"Aids to the Study of German Theology," very useful. The English student in Theology who, thus qualified, proceeds to master Dr Dorner's System, will reap greater benefits from it than can be readily expressed by our pen. The book might almost be called, "A Critical History of Theological Opinion," as well as A System of Christian Doctrine, and one of the valuable features in this system is its large-minded contribution to the comparative study of religions.

The title of the work indicates its scope. How numerous, weighty, solemn, and grand are the topics included in A System of Christian Doctrine! God, the Godhead, Trinity, God's Relation to the World, Creation, Conservation, Providence, the Creature, Man, Angelology, Unity of God and Man, Religion, Revelation, Miracle, Inspiration, the Divine Incarnation, Heathenism, Religion of the Old Testament, Christianity, Sin, Origin of Evil, the Devil, Death, Salvation, Christology, the Atonement, Exaltation of Christ, Kingdom of the Holy Spirit, Repentance, Regeneration, Justification, Sanctification, the Church, Baptism, the Holy Supper, Power of the Keys, Invisibility and Visibility of the Church, the Militant Church, Eschatology, Christ's Second Advent, the Intermediate State, Last Judgment, Consummation of the World, and Eternal Blessedness: such is the scantiest enumeration of the subjects treated of in this splendid work. Besides, some 170 pages are devoted to a discussion of the doctrine of Faith as the postulate in the apprehension of Christianity as Truth, in which an analysis of Faith is contributed of extreme value.

Another word as to the method of the work. First, the point to be considered is stated, then the literature of it, in which we regret to find but few English authors named. Then the Biblical doctrine or teaching on the subject is given, followed by the ecclesiastical development of the doctrine; and, finally, its dogmatic exposition or investigation. There are also appended frequent notes and observations which are helpful to an intelligent discrimination of the views presented. No one who aspires to be a well-grounded theologian can dispense with an acquaintance with this work, and all English students of the divine science will be ready to acknowledge their obligation to the learned translators for placing it within their reach.

The Relations which at present exist between Church and State in England: A Letter to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P. By THOMAS WIMBERLEY MOSSMANS, B.A., D.D., Rector of Torrington, Lincolnshire. John Hodges, 13, Soho-square, London.

THIS is a very able, conclusive, and irresistible argument-the very logic of facts against the subjection of the Church to the State, and in favour of complete emancipation from State patronage and control, and that by a Rector of the Established Church.

Boy Life; or, Notices of Early Struggles of Great Men. By WILLIAM WINTERS, F.R. Hist. Soc. London. Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster-row. THIS book originated in a series of lectures delivered by the author on "Perseverance and its Reward," with a view to encourage young men in the pursuit of learning and a life of usefulness. It comprises brief sketches of a great number of persons who have risen from the humbler walks of life to intellectua and moral greatness, and who have occupied spheres of honour among philosophers, philanthropists, statesmen, orators, authors, and ministers, and the leaders of scientific and religious thought in general. The sketches are brief, but faithfully delineated. The spirit of the writer is evangelical, and he

properly takes occasion to speak of the excellence of the Bible and of the Christian religion. While the work is intended mainly to encourage and stimulate the young in general in laudable pursuits, the author does not forget the aged and even the blind, showing by various examples how application and energy may enable a man in every period and condition of life to rise above all natural and social disadvantages, and leave his footprints on the sands of time. The work is evidently the fruit of extensive research, and while instructive and interesting to the general reader, is well adapted to rouse the young to industry, and encourage them under the greatest impediments, difficulties, and privations, to cultivate their minds, improve their opportunities, and make the best of their circumstances, under the assurance that though all cannot become great, yet all may become good and wise, and rise to honourable attainments and usefulness.

The Irish Christian Advocate.

Belfast: James Scott Allen.

THIS is the first number of a Methodist newspaper. It consists of sixteen large pages, which are replete with excellent matter on a great variety of interesting topics. It is conducted with ability and in a liberal spirit. Our own denomination has a place in its pages, but the information given is confused. Under the heading STOCKPORT We have the name of Mr. Armstrong, who is in North Shields; Mr. Hornby, who is in Oldham; and Mr. Holyoake, who is in Mossley. What have these to do with Stockport? The editor intimates that some new correspondent of the Magazine is "the paid correspondent of The Christian World," and says, "it is bad to run all papers down for the benefit of one, and that there is Catholicity in other papers besides the one first mentioned." What does all this mean? Has the good editor been dreaming? Our Magazine has not said a word about the newspaper referred to, and knows nothing about paid correspondents of The Christian World or of any other.

Memorable Women of Irish Methodism in the Last Century. By C. H. CROOKSHANK, M.A., Author of the "Methodist Pioneer." London: Wesleyan Methodist Book-room.

OUR Irish brethren and sisters have taken a prominent part in Methodism, as heralds and pioneers of earnest religion. We have here sketches of eighteen Irishwomen of blessed memory, fit to rank with the Priscillas, the Pudens, the Chloes, and the Phoebes of the primitive Church of Christ. The worthies in this book figured in the early days of Methodism as holy and useful helpers of Mr. Wesley and his devoted labourers. In sketching these holy women, a number of places come into view quite familiar to me in the early days of my ministry; and the name also of one saintly man, William Black, a member of our church in Lisburn, who knew Mr. Wesley well and repeatedly heard him preach. More than fifty-six years ago I remember sitting by the side of this venerable saint, then near ninety years of age, and heard him speak of Wesley's sermons, and of the converse which he had with that man of God. Anyone who loves Methodism, and admires fervent piety, will find his soul refreshed by reading these brief sketches of devoted women. Oh, that thousands of equal piety, self-denial, and earnestness, were added to our Churches just now!

Memorials of a Consecrated Life. Compiled from the Autobiography, Letters, and Diaries of ANNE LUTTON. London: T. Woolmer, Castle-street, City-road, and 66, Paternoster-row.

MORE than fifty-six years ago, the present Editor of this Magazine knew Miss Lutton, then in the prime of life, and resident in Moira, County Down,

Ireland. Moira was then one of the scenes of my ministerial labour, and I often came in pleasant contact with the lady and her father. She was, even at that time, distinguished for learning, piety, and usefulness in the Methodist Church; and, like Mrs. Fletcher, noted for her public ministrations to her own sex; preaching frequently, not only in Moira, but in Lurgan, Lisburn, Belfast, and other contiguous towns, and commanding much esteem and admiration. Her father also was a pious and learned man, and, though blind when I knew him, he could repeat passages from the classics. It was about this time that Miss Lutton published her volume of beautiful poems, a copy of which is still in my library, and is highly prized as a favourite volume. Amid the changes of the itinerant ministry I had lost sight of this pious lady, supposing her to have long since gone to her heavenly reward. But I rejoice to find that her life was prolonged to the advanced age of near ninety years, and rejoice still more to know that she retained her piety and usefulness to the last, and finally died in holy peace and triumph. Among her last words were these, "I am going to a beautiful home," "I am going to heaven," "Blessed Jesus! Lord, take me!"' This volume is a rich treasury of religious experience, depicting the public and private life of a saintly woman of very superior intellectual gifts and literary attainments, consecrated to the glory of God and the good of precious souls. One of the lady's poems on "Prayer we have inserted in our pages, and this our readers may regard as a sample of her poetic talent, and the pious spirit she habitually cherished and manifested during her long, devoted, and useful life.

The Study of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, Told in Simple Language and Adapted to all Ages, but especially the Young. By CHARLES FOSTER. London: Charles Griffin & Co., Exeter-street, Strand.

THE author of this beautiful volume was during many years a teacher of the Holy Scriptures, both in the Sunday-school and at home, and felt deeply the need of a simple version of the main portion of the Bible, which would not only give its history, precepts, and doctrines in a continuous form, but also show the connection and unity between the Old and New Testaments. Not being able to find one to his own satisfaction, he prepared this. The author has here included most of the important events and doctrines of the Holy Scriptures. The work is written with great simplicity, and is well fitted to give children and young people a knowledge of God's Holy Word, and it is supplied with maps and 256 illustrations.

The Methodist Family. An illustrated Monthly Magazine. Volume xiii.
Published at the Methodist Family Office, 61, Paternoster-row; and at the
Wesleyan Sunday School Union, 2, Ludgate-circus Buildings, E.C.
DESIGNED and adapted to promote peace, love, and religion in the family.

The Christian Church. A Monthly Journal in defence of Christian Truth. London: S. W. Partridge & Co.

THIS number contains some faithful and excellent articles in defence of Christian truth.

The Preachers' Analyst. A Monthly Homiletical Magazine, conducted by J. J. S. BIRD, M.A. Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster-row.

SERMONS and brief sketches.

The Liberator. A Monthly Journal of the Society for the Liberation of Religion from State Patronage and Control.

THERE are some grave truths in this number, faithfully told, as to the spread of Popery and High Churchism, which all Evangelical Christians in this country should seriously ponder.

Central Africa, Japan, and Fiji. A Story of Missionary Enterprise, Trials, and Triumphs. By EMMA RAYMOND PITMAN. London: Hodder & Stoughton. WHAT books on benevolent energy and enterprise are the most interesting to persons of all ages? The Bible first, and then those on modern Missions. What books afford the most information on man's natural condition, and the elevating and refining power of the Gospel? The Bible first, and then those on modern Missions. Who does not remember the thrill that vibrated through the country when Williams and Moffat and Livingstone sent forth their stories of missionary enterprise? Talk of novels! there never was a novel written yet one-half so interesting as books on modern Missions. They have enriched, and are enriching, our literature in the highest degree. The book before us holds an eminent place in such works. The facts selected, the characters portrayed, the scenes sketched, the countries described, and the wonderful conversions and moral transformations here delineated, exhibit sound judgment and correct taste; and the spirited publishers have added to the attractions of the volume by its numerous artistic engravings and the superior style of its binding. This book, we venture to predict, will earn for itself, as it deserves, a very wide circulation, and afford sacred pleasure to a numerous class of readers, and, we hope, stimulate Christians generally to pray more earnestly, and give more liberally to the holy cause of Missions.

God's Light on Dark Clouds. By THEODORE L. CUYLER, D.D. London: Hodder & Stoughton.

THIS little book is dedicated to the desponding and the bereaved, addressing to them words of sympathy and good cheer. Rich are the sources of comfort here opened out to the suffering; powerful are the reasons here adduced for holy courage to the desponding; and numerous, as well as striking, are the examples here quoted to prove the sanctified use of afflictions, and to show that all things work together for good to them that love God. The book throughout is well written, and, if read in a right spirit, cannot fail to comfort them that mourn in Zion, and justify the ways of God to man.

The National Temperance League's Annual for 1883. Edited by ROBERT RAE. London: National Temperance Publication Depôt, Strand, W.C.

We have here the Annual Retrospect for 1882; and a brief compendious view of the operations and progress of the good cause and its growing influence on the population, not only in this country, but in America and several continental states. The book contains much valuable information, which must be interesting to all who desire the welfare of their fellow-men

There are three things which the true Christian desires with respect to sin: Justification, that it may not condemn; sanctification, that it may not reign; and glorification, that it may not be.-Cecil.

Memoirs and Recent Deaths.

JAMES STUBBS SIMPSON, THE CONVERTED SECULARIST, OF SHILDON.

THE Willington Circuit and the cause of Christ have sustained a loss by the sad death of this brother. He was born at Barnard Castle, on January 27, 1852, and died on the 3rd of last October, through a terrible accident he met with on the colliery line at Old Shildon. He was a Methodist of the third ← generation, and inherited the fire of his ancestors. His paternal grandfather was a popular local preacher among the Primitive Methodists, and his maternal grandfather was an active member of the same body of Christians.

The deceased was a short, thick-set, strong man, and very healthy. He had a clear intellect and a logical mind. Strange to say, he was both deeply earnest and vivacious, gloomy and gay by turns. His humour was sprightly and inexhaustible, yet all his views were tinged with melancholy. No one had a quicker discernment of the ludicrous than he; but the awful mystery which he felt to be enshrouding existence, and his intense anxiety to peer into the full light of knowledge, saddened him at times. Besides, he was ever kept in poverty. Everything earthly he attempted met with failure. He tried hard to get on, he worked hard, and was not deficient in practical ability, yet no amount of care and skill ever brought success.

From his infancy he was religious and devout; there being no period of his life to which memory could reach when he did not feel himself a sinner, and was possessed with a desire to serve God. Little James, when a child, used to seek out some quiet spot where he could think about the love of Jesus; and he was indignant as be beheld, in his imagination, the sufferings which wicked Jews poured upon the head of the Saviour.

When he was quite young, his parents removed to St. Helen's, West Auckland, where at the age of thirteen James was soundly converted to God. That was an event he could never forget. During the time of atheistic gloom which afterwards visited him, he could never get over the fact of his conversion. Many a time he tried to explain it away by analysing it into a paroxysm of emotion, but the effort never satisfied his own mind. He never experienced anything, either before or after, like what he felt at that moment. If it was a thrill of emotion, nothing on earth could have produced it; it must have been the product of Divine power.

When converted, he threw himself at once into the work of the Master. Every Sunday found him twice at the Sabbath-school, speaking to those younger than himself about Jesus; and, ever and anon, the tear of love and loyalty to Heaven's King would roll down his cheek to testify to his earnestness in God's service. The children loved him dearly, and hung with deep feeling upon his words of sympathy. In the street, the fields, and at home he delighted to tell sinners of the love of Jesus. Being a miner, he took the word of God into the pit with him, and read it to wicked men of all ages whenever time permitted. A respect, bordering upon awe, was felt for the brave lad; no one could swear or lie where he was; living near to God, and spending much time in prayer, a heavenly fascination seemed to attend his doings. May the Holy Spirit bestow this sacred influence upon all of us!

It was not long before people began to say that the lad ought to preach, so before he was sixteen he was put on the plan to go with James Dunbar, a veteran local preacher among the Primitives, now residing at Byers Green. Mr. Dunbar wrote to me as soon as he heard of our brother's death, and he assures me that his first preaching efforts were more than satisfactory, and