The Spurgeon Jubilee Album. Containing a brief sketch of Mr. Spurgeon's Life and Institutions. With Photographic Views and Portraits. Price 10s. 6d. Passmore and Alabaster. Tuis is a very worthy memorial of the Spurgeon Jubilee. A work of art for the drawing-room table, and at the same time a historical document of an event which has been a joy to many. The price is moderate for such production.

The Crown of the Road: Leaves from Consecrated Lives. By Rev. CHARLES BULLOCK. "Home Words " Office, 7, Paternoster-square.

LIVES of men who have kept to the centre of the Pilgrim Way, such as Sir James Simpson, Bishop McIlvaine, and Miss Havergal. We have read the sketch of Sir James Simpson with great interest and no little emotion. Mr. Bullock knows how to let people speak for themselves, and yet he is not a mere piecer-together of extracts. He is, in fact, a born book-maker. His fine Christian spirit comes out continually : he is no doubt a Church-man, but the church which he loves best is that which comprehends all the family of faith. We are glad to see that under his auspices a vast mass of pure literature is circulated, doing good and no harm wherever it goes.

The Pulpit Commentary. Edited by the Revs. Canon SPENCE, M.A., and J. S. EXELL, M.A. The Acts. Vols. I. and II. 1 Corinthians. Kegan, Paul, and Co.

"THE Pulpit Commentary" pursues its useful way. Of the New Testament we have now Mark in two volumes, Acts in two volumes, and one volume for 1 Corinthians. We fear that these commentaries will come out too rapidly for the pockets of our pastors, and we further fear that they are too diffuse. Whenever we consult "The Pulpit Commentary" we find in it something good, solid, and fresh. The men employed upon it do their very best, and when we do not agree with them we are still glad to know their minds. The plan of going through a chapter three

or four times, with a set of homiletic notes by each of the writers, does not approve itself to us as convenient for the reader. It would have been better to have placed the outlines in the order of the verses, with the initials of the author after each one. Four men cannot go over the same ground without saying some of the same things: the choicer thoughts of the various writers would have occupied less space, and would, perhaps, have been of as much service to the preacher as their more extensive reflections. Still, when a man gets any one of these volumes he has got his money's worth, and it will be his own fault if he does not profit by every page.

Addresses and Stories for Mothers' Meetings. By Mrs. G. E. MORTON and Miss ANNE HANKEY. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

WE have here a dozen homely addresses, each one upon some prominent fact in Old Testament history, happily chosen for the purpose of setting forth gospel truth in a very practical form. In one particular the book is scarcely true to its title; for instead of "stories," there is but one story, entitled "Good and Evil, a Village Story," the twelve chapters of which alternate with the Bible lessons; it is simple, natural, and full of good teaching for humble folk. To Christian ladies (especially those attached to the Church of England) who are not gifted with ready utteranceand the author evidently thinks such are to be found-this book will be helpful. May many poor women be gathered to listen to such plain and profitable talk.

"Abide with Me." By H. F. LYTE. Nelson and Sons.

It was a good idea to illustrate this hymn with pictures suggested by its inimitable lines; and the idea is well carried out. Fifteen choice engravings on hot-pressed paper, a brief sketch of the author's life, and all nicely bound up, make a dainty little volume for the table.

Singing to the Heart. By LANCELOT MIDDLETON. Novello and Co.

THE author has issued this collection of original compositions as a characteristic remembrancer for his many friends, with whom he has been engaged in Evangelistic Services. The hymns chosen are designed to "set forth and urge towards a personal salvation consciously realized by a trustful appropriation of the atoning merits of the Lord Jesus." What a sentence! Some of the melodies are tuneful; but there are too many awkward intervals to suit ordinary singers.

The Baptist Hymnal, for use in the Church and Home. W. H. DOANE, Mus. Doc. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society.

THIS is a most judicious selection of upwards of seven hundred hymns, with a familiar tune to each, and, in many instances, an alternative tune of a highclass character. Our best composers are largely represented, but as their tunes are for the most part valuable copyrights, we do not see how the book can be offered for sale in this country. The printing and paper are all we could desire, and the names of the editors are a sufficient guarantee of the excellence of their work. If the musical culture of a congregation justifies the adoption. of such a book as this, the element of praise in the service of the sanctuary will be a delightful feature of Christian worship; as, indeed, it ought to be. The "Church Praise" of the Presbyterians is the nearest approach to this work by any of our Nonconformist churches we have yet seen.

The Promised Land, a Service of Praise, specially adapted for Sundayschool Festivals and Anniversaries. Compiled by T. AUSTIN. London: Wesleyan Sunday school Union, Ludgate-circus.

THE text consists of passages from the Bible; the hymns are from the Methodist Sunday-school Hymn Book; there are five original pieces of music by the compiler, and ten by other authors. The work is printed in both notations, but our verdict as to its merit must be suspended till we have had an opportunity of hearing it performed.

The Hymns of Martin Luther, with Music. Edited by LEONARD WOOLSEY BACON, assisted by NATHAN H. Allen, London: Hodder and Stoughton. HERE are thirty-six compositions composed or selected by Luther, with the original German text and an English translation, forming a volume which will be welcomed by all who care for a musical memorial of the sturdy Reformer. The book is of American origin, we should judge; but we think the publishers have been well advised in offering it to the English public, who know how to appreciate a literary and a musical curiosity.

Animals' Own Tales. Interpreted for

his nephews and nieces, by UNCLE WILL. Bible Christian Book-room. YES, here we have the hedgehog's tale, the cuckoo's tale, and the donkey's tale. Why not the guinea-pig's tail? A book for the very little ones. It will teach them to love animals of all sorts.

Short Addresses given at a Mothers' Meeting. W. Isbister.

WE should say that these talks just suited the occasion. They introduce many subjects valuable to poor mothers; and withal, they keep the main matter well to the fore. Our only fear is that from their allusions to recent events and local incidents the addresses will speedily become stale.

Health Studies. By H. SINCLAIR PATERSON, M.D. Hodder and Stoughton. HIGHLY useful observations. Every man in the three kingdoms should procure this wonderful shilling's-worth of important information and advice, for thereby he may save many a guinea which otherwise he will have to pay in doctor's fees. Dr. Paterson is a wonderful man: earnest, thorough, and yet versatile. One moment he defends the orthodox faith, and the next he gives sound advice on health; and he is good in both directions.

Memorie and Rime. By JOAQUIN MILLER. New York: Funk and Wagnalls.

FRESH and bright.
pass away a recreative half-hour.

A good help to

Letters and Essays on

Wales. By HENRY RICHARD, M.P. James Clarke and Co., Fleet-street.

THESE letters attracted considerable attention at their first appearance in the Star Newspaper, as a spirited exposure of an official inquiry into the social and moral condition of Wales. The author vindicates the character of his native land as more moral, religious, and intelligent than any other equal portion of the British Empire; which he was enabled to do by an appeal to well-attested facts, and to documentary evidence that could not be denied. Though the letters were long and numerous, the public interest in them on account of their political aspect and their clear and forcible language was well sustained. It was a necessary sequence that so able a champion for the just claims of the Principality should have soon afterwards been selected as one of its representatives in Parliament. The Essays refer more distinctly to the ecclesiastical and educational condition of Wales. If ever a case could be made out for the disestablishment of a National Church, on the ground of its inability to secure the social, moral and religious improvement for which alone it has any claim to exist, it is surely made out here in reference to the Established Church in Wales. It is a hindrance, in fact, to all that it was designed to promote. It cannot be charged with having degenerated in this respect. It has been so from its first introduction to that country. None but those, we presume, who have a secular interest in it could wish it to remain.

Garton Rowley; or, Leaves from the Log of a Master Mariner. By T. JACKSON WRAY. Nisbet and Co. MR. JACKSON WRAY has seldom done better than in this cheery, gladsome story of his. Pathos and piety in equal measure, and all put in a fascinating fashion, compel you to read straight on until you finish the book. Garton

Rowley is as unique as Captain Cuttle; only that he has robust godliness in addition. The incidents are full of exciting interest, and their perusal must be healthful to every reader. A breezy, briny, bonnie book. Deserves to be in

a second or third edition, and will be before long.

Hettie; or, Not Forsaken. By F. M. SAVILL. John F. Shaw.

A CHARMING little book. Her early training, by godly parents, served Hettie all through the "ups and downs" of an ever-changing life. It is a good illustration of "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."

Elias Power, of Ease-in-Zion. By JOHN M. BAMFORD. T. Woolmer, 66, Paternoster-row.

A SPLENDID Methodist story. We do not endorse every point of its teaching, but it is a good, healthy story, calcu lated to fire the heart of the sincere, and to rebuke the formal and lukewarm. It is somewhat after the style of Mark Guy Pearce: not quite up to his high standard, but fairly on the way. We are much mistaken if it does not bea great favourite in Wesleyan circles: it ought to do so.

come

Hermie's Rosebuds, and other Stories. By L. T. MEADE. Hodder and Stoughton.

WE could have wished for a larger bouquet of such fragrant "Rosebuds." Other flowers equally beautiful have been found in this mead; and these, though only in the bud, are charming.

Wilfred Hedley; or, How Teetotalism came to Ellensmere. By S. J. FirzGERALD. T. Woolmer and Co.

AN exceptionally good temperance story; showing how much good two real-hearted men can do against all odds in reforming an entire neighbourhood. We heartily commend it to our teetotal friends, saying, "Go thou, and do like

wise.'

Earth's Earliest Ages; and their connection with Modern Spiritualism and Theosophy. By G. H. PEMBER, M.A. Hodder and Stoughton.

We have read this volume, and derived much instruction from it. It is quite out of the common way, and deals with matters scarcely thought upon by quiet believers. Spiritualism he exposes and denounces, giving a world of information upon the dark crimes of necromancy which have been perpetrated in these latter days.

We were already some

what cognizant of this, but we were not prepared for the chapter upon Buddhism. Gerald Massey says, "It is no very uncommon thing to meet in society men who declare themselves, 'if anything,' Buddhists." We take this statement for what it is worth, but it is evident that Buddhism is in favour with a certain company, whose rebellious hearts prefer any form of darkness to the light of God which beams from the face of our Lord Jesus Christ. Altogether, this is a singular book; wonderfully instructive in its own line, and strongly upon the orthodox side. The author is a bit of a gossip, and takes more notice of some aberrations than they deserve, but we would not willingly have missed the reading of such a book. When Mr. Pember gets into prophesying about Antichrist, we cannot follow him, nor do we endorse all his statements on other mysteries; but usually he is exactly after our own mind. Persons haunted by the demon of Spiritualism will find help in this masterly production.

Christianity Triumphant. Its Defensive and Aggressive Victories. By JOHN P. NEWMAN, D.D., LL.D. New York: Funk and Wagnalls. THOROUGHLY American: would need many alterations to suit the English market; but sensible and vigorous, instructive and practical. We hope it will do good service in the States.

The Existence of Evil considered in its Relation to the Divine Sovereignty: with a Supplement on the Divine Fatherhood. By A. MEDWIN. S. W. Partridge and Co.

A LONG title to a small book of ama

teur theology. Our author is excessively modest in his own contribution, for almost every page has copious extracts from other writers. Still, when we have read extracts and all, we do not feel the mystery of evil in any way lessened, nor the divine Fatherhood made more attractive. There is much

in the first essay that we cannot accept, especially as to punishment being only corrective and disciplinary; whilst the second seems to have been written in entire ignorance that there is a text which says, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God."

Comfortable Words in the time of Sickness and Suffering. Second Series. Kerby & Endean.

A LARGE print series of quotations from the Bible and the works of eminent Christian writers, specially designed for the use of the sick. Admirably designed and very successfully carried out; we hope it may have an extensive sale.

Life in a Look. By M. S. BALDWIN, Dean of Montreal. Hodder and Stoughton.

ALL good. Every word true and trenchant. Full of Christ and power to present him as the soul's great need and great supply. We should like to see the refutation of baptismal regeneration issued as a separate paniphlet. Coming from an Episcopalian, it might help to open Ritualistic eyes to the folly and blasphemy of that superstitious error. May many find life by looking to Christ who first saw him as Saviour through these earnest papers.

The Baptism of the Ages and of the Nations. By WILLIAM CATHCART, D.D. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society.

QUITE an extensive collection of examples of immersion in all parts of the world. We wonder if any one questions the fact that in the first ages all who were baptized unto Christ had their bodies washed with pure water. The worst part of the business is that so many believe in one way, and act in another. How they will answer for it to their Master we cannot tell.

John De Wycliffe, the first of the Reformers. By EMILY S. HOLT. Shaw and Co.

THIS is by far the best popular life of Wycliffe which has yet come under our eye. Our authoress is capable of great things, and here we have a fine specimen of her powers. Her style is flowing, and her spirit gracious. It is a great pleasure to read anything which she writes, and this is one of the very best of her productions. Long may it be ere her inkstand is dry and her pen ceases to move at her will. The beautifully-bound edition at 3s. 6d. is worthy of any library; but the man with small means can get it in pamphlet-form for sixpence.

John Wiclif, Patriot and Reformer.

Life and writings by RUDOLF BUDDENSEIG, of Leipsic. Fisher Unwin. BEAUTIFULLY printed in the oldfashioned manner, and bound in imitation of vellum, this book is a thing of beauty. The specimens of Wiclif's writings are deeply interesting. The little volume gives for two shillings as much Wiclif literature as most men will need.

In Wiclif's Days; or, A Safe Hidingplace. A Tale. By GRACE STEBShaw and Co.

BING.

A STORY into which the facts about Wiclif's companions are cleverly wrought. It gives a good idea of the great Reformer's times, labours, and associates. A tasteful book for a half

crown.

T. B. Smithies. A Memoir. By G. STRINGER ROWE. T. Woolmer. THIS honoured servant of God needs no memorial: his works will keep him long in remembrance. Yet are we glad of this brief memoir, for it gives the salient points of his life-story in a concise form. He was one of the best of men, and his practical shrewdness made his goodness influential in the highest degree. The British Workman mourns him, and The Band of Hope Review his life with sorrow that it closed so soon. He was The Children's Friend, and The Family Friend. In myriads of households he received A Weekly Welcome, for he was a Friendly Visitor, and united all sorts of people in a Band of Mercy. He is

The Children's Pilgrimage. By L. T. MEADE. Nisbet and Co.

IT is a red-letter day in a reviewer's life when he comes across a new bookthat is, a book which is not the concoction or dilution of other books. This story of child-life strikes us as about as fresh as any we have read for many a long day. It is charming, tender, elevating, and cannot fail to make the heart glow and the eyes glisten. Good every way, and we hope will sell by thousands.

Howard, the Philanthropist, and his Friends. By JOHN STOUGHTON, D.D. Hodder and Stoughton.

A TREAT indeed. Dr. Stoughton writes in the best conceivable manner. He has all the finest attributes of the accomplished historian, and the reader feels safe in his hands; but in addition to this he possesses the fascinating charm which makes great novelists so supreme over the many. We seem to know John Howard now: he is quite a familiar acquaintance; our author has made him walk and talk long after death. We prefer such a book as this to all the fiction that ever distilled from an imaginative brain; for while the mind is interested, the memory is enriched. Howard is fortunate in his biographer, and Dr. Stoughton is happy in his subject. Seven-and-sixpence will never be regretted if laid out in the purchase of this charming portrait of the great philanthropist.

"Little Abe": Popularly known as

Bishop of Berry Brow. Arranged as
a Service of Sacred Song. By JOHN
BURNHAM. 4d. Nicholson and Sons,
Warwick Square.

OUR good friend Mr. Burnham has provided a capital evening's entertainment in this Song Service."Little Abe” is one of the most vivacious of books, and it is here abridged and interspersed with singing so as to make a delightful evening, especially in Yorkshire, where its dialect is familiar.