proceeding too rashly. They concede everything to conservative sentiment to the attachment to an old book and to old phraseology-which could, with reason, be asked of them. The danger, indeed, in our judgment, is rather upon the other side. We may fear that, with such rules, they may sometimes not go far enough, and that they may fail, as a body, to make alterations and improvements, which, as individuals, many, or even most, of them might not hesitate to make. We believe, however, that the men who are undertaking this great work, on both sides of the ocean, are undertaking it in the best spirit and with an earnest desire to do it well. The Christian public, also, in this country and in England, seem to be in a state of mind very favorable for its success. There is a remarkable readiness, as compared with what there has been in former years, not only to meet the question of revision but to acknowledge fully the imperfections which undoubtedly exist in our authorized version, admirable as it is. The new revision will, of course, be subjected to severe criticism. It will have to recommend itself by its merits, and, whatever these may be, it will, doubtless, force its way into universal use only by degrees and after the progress of years. If it is worthy of general reception, however, we hope that it may have it in the course of a generation. As all the churches, through their representative scholars, have united in the work, we trust that they will give it their welcome after it is finished, and that the union of all believers in life and love will be aided by a new and better revision of the English version, which shall be read by them all alike.

The perusal of this volume, which Dr. Schaff has brought before the American public,—as it makes known the principles on which the revision is proceeding, and the character of the alterations which are likely to be made,—cannot but tend to a harmonious feeling on the part of all, and, if it shall be widely read by Christian students in our country, it cannot but prepare the way for the end which, as we have already intimated, is so much to be desired.

RIGGS'S EMENDATIONS OF THE AUTHORIZED VERSION.*-In this volume, Dr. Riggs, the distinguished missionary of the American Board at Constantinople, has thrown together, in a brief form, many suggestions respecting improvements in the authorized Eng

* Suggested Emendations of the Authorized English Version of the Old Testament. By ELIAS RIGGS, D.D., LL.D., Missionary of the A. B. C. F. M., at Constantinople. Andover: Warren F. Draper. 1873. 12mo, pp. 130.

lish version of the Old Testament. As it is well known that he has long been engaged in the work of translating the Scriptures into the Armenian and Bulgarian languages, and that he is a man of extensive learning, the hints which he throws out will be received with much consideration. Especially at the present time, when the revision of the translation of 1611 has been formally undertaken, both in England and in this country, and is auspiciously going forward, will such a work be welcomed. Dr. Riggs limits himself to the Old Testament, as he says, because he does not regard the Greek text of the New Testament, which should be made the basis of revision, as sufficiently determined. Of course, it will be a part of the work of the revisers, already engaged in the matter, to determine this point. But in the Old Testament he finds no such occasion for silence at present, and he offers his suggestions as the result of his years of study and reflection. The emendations are presented in the briefest manner, as in a tabular form, and generally without the presentation of reasons. The author does not profess to notice particularly every case where improvements might be made. Some of the classes of cases, where changes are very obviously demanded, he purposely passes over. But his little book will be of much value to those interested in the subject on which it bears, and we are sure that all will be glad to know the views of a man who is so highly respected, and whose experience gives so much authority to what he

says.

We call the attention of our readers to two recently-published volumes of Clark's Theological Library,* connected with the Old Testament. One of these is the second volume of Hengstenberg's History of the Kingdom of God under the Old Testament. All who have the former part of this work, and have been interested in it, will be glad to know that the second and concluding portion has now arrived. Prefixed to this volume is an essay on the Life and Writings of Hengstenberg, which will be read with pleasure by very many.

* History of the Kingdom of God under the Old Testament. Translated from the German of E. W. HENGSTENBERG, late Doctor and Professor of Theology in Berlin. Vol. II. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark. 1872. New York: Scribner, Welford & Armstrong. 8vo, pp. 407.

Commentary on the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther, by C. F. KÉIL, D.D., Professor of Theology. Translated from the German by SOPHIA TAYLOR. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark. 1873. New York: Scribner, Welford & Armstrong. 8vo, pp. 380.

The other volume is the Commentary on the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, by Professor Keil, of Dorpat. This is one of the series of Commentaries by Keil and Delitzsch, the translation of which has made an important addition to the means of studying the Old Testament for those who are not acquained with the German language. The works on this portion of the Bible, which are of real service, are so few in number, that the appearance of this and the other volumes may be welcomed, not only for whatever merit they have, but also for this reason.

THE HISTORIC ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE.*-The title page of this work may indicate the extent of the plan projected and the great labor required for carrying it out, which will further appear from a bare enumeration of the contents. Part I. gives the history of the English Bible, in five chapters;-its history to the time of Tyndale; version of Tyndale; versions of Coverdale, Matthew (Rogers) Taverner, and the Great Bible; the Genevan, Bishops' and Rhemish versions; the Authorized version. Part II. the New Testament, in six chapters:-the written text; ancient versions and printed text; the New Testament Canon; the Gospels and Acts; the Epistles of Paul; Epistle to the Hebrews, the Catholic Epistles, and the Apocalypse. Part III. the Old Testament, in five chapters:-language, manuscripts, versions, and general textual history of the Old Testament; the Canon of the Old Testament; Origin of the separate books,-Pentateuch-Judges; continued, as to Ruth-the Proverbs; and as to EcclesiastesMalachi. Then follow Appendices, as to "Leading Opinions on Revision," and "the Apocrypha;" with an Index of Authorities, of passages of Scripture cited or illustrated, and a general Index. The pages are strewn with foot-notes referring to authorities for statements and opinions in the text. A work that may be thus described requires of the author scholarly attainments, patient industry, and conscientious fidelity. Prof. Hitchcock, in his Introduction, says: "The author, whom I have known for some years as an ardent and critical scholar, has spared no pains to be sound and accurate in his conclusions." From other sources we have similar testimony to his qualifications. The discernment, modesty, and devout spirit shown in his preface at once enlist confidence. And

*The Historic Origin of the Bible. A Handbook of Principal Facts from the best recent authorities, German and English. By EDWARD CONE BISSELL, A.M. With an Introduction by Prof. Roswell D. Hitchcock, D.D. New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Co. 12mo, pp. 432. 1873.

any chapter to which the reader may turn speaks for itself and for the rest. The information gathered and imparted on the several subjects named is all that the title promises and the compass of the volume allows. The style too befits the theme, neither ambitious or florid on the one hand, nor on the other dry or scholastic, but perspicuous, easy and succinct. He seems to us to have happily fulfilled his design, which he tells us in the preface was to make the facts and truths concerned "easily accessible and intelligible to ordinary Bible readers, especially to Sunday-School and Bible-class teachers, and at the same time with such conciseness and completeness as to make a treatise not unworthy the notice of ministers, theological students, and others who cultivate the higher learning." We are not aware that so much information on all questions regarding "the Historic Origin of the Bible" has been elsewhere so desirably presented within the same limits. And we need not show how much service such a work may render to the studies, and how much satisfaction it may yield to the curiosity, of all classes of Bible students.

EARNEST WORDS ON TRUE SUCCESS IN LIFE.*-A series of fourteen addresses to the young, selected from a larger number of sermons delivered to that class by the writer in his long and successful course as a pastor. An idea of the subjects and their appropriateness may be had from the titles named; Characteristics of youth, Causes of failure in life, Self-culture, False views of life, The two contests of life, The law of habit, The danger of indul gence in little sins, The choice of a life-work (two), Moral courage (two), True greatness according to Christ, Christian character an aid to success, The desire of true glory a Christian affection. Dr. Palmer's versatility suggests that any of his musings may, as Burns says, "perhaps turn out a song, perhaps a sermon. Write or preach as well as he may, we suppose he must consent to be remembered oftenest and longest for one or two of his hymns. Yet good sense, devout and evangelical thought, a clear, pleasant style, freshness of feeling, and a certain candor and moderation, are qualifications for the most useful popular address whether to the young or old, and we need not say they characterize Dr. Palmer as a preacher and a writer, nor that they appear in these sermons. His former experience as a teacher, and his intercourse and sympathy with young people through all his ministry, together with

* Ernest Words on True Success in Life, addressed to young men and women By RAY PALMER. A. S. Barnes & Co., New York and Chicago. 1873. pp. 295.

his cheerful, kindly spirit, fit him for the more acceptable and efficient service in this direction. This book, we think, will answer such expectations, and cannot fail to do good. It is appropriately and happily dedicated to Alfred Smith Barnes, the well known publisher, whom we may here take the liberty to cite as an example of the aims and the success delineated in the volume so handsomely issued under his auspices.

THE WORKS OF ST. AUGUSTINE.-Two volumes of Messrs. Clark & Co's English version of the Writings of St. Augustine have lately appeared. In one there are contained the Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, translated by Rev. William Lindlay, M. A., and the Harmony of the Evangelists, translated by Rev. S. D. F. Salmond, M.A. In the other we have the Treatise on the Trinity, translated by Rev. Arthur West Haddan, B.D. Thus a specimen is offered of the Bishop of Hippo in his character as a commentator, and as a doctrinal theologian. The entire series of volumes will be of much service to ministers and theological students. We may mention here that Rev. A. Dorner, of Göttingen, a son of the distinguished Berlin theologian, has lately published a carefully prepared work on the Theology of the great Latin Father, which may profitably be read in connection with this issue of his writings.

MR. J. ALLANSON PICTON'S ESSAYS ON THE MYSTERY OF MATTER,* The Philosophy of Ignorance, The Antithesis of Faith and Light, The Essential Nature of Religion and Christian Pantheism, are all written in a pleasant though somewhat diffuse style, with a thoroughly philosophical spirit and a competent knowledge of the new aspects of metaphysical philosophy. We cannot say that we agree with the writer in all the opinions which he expresses, but he always stimulates to thought and manifests an elevated and thoroughly believing spirit, even when he advances doubtful opinions. The difficulties under which he labors seem to us to arise more from the imagination than the reason, and many of the arguments by which he seeks to relieve these difficulties are derived from an appeal to the same uncertain authority. The volume is well worth the reading by any person who is interested in the questions proposed in modern speculative science.

*The Mystery of Matter, and other Essays. By J. ALLANSON PICTON, Author of "New Theories and the Old Faith." London: Macmillan & Co. 1873.