this performance which we must briefly refer to. In the over-doing, we do not enumerate the importance attached to the division of the book of Psalms into five books-a theory based on the ground of the doxologies which occur at the close of the 41st, 72d, 89th, and 106th Psalms, for it has the authority of the Jewish and Christian Churches; but other points, such as the principle of inversion, and the stress laid on the structure of the Psalms generally, all too forcibly remind us of Hengstenberg. The author is often too ingenious, with a theory ever ready and at hand. But there is a spring of devout feeling welling up, which enables him to enter into the Psalms with a happy tact, and to throw a new light on many of them. His references to the imprecatory Psalms, and his mode of indicating the scope and spirit of the Messianic passages, are, for the most part, deep and spiritual; and he never alludes to the humanity of Christ without making us feel how precious to him is the great truth of the Incarnation, and Christ's identity of nature with his people. We wish we could say that we found the same certain sound as to the atonement, which is simply ignored (see Psa. xxii., xl., lxix.); and we wonder at the omission in a work otherwise so admirable. We may further notice that such phrases as "Christ's mortal flesh" should scarcely be used without some explanation.

S.

An Introduction to the Criticism of the Old Testament and to Biblical Interpretation, with an Analysis of the books of the Old Testament and Aprocrypha. Originally written by the Rev. THOMAS HARTWELL HORne, B.D., now Revised and Edited by the Rev. JOHN AYRE, M.A., of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. London: Longman. 1860.

AFTER the manner in which Dr Davidson permitted himself to edit part of Horne's Introduction, we could not take up this volume without a considerable amount of curiosity and interest. Mr Ayre has been in the highest degree successful in every thing he has done; and the faults that attach to the work are not so much his as the original author's.

The volume consists of three parts: the Criticism of the Old Testament, the Principles of Biblical Interpretation, and an Introduction to the several books of the Old Testament. It thus consists of what formed part of the second volume and part of the fourth volume of the original work, and with the volume edited by Tregelles, the work will now well fulfil the purpose of an Introduction adjusted to the present state of theological research and discussion. Mr Ayre has not only done ample justice to Mr Horne, but, with a singularly balanced Christhan judgment and deep reverence for the divine word, he has happily touched on almost everything that lies within the range of an Introduction to the Old Testament. As to his views, he is most in accordance with Hengstenberg, Hävernick, Kurtz, and Keil, though by no means their servile follower. Nor is there any mere parade of reading or learning as such. He is certainly not below Mr Horne in Christian tone, as may be seen in the sure and steady decision with which he approaches every thing bearing on the relation of prophecy to fulfilment, and in his unhesitating avowal of the infallible inspiration of Scripture. We have read this whole performance with much satisfaction and interest.

The least complete part of the volume is the second division, which treats of the Principles of Biblical Interpretation; a fault attaching to the structure of the original work of Mr Horne. Hermeneutics and introduction are now no longer treated together; nor should they. But in addition to this, the principles of interpretation advanced in the work, are unhappily made to apply both to the Old and New Testament; the effect of which is to make all the principles adduced, appear too vague and indefinite and of less practical value. This method has long been renounced, and with good reason, by the German writers. Not only is there a difference in the two economics, though meeting in a higher unity, and a difference in the languages to which the various rules must be applied; but all connected with the mental peculiarity of the different apostles as they were formed in the company of Jesus, and with their relation to particular modes of thought around them, must be sacrificed in a scheme of hermeneutics, so broad and general as to be equally applicable to both the Old and New Testament. Thus the work foregoes, from its structure, no small part of the principles of modern interpretation.

S.

Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans; embracing the latest results of Criticism. By DAVID BROWN, D.D., Professor of Theology, Free Church College, Aberdeen. Glasgow: William Collins, Buchanan Street. 1860. FROM the thoughtful perusal of this small volume, the earnest reader of the Epistle to the Romans cannot fail to receive an instructive impression of the good service done to practical theology by the union of a sound philology in the interpretation of the text of Scripture, with an enlightened deference to the logical definition and arrangement of the truths revealed by it. Though necessarily so brief and compact in its forms of expression, as occasionally to be almost epigrammatic, Dr Brown's work is equally clear and coherent in its idea of the apostle's meaning, of marked vivacity and spirit in its evolution of details, and throughout, most pleasantly characterised by breadth and freshness in its practical application. In evidence of its furnishing an excellent specimen of sound thinking and accurate scholarship in combination with spirituality of discernment in the interpretation of the sacred record, we make following brief extract:-Chap. vi. 3, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Cor. x. 2), were baptized into his death? sealed with the seal of heaven; and, as it were, formally entered and articled to all the benefits and obligations of Christian discipleship in general, and of his death in particular. And since he was 'made sin' and 'a curse for us' (2 Cor. v. 21; Gal. v. 13), 'bearing our sins in his own body on the tree,' and 'rising again for our justification' (Rom. iv. 25; 1 Pet. ii. 24), our whole sinful case and condition, thus taken up into his person, has been brought to an end in his death. Whoso, then, has been baptized into Christ's death, has formally surrendered the whole state and life of sin, as in Christ a dead thing. He has sealed himself to be not only the righteousness of God in him,' but a new creature;' and as he cannot be in Christ to the one effect and not to the other, for they are one thing, he has bidden farewell, by baptism into Christ's death, to his entire connection with sin. 'How,' then, 'can he live any longer therein? The two things are as contrary in the fact as they are in the terms. 4. Therefore we are (rather were,' it being a past act, com pleted at once) buried with him, by baptism into death. The comma we have placed after him' will shew what the sense is. It is not, by baptism we are buried with him into death,' which makes no sense at all; but, by baptism with him into death, we are buried with him;' in other words, by the same baptism which publicly enters us into his death, we are made partakers of His burial also.'" B. C.

Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount. By Dr A. THOLUCK. Translated from the 4th enlarged Edition, by Rev. R. L. BROWN. Edinburgh: Clark. 1860.

THE excellences and defects, as well as the peculiar manner of Tholuck's commentaries, are already sufficiently known to most readers of the German exegesis. This fourth edition of his Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, which is here produced in a highly creditable English version, has been in great part re-written. Like all Tholuck's writings of this class, it is valuable as exhibiting the literature of the subject, and also the various opinions of exegetes, though somewhat too fully. The different ethical questions also which come up in the Sermon on the Mount are touched with the author's multifarious learning. It is a work which every one who studies this part of Scripture must possess.

S.

Commentary on St John's Epistles; with an Appendix on the Catholic Epistles, and an Introduction on the Life and Writings of John. By Dr JOHN H. A. EBBARD. Translated by Rev. W. B. POPE. Edinburgh: Clark. 1860. THIS commentary of Ebrard may be said to have much akin, in its structure, to his work on Hebrews, which appeared as a continuation of Olshausen's unfinished commentary. That task, difficult from the necessity to which it subjected him of conforming the structure of the work to another's plan, was on the whole happily executed, though with an occasional exhibition of over-refinement and subtlety. With the Epistles of John he is even more successful. He is an ingenious and productive writer, who deserves attention, because he is the representative of the Reformed theology, which he avows, with the exception of elec

tion. His view of the Propitiation (ch. ii. 2) is not distinct enough, though he very fully connects it, as he holds it, with Christ's person. The translation is faithful and trustworthy, occasionally free. S. Sermons, Lectures, and Orations. By JOHN MASON, D.D., late of the Associate Reformed Church, New York. With Memoir and Introductory Essay, by JOHN EADIE, D.D., LL.D. Edinburgh: Ogle & Murray.

THIS is a truly excellent volume, the production of one who was a prince in Israel. Dr Mason was no ordinary man. With a lofty bearing, a noble nature, a generous heart, and undaunted courage, distinguished for his candour and love of truth, and being, moreover, a highly accomplished, eloquent preacher, his power was felt, not only in his own denomination, but throughout the Christian Church of America.

As a pulpit orator, indeed, his fame remains unrivalled to the present day. His power over an audience was immense. The secret of his power lay, evidently, in the earnestness of his heart, and the pointedness of his appeals, combined with his manly form and commanding manner. He preached like one thoroughly in earnest; and this moulded his entire style. It gave it its special characteristic, namely, directness. He could not spare time for mere embellishment, or for whatever did not tend to advance the point at issue. His soul was on fire with the momentous truths he proclaimed, and these he poured forth with all the energy of his Dature. There was power, living power, in his eloquence. All this is seen and felt in his published discourses, not a few of which must have produced a profound and lasting impression upon his audiences.

We cannot say that these discourses are characterised by fine writing. They are distinguished, however, for great facility and power of expression, and clearness, directness, and progress of thought, and they abound, moreover, with what is far better, namely, solemn soul-saving truth. Every page is full of the glori ous gospel of the blessed God.

The volume contains twenty-three discourses, three lectures, and two orations, and is besides enriched with a biographical and critical introduction, from the pen of Dr John Eadie,—concise, but in his own exquisite style, and containing a just estimate of Dr Mason's powers. We would strongly recommend the volume to ministers, and to all who wish their hearts warmed and refreshed with an earnest exhibition of the truths of the gospel.

The Atonement by Propitiation: a fragment of the Argument, with an exact rendering of the Greek Texts, and full citations from two Sermons published by the Rev. John Llewellyn Davies, M.A., Rector of Christ's Church, Marylebone. By the Rev. CHAS. HEBERT, M.Á., &c., &c. London: Nisbet & Co. 1860.

THIS treatise-sound, fresh, and replete with thought, and comprised within the compass of 50 pages-is a triumphant proof of the propitiatory nature of Christ's death. It contains a just exposition of various Scripture texts, and is calculated to be of use to those who are ready to be misled by these German notions of Mr Davies, which exist only with defective views of law, of sin, and of justice. The writer well states that it "would cast a cloud on God's justice for a perfectly innocent being to be so dealt with as Christ was, except on the supposition that he was made sin for us." The tract does not give a sufficiently prominent place to the obedience of one for many-that is, to imputed righteousness; the statement at pp. 23 and 31 being scarcely definite enough. S.

The Romance of Natural History. By PHILIP HENRY GOSSE, F.R.S.

London: Nisbet & Co. 1860.

THIS volume, as its title indicates, is designed to present the poetic side of nature. Books of this nature, now multiplying, have a value when we consider that the attractiveness of all branches of science tends to diminish with the fuller and more particular knowledge of their object matter; though to the study of external nature more are impelled by that influence which is "of imagination and the poet's dream," than by any other motive power.

The volume of this Christian naturalist is valuable in itself. Its fresh and

powerful descriptions, with an artist's eye and a poet's feeling, along with much of a naturalist's enthusiasm, will commend it to readers of every cast of mind. The plan of the work will not so fully commend itself. After two of the best chapters in the volume, on "Times and Seasons" and Harmonies, the author proceeds, in a somewhat arbitrary way, to view nature in the various aspects of the wild, the terrible, the unknown, the vast, the minute. This is too much of the scissors applied to nature. But notwithstanding this defect, and the continual use of quotations, which, indeed, are well selected, the book is an eminently readable book.

S.

The Typical Character of Nature; or, All Nature a Divine Symbol. By THOMAS A. G. BALFOUR, M.D.

Dr T. Balfour's volume is not a general dissertation on the analogies between things material and moral. It has a more specific object. It is designed to shew that all nature is symbolical of the kingdom of Christ-that the material world was created at first to illustrate not merely the general government of God, but the peculiar mediatorial dispensation. So that while the truths of natural theism may be demonstrated, those of Christian theism are confirmed by the footprints of a Creator, who is not a unipersonal God, but the eternal Son in the trinity of Godhead, the heir of all things, invested with the office of the Mediatorial Restorer. To the illustration of this idea Dr Balfour brings an amount of exegetical ability which will delight the scientific student of the Scriptures, while he lays his own noble profession, and the sciences cognate with medicine, under contribution in a very happy manner. His explanation of the marvellous passage in the eighth of Romans anent "the whole creation," is remarkably interesting; and while we would not guarantee it as exhaustive, we believe it contains a portion of the meaning which has not hitherto been pointed out, and which every competent scholar will admit to be valuable. The volume is written in a transparent, unaffected, and vigorous style, such as usually characterises the writings of men accustomed to combine good powers of reflection with the habitual study of observational science. We cordially recommend the volume. It clearly and cautiously propounds a thought, which is at once a large, and bold, and precious M.

one.

FOREIGN THEOLOGICAL REVIEWS.

PART of the plan of this Review, from the first, has been to furnish an outline, and sometimes a digest, of the German theological journals. A variety of reasons, for a considerable time, interrupted this part of our design, which we hope now, however, more regularly to overtake in our successive numbers. Partly by such a digest of the nature and scope of the German discussions, and partly by transferring some of their articles entire into our columns, we shall endeavour to put our readers abreast of every thing that is of broad and general interest in the German churches. The mere intelligence of church movements will, of course, fall more to those periodicals that aim to furnish an account of what is "the news of the churches." Two classes of periodicals may be omitted,—those that have attached themselves to a negative or sceptical tendency, and those that belong more to the class of edifying religious publications. The well-defined sphere which we have occupied from the first, is that of theological discussion, with an unambiguous adherence to what is evangelical in tone and Calvinistic in doctrine. Nor will the French theological journals be omitted by us, so far as they enter into the

theological discussions of our time. Thus, with the use which we shall continue to make of the American theological reviews, we shall be able to place before our readers, as in a focus, most of those discussions which occupy the attention of divines, if not in all parts of the Protestant Church, at least in its most influential quarters.

It may not be out of place to notice the character and bearing of those German journals from which we shall furnish matter. We do this all the rather, because we must remark regarding them that it is a very mixed theology which they present; and because we feel that no slight responsibility stands connected with our labours in this department. These periodicals have many points of distinction, and some of superiority as respects the learning and research which they display; but they have their errors. The extent to which German theology already influences, and seems likely to influence, opinion both in Britain and America, cannot be ignored. It is a great fact, whether we desire it or not. And an acquaintance with the current tendencies of thought, such as their journals bring before us, will, if we aright distinguish and separate, keep us from either blindly following them as guides, or narrowly rejecting the contributions which they make to theological science. We have no call to involve our readers in this country in the perplexing speculations of Germany, without accompanying every such statement with a full caveat and the application of the touchstone and test of truth. Here we shall just repeat what we said seven years ago, in giving an outline of the German periodicals :-" We shall endeavour to be just to the evangelical theology of Germany without causing any injury to the cause of truth at home. We may learn much from Germany, and be enriched by the spiritual truth which her struggles have taught her to unfold; and no one church can say of any other church on which the living Spirit of God breathes, 'I have no need of thee.' Already many have been furthered by her learning, and have found valuable treasures in her mines. Any blind unquestioning deference to Germany, indeed, would be a spirit wholly unworthy of the higher spiritual elevation of this country. But if the theological mind of this country, starting from our own position and from our own point of view, is induced to run a similar career of exegetical or historical research, we may reap an inestimable blessing from the impulse. The great Master will receive his own with usury, not by one depending on another, but by every church and nation trading with the talent for itself."

I.-Theologische Zeitschrift.

This periodical, an enlarged continuation of the Kirchliche Zeitschrift, represents the orthodox Lutheran theology. Profs. Dieckhoff and Kliefoth, who conduct it, have stood forth as the strenuous opponents of the new theology of Hofmann, which they treat as a betrayal of the Lutheran cause. In the prefatory remarks at the commencement of the year, Dieckhoff explains the attitude of the review, stating, that while it will occupy itself with the solution of all new problems, it is no mere repristination of the old.

Among the papers that appeared during the year 1860, we may