memoir is a selection made from his Diary, while travelling through the United States.' In reading this book, we have been made to feel strongly, what an influence for good the wife of a clergyman may exert. And when we remember that there are doubtless many mothers of families less prominent in position, but similar in religious character to this one, scattered throughout England, in quiet parsonages, we exclaim, what a blessed thing for England has been her Established Church. THOUGHTS ON GREAT MYSTERIES. Selected from the Works of Frederick William Faber, D.D., with an Introduction by J. S. Purdy. D. D. NEW YORK: THOMAS WHITTAKER, 1880. pp. 229. F. W. Faber is well-known from his hymns and from his perversion some time ago to Romanism. The object of this volume is to bring before the American reader his prose writings, which, though pervaded by "the most intensely Romish spirit, and the most extravagant of Romish ideas," are yet, the Editor considers, of great "intrinsic worth" Especially because they set forth so strongly the "Scotist" view of Theology, whose starting-point is God and not man. Faber is a poet, and these selections contain many beautiful thoughts, expressed in glowing lan guage. He also sets forth strongly the practical application of his doctrines, in bringing about sanctification. The editor assures us that all Romish ideas have been omitted. Two questions occur in regard to this. First, how far is it honest and fair to an author to omit in a re-publication of even a selection of his works, those portions which he himself would have considered among the most true and important? Second, if a writer's mind is thoroughly pervaded by a certain evil influence, is it possible utterly to eliminate the effects of this from his writings? We think not. Even in this book we can trace a mysticism which is unhealthy, and a reference to Romish traditions, and the use of phrases such as "the Sacred Heart of Jesus;" for which there is no warrant. For our own part, even at the risk of being considered narrow-minded, we must confess a doubt as to the advisability of putting Romish devotional books, even if ex purgated, into the hands of our young people. We are almost inclined to say, if they must read such books, let them have them just as they were written, so that their errors as well as their excellencies may be seen. 1 There are several not unnatural mistakes in names in this diary, which we suggest to the publishers should be corrected, if another edition, as we hope will be the case, is issued. THE PASTOR. PASTORAL THEOLOGY. By Rt. Rev. Gregory Thurston Bedell, D.D. PHILADELPHIA : J. B. LIPPINCOTT & Co., 1880. pp. 607. $1.75. It is a hopeful sign that our Bishops begin to aid in producing a literature for our Church, especially when it is one founded on their own experience. This is the case with this book, as the motto adopted by the author sets forth: Experientia docens, docet, docuit. Such a work is greatly needed, for though there are many volumes of Pastoral Theology, there is not one which can be consid ered entirely satisfactory. Bishop Bedell's book covers the whole round of the Pastoral office. He begins by stating the pre-requisites for the study. 1. "A theoretical knowledge of Theology." 2 "An experimental knowledge of religion." 3. "A degree of practical knowledge of human nature." Next is set forth "The Source of Clerical Influence;" "Divine Authority," and "Personal Clerical Character." Under the first head we are glad to quote the following: italics the author's. We have no question of the truth of the Divine appointment of our ministry, and that Christ Himself directed the mode of its perpetuation by a tactual succession unbroken from Apostolic days. And inasmuch as it is true, it is to be inculcated. Judiciously taught it will benefit a congregation; and a right application of it will also increase our solemn sense of responsibility to God; and of obligation to be faithful to souls whom he has committed to our care. Terms are next defined. 'Pastoral Theology stands between a knowledge of Divine things, and the application of that knowledge to the cure of souls." And the topics to be treated group themselves round three main centres, viz.: Instruction, Administration and Discipline. Each of these is very fully treated and very val uable advice is given. Thus under the head of Instruction, are four divisions. The Pastor Catechising; The Pastor preparing for Confirmation; The Pastor Preaching; The Pastor in Social Instruction;" with very full subdivisions. Part II, with like minuteness treats of "Administration," in regard to "The Sacraments;" "Cases of religious experience;" "Sunday-schools;" "Direction of Activities" and "Parochial Administration." While Part III, tells of "The Pastor exercising Discipline" and "The Pastor a Gentleman." We commend this last to the consideration of the clergy in general. An admirable scheme and index, gives a full synopsis of the whole book, and enables the reader to turn at once to any particular subject. We have been specially struck with the chapter on Catechising; it is very sugges tive. Every theological student ought to have a copy of this exceedingly useful book; and no clergyman, however mature, but would be benefited by its perusal. We thank the Bishop of Ohio for giving it to the Church. A SYSTEM OF MORAL SCIENCE. By Laurens P. Hickok, D.D., Hickok's Moral Science was published some twenty five years ago, and has been widely used as a text-book in our colleges. In issuing the present edition, the opportunity has been taken to revise the work, "making some additions to it, transposition of some parts, and giving to others a clearer mode of expression." This has been done especially in the part relating to the State and its authority; and also on Domestic Slavery. We are unable to say how great are the alterations, not having by us an old edition to compare with this; but should, from this concluding sentence of the preface, suppose them to be "considerable;" "thus with a different book there is not a different system of Moral Science." So far as we have been able to examine this work it appears to be based on sound principles, referring all morality to the will of God. GUINEA GOLD, OR THE GREAT BARRIER REEF. By Charles H. THE FRONTIER FORT, OR STIRRING TIMES IN THE NORTHWEST Two more of the excellent publications of the "Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge." Full of adventure, and yet with a decided though not obtrusive religious feeling pervading them, they are just the books to give to boys. We wish some of our publishers would reprint these and kindred children's books in cheap form, and so drive out those pernicious, immoral, sensational books which are doing so much harm among the young We believe it would pay. These would sell just as well, and do good instead of harm. РАТ. A STORY FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. By Stella Austin. LONDON J. MASTERS & CO. NEW YORK: POTT, YOUNG & Co. pp. 259. A story of children living in London. An officer in the army dying, left a widow an eight small children. They come to live in an old but roomy house in " Hoppetty Square;" and this book records their sayings and doings. A set of healthy rollicking boys and girls. Seven of them call themselves "the army chil dren." The youngest, Robin, born after the father's death, shows less fondness for military matters, and him they dub "only the civilian." Pat, after whom the book is named, is one of those impulsive boys, meaning right, but ever doing wrong, but with such a loving heart and pleasant manner, that it is hard to keep angry with him. Altogether the book is a capital one and any boy or girl would be glad to have it for a gift. THE FELMERES. A Novel by S. B. Elliott. pp. 357. NEW YORK: D. One of the saddest books we have read in a long time, yet so interesting that once taken up you are compelled to go through it. Miss Elliott has shown great power in description of natural scenery as well as in delineation of character. The story is a strange one; and Helen, the heroine, certainly very different from the ordinary novel young lady. She has been brought up in solitude by her father, a confirmed sceptic, in utter unbelief in any God, or any hereafter. Love for this father is her sole creed. On his death-bed the father makes her vow that she never will believe; so that if by chance there should be an hereafter they may not be separated. She marries, without love, a cousin, as a family arrangement. On her father's death she comes to the city to live, where she is brought into contact with nominal Christians, whose inconsistencies harden her in her unbelief. A child is born to her, and the pathos of the story turns on her love for this child, and the vital question, shall he be brought up a Christian, which she is made to feel, from her own misery, would be for his happiness in this world. But, if so, will he not learn to look upon his mother as lost? There are passages of great beauty and force; nowhere have we seen the utter desolation of unbelief more touchingly portrayed. Through all our sympathies are enlisted on behalf of the unbeliever, yet without shaking our own faith. HARPER'S MAGAZINE for March contains an article, "A Winter Idyl." the illustrations of which are of great beauty. Indeed, all the periodicals of this house during the last month have illustra tions which are very tantalizing to the lovers of Winter sports; such beautiful pictures of skating and sleighing, when we have had no ice or snow, are unkind to boys and girls. STUDIES ON THE BAPTISMAL QUESTION; Including a Review of Dr. Dale's" Inquiry into the usage of Baptizo." By Rev. David B. Ford. BOSTON H. A. YOUNG & Co. NEW YORK: WARD & DRUMMOND. pp. 416. THE REIGN OF GOD NOT "THE REIGN OF LAW." Scott Bacon. BALTIMORE TURNBULL BROTHERS. By Thomas We have had these books on hand for some time, but have not yet been able to give them the attention their importance demands. We hope to be able to do so before long. AMERICAN CHURCH REVIEW. VOL. XXXII.-MAY AND JUNE, 1880. REFORM IN THE CHURCH OF FRANCE. The movement in France, represented by M. Loyson and those connected with him, towards the revival of a National Church with a national Episcopate and Liturgy, is one which challenges attention and sympathy. It is a material advance on the old Gallicanism which made itself felt in the Council of Trent, and which appears in the Gallican Articles of 1682, in Bossuet's Defence of those articles, in the letters of Dupin to Abp. Wake in 1718, in the Episcopal Declaration of 1826, and in the work of a second Dupin in 1844. The fatal error in all those casesand, indeed, what was called Gallicanisin all along-was the vain attempt to reconcile two irreconcileable thingsthe papal power and the rights of a national Church. Moreover, from the time of the Pragmatic Sanction of Louis IX, in 1268 down to the Revolution of 1789, the Gallican Liberties, as they were called, were centred in and represented by the king of France. And thus it came to pass that, on the one side and on the other, persons came into view much more than principles; on the one side the Monarch, on the other the Pope. It is easy to see how |