taken from the offices of the Church.

In submitting the Report, Dr. Wylie remarked that the union with these Churches might be described in a modern phrase as a union with honour, and that on both sides. (Applause.) He expressed his confidence that the Church historian of next century would duly appreciate the wise foresight and diligence that had been shown in collecting the volumes referred to in the Report. To the union of these small but venerable bodies language used in regard to the union between England and Scotland might be applied-that "there was the end of an auld sang; but it would hardly be decorous to permit these two bodies to be sepulchred without an epitaph, and before finally dismissing them from the stage of the ecclesiastical world, the Assembly would perhaps allow him to say a few words touching the good they did during their lifetime. (Applause.) The rev. Doctor then referred to the services of some of the eminent men of these Churches, which, he said, helped to maintain a knowledge of the truth in the land when the lamp of the Established Church burned dimly.

Dr. BEGG expressed the hope that some Wodrow would yet arise to collate the facts in these records, and give the world an ecclesiastical history of Scotland, to which otherwise there would be no access. He moved the approval of the Report and reappointment of the committee, echoing the hope expressed by the committee that more records might yet be recovered; and a resolution as to those already in her archives, that whilst due access be afforded to them for consultation, they should not be allowed to be taken from the offices of the Church.

Mr. E. A. THOMSON, Edinburgh, seconded the motion, and expressed the hope that the Free Church, benefiting by the lesson to be drawn from the history of these two Churches, would not indulge in internal divisions-because the matters on which these bodies divided were of small moment.

The deliverance was then agreed to.

In the course of a few days, the following letter appeared in the Courant, which had given the fullest report of the Assembly's transaction, and also in the Daily Review :

SIR,-In the account of the Free Assembly's proceedings of Tuesday, given in Wednesday's papers, I observe that a report was submitted by a Committee on Secession Records. That brief report I have read with lively interest, and the remarks of Dr. Wylie (convener), Dr. Begg, and Rev. E. A. Thomson on the subject with something more than interest-with feelings of indignant surprise. Among other records which this committee reported upon as having been lodged in the archives of the Church are mentioned three volumes of minutes of the United Original Secession Synod and two volumes of its Presbyteries of Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Now, Sir, I know quite well how these volumes have come into the possession of the Free Church, but this I confess I do not know, the right that Church has to retain them, for they are neither morally nor legally hers. We are told, it is true, that the United Original Secession Synod joined the Free Church in 1852, and by so doing ceased to be; but strange to say that Synod has existed since that period, and still exists, so that Dr. Wylie (for whom I have a profound respect) performed on Tuesday, on the floor of the Free Assembly, the somewhat remarkable feat of burying and epitaphising an ecclesiastical body alive, and he and all who heard him were quite well aware he was doing this. People, as a rule, don't much relish such treatment, no matter from whose hands it may come, and so as a member of the body on whom this interesting experiment has been so magnanimously attempted, I beg to utter my protest against such procedure, and to assure the Free Church Assembly and its Committee on Records that the United Original Secession Synod is not yet prepared for its "dismissal from the stage of the ecclesiastical world," and that it is quite capable of preserving its own records for historical purposes, if it were not wrongfully prevented doing so. For a long time, I believe, the precise whereabouts of the above volumes of Synod and other minutes was kept from the knowledge of those to whom they belong a fact which seems to indicate that the parties who had possession of them were not quite clear as to the propriety of their conduct in the matter. Now that they have found their way out of the hands of private interested persons into the custody of the Free Church, it is to be hoped that that Church will act upon the golden rule, to do to others as she would be done by, and so restore these volumes to their rightful owner-the Synod of United Original Seceders. I must say I am surprised that Dr. Begg did not propose that this should be done, instead of moving the approval of the report. Supposing an incorporating union with the United Presbyterian Church had been resolved upon, and carried out by the Free Assembly when this was expected, and that Dr. Begg and a faithful minority had been left behind, adhering to the principles they had vowed to maintain, would that minority not have claimed, and justly claimed, to be the Free Church of Scotland, and would they not have been publicly recognised and honoured as such? And how, I ask, would they have felt if the majority, happening to have the Clerks of Assembly with them, had carried all the Church's records over to the United Presbyterian Church, and if it had been proclaimed in the Assembly of the United Church, say by Drs. Rainy and Moncreiff, that "that venerable body, the Free Church, no longer existed, but had been "dismissed from the stage of the ecclesiastical world," and "sepulchred"

"