causation to man's futurity. Human experience is not like an isolated raindrop, that falls from the clouds above and is soon exhaled by the sun; but it is like a river, whose present character has been entirely formed by its past history: the soil through which it has flowed, the streams that have rolled into its bosom, have given to it its present hue, form, and volume. Man's actions of today are the result of those of yesterday and the cause of those of to-morrow. GOD WITHIN.-If there is no God within, there is no God without. Men in whose hearts the Divine Word is not, have no ears to hear the Infinite, though He speaks in thunder, no eyes to see Him, though He fills up their horizon. WORLD'S THE HEROES are evermore the incarnation of the world's thoughts; and those thoughts are, alas! far away from the immutable realities. He whose character and status are most in keeping with the popular sentiment will ever be the greatest magnate for the time. GOOD DEEDS.-Every true thought, every earnest prayer, every godly deed, carry in themselves success. As all the elements and forces of this old world go to build up a new stratum around the globe's surface, for geologists of coming ages to study, so all that I do and think and say in the work of the Lord goes to give blessedness to my being. All the waters of holy thought and effort we now receive into our being go to make a well within us that will spring up to everlasting life. RELIGION.-God must be the all in all-the grand figure in all the sceneries, and the ruling chord in all the melodies of life. Man is made to worship; but worship is not a ceremony, not a passing sentiment, not an occasional service, it is a life revealing itself everywhere-in marts of business, halls of study, fields of recreation, as well as in conventional temples. It is not a something that appears on this mountain or on that mountain, on this day or that day, in this act or that act; but something that is everywhere and everywhen. The grand pulse of being. EMPTY LIVES.-A life without moral goodness is necessarily deceptive. It walks in a vain show, it deceives itself and deceives others; it is an acted lie from beginning to end. How many lives seem full of promise! They awaken as much interest and as much hope as clouds that float over parched lands; but they result in nothing but disappointment. Oh, what lives there are which are like clouds without water! MERCY.-Mercy, like the mys tic pillar that guided the Israelites in the wilderness, has two sides-a bright one to guide and cheer, and a dark one to confound and destroy. Mercy abused becomes a determined resistless destroyer. A plant that is not strengthened by the sunbeam, is scorched; the soul that is not saved by mercy, is damned. Literary Notices. [We hold it to be the duty of an Editor either to give an early notice of the books sent to him for remark, or to return them at once to the Publisher. It is unjust to praise worthless books; it is robbery to retain unnoticed ones.] THE REVIEWER'S CANON. In every work regard the author's end, Since none can compass more than they intend. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE. By F. GODET. VOLS. I. and II. Translated by M. D. CUSIN. Edinburgh: T. &T. Clark, 38, George Street. The writer is well known as the author of an excellent commentary on the Gospel of St. John, and he regards the Gospel of which he treats in these two volumes as best fitted to serve as a complement to his former exegetical work. And truly Luke's writing constitutes in several important respects a transition between the view taken by John and that which forms the basis of the synoptical literature. The method which he here pursues is very similar to that of his commentary on St. John, which is not yet however translated into English. The following extract from the preface will put our readers in possession of the nature and aim of the work: "I have not written merely for professed theologians: nor have I aimed directly at edification. This work is addressed in general to those readers of culture, so numerous at the present day, who take a heartfelt interest in the religious and eritical questions which are now under discussion. To meet their requirements, a translation has been given of those Greek expressions which it was necessary to quote, and technical language has as far as possible been avoided. The most advanced ideas of modern unbelief circulate at the present time in all our great centres of population. In the streets of our cities, workmen are heard talking about the conflict between St. Paul and the other apostles of Jesus Christ. We must therefore endeavour to place the results of a real and impartial Biblical science within reach of all. I repeat respecting this Commentary what I have already said of its predecessor, it has been written, not so much with a view to its being consulted, as read. "From the various readings I have had to select those which had a certain value, or presented something of interest. A commentary cannot pretend to supply the place of a complete critical edition, such as all scientific study requires. Since I cannot in any way regard the eighth edition of Tischendorf's text, just published, as a standard text, though I gratefully acknowledge its aid as absolutely indispensable, I have adopted the received text as a basis in indicating the various readings; but I would express my earnest desire for an edition of the Byzantine text that could be regarded as a standard authority. Frequently I have contented myself with citing the original text of the ancient MSS., without mentioning the changes offered, anything that could be of any interest I have indicated them. 66 If I am asked with what scientific or religious assumptions I have approached this study of the third Gospel, I reply with these two only, that the authors of our Gospels were men of good sense, and good faith." This we consider to be a very enlightened and suggestive exposition. We shall be glad to hear that the enterprising publishers have met with sufficient success with these volumes to justify them in bringing out the author's exposition on John in English garb. SIX LECTURES ON QUESTIONS INDICATIVE OF CHARACTER. By REV. W. HARRIS. London: Dickenson & Higham, 73, Farringdon Street. These Lectures are not common productions. They have none of the patent phrases of hoary theologies. The author thinks for himself, and puts his thoughts into his own language, which is clear and unpre tentious but strong. As a "maiden production," which we presume it to be, it claims to be treated with tenderness and respect. But it has merits to command most respectful attention. We trust the author will be encouraged to go on, and that we shall meet him again in some literary path. THE HOMILIST. VOL. X. EDITOR'S SERIES. London: Simpkin and This volume, whilst it `contains about one hundred sermons more or less elaborated, most of them on subjects seldom preached from, yet of vital importance,-abounds with a variety of other matter in order to promote pulpit efficiency. For example, there are about seventeen articles under the heading of "Scientific Facts used as Symbols." There are many works extant, intended as "illustrations" to help the pulpit; but many of the anecdotes have no foundation in fact, whilst others are absurd and sensational. It is time for the pulpit to look elsewhere for illustrations to look to nature, which is a grand parable. This volume contains a number of striking scientific facts that serve to mirror theological and ethical truths. In addition to all this there are many scores of "Original Similitudes." We would take the opportunity of reminding our readers, that as the Editor's Series is drawing to a close, those who wish to procure the volumes would do well to make early application. Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London. |