necessarily condensed, sketch, as also others before him have done. But his sketch of the Church South, in both the period of construction immediately after the "Separation," and that of reconstruction after the "War of Secession," are comparatively new matter of history, and the things there stated cannot fail to awaken admiration at the immense resources for recuperation it has displayed. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is today no inconsiderable factor in the problem of the moral and religious affairs of the future of the nation; and, while emphatically dissenting from its theoretical ecclesiasticism, we give it a hearty Godspeed in all its evangelistic designs and achievements. And to that work Bishop M'Tyeire's book will prove a valuable auxiliary, and, indeed, it will stand an honor and a boon to "ecumenical" Methodism. Lamenting, as we do, any deficiency of Christian forbearance in the process of division and in the subsequent relations of the two Methodisms-as seen from the present point of view-it seems to be demonstrated that the separation was not only a necessity, but for the best interests of all concerned. The history of Abraham and Lot, and their separation each from the other in the interests of peace, is paralleled in this case; and the causes which called for separation forty years ago remain to this present. But the division is no longer geographical. There are three "nations" in the South, to only one of which, though that is both the most numerous and the most highly cultivated, is the Church South the best qualified to minister; and in order that in all that region the poor shall have the Gospel preached to them, it is needful that a Church based upon other ideas should set up its banners and permanently pitch its tents among them. The division of labor in that field is a recognized fact. Let each one stand in his lot, and then "Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim," but each in his own way shall fly upon the shoulders of their spiritual enemies.

Centennial History of American Methodism, inclusive of the Period of its Ecclesiastical Organization and its Subsequent Development under the Superintendency of Francis Asbury. With Sketches of the Character and History of all the Preachers known to have been Members of the Christmas Conference; also, an Appendix, showing the Numerical Position of the Methodist Episcopal Church as compared with the other leading Evangelical Denominations in the Cities of the United States; and the Condition of the Educational Work of the Church. By JOHN ATKINSON, D.D. 12mo. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Cincinnati : Cranston & Stowe. 1884. Price, $2.

The "Centennial" seems likely to serve a valuable purpose in respect to original Methodist history. Heretofore our histories

have consisted chiefly of apologetics and heroics. They were called for by the times. But the time has fully come for truthful and discriminating examinations and presentations of the events and the men of the early days of Methodism, and precisely that thing is here attempted by Dr. Atkinson, and executed with a good share of success. Those "grand old heroes"-ancestors are nearly always heroes-will not suffer by being set in a clear historical light, with all their human traits laid open to inspection. We are glad that Dr. Atkinson, whose patience in research is proverbial, has undertaken and completed such a work.

Teachers and Teaching; or, The Sunday-school Teacher's Teaching Work, and the other Work of the Sunday-school Teacher. By H. CLAY TRUMBULL, D.D., Editor of the "Sunday-School Times," etc. 12mo, pp. 390. Philadelphia: John D. Waters.

Dr. H. Clay Trumbull has the right to speak ex cathedra to all Sunday-school workers-for he has not only given his life-long efforts to that work, but has also accustomed himself to carefully note all its phases, and to put into shape, and then into print, the results of his observations. By that process this volume has grown up, much of its matter having before seen the light, chiefly in "The Sunday-School Times," but large portions also in other periodicals. His method combines philosophic discussions of the subject of teaching, especially as called for in the Sunday-school, and specific rules and directions for rendering his own conclusions practically available. As no adequate statement of the contents can be given in the limits at our disposal, we can only commend the book to the attention of our readers, with the conviction that its careful study will be abundantly compensated to all who may use it in the spirit in which it is written.

Hebrew Lessons. A Book for Beginners. By H. G. MITCHELL, Ph.D., Boston University. Small quarto, pp. 68. Boston: Ginn, Heath, & Co.

A knowledge of the Hebrew is a necessary preparation for the critical study of the Old Testament; and as just now the attention of the learned world is especially directed to that part of the Holy Scriptures, that knowledge is more than ever before a prerequisite not only for engaging in the conflicts of the times, but also for intelligently following the discussions which constitute a special feature of the biblical literature of the present age. It is well, therefore, that all possible helps shall be afforded for the acquisition of a mastery of the language of our oldest Scriptures; and we are glad to see just such a work as this of Professor

Mitchell, which seems to be peculiarly adapted to the wants of "beginners." The mechanical execution of the work is all that could be desired.

The Beloved Physician: Walter C. Palmer, M.D., and his Sunlit Journey to the Celestial City. By his Colleague, REV. GEORGE HUGHES. With an Introduction by REV. F. G. HIBBARD, D.D. 12mo, pp. 400. New York: Palmer & Hughes. Dr. Palmer was for nearly fifty years a somewhat conspicuous figure in New York Methodism, though he seemed always content to accept the second place, while his wife, Mrs. Phoebe Palmer, held the first. The two were joint laborers for the promotion of the "higher Christian life," in which they operated together as true yoke-fellows, and with not inconsiderable success. During the earlier part of their career they encountered some degree of opposition, in respect to both their doctrines and their methods; but not so in their later years. But whether the change was the result of a higher spiritual tone in the Church, or because their own bearing became less belligerent with ripening years-as Etna's fires grow dim at break of day—may be an open question. Certainly the later years of "The Beloved Physician were strongly marked by a quiet godliness of manner which seemed to encircle his head like an aureola. This volume, which purports to be his memoirs, is meager in properly biographical matter, being largely made up of excerpts from Mrs. Palmer's letters, and miscellaneous extracts from the "Guide to Holiness," of which first she, and then he, was a long time the editor. A very good steel-plate portrait serves as a frontispiece.

The Life of Robert Paine, D.D., Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. By R. H. RIVERS, Author of "Our Young People," etc. With an Introduction by Rev. W. P. HARRISON, D.D., Book Editor, etc. 12mo, pp. 314 (with a portrait). Nashville, Tenn.: Southern Methodist Publishing House. Our Southern brethren seem disposed to write their own history and to commemorate their own heroes, which is well. Of those heroes Bishop Paine was a decidedly good specimen; if not among the most brilliant, yet of solid worth. As is desirable in such a relation, the biographer was an attached friend and admirer of his subject, and the work he has produced is a beautiful tribute to the memory of a good man. The "Introduction," by Dr. Harrison, is a somewhat elaborate essay on the influence of early Methodism on American civilization, with some references to mooted questions in Methodist polity, a subject which is usually viewed from the stand-point of the successful party, and therefore the presentation may be one-sided.

Thomas Carlyle. A History of his Life in London, 1834-1881. By JAMES ANTHONY FRoude, M.A. In Two Volumes. Vol. I. 12mo, pp. 417. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.

Mr. Froude is certainly producing a very readable sketch of his great subject, despite any infelicities, supposed or real, of either or both the author and his subject. Without denying or very much palliating Mr. Carlyle's unamiabilities, the writer presents them with their conditions, which in many cases show them in a better light than that in which they have hitherto been seen. A fuller discussion of the qualities and merits of the work is reserved till the publication of the complete set.

By

Country Cousins: Short Studies in the Natural History of the United States. ERNEST INGERSOLL, Author of "Friends Worth Knowing," Knocking Round the Rockies," "The Ice Queen," etc. Illustrated. 8vo, pp. 247. New York: Harper & Brothers.

Mr. Ingersoll, in the books heretofore issued, has at once made the public his debtor and achieved for himself a valuable reputation as an instructive and pleasing writer, especially on subjects of natural history as the "common people" see such things. In this volume his chosen subjects are not those the most generally favored. They are toads, and dormice, and "birds of the brookside," snakes, oysters, and starfishes, with a glance of Pike's Peak and its native denizens. The young people who have been delighted and instructed by the author's earlier volumes will desire to possess this, and it will not disappoint them.

Manual of Biblical Geography. A Text-Book on Biblical History, especially Prepared for the Use of Students and Teachers of the Bible, and for Sunday-school Instruction, containing Maps, Plans. Review Charts, Colored Diagrams, and Illustrated with Accurate Views of the Principal Cities and Localities known to Bible History. By Rev. J. L. HURLBUT, D.D.. Assistant Editor "International Sunday-School Lesson Commentary," etc. With an Introduction by Rev. J. H. VINCENT, D.D., Superintendent of Instruction, Chautauqua. 4to, pp. 158. Chicago: Rand, M'Nally, & Co., The Continental Publishing Company. $4 50 cloth; $3 75 boards.

The very full and accurately descriptive title, given above, of this elegant and really valuable manual renders further description largely unnecessary. For its ability and adaptation, the names of those who prepared it and under whose auspices it is sent forth will prove to any who have not seen it a pledge of its sufficiency; and the confidence so begotten will not suffer under examination. It will, wherever used-and alike to private readers of the Bible and Sunday-school teachers and pupils-prove a pleasant and a highly useful companion.

Hindu Philosophy Popularly Explained: The Orthodox Systems. By RAM CHANDRA BOSE, A.M., of Lucknow, India, Author of "Brahmoism." 12mo, pp. 420. New York: Funk & Wagnalls..

The author of this work is a somewhat remarkable product of our cosmopolitan age. He is a Hindu of pure blood, early converted to Christianity, and educated at Dr. Duff's college in Calcutta. He has also largely profited in the religions and philosophy of his own country, so that he is able to present inside views of the subjects of which he treats. Such a production is a valuable addition to our stock of information respecting Hindu learning and thought. It is written in good and nervous English, and in a style that cannot fail to be understood.

POLITICS, LAW, AND GENERAL MORALS.

The Liquor Problem in all Ages. By DANIEL DORCHESTER, D.D. 8vo, pp. 656. Illustrated. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. Dr. Dorchester is great on statistics, and here he has found a broad and fruitful field for the exercise of his genius. In respect to the subject here treated, statistical knowledge is especially valuable, and when given with adequate fullness, such statistics are tremendously eloquent. Of this portly volume, the first "Part," of a hundred and forty pages, is made up of an account of the use of alcoholic stimulants in all ages and nations, and though necessarily brief it is comprehensive. The rest of the book, designated "Part Second," is devoted to the "Temperance Reformation," the record of which the author distributes into three "periods:" "The Inception," 1785-1825; "Organization and Advance," 1826-1860; "Latest Phases," 1860-1884. field of observation of the whole of this "Part" is our own country, except a brief reference, in the third period, to some recent movements in Great Britain.

The

The historical statements respecting the first of these periods, that of "Inception," is especially valuable, as showing the incipient movements of a force which has become at length so fully developed and thoroughly organized that its presence is recognized and its efficient action felt or found in all ranks and classes of society. In the history of this period the name of Dr. Benjamin Rush justly occupies the first place, and a significant fact in that great philanthropist's career is that recorded by Rev. Jesse Lee in his account of the Methodist Conference of 1788, held in Philadelphia, that "the celebrated Dr. Rush visited it, and