tion to this principle at once, it was sure to be seen; and at this moment I could, were this the place for doing it, direct your attention to what is passing in Europe, which shows very clearly that the first order of minds in Europe are begin ning to find their way to our principle of English Independency, as presenting the grand secret by means of which to put an end to that broil of ages-the mingling of the ecclesiastical with the civil. We have Emperor marshalled against Pope, and Pope against Emperor; we have hierarchies rising against nationalities, and nationalities rising against hierar chies. We have men coming forth not merely from schools of theology, but from the departments of high statesmanshipsuch men as Guizot and Laboulaye-and affirming, in their own way, that the great principle by which an end is to be put to this protracted strife, is the principle by which men learn to give unto God the things which are God's, while they give unto Cæsar the things that are his. Our friend, Mr. Monod, can tell you a little how French thought is working in this direction ; what M. Bersier and M. Pressensé and others, are doing to illu. minate the French mind upon this great principle. Then there is M. Vinet, a man who, coming out from an order of things very unlike ours, was brought, by the influence of light, to embrace the principle we hold. The great Cavour learned to take up the maxim, "A free Church in a free State," as what the people want. Very good as far as it goes," say some, more enlightened yet. "Free Churches in a free State-that is what we want." You can never have one Church in any State that would not be a favouritism to some and a wrong to others. You must look to a grand tolerance of variety; more or less, if there is to be really a system of liberty for men-and our great principles go in that direction. But, Sir, I will not detain you longer. I should not have said this much but that, when a man comes across the Atlantic to speak half an hour, perhaps he may have it. But our mission, Mr. Moderator, is to express sympathy with you in your late trial, and in meeting the great social, moral, and religious responsibilities, which devolve upon you now that trial may be said to have passed. It should be remem. bered that, since your War of Independence, you have not known trouble. Your history through that long interval, until within the last four years, has been one unbroken flow of prosperity, and you must bear with me in saying that it is not in the power of prosperity alone to secure to nations all the greatness of which nations are capable. With nations as with indi, viduals true greatness is not to be realised without suffering. It comes as by travail. It is not a little edifying to see how dis. cipline of that sort is made to ripen man. hood. It is often wonderful to notice the fruit which a good man brings with him out of such experiences-those broader views, that calmer self-possession, that wiser patience and considerateness-in a word, the development of those richer forms of character that could not be realised elsewhere. So I doubt not it will be with you as a people. Misconceptions of all kinds have been abroad concerning you, some in quarters where you may have expected them, others in quarters where you expected better things. You have had to bear that. Malignity in every form and grade has levelled its shafts against you, and that in your hour of trial. That, too, you have had to bear. Even the dastard villanies of assassination have been allowed to have their place in the cup of which you have been made to drink. We feel for you in all this. But be of good cheer. A dark day has passed over you, but it is that the days to come may be brighter and better. Friends who have not, and could not understand your case, have come to see it as it is. Enemies have predicted a thousand times that, should any such strain come upon your institutions as we have seen come upon them within the last four years, they would be snapped asunder, and proclaim to all men their worthlessness. Well, the strain has come, and these prophets of evil have proved false prophets; your institutions have not broken down,—they are safe, they will be more consolidated than ever. Yes, and this has happened in the sight of all the nations; to the free, and the friends of freedom every. where it has gone forth as a new song of hope to the oppressor, and the upholders of oppression everywhere, it has gone as a knell of despair. Democracy, it is seen, can be stable, can be united, can show celerity in action, and concentrated energy to the last. And now what remains ? Your victories in war have given you a foremost place among the nations in military achievement. Shall not the victories in war be followed by the victories of peace? And let not the social and religious difficulties which now press upon you be taken as a hardship. It is in benevolence that this burden is laid on you. You are to grow strong, and your reputation is to rise higher than ever, by bearing it. The luxurious South has destroyed the Spaniard from the first day of his landing there until now, while the hardy North has invigorated the Anglo-Saxon. Nations are wasted--swept away as worthless, by being allowed to live in ease and indulgence. They are made-made, by being compelled to do, to dare, and to suffer. You have weathered a memorable storm, and the old ship whose decks I have left to visit you has weathered many a storm before you, and I am happy in being able to say that she has never been more seaworthy than now. Half a century ago, that Tory faction, that haughty Church and King confederation which provoked you to your War of Independence, ruled over us with an iron hand. But that is of the past. Forty years since we were under the regime of the Corporation and Test Acts, which precluded all Englishmen from civil or military offices unless prepared to take the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the form prescribed by the Church of England. That impious law no longer disgraces our statute-book. In those days Catholics prayed that they might be allowed to send men of their faith to our Lower House, and prayed from year to year apparently in vain. That social wrong is also of the past. At that time our peers, through their power in our small boroughs, could virtually pack our House of Commons, and make that House a peers' House that should have been the people's House. Our great Reform Bill brought all that to an end Every statesman now knows that to create the majority in our Lower House rests with the nation, and that where that majority is, there, in effect, is the supreme power everywhere. Our muni cipal corporations at that time were all close corporations, the Churchmen and Tories who were in always filling up vacancies in their own body. Now, all such functionaries have their office from the suffrage of the citizens and townspeople, the effect of which is, that the municipal power of the nation has passed largely into the hands of members of our free Churches, and especially into the hands of Congregationalists. Popular education has made wonderful progress during the last generation. The land is now flooded, almost to a miracle, with cheap and good literature for the people. The effect is that, within my memory, we have come to be quite another people. So different is the condition of popular intelligence, that were we to become a republic to-morrow we should be perfectly safe. What the last half-century has been we believe the next will be, and if you don't take care we shall overtake you. In truth, Mr. Moderator, paradoxical as it may sound, Old England was never younger than at this day. Why now do I touch on this theme? Is it in boastfulness? God forbid! It is from the goodness of God, and not from merit of our own that I am able to speak thus of my country. What I wish you to see is how admirably the two countries are mated, not to become the destroyers of each other, but the liberators and benefactors of mankind. We have a great mission devolved upon us, which, if it should only be given us to see it, will be found rich in blessing for the world's future. Are our respective peoples capable of rising to this level? Are we capable of subordinating a thousand lesser irritations to this grand idea and purpose? It will be a difficult thing to do, and it will be done only as we feel it to be difficult. The English jack and the stars and stripes are destined to float side by side in every harbour of the world. The products of your country and of ours will compete with each other in the markets of all lands; and we only need look to the history of England and Holland two centu ries ago to see how difficult it is for nations so conditioned to be at peace. There will be bad men in your country, who will be for war, and bad men in my country who will take up the same cry, and my last word to you is, let the good men of both nations combine to ensure that we shall be one-one for God, one for humanity. What followed, Dr. Jos. P. Thompson, of New York, reports to the Patriot as follows: "A careful response to the addresses of the English Deputies was prepared by a special Committee on a subsequent day, in which the Council expressed its regret at the want of a more positive and earnest sympathy from our English brethren when we were in a deadly struggle for the principles of our common ancestors, and especially at the studied silence of your Union upon the great moral issues involved in our war. The policy of the Committee of your Union has placed you in a false attitude before the American people, and has cost you a loss of moral power which you may never be able to regain. It was a very grave mistake. We felt it at the time; it is your turn to feel it now. As I pointed out its injustice then, I have earned the right to speak frankly of its mischievous effects. "The report referred to called out, at first, some very sharp criticism upon the course of England during the war. But better counsels prevailed, and the Council were as magnanimous to overlook as they had been frank in complaining. Dr. Vaughan was again heard; and his manly exposition of the true English feeling was received with rounds of applause. Mr. Beecher then rose, and, after bantering his English friends upon their slight experience of what he had to endure so largely in England, he poured forth the torrents of his noble soul in a welcome of surpas sing eloquence; and when, at the close, he gave Drs. Vaughan and Raleigh the hand of fellowship, the whole assembly rose, and at the cry England and America one for ever,' cheer after cheer went up, until the enthusiasm found vent in a grand doxology. "It was well that you sent a deputation, and sent two such men, representing both wings of feeling and opinion among you. We understand each other tho roughly; and henceforth there is nothing between us but peace and love." NEW BOOKS. The Chronological Bible: containing the We had occasion to refer to this book in a recent article on Paragraph Bibles,— a subject to which we hope to return soon; and we have now great pleasure in commending it to the attention of the public. The following are the main features of the work, as stated by the Editor himself, and we think it due to him to use his own words :-" I. The sacred text has been re-divided; for chapters have been substituted sections, and for verses paragraphs-the old divisions being nevertheless retained for facility of reference. II. The most impor tant parallel passages quoted at length. III. The marginal renderings of the translators. IV. Amended translations by ancient and modern critics. V. Every section has its own proper date. VI. By means of the numerals prefixed to each section, the whole Sacred volume may be read in chronological order. VII. The Poetical Books, printed rhythmically on the principle of poetic parallelism. VIII. Speeches in inverted commas. IX. The most important variations of the ancient versions. X. A comparison, by means of a different type, of the Received text of the New Testament with the MS. known as B, preserved in the Vatican Library. XI. A complete harmony of the Gospels, and of the Epistles with the book of Acts. XII. Quotations in the New Testament of passages from the Old printed in capitals. XIII. Geographical Headings. XIV. Introductions to each book. XV. Analysis of the argument of the Epistles." These are not all peculiar to Mr. Blackader's book, not a few of them will be found in other editions. And if we were disposed to find any fault where there is so much excellence, it is that the Editor has overdone his work. But the error, if error it be, is on the right side. How different the whole aspect of the book is from the appearance of our common bibles! The pages of the Prophets and of the Gospels, as printed here, seem to introduce us at once to a new book. And one could scarcely believe, if he had not demonstration of it, how much the intelligibility and interest of the bible may be improved and increased by simply printing it as it ought to be printed. The volume before us is too expensive for common use. But after all, how many thousands of Christian families there are that can spend thirty-six shillings on any object of desire, even if it be but a caprice! No such family should be without one copy at least of so instructive an edition as this of our Holy Bible. And in our age of book-presents, this volume should not be forgotten. The Elohistic and Jehovistic Theory minutely Examined; with some remarks on Scripture and Science; having especial reference to the Fourth Part of "The Pentateuch, &c., critically exa. mined by the Right Rev. J. W. Colenso, D.D., Bishop of Natal." By the Rev. EDW. BILEY, A.M. London: Bell and Daldy. MR. BILEY has produced a work which deserves much praise. It is thorough and masterly, displaying care, assiduity, extensive and accurate reading. As early as the middle of the last century the theory was broached by Astruc, that the Book of Genesis, and the earlier chapters of Exodus, exhibit traces of two original documents, each characterised by a distinct use of the names of God; the one by the name Elohim, the other by the name Jehovah. And this is the theory which, after repeated manipulations in the hands of German scholars of repute, has been popularised in this country by Bishop Colenso. Mr. Biley endeavours to show -we are not prepared to say with complete success-by an investigation of the etymology and uses of the names, that when one is used rather than the other it is for the purpose of representing the Divine Being in that aspect of His character most suited to the circumstances, either as "The Mighty" (Elohim) or as "The Eternal" or "Unchangeable" (Jehovah). The change of name is, therefore, he argues, so far from being an evidence of different authorship, that it bears rather the marks of design and unity. This leads him into a critical examination of almost every word in the earlier part of the Pentateuch which admits of debate. But while it enables him to expose the Bishop's ignorance of the niceties of Hebrew, it renders his book unreadable to the general public. His attempt to reconcile Scripture and Geology will, however, be highy instructive to ordinary readers, and will convince them that things which have been urged as objections, may prove on a more minute inquiry to be in reality indirect and undesigned testimonies on behalf of the Scriptures. For an example of the exposure of Colenso's rash and sweeping statements-many of them utterly incorrect--we might refer to pp. 153 and 141. The great defect of this book is its fragmentary and piecemeal structure. It should be re-cast in a second edition, and indices added of Subjects, Texts, and Hebrew words. as Thoughts at Seventy-nine. By the Author of "Thoughts on Devotion," &c., &c. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder. FEW Volumes could be more welcome to us than a volume of "Thoughts" from the pen of Mr. John Sheppard. And it is very pleasant to find him "at Seventynine capable of such "thoughts" these. We have never had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Sheppard, but there are few men with whom we have had more spiritual fellowship of a kind very pleasant to ourselves, and we trust profitable. The volume before us contains four Essays:I. On Theism. II. On The Image of the Invisible. III. On New Testament Precepts, in eight chapters. IV. On Conscience and its Perversions. Then we have forty pages of poetry, consisting chiefly of "Metrical Prayers," and twenty pages of brief miscellaneous Thoughts. There is nothing startling, brilliant, or spasmodic in the volume. But every page of it will be precious to those who can escape from the whirl of both business and literature, and find a quiet resting-place in which to meditate in communion with a calm, earnest, and devout Christian thinker. The Star of Poland; with other Scenes and Sketches from History. By MARIA E. CATLOW, author of "Popular Entomology," "Popular Scripture Zoology." THIS book comprises a variety of short papers first contributed to a "Village Miscellany," upon some important scenes in great historical events. Most of the scenes depicted refer to some points in female character, which are thereby very appositely illustrated. We may instance the Swedish national struggle, headed by Gustavus Vasa; the French Revolution of 1789; and Black Bartholomew, as the events with which some of the incidents are associated. The book will be suitable and welcome as a gift to the young, of far greater interest to the recipients than many which are selected for the purpose. Enoch Roden's Training. By the Author of "Fern's Hollow." London: The Religious Tract Society. WE are heartily pleased with this little book. It is of the kind which cannot fail to be interesting and suggestive in its influence. The tale is well told; and its wide circulation would be of great service to all classes. It is not silly with a feigned simplicity, but full of strong lessons for us all. Poems. By H. MAJOR. Freeman. London: W. a THE longest of these poems is "Dramatic Poem" entitled " Jephtha." This is followed by "Rural Etchings and Sketchings," "Lyra Sacra," and "Miscellaneous Poems." There is no task more difficult for a critic than to decide on the merits of poets and would-be poets. But one thing we may say, that we had not read many pages of this volume before we felt that the author is a true poet. Bible Sketches and their Teachings, for Young People. By SAMUEL G. GREEN, B.A. First Series: From the Creation to the Israelites' entrance into Canaan. London: Religious Tract Society. AN admirable book, especially for mothers to read with and to their children. The style is easy, natural, and sprightly; and the various subjects which pass under review are treated with an intelligence, which, alas! is often wanting in popular books on Holy Scripture. The Story of the Kirk. By ROBERT NAISMITH. Edinburgh : Johnstone, Hunter, and Co. THIS Story of the Kirk" is the story of Christianity in Scotland "from the beginning until now." It is a story worth telling, and it is well told so far as the limits of a very small volume allow it to be told. The Christian Monitor; or, Selections from Pious Authors. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. London: S. W. Partridge, 9, Paternos. ter Row. THE selections in this serial are very miscellaneous but good, and they are beautifully printed in large type. My Life and Labours in London, a Step nearer the Mark. By JAMES INCHES HILLOCKS, Author of "Life Story," a prize biography. London: William Freeman, 102, Fleet Street. THE facts which are given by Mr Hillocks, are such as could be supplied by hundreds of City Missionaries, but as the journals of these devoted men are not given to the public in detail, we would recommend those who wish to know the good work they are doing to read this book. It will make them acquainted with some phases of London life both interesting and painful. At the same time we would deprecate the multiplication of books of this character, and are glad that there are not many earnest workers who can write of their own "Life and Labours," as Mr. Hillocks does. The air of childlike simplicity, however, in which he speaks of himself, is more amusing than offensive. Faith, what it Is, and what it Leads to. By Rev. C. H. SPURGEON. Twenty-first thousand. London: Morgan and Chase, 40, Ludgate Street. A LITTLE book upon a great subject. Its author's name will be a sufficient recommendation to thousands. Morning; or Darkness and Light: Evening; or, Sorrow and Joy. By Rev. GEORGE B. SCOTT. London: E. Marlborough and Co. THIS book is intended for closet devo. tion. Each portion consists of two texts of Scripture, two verses of devotional poetry, and appropriate reflections. It is rich in suggestive truth, and very suitable for a gift-book. The Child's Book of Praise. Edited by Rev. CHARLES VINCE. Birmingham: Hugh Barclay, 26, Temple Street. London: Virtue, Brothers, and Co., Paternoster Row. THIS little book contains many gems which we have never seen before. The Sunday-school Hymn Book. Ninetieth Thousand. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row. THOSE who have to conduct the public worship of children will welcome this selection. |