SHORT NOTICES.

The Works of Francis Bacon, Baron of Verulam, &c. Collected and edited by James Spedding, M. A., Robert Leslie Ellis, M. A., Douglas Denon Heath, Barrister at Law. Vol. X. Being translations of the Philosophical Works. Vol. III. Boston: Taggart & Thompson. 1864. This is the concluding volume of fifteen, which constitute this edition of the works of one of the most illustrious writers England has ever produced. The advantages of this edition are: 1. That it is conducted under the supervision of competent and scholarly men. 2. It is comprehensive. 3. It is in a most convenient form. 4. It is published in the finest style, as to paper, printing, &c. 5. It is cheap, not only in view of the present cost of material and labour, but also relatively to the price of the English edition.

Theological and Homiletical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, from the German of G. V. Lechler, D. D., and R. Gerok. Edited by J. B. Lange, D.D., Professor of Divinity in the University of Bonn. Translated by the Rev. Paton J. Gloag. Vol. I. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark. London: Hamilton, Adams & Co. Dublin: John Robertson & Co. 1864. This is another of the numerous and valuable volumes of Clark's Foreign Theological Library, of which such frequent mention has been made in these pages. This Commentary on Acts is part of Lange's Bibel-Werk, or popular commentary on the Bible, which has for some years been in the process of publication in Germany, and which has attained a very high reputation. Professor Philip Schaff has undertaken the translation of the whole work, aided by numerous literary associates in this country. This elegant edition of the part relating to the Acts, (including the first twelve chapters,) will of course be specially acceptable to those who have other parts of the Foreign Theological Library.

The Life of the Lord Jesus Christ: Being a complete critical examination of the Origin, Contents, and Connection of the Gospels. Translated from the German of J. P. Lange, D. D. In six Volumes. Vols. I. II. III. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, and the same publishers in London and Dublin as the work above noticed.

The Life of Christ by Lange, is the most complete and thorough work which the infidel book of Strauss has called. forth. To those who have not access to German books, this,

and other books of this series, are of inestimable value. They open to the theological student a new field, and supply ministers with materials of thought and knowledge which they cannot elsewhere obtain.

Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. By C. F. Keil, D. D., and F. Delitzsch, D. D., Professors of Theology. Translated from the German by the Rev. James Martin, B. A. Vol. I. The Pentateuch. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark. London: Hamilton & Adams. Dublin: John Robertson & Co. 1864.

Keil and Delitzsch are already extensively known in this country as among the most distinguished modern German theologians of the evangelical school. This work will be a great storehouse of useful matter for students of the Bible. The present volume includes Genesis and a few chapters of Exodus. The Golden Censer: Thoughts on the Lord's Prayer. By John S. Hart, LL. D. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication. Pp. 144. The late highly gifted and lamented missionary, Lowenthal, when a student in the Theological Seminary in Princeton, delivered in the Oratory, a discourse on the word "Our," in the preface to the Lord's Prayer. It filled all who heard him with surprise and delight. Surprise, that one word could contain so much, and delight, that the truths involved in that one word were so precious. Numerous works have been written on this wondrous compend of petitions. The volume before us, as might be expected from the ability and elegant culture of its author, is replete with excellent thoughts felicitously expressed.

Memorial of the Rev. John N. Campbell, D.D. Presbyterian Church in the city of Albany. the Congregation, and published by order 1864. Pp. 70.

Late Pastor of the First Compiled by a Member of of the Trustees. Albany:

Dr. Campbell was a remarkable man. With a physical constitution unusually delicate and refined, he had an extraordinary firmness of will and force of character. The writer of this notice was a companion of his early childhood in Philadelphia. He had then the appearance of a delicate little girl. As he grew to manhood, the general impression was that he would be effeminate and feeble through life. He soon, however, put an end to such forebodings. He showed himself to be a man of marked ability, of indomitable perseverance, of unflinching courage, of extraordinary efficiency. Very few of our ministers have accomplished more, or attained to greater influence in the sphere in which he moved. This affectionate tribute to his memory on the part of his people contains a brief memoir of his life; the excellent address by the Rev. Dr. Sprague, delivered

at the funeral of his friend, and numerous notices and testimonials of respect gathered from the public journals.

The Blennerhassett Papers; embodying the private journal of Haram Blennerhassett, and the correspondence, hitherto unpublished, of Burr. Tyler, Devereaux, Dayton, Adair, Emmet, Theodosia Burr Alston, &c., &c., developing the aim of the attempted Wilkinson and Burr Revolution, &c. &c. By William H. Safford. Cincinnati: Moore, Wilstach, and Baldwin, 26 West Fourth St. 1864. 8vo., pp. 665.

This fine large volume (received as our last sheets are going to the press), relates to one of the most interesting and least understood portions of our national history. Consisting of authentic documents, most of them hitherto inaccessible to the public, it must command general attention among all students of history, and those fond of romantic adventures.

The Book of Common Prayer, &c., as amended by the Westminster Divines in Royal Commission, 1661, and in agreement with the Directory for Public Worship of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Philadelphia: William S. and Alfred Martien, No. 606 Chestnut Street. 1864. Pp. 637. To which is added, Liturgia Expurgata; or the PrayerBook amended according to the Presbyterian Revision of 1661, and historically and critically reviewed. By Charles W. Shields, D. D. Philadelphia: Wm. S. and Alfred Martien.

As this volume has come into our hands at the last hour, we have not had time even to note its contents. The public has been aware that Dr. Shields has been long devoting his attention to the history of the liturgical services of the Reformed churches. Many among us have so associated Episcopacy and Liturgies, that the two can hardly be separated. This arises from very limited historical knowledge. Most of the non-episcopal churches of the Reformation, the Scotch among the number, used liturgies more or less extended, and most Protestant churches on the continent of Europe do so to the present day. The labours of Dr. Shields will, we trust, awaken interest in this subject, and direct attention to a most important part of public worship.

The Charge and Inaugural Address delivered on the occasion of the Induction of the Rev. W. G. T. Shedd, D. D., as Professor of Biblical Literature in the Union Theological Seminary, New York, January 11, 1864. Published by request of the Board of Directors. New York: Charles Scribner. 1864.

The charge delivered on this interesting occasion was by the Rev. William Adams, D. D. This is a sufficient guarantee of its character. It displays in a high degree the learning, culture, taste and piety, which have won for its author so honourable a rank among our metropolitan pastors. The following is a true index of its spirit and tone:

"When we have emphasized the pre-requisite of a sound 73

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judgment, familiarly known as common sense, in distinction from all mystic and mythical methods, let us remember that there is a spiritual discernment which is more than erudition, and which God has promised even unto babes. The true interpretation of Scripture must be that which the Author of Scripture puts upon his own words, and which he communicates to him who seeks it with filial prayer. This 'quick understanding' is a temper, rather than a faculty. It is like antenna to the mind, a sensitive power by which it feels its way easily and promptly through passages manifold and labyrinthine, when pride and self-confidence grope and stumble." P. 16.

Dr. Shedd's address is also quite worthy of himself and the occasion. He treats of the influence of biblical exegesis upon the theologian and the preacher. He shows with his wonted depth and richness of thought, and in his classic, vigorous, clean-cut style, that the thorough Exegesis of the Scriptures tends to impart to the mind of the expositor, whether preacher or theologian, the truest originality and authority, those great sources of convictive and persuasive power.

Letters to a Theological Student. By Leverett Griggs, Pastor of the Congregational Church, Bristol, Connecticut. Published by the American Tract Society, 28 Cornhill, Boston.

These letters, by an earnest, judicious, and successful pastor, to his son in Lane Theological Seminary, are brief, plain, pithy, and every way to the purpose. They can be read in one hour. It would be difficult for a theological student to spend an hour more profitably than in reading them.

Annual of Scientific Discovery; or, Year-Book of Facts in Science and Art, for 1864. Exhibiting the most important discoveries and improve ments in Mechanics, Useful Arts, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geology, Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Meteorology, Geography, Antiquities, etc., together with notes on the Progress of Science during the year 1863. A list of recent Scientific Publications, Obituaries of Eminent Scientific Men, etc. Edited by David A. Wells, A. M., M. D., author of Principles of Natural Philosophy, Principles of Chemistry, First Principles of Geology, etc. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. New York: Sheldon & Co. 1864.

It is difficult to give a better account of this valuable work than is furnished by the above title-page. The value of such a book, if well executed, must be obvious. Scientific men can hardly afford to do without it. To all educated and inquiring persons, it is a thesaurus of information to which they need access, and which they cannot easily find elsewhere. So far as we have been able to examine, the volume is made up with great labour, care, and judgment. Its materials are very abun

dant, from the highest sources, judiciously selected, and well arranged.

The Freedom of the Will, as a Basis of Human Responsibilty and a Divine Government; Elucidated and Maintained in its issue with the Necessi tarian Theories of Hobbes, Edwards, the Princeton Essayists, and other leading advocates. By D. D. Whedon, D. D. New York: Published by Carlton & Porter. 1864.

Notwithstanding the elaborate assaults upon Edwards's great Treatise on the Will, which almost every decade brings forth, it still remains to be assaulted: like the storm-smitten rock which serenely and sublimely awaits all the tempests that may vainly dash against it, to the end of time. Dr. Whedon's book has unquestionable acuteness and dexterity, along with great zeal and assurance, and an amazing fecundity of huge and unusual words. But it will require more than all this to demolish Edwards; however an occasional fallacy may be detected in his reasonings. It will be seen from the title-page, that Dr. Whedon honours us with special consideration. We wait an opportunity for a closer examination of his volume, before concluding whether there is any occasion for us to reciprocate the compliment.

The Influence of the Bible in improving the Understanding and Moral Character. By John Matthews, D. D., Professor of Theology in the Theological Seminary of Hanover and New Albany, Indiana; Author of "Letters on the Divine Purpose," etc., with a Memoir of the Author, by James Wood, D. D., President of Hanover College, Indiana. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication.

This work bears the impress of the author's force and originality as a thinker. The topic speaks its own importance, and the ability with which it is treated will be its passport to public acceptance and usefulness. The Memoir prefixed is well done, and will add to the value and interest of the book, as a memorial of one of the lights of our church.

The Memorial Hour; or, the Lord's Supper, in its relation to Doctrine and Life. By Jeremiah Chaplin, D. D., author of "The Evening of Life," etc. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. New York: Sheldon & Co. 1864. This book consists of a series of chapters on the Lord's Supper, as to its meaning and intent, its proper observance and due improvement. It is both didactic and devotional. For the most part, the several chapters are enriched with choice selections of evangelical poetry, and some of them are illustrated by the examples of eminent saints. We welcome whatever is suited to promote the earnest and fit observance of this sacrament among evangelical Christians, many of whom fail duly to appreciate it, and fall below the standard of scriptural and edifying observance.