lutions adopted at a public meeting of publishers and booksellers, were the following:

Resolved, That Mr. Charles Scribner, by his rare literary judgment, his ripe scholarship and his generous culture, was eminently well fitted for the high and commanding position which fer a quarter of a century he has occupied as a leading American publisher-a position which has reflected honor upon himself and upon the world of letters, and in which, by his cordial relations with other publishers, with his business associates, and with eminent authors at home and abroad, he surrounded himself with a large circle of friends, who regarded him with profound esteem and fraternal affection, and who will ever tenderly cherish his memory.

Resolved, That the business sagacity, the discriminating literary taste, the industry and unsullied integrity which enabled our friend, Mr. Scribner, to build up one of the most useful and important publishing-houses in America, are qualities which, however remarkable in themselves and in so rare a combination, still appear to us not more estimable than those characteristic traits of mind and heart by which, to all who knew him, he stood forth as the signal representative of the noblest manliness, of every gentlemanly attribute, and of the highest Christian virtues.

In his last letter from Switzerland to his partners occur these words, epitomizing his life and embodying his dying charge and consecration. “Having been so long connected with our publishing business-a quarter of a century— and having seen its present magnitude and usefulness, I desire with you to consecrate it to the service of our Saviour."

He was a man of singular purity of heart, and motive, and purpose. He could not touch an unclean thing. He would have nothing to do with a book of immoral tendency, or one that might tend to unsettle men's faith in the Bible, however popular it might prove. Other publishers-publishers bearing even the Christian name-might yield to the temptation and prostitute the mighty power of the press to evil ends, for the sake of gain, as some of them have done, but he would not. It is high praise to be able to say, and specially in a day like this when the public taste craves a sensational, a licentious, and a skeptical literature, and when so many respectable publishers are ready to cater to this taste, that the name of CHARLES SCRIBNER is not found on the title-page of a solitary book belonging to either of these classes. He never aimed at ephemeral success, as the character of his leading issues will indicate. He discerned the great need of the times, and the character of the literature that was best adapted to meet it; and though success he knew would be slow, and the outlay immense, and a lifetime be needed to accomplish the purpose, he was resolved on it. And in no one thing was he more remarkable than in this; his confidence in the ultimate demand for works of this standard character. He did more than any other American publisher to create and foster such a demand, and he lived long enough to see a large and permanent success crowning his faith and effort.

It is gratifying to know that the House which he has established and given so high a character, will perpetuate the name and influence of its worthy founder. Mr. Scribner had important aids in his business work, without which he could not have succeeded as he did. None felt this more than he. With the business proper of the house he never troubled himself, and had indeed no capacity for it. His senior partner, ANDREW C. ARMSTRONG, has been associated with him for 25 years, and has long borne the financial burden of the house, and been his intimate friend and adviser in all things, and shared with him in all business undertakings, and is both competent and anxious to maintain the high character of the house. Mr. EDWARD SEYMOUR, a graduate of Yale, for years on the editorial staff of the New York Times, whose Letters to several of the leading English papers during our late war attracted much attention both in Europe and at home-a gentleman of culture, literary taste and ability,-was prevailed upon by Mr. Scribner some years since to enter the firm, and devote his life to literary labor in connection with it. Both are Christian gentlemen, and

have been thoroughly trained under the eye and influence of the founder of the house, and will feel sacredly bound to carry out his wishes and push his farreaching plans to the widest success. And in the English department, which imports more foreign books than any other house in the country, Mr. WELFORD, the senior associate, whose knowledge of books is well-nigh universal, and whose residence in London gives him the best of opportunities, will fully maintain the vantage ground the house has so nobly won. A SON of Mr. Scribner has also been in course of training for some years, in the business, and will doubtless soon take his place as a member of the firm. May the mantle of the father fall upon the son! and the high aims and noble spirit of CHARLES SCRIBNER ever animate and guide his associates and successors in the business, that it may be a perpetual "consecration to the service of our Saviour!"

ART. XI.-CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE.

THEOLOGY.

Systematic Theology, by CHARLES HODGE, D.D. Vol. I. New York: Scribner & Co. We have received Dr. Hodge's long-expected work at too late an hour to do more at present than announce its publication. It is the magnum opus of the venerable divine, who for half a century has given such a commanding position to the Princeton Theological Seminary. If there be, as is sometimes said, a special Princeton Theology, it is found in all its strength and maturity in this work of Dr. Hodge. It is the most important, and in some respects the most able work on systematic theology that has been published for a long time either in Great Britain or in this country. It has been taught in lectures to a larger number of theological students than any other American divine has had under his instructions. And now, in its published form, it will reach a still wider class and have a more extended influence. As a full and scientific work on Theology it will be an essential aid and stimulus to thorough and comprehensive investigations.

The first volume contains, besides the general Introduction, the first part of the system itself "Theology Proper," or the Being, Nature, Attributes and Works of God. The discussions are full, minute, clear and learned. The chapters, "Anti-Theistic Theories," on the "Knowledge of God," on the "Trinity," and on "Providence," are elaborate, and make constant reference to the latest theories. That on the Knowledge of God, against Hamilton, is admirab le.

The topics discussed in the Introduction are, Method, Theology, Rationalism, Mysticism, and the Rule of Faith. The claims of Theology as a science are distinctly stated and ably argued. The "method" advocated is the Inductive. The word Induction here receives a somewhat wider sense than that in which we are accustomed to employ it. In theology, as a system, there should be a combination of both the deductive and the inductive methods: they do not exclude but rather supplement each other. Schleiermacher is represented as following the Mystical Method;" but his method, it seems to us, is rather speculative than mystical; besides, is not mysticism rather a principle than a method? The exhibition of the contrasted Roman Catholic and Protestant positions as to the Rule of Faith is cogent. The recent Roman Catholic developments will attract attention to the able investigation of Infallibility.

"

Two more volumes will complete the work. It is published in the best style.

The Problem of Evil. Translated from the French of M. ERNEST NAVILLE. BY JOHN P. LACROIX, Professor in the Ohio Wesleyan University. New York: Carlton & Lanahan. 1871. pp. 330. M. Naville is the most popular Swiss lecturer on the engrossing problems of modern theological thought. His works on The Eternal Life, and on The Heavenly Father, have made him well known in this country. These form a part of a series, continued in the lectures on the Problem of Evil. His general position here is this, that the Christian solution of the problems of life is the best solution-the best on the divine and on the human side. In relation to evil, both physical and spiritual, it is the best. The Christian doctrine of Original Sin is the most rational theory of evil that has been proposed. No human speculation on this mystery is more satisfactory than that of Paul in the Epistle to the Romans.

As delivered at Geneva and Lausanne, these lectures attracted crowds of eager listeners. The secret of their success is seen in the clear, earnest and eloquent manner in which these profound themes are discussed. They are deeply interesting.

Two English translations are before the public; one is published by the Clarks of Edinburgh; the present one is issued as "the only authorized translation." It is well executed, and the volume is in all respects well got up.

Carlton & Lanahan, the Methodist publishers, have issued several valuable works by De Pressensé, the ablest of the French Protestants, whose influence has been growing through all these late troublous times. They publish his Life of Jesus Christ, The Church and the French Revolution, Early Years of Christianity, The Land of the Gospel; also his Mystery of Suffering and other Discourses (Etudes Evangéliques), pp. 258, and letters on Rome, Italy and the Council (pp. 327)—all brought out in a compact and finished style. The Discourses of De Pressensé are worthy of study. Not so methodical and finished as those of Bersier, they beat with a fuller pulse, and rise at times to the height of real eloquence. With the point and clearness of the best French style they unite depth of feeling and a fervid faith. The discourses, for example, entitled "The Supernatural at the Bar of Conscience," and "Suffering in Relation to the Christian Life." contain elements of power which most of our preachers would do well to master.

The work on Rome and the Council, written before the Vatican Sessions, gives perhaps a more brilliant and complete picture of what Rome was, in its chief aspects, just on the eve of that imposing assemblage, than can elsewhere be found. Its glory and its decay, its art and its arts, its priests and people-the monuments and memories of the past, the coming drama and its probable catastrophe, are vividly portrayed. Many of these anticipations have been verified. As a picture of the vast, confused scene, reduced to order, the book has a fascination about it. The chief parties, plots and personages are well described. Among incidental matters, there is, in Letter Ten, an excellent summary on the Recent Excavation at Rome.

Sermons by R. W. HAMILTON, D.D., L.L.D., Author of the "Doctrine of Rewards and Punishments." New York: Carlton & Lanahan. Dr. Hamilton was an Independent Pastor in Leeds, England, honored as a minister and theological writer, a man of decided ability and influence. His doctrinal system was that of the moderate Calvinists. His discourses are vigorous and earnest, substantial in thought, argumentative, and sometimes highly illustrated. We do not object to "certain leanings to Calvinism," which are alluded to in the Preface.

Living Words: or. Unwritten Sermons by the late JOHN MCCLINTOCK, D.D. LL.D. 2d. ed. N. Y. Carlton & Lanahan. Bishop Janes in his preface to this volume fitly remarks, that "it is a rich addition to the evangelical litera

ture of the Church." The lamented author was a scholar of rare attainments, an indefatigable worker, and a preacher of unusual fluency and power. These Sermons are phonographically reported, they lack the revising hand of the eloquent speaker; but they are excellent specimens of the best extemporaneous utterances of the pulpit-thoughtful, with a constant flow of emotion, and also well planned and progressive in method. Those who have known Dr. McClintock only or chiefly as a scholar will be surprised at these exhibitions of his pulpit power. Having heard him, we know that the present discourses are only a fair specimen of his ability. He was a man of wide general culture and broad Christian sympathies, and his loss is felt far beyond the bounds of his own denomination.

The Doctrine of the Church: a Historical Monograph. With a full Bibliography of the subject. By JOHN T. MCELHINNEY, D.D., Milnor Professor of Systematic Divinity in the Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Ohio. Philadelphia: Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfinger. 8vo. pp. 464. This learned work, prepared by a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, will be found of great value to all who are interested in the history of the doctrine of the church. While the author is faithful to the principles of his own communion, he evidently aims at being candid towards the other branches of the Reformed Church. When he controverts them, it is without bitterness. The work, as a whole, is incidentally an able defense of the reformed doctrine about the church against the claims of Romanism. It furnishes a valuable collection of historical materials, from the patristic times to recent discussions. Later German works are analyzed and criticised. The conflict in England between Presbyterianism and Episcopacy is quite fully described, though, of course, the strength of the Presbyterian side is not brought out. But he concedes that the exclusive Episcopal claims came up after the times of Hooker. No English historical monograph on the subject goes over so much ground.

66

The Bibliography" extends to some 70 pages, with an index. Though not exhaustive, it is sufficient for all practical purposes, and will be found of great service. The titles and dates are carefully given.

Works of this historical character, on the great questions that divide the churches, are now, perhaps, more needed than merely polemic essays. For history rebukes the partisan and the sectarian. History is catholic; and one of its great lessons for us is, that we strive for unity.

The Parables of our Lord. By REV. WILLIAM ARNOT. Robert Carter & Brothers. 12mo. pp. 532. Our Saviour taught the people in parables, and so commonly that it is recorded, "without a parable spake he not unto them." It is surprising how great a part of his teaching is given to the world in this form. It is important, therefore, to make these numerous sacred parables the subject of special study, especially on the part of our spirtiual teachers. It seems to us that sufficient critical attention has not been given to them. There is scarcely a doctrine of Revelation, or a principle of duty, or a lesson of life, that they do not clearly and effectively illustrate And it is a marvel that preachers of the Word do not follow more closely the significant example of the Great Teacher in this respect. Not only as furnishing matter for instruction. but as models in the sacred art of teaching the common mind, "the Parables of our Lord" are worthy of the most careful and pains-taking examination. Hence we welcome the volume before us. The author has a high appreciation of the task he has assumed, and his work is a valuable contribution to the literature of this portion of the New Testament. After a lengthy and valuable Introduction on the principles involved, he takes up one parable after another to the number of thirty, and gives both a critical and practical exposition of them. The volume is neither a compend of criticism nor a series of sermons. It aims to combine a thoroughly critical investigation with direct practical application; to satisfy the judgment of the studious reader, while it presses the claims of the gospel on the consciences of men.

One with Christ in Glory: or Thoughts on John xvii. By JAMES INGLISS. J. Ingliss & Co. New York. It is not often that we expect to be aided by a human pen in the comprehension of the Lord's Intercessory prayer. Luther said of it: "It is so deep, so rich, so wide, that no one can find its bottom or extent." And yet, in these meditations, which cover sixty pages, the author "carries us back (as does the prayer itself) into the counsels of eternal love, and forward into the eternal glories in which these counsels are accomplished." We were prepared by reason of his Biblical Scholarship, and his Studies on Redemption, as they appear in "The Witness," and "Way-Marks in the Wil derness." the weekly and quarterly which he edits, to expect much from Mr. Ingliss; scriptural and profound and full of comfort have been his publications on the stand-point in Christ to the believer. But in this volume he unfolds the relation of the Intercession to the Sacrifice in a way which sheds no little light on the mysterious and solacing profundities of the Prayer. range of the writer's exposition, and the uplifting application of his thoughts, are remarkable. It is impossible for a devout mind, in reading them, not to be affected with awe as the rays of light, emerging from the arcana of the Covenant, are made to remove the darkness from the believer's path, until they are lost sight of in the glories of his eternity.

The

An oppressive consciousness of human nothingness, and of the vastness and bewildering variety of Redemption's labors and effects, holds the soul "astonied" as it moves with the author into the meaning of "Father, the hour is come" that hour said with truth to be "more momentous than the birth-hour of the Universe, as to the great end for which the Universe exists." Only a perception of the divine benignity, as it pours itself forth in supplications, that the love wherewith Thou hast loved me may be in them;" or, such plea, as "I will that they whom Thou hast given me be with me where I am;" can relieve the august solemnity of the contemplated "suffering hour."

But this author's exposition of the Intercession does it, as it reveals not only the unity of the believer with Christ in burial and in resurrection-but the oneness of the believer with Christ in glory.

The style of the book is in keeping with the theme: it is subdued as would be the words of one in the presence of the Holy of Holies; and yet every word is full of meaning; often the sentences swell with repressed excitement, and become luminous with the glory of the toil and the reward they endeavor to express.

With some the marvel of the book might be its paper and its print. Sixtytwo of its pages are illuminated, after the fashion of antique missals. Many have said that no such specimens of the printer's work can be found in England or America. It is certain that the placing of the words of the Intercessory Prayer in color, and causing the sense and emphasis to stand out by reason of this, is an experiment never attempted before. And in this instance it is successful. It is impossible, by any description, to convey to one who has not seen it the effect of the brilliant and significant illumination employed in decorating that part of the volume which contains the authorized version of the Intercessory Prayer. It is a masterpiece of art. H. N.

BIBLICAL LITERATURE.

The first volume of the so-called Speaker's Bible, edited by F. C. COOK, M.A., Canon of Exeter, is published by Scribner & Co. in a solid, fair, largesized octavo of over 900 pages. The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. J. E. Denison, suggested the plan, and it has been carried out by "Bishops and other clergy of the Anglican Church." The General Introduction and Genesis are by the Bishop of Ely, Dr. E. H. Browne; Exodus is by the Editor, Canon Cook, and Rev. Samuel Clarke; Leviticus is by Samuel Clarke; Numbers is by Rev. T. E. Espin and Rev. J. F. Thrupp; Deuteronomy is by Espin. The authorized version of 1611 is reprinted; alterations of it are printed in dark type in the notes. Difficult questions are treated in special dissertations, as well as in the Introductions. Canon Cook has two essays appended to Exodus: on the Bearings of Egyptian History upon the