nearly one hundred thousand persons, and the other destroyed about thirteen thousand houses, besides churches, bridges, public buildings, and shipping, estimated at nearly eleven millions sterling. Amid the ravages of the plague and the desolation of the fire, there were many cases of awful depravity, as if men grew reckless amid ruin, and neither feared God nor regarded man; but there were also many instances of the highest virtue, heroism, and philanthropy, in which the power of religion shone most illustriously. The volume before us places some of these in bold relief, affording striking examples of admonition to the hardened sinner, and of encouragement to the humble, patient, faithful believer, showing how God is an Avenger to the one, and a Rewarder to the other. Perhaps, we may say-The blessedness of doing good, the duty and happiness of living for others and not for ourselves, is the leading idea of the book, and it is ably wrought out. The incidents are well laid, the characters are graphically drawn, and the nature of true religion is clearly and faithfully set forth throughout the volume. There are a few grammatical errors which must have escaped notice in passing through the press. "Who had she now to look to" (page 265), and "statue" for "stature" (page 307), should not disfigure a volume so beautiful as the one before us.

Dæmonologia Sacra, or a Treatise of Satan's Temptations, in Three Parts. By RICHARD GILPIN, M.D. Edinburgh: James Nichol. London: James Nisbet. RICHARD GILPIN lived in the eventful times of Cromwell and Charles II. The famous Bernard Gilpin was his great-uncle. He was rector of Greystoke, in Cumberland, which he was compelled for conscience' sake to resign, under the Act of Uniformity. He then retired to the castle of Scaleby, near Carlisle, holding religious meetings in his own residence, and practising as a physician. While here he was offered the bishopric of Carlisle, as his great-uncle had been before him, but which, like his noble

ancestor, he conscientiously refused. Subsequently he was invited by the Dissenters at Newcastle-on-Tyne to become their pastor, where a chapel, or a meeting-house, was erected, in which Dr. Gilpin preached to a large congregation, and had great influence in the town by his eloquent ministry, his high character, his catholic principles, and pacific disposition. The established and intolerant Church, however, could not endure his influence, and he was forced again to cease his public ministrations.

For

a time he preached in his own private house at Newcastle, and afterwards retired again to his castle at Scaleby, where he lived in affluence, honour, and usefulness, preaching the Gospel and dispensing medicine to the poor; and where he died beloved, honoured, and lamented by all. The treatise before us is a marvellous production, profound, thorough, and exhaustive, pre-eminently distinguished by learning, research, discrimination, and a supreme deference to the authority of the inspired records. Without doubt, it is one of the best works of the series now being issued, and we heartily thank the distinguished publisher for giving to the Church this cheap and beautiful edition of so useful and remarkable a work.

Remarkable Facts Illustrative of Different Portions of Holy Scripture. By the REV. JOHN LEIFCHILD, D.D. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.

DR. LEIFCHILD WAS an eminent minister, whose labours, protracted to a good old age, were owned of God in the conversion of many souls, and in the edification of the church. In the course of his ministry he met with numerous instances of providential and gracious interposition, which he recorded at the time for his own use, and by which he was directed, encouraged, and animated in his work. A selection of these, with some others of a kindred nature that were brought under his notice, he has embodied in this volume, in the hope that they may prove useful to others. They are arranged under appropriate passages of Scripture, which, after brief expositions of

their primary import, they serve still further to elucidate, confirm, and impress upon the heart. We have thus the sacred text and a practical experimental comment. This mode of illustrating and applying the Scriptures has great value. It invests the facts themselves with special significance and interest, and it gives the truth a direct application to the conscience and the heart. God speaks at once by his Word and by his providence. This was the last literary work of the venerable minister of Christ, performed when he was eighty years of age; but it bears no mark of mental feebleness. It has the impress of his vigorous and wellbalanced mind, and his characteristic anxiety to instruct, edify, and save the souls of his fellow-men; to render the truth effectual, and thereby honour its glorious Author. The facts adduced are well selected and interesting, many of them striking and impressive, and the expositions are sound and judicious. gratifying to know that the revered author received many testimonies from Christians in various parts of the world as to the value and usefulness of the work in its first edition, and we have much pleasure in adding our testimony to that of others. As a sample of the facts and illustrations, we insert one in our present number. We wish for the work an extensive circulation. See page 723-6. Sermons from the Studio. By MARY SIBREE. With an Introduction by the Rev. T. W. Aveling. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.

It is

Ir is to be regretted that the love of art and the love of Christ should in any instance be separated, for the one is perfectly compatible with, nay, conducive to, the other; for he is the truest artist, whether painter, sculptor, or musician, whose soul, expanding to noble proportions by the enthusiastic love of his profession, aims to discover if possible the highest type of beauty, to embody his grandest conception, to realize its loftiest ideal. And art certainly accomplishes its highest ends when it teaches its votaries to rise from the

material to the spiritual; and he is divinely taught who, turning from all other exemplifications of humanity in which there must of necessity be found imperfection, looks to Him who is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of his person. It is the design of the gifted authoress, herself an artist, to consecrate the noble profession to God and the highest interest of mankind, by drawing from it practical lessons subservient to the illustration of truth, the inculcation of true religious sentiment, and the salvation of the soul. To this end she lays under contribution some of the most renowned productions of the graphic art, deriving sermons from pictures, and speaking from the studio to the student, on the most momentous topics that can engage the human soul. It appears from the preface that the fair authoress having submitted to the Rev. T. W. Aveling her manuscript on the famous painting known as "The Light of the World," by Mr. Holman Hunt, he was so struck by its excellence that he induced her to write a series of such papers. Hence the present volume, which is vivid and pictorial in style, rich in imagination, and glowing with true religious sentiment. The volume is very handsomely got up, and we augur for it a bright career of popularity and usefulness. Two of these touching sketches are founded on historic facts-"The Gipsy Girl," and "The Roman Painter; and as a sample of this elegant book, we have transferred the former to our pages in the present number. See page 715. Manual of Hermeneutics for the Writings of the New Testament. By J.J. DOEDAS, D.D. Translated from the Dutch, by G. W. Stegman. Edinburgh : T. & T. Clark. DR. DOEDES is almost unknown to English readers, but he has acquired a deserved reputation in his own country as a scholar, a critic, and an able defender of evangelical truth. He has taken a prominent part in the late struggles between rationalism and orthodoxy. His pamphlets on the "Possibility and Credibility of

the Miracles of the New Testament," and his voluminous and valuable treatise on "Textual Criticism," have given him a high position among Continental scholars and defenders of Gospel truth. In the work before us we have the scholar and the critical expounder of the sacred text. Though some of his rules are, as indeed they must be, very obvious, amounting almost to truisms, yet they could not well be omitted in a work of this kind, but many others are the fruits of sound erudition, careful analysis, and logical deduction. Although the work is brief, it covers a wide area, supplies much valuable information, and is full of excellent suggestions, to enable the student of the New Testament to form an independent judgment, and arrive at a correct interpretation of the sacred writings.

Parkin Jeffcock, Civil and Mining Engineer. A Memoir. By his Brother, JOHN THOMAS JEFFCOCK. London: Bemrose and Lothian. MR. JEFFCOCK was a man of superior mould. He had noble attributes of mind, and developed a fine character. Intellectual, industrious, and enterprising, he shone in his profession as a civil engineer; pious and benevolent, he was exemplary and useful as a Christian. He delighted in labours for the young, and took an active interest in the philanthropic efforts of the day, to elevate the lower class of society; and at last he early fell an honoured martyr to his zeal for the good of others.

Our

readers have a mournful recollection of the sad catastrophe at the Oaks Colliery, near Barnsley, where so many perished by the explosion in December, 1866, and many others shared a similar fate in their benevolent effort to rescue the sufferers. Mr. Jeffcock was one of the volunteers who perished in the magnanimous attempt. He fell regretted by all who knew him, and by all who became acquainted with his rare excellences as a man and as a Christian. This volume gives a sketch of his life, his labours, and his mournful end. It is a book which young men may read and

study to their advantage, and as such it has our cordial recommendation.

The

Central Truths. By CHARLES STANFORD. Second Edition. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder. WE have read these admirable discourses with unmingled pleasure. They are full of thought beautifully expressed, fragrant with the odour of sound doctrine, instructive by the illustration of truth, and profitable by the tender and affectionate yet faithful application of that truth to the conscience and the heart. topics are the following: - The Foundation Stone - The Apostles' Doctrine-The Apostles' Fellowship -The Unction from the Holy OnePrevalent Errors of Justification considered-Our Anchor within the Vail-The Tempted High PriestThe Causes of Unsuccessful PrayerPeculiar Hindrances to the Efficacy of Social Prayer The Eleventh Commandment-The Presence of God our Rest-Sowing on the Waters -Solemn Troops and Sweet Societies. As a sample of these beautiful discourses we shall give one in some future number of this Magazine, and we recommend our readers to possess the volume for themselves.

The Saints' Happiness, together with the several Steps leading thereunto. Delivered in Divers Lectures on the Beatitudes; being Part of Christ's Sermon on the Mount. By JEREMIAH BURROUGHS. Edinburgh : James Nichol. London: James Nisbet and Co.

THERE are but very scanty memorials extant of this author, but what is known of him is to his honour as a faithful Christian and a zealous, laborious minister. Baxter says, “If all the Episcopaliaus had been like Archbishop Usher, all the Presbyterians like Mr. Stephen Marshall, and all the Independents like Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs, the breaches of the Church would soon have been healed." This honourable testimony accords with the fact that the author was chosen as one of the Westminster divines. Yet this devout, learned, and peaceable man of Gol was the

victim of persecution, deprived of his living, and forced to seek refuge in a foreign land. The massive work before us is an evidence of his industry, piety, and sound theological views.

The Family: its Duties, Joys, and Sorrows. By COUNT A. DE GASPARIN. Translated from the French. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.

THE domestic relationship, with its duties, enjoyments, and trials, is not sufficiently studied. Thousands, and tens of thousands, enter upon that important relationship, and pass through their earthly existence, without any adequate consideration of their solemn obligations and responsibilities. Here is a work suited to all-to those who are about to enter into the most sacred of all bonds, and to those already in that relation. It is not laboriously didactic, but it treats upon every branch of conjugal, parental, and filial duty, with a thorough knowledge of the subject, and a colloquial freedom that is interesting as well as instructive. Cheerfulness, combined

with gravity, and the wisdom of experience, sanctified by religion, nark every page. It is one of the best books we have met with on the subject.

Onward to God; or, the Sure Way to the Crown. By the REV. SAMUEL WEIR. London: Wesleyan Conference Office.

THE respected author tells us he has "written on this all-important subject for the guidance and encouragement of young converts, especially those among the children of the poor;" and we may add, his effort is well adapted to produce the good he desires. Mr. Weir has selected for his topics the catalogue of Christian virtues in 2 Peter i. 5–7, making each the central idea of a distinct chapter, thus directing and urging the young Christian onward in the exercise and attainment of those noble attributes which perfect the character, and ripen the soul for eternal glory. The book is distinguished by good sense, sound evangelical sentiment, and a laudable aim to conserve and promote genuine practical religion.

WHAT ARE WE DOING? THE inquiry is very important, but we have not received information sufficient to enable us to give a satisfactory answer; but this we do know, that more than one-third of the year is gone, and as the season favourable for special and united effort has arrived, it is time we were all moving in the work of God. We know that some circuits have already taken vigorous action, and are experiencing the happy results. The Connexional address issued by the last Conference is one of great solemnity and power. It expresses weighty sentiments which all should seriously ponder, and it reminds us of duties and obligations which all should conscientiously regard. God forbid that an official document

breathing so much affection and earnestness, and so specially adapted to the state of society around us, should be kept unread by our people or treated with practical neglect. This would be to disrespect the highest human authority we profess to acknowledge, and by so doing to offer insult to Him in whose holy name we are addressed.

In that address it is truly affirmed, "Never since the rise of Methodism were our obligations greater than now to maintain our doctrines, ordinances, and polity uncorrupted and in the highest state of practical efficiency. Sad and ominous events are passing in both the civil and religious society of our country. In the Established Church we see the revival of Ritualism, and its develop

Vast

ment into full-blown Popery, which threatens the destruction of its Protestantism, combined with a licentious criticism which fritters away some of the most important facts of Scripture history, and with a rationalism which denies the vital doctrines of the Gospel. Sabbath desecration, with its attendant vice of drunkenness, is becoming a national sin, and even organised attempts are being made to secularize this holy day. multitudes of our countrymen, of all grades, regularly absent themselves from the public worship of Almighty God; while worldliness and formalism extensively prevail within the Church itself. These signs of the times demand the attention of every lover of God and of his country. Methodism presents a countervailing and a corrective force against these manifold and growing evils. In the firm hold it has ever had of the essential doctrines of the Gospel, in the fervent and practical character of its preaching, in the simple form and spirituality of its worship, in the lively piety of its members, and in the earnestness with which its members co-operate with the various ranks of its officers to save perishing sinners, we have a system no less applicable to the condition of society now than in the days of Wesley and Whitfield. We do not need a ne v Gospel with new appliances, but rather the old Gospel with its own proper spirit of fervent piety, all-conquering faith, and allabsorbing zeal. Though every other method fail, this will enrich our history with more than primitive achievements, make us powerful in stemming the tide of error and worldliness and wickedness, and in spreading through the land the blessings of Scriptural holiness."

Reminding us of our Connexional advantages, that important document goes on to say, "At no antecedent period of our history have our appliances been so perfect and our resources so abundant as now. Never had we larger chapel and school accommodation, and so free from pecuniary burdens; never were larger sums given by our people to support the cause; never did we receive so many friendly recognitions from sister

denominations; while favourable opportunities for extension and increase present themselves on every hand. Conditions more favourable than these for labour and success can scarcely be conceived. What, then, is our duty? Clearly not to faint in this day of trial; not to criminate each other, but every one to lay the burden upon his own heart, and each for himself, and all for one another, to humble ourselves before God, penitently confessing our shortcomings, unfaithfulness, and sins, and again consecrating ourselves to his service and glory with the decision and unreservedness which marked our first coming to Christ.

"That the strength and growth of a Church depend much upon its holiness is obvious. This alone gives us vital fellowship with Christ and with one another-this alone produces those spiritual desires which find refreshment and delight in the means of grace-this inspires with a love to the Church so tender and strong, that we prefer it above our chief joy, and rejoice in its peace and prosperity more than in the success of our worldly calling-this disposes us to labour with self-denying zeal for its prosperity-and this gives power with God in prayer for his blessing. A holy Church is the temple of God, filled and consecrated with the Divine presence, even the presence and energetic working of the Holy Spirit; but this is not so much a corporate as a personal state, each member being holy, and because holy, built up into this holy temple. We plead not for an ascetic moroseness or a monastic isolation, but for an unworldly, spiritual, and joyous piety. Such a piety as feels at home in the class-meeting, prayermeeting, and ordinance of the Lord's Supper; in the self-investigation and Divine communion of the closet; in visits to the abodes of sickness and sorrow; and which is unwearied in works of faith and labours of love. When such is the character of its members, the Church is strongstrong in the fulness of a Divine life, in the joy of the Lord, in loving fellowship, and in zeal to work for God."