science of interpretation to bear upon it. To assume, as our author does, from the outset, the inspiration of the Bible, is to make a postulate of that which is a result, and perhaps the last and highest result, of our science. It is not strange that such an inversion of the terms of the problem introduces confusion into the entire treatment of it. That classification of the branches of the science, which experience has shown to be necessary, in this, as in all other departments of learning, is here utterly neglected. The book claims to be a manual, and may, therefore, properly contain all that is necessary for an untrained student, but even on that account, it is more necessary that it should not become a mere jumble of unclassified rules, relating to the entire field of biblical science. Hermeneutics are one thing, Exegesis is another (the author himself distinguishes between them), and Biblical Theology is another. The rules for the right interpretation of written documents are the same for all cases. When ideas are expressed in words, and written in a book, the human mind has only one process for reaching them, whether their ultimate origin is divine or human. So too in Exegesis. The Exegete must scrutinize the passage, the verse, or even word which lies before him, for itself— not, indeed, in order to "put upon it such a construction as he thinks it will bear," as our author (p. 206) says the Rationalists do-but in order to find out, in all sincerity, what that passage means to assert. If you must leave one portion of Scripture to compare others, it is evident that these others will require the comparison of still others, and those of others yet, and so on without end. We must go patiently through each by itself. The labor of comparing, systematizing, and reconciling, so far as may be, the result of all this, belongs to a third and especial stage of the work of biblical interpretation, and here it is that the inspiration of the authors first finds place to give authority to that which we have found in their works. Nothing is more dangerous than to begin by comparing, with a set purpose to reconcile, at all hazards; and between those who do this in the spirit of unenlightened harmonizers, and those who do it to inject their philosophical or theological theories into the text, there is really little to choose. We have preferred to call attention to those points which seem to us all-important for the interests of biblical science among us, rather than to pass over with general commendation those portions of the book which deserve it. We thank the author for the emphasis with which he maintains the position that Scripture is the

ultimate appeal from all creeds and dogmas. He cuts off uncompromisingly the time-honored overgrowth of allegorical, tropical, and other kindred interpretations. He calls theologians and clergymen to a more thorough study of the Scriptures, and exhorts them to make it the basis of all their instruction. He gives just weight to the principle that the student should be in harmony with the thought and feeling of the writer, so as to be capable of understanding his state of mind and intention. He establishes the claim that "a writer's language should be interpreted in conformity with his known character, previous history, habits of thought, opinions, religion, situation, and circumstances; and no principle foreign to the views of the writer should be allowed to exert an influence on the interpretation of his writing, whether philosophical or theological." (p. 233). All these are grand principles, which we are glad to see so positively affirmed, and which may be laid to heart by our students of theology with great advantage.

SADLER ON THE INCARNATION.*—This handsome volume treats of the great and central truth of the Christian system. It is written with earnestness and ability, and we sympathize most cordially with the aims of the author. In the discussion and defense of this theme he treats very fully not only of the attacks of avowed Rationalists, but also of the interpretations of such men as Jowett, Stanley, the author of Ecce Homo, and others of the so-called Broad Church party. In his notices of these writers he does not mean to be unfair in his judgment of their opinions. He desires to do entire justice to their honesty and to the value of the truths which they utter; still he somehow fails to put himself upon the same starting-point of inquiry as that from which they set off. We feel that he and they do not study the Scriptures after the same method, or interpret their contents by the same maxims; in short that he fails to do justice to them when he might and ought to, when he would, in fact, were it not that his conceptions of the Scriptures and of the proper method of studying their contents are strikingly unlike theirs. His own method is formal and dogmatic, theirs is historical and tentative. His spirit and genius connect him with an age that is past. They represent one that is pre

* Emmanuel: or, The Incarnation of the Son of God, the foundation of Immu table Truth. By the Rev. M. J. SADLER, M. A., Prebendary of Wells, and Vicar of St. Paul's, Bedford. London: Bell & Daldy. 1867.

sent. While, then, we find in this work much important truth forcibly asserted and ably defended, we also miss in it much that, if present, would make it successfully supply the defects, and correct the errors of the very interesting but faulty school of writers whom it has chiefly in view.

CHADBOURNE'S NATURAL THEOLOGY.*-This work has some advantages over many others upon the same subject. The first is a more comprehensive selection of topics. The author is sufficiently well versed in the sciences of nature to speak with accuracy and authority upon each of them, and to draw his illustrations. from all with equal freedom and success. The second is his knowledge of those views of Physics and Natural History which are usually urged in opposition to Christian Theism. He is also earnest and sincere in his treatment of the subject, and the views which he expresses are generally correct and well grounded. He is often very earnest and animated in his style, and rises towards an imaginative eloquence. For all these reasons the book is fitted to be popular and useful for general reading and as a text book. We cannot, however, assign to it any of the higher qualities of thought or diction which we desire to find in a work on this most important subject. It is, however, so difficult to find a book that contains so much matter on so great a variety of topics, that we have no reason to reject this as unworthy the attention of the public, but ought rather to accept it with thankfulness till a bet ter treatise shall appear, written from the stand-point of modern science.

GARBETT ON INSPIRATION. -This volume is an elaborate and apparently a candid attempt to vindicate a special theory of the Inspiration of the Scriptures. There is no want of ability on the part of the author, and his argument is elaborately constructed with the design to leave no difficulty unexplained or objection unnoticed. The great defect of the author, however, seems to be that he does not for a moment put himself in the place of the person who feels

* Lectures on Natural Theology; or, Nature and the Bible from the same Author. Delivered before the Lowel Institute, Boston. By P. A. CHADBOURne, A. M., M. D., Professor of Natural History in Williams College, &c., &c. New York: G. P. Putnam & Son.

1867.

t God's Word Written. The Doctrine of the Inspiration of Holy Scripture explained and enforced. By the Rev. EDWARD GARBETT, M. A. Published by the American Tract Society, Boston.

the difficulties which he seeks to set aside. He does not read the Scriptures with a true historical spirit. He has not learned for a moment to appreciate their actual historic character. Hence his arguments, though satisfactory to those who have never felt any difficulties, do not in the least affect those who experience them. We welcome this book as an able representation of a certain theory of Inspiration; but we doubt the propriety of publishing a work of theological science under the auspices of the American Tract Society.

SCOTT'S "CHRIST OF THE APOSTLES CREED."*-This volume consists of a series of sermons on the principal points suggested by the Apostles Creed, with especial reference to the anti-Christian theories of the present day. The author writes with some vigor, but with great diffuseness, with much earnestness, and no little egotism, with some subtlety of analysis, but with little appreciation of the real difficulties that occasion modern unbelief. He has read extensively upon the themes of which he treats, but his critical power is not very conspicuous. While we do not doubt that these sermons were very useful to the audience which heard them, it does not seem to us that there was any very imperative reason which required that they should be published.

TAFEL ON SWEDENBORG.-The editor of this volume has performed an excellent service, and one that will be gratefully appre ciated. He has endeavored to exhibit his great master and oracle as a Philosopher and Man of Science. So much has been said upon this subject by different writers who were not of his faith, and such extravagant claims have been asserted for him, that it has be come not only a great convenience, but almost a necessity to be able to determine the justice of these representations, without wading through the cumbrous volumes in which his wisdom lies concealed. Dr. Tafel has performed his task in a very acceptable and satisfactory way. The work is divided into two parts-the subjects of which are indicated in the title. The first partEmmanuel Swedenborg the Philosopher-is made up chiefly of the

*The Christ of the Apostles Creed. The Voice of the Church against Arianism, Strauss, and Renan, with an Appendix. By the Rev. W. A. SCOTT, D. D. New York: Anson D. J. Randolph. 1867.

+ Emmanuel Swedenborg, as a Philosopher and Man of Science. By RUDOLPH TAFEL, Ph. D. Chicago: E. B. Myers & Chandler. 1867.

testimonies of distinguished men of all classes and schools in respect to his philosophic genius. The second is a condensed statement of his scientific doctrines-under the following heads: Swedenborg's Theories of Form; Physiological Theories; Chemical Theories; Magnetic Theories; Astronomical Theories. This book will be welcome in all literary and scientific circles as a real addition to our stock of useful manuals.

DR GUTHRIE'S "OUT OF HARNESS."-Anything from the pen of the eloquent Dr. Guthrie is certain to find readers. This volume of sketches was prepared by him when he was disabled from preaching; and was published in the Sunday Magazine, of which he is the editor. The sketches are all glowingly written, and very attractive of their kind. The religious and moral lessons are eloquently enforced.

MACMILLAN'S BIBLE TEACHINGS IN NATURE.t-This volume is written in a style of gorgeous description which is in itself not displeasing, though somewhat over-wrought. The religious lessons, which are derived from the teachings of nature, are all impressively enforced. Those of our readers who are fond of this kind of reading will find in this volume much to interest and edify them. Though the author gives abundant play to a somewhat luxuriant style, yet he is a well-instructed and devout man, and rarely oversteps the limits of good taste. The titles of the chapters will give some idea of the contents of the volume. Pleiades and Orion-Ice-Morsels-Grass-The Trees of the Lord -Corn-Blasting and Mildew-The Leaf-The Teaching of the Earth-The Vine and its Branches-Fading Leaves-The Root out of a Dry Ground-Agate Windows-Stones with Fair Colors— Foundations of Sapphires-No More Sun-The Law of Circularity, or Retrogression an Essential Element of Progress.

HOMILETICS AND PASTORAL THEOLOGY.-The science of Homiletics does not pretend to furnish the preacher with thoughts; but

* Out of Harness; Sketches, Narrative and Descriptive. By THOMAS GUTHRIE, D. D., editor of the "Sunday Magazine." New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1867.

Bible Teachings in Nature. By the Rev. HUGH MACMILLAN. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1867.

Homiletics and Pastoral Theology. By WILLIAM G. T. SHEDD, D. D., Baldwin Professor in Union Theological Seminary, New York City. New York: Charles Scribner & Co., 654 Broadway. 1867.