prosperous congregation, and engaged in many works apart from his more stated duties. As an author, he lived to be appreciated, and his notes on Hebrews and the Revelation, in Henry's Commentary, are still valued. He also wrote the lives of the Commentator and of the Old Jewry pastor, John Shower. By his printed pieces, therefore, all may judge him. As an orator, Newman styles him the "prince of preachers," in consequence of his ability to convey profound truths and striking ideas in the common Saxon of the common people. On removing to London, his sympathies were divided between his own and the sister denomination of Independents, although he remained strictly a Presbyterian. He died in the spring of 1727. His powers declined in his later years, and when the soul entered on its rest, the body sank into the grave worn out with incessant labour. Joint pastor with William Tong was John Newman. On completing his education he came to London, in or about his twentieth year. Being quite unknown to the citizens, an alderman introduced him at Salters' Hall, and with that people he remained till July, 1741, when he died, at the age of sixty-five. For an assistant Newman had a son Samuel, whom death cut down when only in his thirtieth year, on the last day of May, 1735. His memory belongs entirely to Salters' Hall. Born in the City, the Sabbaths of his childhood were spent in the old meeting-house, and for his early and later training he scarcely went beyond the Lord Mayor's jurisdiction. Following Newman came John Barker, the friend of Doddridge, and Matthew Henry's successor at Hackney thirty years before. He continued for about twenty years, and died in a good old age, in May, 1762. Francis Spilsbury, whose connection with Salters' Hall commenced in 1742, belonged to a justly celebrated Dissenting family that in former years had suffered through preferring Christian principle before worldly advantage. The pastor's introduction to a London audience had been a very remarkable one. In the summer of 1741, he arrived in town, intending to enjoy some friendly intercourse with his friendly brother, John Newman, but was shocked to find his host mortally ill, and fast sinking. The visitor necessarily supplied at Salters' Hall during two succeeding weeks; and this circumstance led to his assumption of the pastorate, an office he held till released himself by death, on the Communion Sabbath morning of March, 1782. A student of Doddridge's, and an eminent author of the century, was Hugh Farmer, the Independent pastor at Walthamstow, who assisted at Salters' Hall from 1761 to 1772. He studied under several tutors, being especially indebted to Doddridge; and the latter, on opening his academy, had for a first student this afterwards celebrated man. Thought readily transfers us into the shoe-making metropolis as it existed in those bygone days, when the good doctor worked happily among his scholars, with quick eye perceiving in young Farmer the genius in which a tutor's ready judgment discovered pledges of after fame. Farmer left Northampton to settle at Walthamstow with the eccentric Mr. Coward. This gentleman erected a chapel, wherein his protegé preached to a congregation then reputed one of the wealthiest societies of that district, or even of that age, since about forty carriages took their owners to morning service. On account of his odd mien and extreme opinions concerning trifles, Farmer's patron earned a widely-extended notoriety. One domestic rule-most rigorously enforcedconsisted in bolting and locking doors and windows at six o'clock, an extra hour being allowed in summer; but after the stated time, whether in June or December, ingress or exit was never tolerated. The statutes of Medes and Persians were never more irrevocable than the bye-laws of this domestic autocrat. Had his own lady appeared at the outer gate a minute later than the fatal chime, she would undoubtedly have found him as inexorable as his favourite lock. Certain it is, that one evening the pastor and chaplain imprudently allowed the clock to strike six before returning home, and his situation at once assumed an aspect both perplexing and disagreeable. He escaped a night's ramble over Epping Forest by begging a lodging from a less scrupulous family, of the name of Snell; the sequel to his adventure being that he remained with his entertainers for thirty years, and when at a good old age he died, in 1787, his remains were laid in the Snells' family vault, in Walthamstow Churchyard. Spilsbury and Worthington were succeeded by Hugh Worthington, who died suddenly, after forty years' hard service. He preached in Salters' Hall on Sunday, July 25th, 1813, and died the following morning, in the sixty-first year of his age. After Worthington's decease, some people obtained the chapel, which they re-named the Ascopagus, and called themselves the "Christian Evidence Society." This fanaticism proved sufficiently unsuccessful for its leading exponent to find his way into the Court of Bankruptcy. The hall was afterwards reopened as a Christian sanctuary, the Baptists coming into possession in 1827. Within the last few years the meeting-house has disappeared, to have its memory perpetuated by a namesake in a northern suburb, wherein a flourishing congregation continues to assemble. Mr. Hobson has our congratulations on inheriting a pulpit so closely linked with our old City's history and its Nonconformist associations. G. H. PIKE. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."-Psalm xxx. 5. By and by! We say it softly, Thinking of a tender hope, Stirring always in our bosoms, Where so many longings grope. In a time that is to come, And we do not think of earth-life, But of heaven's sweet life instead! By and by! We look in yearning Toward the harbour of the blest, In the ports of perfect rest. If the tide and wind run fair, Where our lost and loved ones are. Thinking not of earth and care, But the by and by of heaven, Waiting for us over there! Notices of Books. The Beggars; or, The Founders of the Dutch Republic. By J. B. DE LIEFDE. Second Edition. (London: Hodder and Stoughton.) This is a new and cheaper edition of a most interesting book. The story is laid in the times of the Duke of Alva, when the Netherlands formed part of the dominion of the King of Spain. The light of the Reformation had penetrated these provinces, and imperilled the authority of Philip II., so that to retain his power he sought, by the most tyrannical and cruel means, to extirpate Protestanism. The Prince of Orange was induced to take the lead of an insurrection, which speedily assumed the form Those who fought under him of a war. were variously actuated-some for the preaching of the gospel-but, probably, more for political liberty and independence. Many formed themselves into guerilla bands, called themselves Gueux, or Beggars," full of vengeance against the Spaniards and the priests, and in various ways rendered great service to the cause of liberty. Mr. De Liefde writes English well; but occasionally an anachronism appears, as when he puts into the mouths of men who lived three hundred years ago such phrases as, "But the lark was,' "I suppose you know that," &e. "Rather," These expressions are forms of modern slang. The Presence of Christ. By the Rev. ANTHONY W. THOROLD, M. A., Prebendary of York, Minister of Curzon Chapel, Mayfair, and Chaplain to the Archbishop of York. (London: Strahan & Co.) Rich as the Book of Psalms is in materials for devotion, meditation, and consolation, and prized as it has been in all ages by the Church of God as "green pastures" and "still waters," none of its heaveninspired hymns have been more highly valued, or more frequently pondered in the spirit of calm and holy trust, than that of which this volume is an exposi tion and practical enforcement. It is, perhaps, the most beautiful and touching of the hymns of the shepherd-king; and often as it has been expounded, and taken as the basis of Christian teaching, its exhausted. It still gave room for Mr. richness and beauty never seem to be Thorold's volume; and as he passed found them rich in the profoundest along its various sections, he evidently lessons of truth, and suggestive of all that is consolatory and ennobling in the Christian life. He has caught much of the spirit of the 23rd Psalm, and in a series of chapters, earnestly, and often eloquently, expressed, he has so exhis book, and no one can read it without pounded it that many will highly value profit. Christ in the Pentateuch. By HENRY (London: S. W. Part H. BOWEN. ridge and Co.) Mr. Bowen has been a patient student of the Pentateuch, and he finds all the divine character and priestly acts of Christ clearly foreshadowed in the ritual of the Jewish Church. Some consider the Mosaic Law others, with more reason, avow its his. totally unconnected with the gospel; torical, moral, and typical connection, and confine themselves to the broadest out lines and most significant services of the Timely Words, being Fifteen Sermons. the preacher, and the drift of his spiritual counsels. There is considerable freshness and variety in his handling of the diversified topics which the volume contains; and although the subjects are miscellaneous, there is a spirit of earnestness which, like the gold of the high priest's breastplate, holds together gems of varied colour and beauty. Sermons and Letters. By the Rev. DAVID SMITH, D.D., Biggar. With a Memoir of the Author, by the Rev. D. CAIRNS, Stitchel. (Edinburgh: Oliphant and Co.) The life of Dr. Smith may be considered as one which represents the ministerial career of many faithful labourers in England, Scotland, and elsewhere. His early conversion in London, his preference of the United Presbyterian Communion, his studying under the venerable Lawson of Selkirk, and his life at Biggar, are detailed with an affection and reverence which speak well for the character of the subject. He was eminent as a visitor of the sick. This branch of pastoral work requires a quick eye, a tender heart; and courageous fidelity to souls. The sermons which are contained in the volume are not remarkable for originality of thought, felicity of phrase, or freshness of illustration; but there is a quiet earnestness in their tone, and when preached by one whose holy life gave emphasis to all he said, were doubtless very useful, and highly acceptable to his hearers. The Prophecies of the Prophet Ezekiel Elucidated. By E. W. HENGSTENBERG, D.D. Translated by A. C. MURPHY, A. M., and J. G. MURPHY, LL.D. (Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark.) Dr. Hengstenberg has recently been summoned to his heavenly rest. His work on earth is ended, but his name will live long, not in Germany only, but throughout the whole Christian world, as that of one whose critical labours have been of immense value to the cause of theology. The present volume is one of the freshest and most edifying productions of the pounded by RUDOLF STIER, D.D. Translated by G. H. VENABLES. (Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark.) Dr. Stier's great work on the "Words of the Lord Jesus," is well known and highly valued; and those who are acquainted with it will know what to expect in this commentary on the speeches and discourses of the Apostles, as reported in the Acts. It has been carefully revised by Dr. Stier, more than thirty years after the publication of the first edition. This volume and the preceding, form the first issue for the present year, of Messrs. Clark's Foreign Theological Library. Wanderings in France and Switzerland. By the Rev. FERGUS FERGU SON, M.A. Glasgow. (London: Elliot Stock.) Mr. Ferguson here gives a pleasant, easy sketch of his travels on the Continent, with a good deal of descriptive power, and a considerable amount of sermonizing utterance. He is not always accurate, as when he confounds Mr. Knibb the Jamaica Missionary with Mr. Knill from St. Petersburg, and ascribes to the former the statement that was made to Mr. Spurgeon when a boy, that "he would yet preach in the largest church in Britain." But the book is very readable, and the reader will find in Mr. Ferguson a devout and intelligent companion. Public Worship: the Best Methods of Conducting it. By the Rev. J. SPENCER PEARSALL. Third edition. (London: Hodder and Stoughton.) We are glad to record the success of this very useful book. The subject on which it treats 13 of great importance, and the writer handles it in a thoughtful, devout, and intelligent manner. Ministers and students will find in the book many valuable hints and suggestions to help or | George Burley: His History, Ex guide them in conducting the worship of the House of God. The present edition has been thoroughly revised, and in sɔme parts enlarged. The Biblical Treasury. Vol. IX. (London: Sunday School Union.) A collection of Scripture Illustrations for the use of Sunday-school teachers and others which we commend. We prefer the letterpress, however, to the woodcuts, some of which are poor and inac curate. Home Thoughts for Mothers and Mothers' Meetings. (London: J. Nisbet and Co.) This little book is dedicated "to the Women of Barnwell" by one who knows how to speak to them. Here we have nine addresses-simple, practical, affectionate, and calculated in the highest degree to be useful. Notes on The Scripture Lessons for 1868. (London: Sunday School Union.) These notes form a valuable manual of the matter and methods of Biblical instruction. They should be in the hands of all Sunday school-teachers. REV. FRANCIS EVANS. periences, and Observations. By G. E. SARGENT. (London: The Religious Tract Society.) We regard this as one of Mr. Sargent's best tales. Its purpose is to exhibit, in the contrast supplied by the lives of two young men, the working of good and evil principles. The story is interesting and well wrought out, and the book will form a useful present to many a youth on leaving home to "seek his fortune" in the great metropolis, or in the wide world. First Lessons in Ancient History. For Young People. By the Rev. T. WOOLMER. (London: Hodder and Stoughton.) A useful little compendium of the prominent facts in the history of the great empires of antiquity. Ancient Nineveh: a Story for the Young. Second edition. (London: Sunday School Union). A simple and concise account of Mr. Layard's discoveries on the banks of the Tigris, showing the confirmation which they afford to the statements of Scripture. Obituary, THE REV. F. Evans was a native of Cardiganshire, in South Wales, born March 1st, 1812, and was the youngest of a family of twelve children, only one of whom survives him. His parents were devoted to God, and sought to bring up their household in His fear. Family devotion was daily attended to, morning and evening. Under such training the subject of our notice became very early acquainted with Divine things. In his childhood he began to seek the Lord by prayer, and though he could not state any particular time when the great change took place, yet he considered that he was born again in his early youth. He was received as a member of the Church, under the pastoral care of Dr. Phillips, of Menaddhoyd, When when about ten years of age. quite young, he was encouraged by his minister and friends to devote himself to the work of the Christian ministry. It appears, in the Church of which he was a member, two meetings were held monthly -one for expounding the Scriptures, and the other for delivering short addresses or exhortations upon any religious subject. On these he regularly attended, and for taking part in them he diligently prepared, which drew towards him the attention of the church. When he was requested by them to enter the ministry, he first objected, on account of his youth and his sense of unworthiness; but they answered his objections and at length he yielded to their wishes, influenced chiefly by the consideration that in the ministry |