Jesus Christ: His Times, Life, and Work. By E. DE PRESSENSÉ. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.

THE theme of this volume is the most sublime and the most profoundly interesting that can engage human contemplation, whether we view it as a development of religious truth and personal holiness, a manifestation of the Divine character and government, or the accomplishment of human redemption. The highest intellectual power, the ripest scholarship, and the most perfect holiness attainable, are requisite fully to qualify a man for the delineation of the Life of Christ. It is only in the proportion that these mental and Inoral endowments are combined that the Life of our Lord can either be appreciated or set forth. The mind of a Renan, with all its accomplishments, cannot penetrate the profound truths, nor perceive the moral harmonies, involved in the wondrous life and death of the Incarnate God; it can only weave a finely-wrought tissue of ingenious error. Yet that error, invested as it is with the attractions of poetic imagery, obtains a wide-spread influence over minds easily touched by the sentimental and unaccustomed to the rigorous exactions of logic, or devoid of that spiritual discernment which experimental religion imparts. Hence the need that such refined and insinuating forms of error should be met by a specific antidote such as the one before us. M. Pressensé comes forward to present the old Gospel of Jesus Christ in its true, natural, and historical setting, and in all its human and Divine simplicity; and he possesses no mean qualifications for his important task. Pious, learned, and eloquent, and fresh from his travels amid the scenes of the Redeemer's life and death, he has advantages which can be equally claimed by few, and this noble volume gives ample evidence that he has used them to good account.

The great themes of the author are distributed into five books. The first treats on "Preliminary Questions"-the supernatural as opposed to the dogmas of positive philosophy, with a rapid glance over the religions which preceded the Gospel; showing that, so far from Christ drawing his doctrine from the schools of Jerusalem or Alexandria, his teaching and his history were a living contradiction of all that surrounded him. The second book descants on "the preparation of Jesus for his work, and the general character of his ministry;" and the remaining three books are taken up successively with "the first period of our Lord's ministry,' "the period of conflict," and "the great week," comprising "the closing struggle, his death, and victory.' Our limited space will not allow us to do justice to this work. It is learned, argumentative, pictorial, and eloquent. We do not, indeed, agree with the author in all points, and we should have been glad to see the atonement-that great and glorious work, the sublime end of the Redeemer's mission and death-occupy a more distinct and prominent place; and a more explicit recognition of the Holy Spirit's dispensation, as promised by Christ, to complete the revelation of the Christian doctrine, and give experimental effect to the great mediatorial plan. The deficiency in this respect, however, may arise from the plan of the author, which is rather to portray the personal life of the Redeemer, than to expatiate upon the doctrines involved in the purpose of his mission.

A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Exodus; with a New Translation. By JAMES G. MURPHY, LL.D., T.C.D. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

WHEN such men as Dr. Davidson and Bishop Colenso in our own country, and neological critics on the Continent, are perverting their learn

life to zealous and unremitting labours for the welfare of mankind; he knew how to live on a scanty income, and how to make life yield a large revenue of good to the Church, and glory to God. He was one of the devout and earnest few who founded the Primitive Methodist Connexion; and to the toils of long journeys and frequent preaching he added, for many years, the labours of editing the Denominational Magazine. During this period he wrote the Ecclesiastical History now before us, the matter originally extending through seventeen years of that periodical. Unlike most other ecclesiastical historians, who begin with the Christian era, Mr. Bourne begins with the creation of man, and gives us a sketch of the Church from its origin with the first believers in the first promise of the Saviour, downward to the commencement of the labours of Wesley, embracing a period of near 6,000 years. Of course the events of this protracted period necessitate the utmost brevity and condensation. Scripture history, indeed, being in the hands of all, demands not, in a work like this, the amplification of detail, but merely a sketch connecting the events in chronological order, with brief observations, evincing their vitality and harmony as parts of one grand economy of grace and salvation. This the editor has condensed in the first 430 pages, leaving 370 more for the history of the Christian era. We have examined the work with care, not indeed with the strictness necessary to substantiate the chronological accuracy of every fact, yet with sufficient exactness to form a correct estimate of its merits as a whole; and we can with confidence recommend it as an edifying and useful book, especially for young people, and those who have neither time nor means for more elaborate and expensive works on this subject; and, indeed, the more advanced student will find it a valuable compendium wherewith to refresh his memory as to the great facts and the notable characters that have figured in the history of the Church of God.

Let us here, in justice, say that the editor has performed his task with judgment and skill, to which, indeed, the volume owes much of its excellence. The style is natural and easy, simple as the language of Scripture itself. Yet this simplicity is never degraded by narrow views, low sentiments, and

coarse verbiage. The volume everywhere exhibits sound views of theology and experimental religion, a shrewd estimate of character, and an extended vision of God's purposes and dispensation; and as the book was written in a thoroughly pious spirit, the reader will here see God in history, more emphatically so than in any other work of the kind with which we are acquainted. One thing, however, is wanting to render the volume more complete-a chapter on the history of Methodism, which we think the able and excellent editor should supply in a second edition of the work.

The Year Book for the use of the Church and Congregation worshipping in Hanover Street Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Halifax, for 1866. Compiled by ALFRED RAMSDEN.

WE have in this little book an almanack for the current year, noting the days and hours for religious services in each week of the year, and for other meetings of the various benevolent institutions and agencies connected with the church. We have the names of the members and church officers; we have the sums raised for the mission, and for the several local funds; we have also an historical sketch of the chapel and Sundayschools, with the names of the trustees of the one, and the teachers of the other. We have also Connexional intelligence, with the general statistics of the year 1865, and the pastor's address to the members. Altogether a neat and useful compendium for our friends at Halifax, and at the same time interesting to friends at a distance, who may wish to see, in a few facts and figures, what is being done in one of our important circuits.

The Christian Ambassador: A Quarterly Review and Journal of Theological Literature. London: W. Lister, Sutton Street, Commercial Road, E.

THE articles in this number treat on Providence, Music, the Distinctive Elements of Mind, the Canon, Ecolampadius, Christian Possessions, Different Kinds of Oratory, and Brief Notices of Books. We have not space to say more than that the articles are ably written. They breathe a good spirit, and reflect honour on the denomination.

What Jesus Is. A Book for Teachers and Children. By O. L. J., Author of "Jesus, the Sinner's Refuge." London: S. W. Partridge.

Ar

THE topics of this little work are:Jesus a Saviour; a Redeemer; a Rock; a Priest; a Lamb; a Prophet; a Physician; a Surety; a King. The truth is beautifully illustrated and applied by little stories and anecdotes, simply stated, and well adapted to aid the teacher, and to impress the scholar. Outlines of Scripture History. ranged in Chronological Order. By JOHN CHARLES CURTIS, B.A. London: Simpkin and Marshall. THESE outlines in English and Scripture History have been prepared with care by one who is very competent to the task, and they will be very serviceable, both to the teacher and the learner, and be useful to the general reader as books for constant reference. The Leisure Hour, and the Sunday at Home.

BOTH published by the Religious Tract Society; and both are excellent periodicals of their class.

Cassell's Bible Dictionary.

Part XXXVI. London: Cassell, Petter, and Galpin.

THIS number completes this noble work-certainly the cheapest, and one of the best, Biblical Dictionaries in the English language.

Christian Work. Published at "Good Words" office, London. FULL of interesting and soulstirring intelligence respecting the work of God.

Sunday Magazine. London: Strahan and Co. ENTERTAINING in matter, and religious in its influence.

BOOKS RECEIVED. Chronological Outlines of English History. By JOHN CHARLES CURTIS, B.A. London: Simpkin and Marshall.

The Pulpit Analyst. A Monthly Magazine for Preachers, Students, and Teachers. January and February. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.,

JOSEPH JONES,

OF WILLENHALL.

THE subject of this brief memoir was not one of those servants of God whose life abounds with marked and striking incidents. The course of our brother was quiet and unobtrusive. There is nothing to record in his brief history that will awaken either wonder or surprise.

Joseph Jones, the son of Samuel and Sarah Jones, was born at Darlaston on the 25th Nov., 1839. In early life he was taken to the Wesleyan Sunday-school, and whilst there received impressions that were never erased from his mind. It is believed by those who knew him in his youth that, had not his mind been diverted by other things, particularly by his engrossing attention to music, the impressions he received in the Sabbathschool would have resulted in his conversion to God. But, alas! other pursuits were allowed to exercise a preponderating influence over his mind,

and religious impressions, for a time, at any rate, faded from his mind. He did not, however, rush into the coarse and flagrant sins which many commit. His character was good, and his parents testify that he was a dutiful and affectionate son; but there was an absence of that decision which God requires in them that serve him.

About seven years ago, a revival of religion took place in connection with the Reformers in Darlaston, whom his father had joined some time previously, and during that revival our brother consecrated himself to the Lord. He and his wife, who, previous to their marriage, was a member of the church, then joined the Reformers in Darlaston.

About four years ago, Brother Jones and his wife came to reside in Willenhall. They did not immediately join our church as members, but at first attended the chapel as hearers. Ultimately, however, they offered themselves as members, and remained in

connection with us until the time of our brother's decease.

During our brother's connection with us, his character was unimpeachable. He was shy and reserved, but just and upright. He never took any prominent position in the church; but this is accounted for, în part at least, by his reserved disposition. That he might, however, have been more active in the performance of his Christian duties, he himself felt and acknowledged. He suffered some little matters that transpired in connection with the church to have an improper inAuence over his mind, and to interfere with his attention to the means of grace. Hence, his spiritual life suffered; he became cold and negligent. And when heavy sickness overtook him, and his mind required the consolations of a lively faith and an implicit confidence, he was bitterly distressed to find his faith almost dead, and his heart full of reproaches. No one could speak more emphatically than he did of the folly of allowing anything whatever to interrupt the steady course of earnest Christian labour. His sorrow was so great that he wept over his unfaithfulness, and earnestly sought for the mercy of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

In the early part of his last illness his mind was often overclouded through the cause just mentioned. He was visited, however, by some of the friends belonging to Froysell Street Chapel, and seemed to derive great benefit from their counsels and prayers. He was able, at length, to realize a renewed sense of pardon, and to commit his soul wholly into the hands of his Saviour. From the nature of his illness, he was often afflicted with great pain; but he sought and found the help of Divine grace. Often, during his paroxysms of pain, he expressed an earnest desire for help to glorify God in the midst of his sufferings. He seemed to have a constant dread lest he should, in any measure, give way to impatience. God's grace, however, was triumphant, and our brother endured Amidst all patiently unto the end.

his pain, he was perfectly resigned to the will of that God who doeth all things well, and to whose mercy and care he committed his wife and children. As his closing hours approached, he longed to depart and be with Christ. On the morning of the day on which he died, he repeated the whole of the

hymn commencing "My rest is in heaven; my rest is not here." He seemed, towards the close, to be conscious of heavenly presences and heavenly music. Heaven seemed to be opening upon his aspiring soul, and the glories of the better land to beckon him away. Thus does God sometimes gently allure the earth-bound spirits of his people to the home of beauty About he has prepared for them. an hour before death he exclaimed, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." These were some of the last utterances of our brother; and thus, relying upon the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, he was led by the Shepherd of Israel to greener and fairer pastures than this world can boast, and to the ever-flowing waters of the river of life. T. R.

THOMAS OSBORNE.

OF our brother it may be said, an Hebrew of the Hebrews," as he could not only look to a pious mother, but to a grandmother, who feared the Lord, and endeavoured to "walk in his ordinances blameless." He was born in the year 1823, at Barnsley, and early became a Sunday-scholar in the New Connexion school, which he continued to attend until failing health induced him to give up his duties in the school, where he was highly respected by his fellow-teachers. His love for singing was great; and for a time, when able, he took part in the choir of our chapel. He was an attentive hearer of the Word, and had a memory well stored with the precious truths of God's holy Word, which he quoted with great readiness when relating his experience. He endeavoured to live "blameless and harmless, one of the sons of God, without rebuke;" and so far did he "live in peace with all men," that the tongue of slander could find no place on which to fasten its deadly fangs, and, through his retiring disposition, he escaped many of the thorns and briers which trouble those of more forward disposition.

Being frequently with his pious grandmother, from her he probably received those wise counsels which made him thoughtful when young, and early led him to cast in his lot with the church, with which he continued a member from the age of sixteen until his death. He was scholar