thing on the other side, and with far less violence. One vice running through all rationalist criticism is the taking for granted that the presumption is always against the truth of Scripture narratives. Usually the presumption is in favour of what has been long established.

Nehemiah appears to be the author of the Book bearing his name, from the use of the first person in writing. In rebuilding the walls and gates Nehemiah did for the city what Ezra had done for the temple, thus his work and history are continuations of Ezra's. The temple was finished before the city. This is a reflection not in the way of our commentator. It shows the trifling nature of much rationalist criticism, as well as its desperate state, that one objection raised against Nehemiah is, that Ezra instead of Nehemiah stands forth in the reading of the law as the prominent figure. But reading the law belonged to Ezra the scribe, not to Nehemiah the governor.

The writer of Esther is unknown. Even Jewish writers give us only conjectures. The name of God not occurring in the Book has raised prejudice against it. Luther spoke as strongly about it as about the Epistle of James. But this is subjective, not historical criticism. No book has better external attestation as forming part of the canon. The agreement with Persian customs is accurate. The Feast of Purim, called Mordecai's Day in the Books of Maccabees, demands an historical origin as much as the Passover, and this book alone supplies it. A special Providence watching over the Jews, whether mentioned or not, is clearly implied.

Notes on the Parables according to Literal and Futurist Principles

of Interpretation. By Mrs. Maclachlan. London and Edinburgh : W. Blackwood and Sons. 1873.Those who desire to see to what a degree of absurdity persons may be led by devotion to a false system of thinking and interpretation, may be gratified by reading this pretentious little book. Were not the subjects treated of serious and vital moment, the whole thing would be amusing as an illustration of the strange aberrations of which the human mind is capable. We are here told that these parables apply to the Jews only; that the Gospel of "the Kingdom of God," and "the Gospel of the grace of God," are widely different; that St. Paul elaborated an entirely new doctrine; that the apostles preached one doctrine and their Lord another; with much more of a similar import, We have rarely or never met, in the same compass, an equal amount of gratuitous assumption, unintelligible assertion, and arbitrary use of the words of Holy Scripture.

A

Mark's Memoirs of Jesus Christ. Commentary on the Gospel according to Mark. By James Morison, D.D. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 1878.-We have no fear that the multiplication of commentaries on the four Gospels will render the work of the expositor obsolete. These beautifully simple historic records offer a sphere in which the accumulating resources of the Biblical critic may be continuously applied. For reasons which we need not here specify, we took up this volume with the intention of looking very carefully into its contents. We have done so with advantage. Dr. Morison possesses in large measure the qualities of an able expounder of the sacred oracles. His elaborate

work abounds with evidences of more than competent scholarship, of wide acquaintance with the apparatus of criticism, of discriminating judgment, and of remarkable facility in bringing out the literal meaning of the original text. While he has availed himself of the labours of his predecessors, his volume is thoroughly original. The learned student will delight in its acute textual criticism; and the ordinary Christian will find himself enabled to realize the beauty and force of St. Mark's graphic and artless mode of writing. Independence of thought, conscious ability, and an excellent spirit characterize the whole.

Where there is so much to gratify in the skilful manner in which the meaning of the text is developed, it is difficult to make illustrative selections. We have marked numerous instances as we have proceeded, but must deny ourselves the pleasure of quoting them. We were struck with a remark in the comment on the binding of the "strong man," (chapter iii. 27,) reminding us of the teaching of a notable book, obviously of

Scottish authorship, not long since published. Dr. Morison says, "The Saviour is contemplating a particular case, in which riddance by transportation or death must not be thought of. He allows the reality, which He is parabolically representing, to mould and mcdify the form of His parable. He was thinking of Satan, who had his home in this world before man appeared, and who, besides, was constituted immortal, because he was constituted moral." The relation of Satan to this world prior to man's creation is a question which, provided our inquiries are conducted in strict subordination to Scripture, may very well command more attention than it has hitherto done. We must not omit to observe that Dr. Morison prefixes to his work a lengthy and valuable “Introduction," in which the relation of St. Mark to the other Synoptists, and his independent authorship, are well stated. His vindication of the authenticity of chapter xvi. 9-20 is worthy of the attention of scholars. The student of Scripture will find this volume to be a real acquisition.

CHATHAM

The

The "Challenger," for three or four years of scientific exploration and discovery; the " "Rifleman," to put down piracy in the Persian Gulf; and the "Ready," for special service on the east coast of South America. In all these vessels there are men who, as Marines, have attended my ministry, or sailors, whom I have visited in Melville hospital. I was glad to furnish the crews of these vessels with parcels of books and a supply of tracts; very welcome to men who are expecting at least from two to four years absence at sea. The gratitude expressed assured me they would be read, and such reading may be blessed to the salvation of some. A corporal of the Royal Marines, lately returned from abroad, told me of the death of a comrade whilst on a station in China. The Rev. C. Kelly gave him a little book when he left Chatham. It led to his conversion. He maintained the Christian character, and died some twelve thousand miles from home, happy in the love of God.

Through the kindness of the Deputy Inspector General, Dr. Domville, C. B., I have had a service every Friday evening, for some months past, in the chapel of the Melville hospital. This hospital bears a like relation to the Navy and the Marines that Netley hospital does to the army. Men come from all parts to it. I do not think I ever felt hospital-visitation and the religious service to be so much appreciated. The visitation has been a blessing to my own soul, and much spiritual good has resulted from it. There are now several in the hospital living in the habitual consciousness of God's favour. In other cases there is the tear of penitent contrition, and the mourning of the backslider in heart. I have been thankful to make a very free distribution of publications, specially adapted to the wants of the men, and to supply a number of volumes of directly spiritual reading to my own men in hospital; and the lives of our Methodist worthies, as given in

the "Family Library" edition, have proved a great boon and blessing.

At the parade-services the attention and interest of the men have been encouraging. In several cases, those just converted, and giving promise of holiness and usefulness, have been suddenly removed,-in some instances for a voyage of years. A corporal on board the "Challenger" writes, "I have to acknowledge the receipt of the parcels of books, tracts, etc., kindly sent by you, for which I am truly thankful; and I pray God they may be productive of much good fruit. I shall commence to distribute them on Sunday next.....In keeping the first watch last night, I was thinking how lonely it was, when the words, I am not alone, for my Father is with me,' struck me forcibly. This was about nine P.M. I thought, 'this is our classmeeting night, and prayers are now offered to Jesus for me;' and I felt that the Holy Spirit of God was working within me in answer to your prayers. I trust that, with the help of the Lord and much prayer, we shall shortly be enabled to do great good. I have found two abstainers beside myself on board."

Another of our most valuable workers and consistent Christians wrote a few days since to a godly comrade here:-"Let us all unite, and band ourselves together, determined not to let go our hold of Christ, and 'Him crucified,' for all the things of the world, for all the scoffings of our comrades, for all that the world can do;

and give all our strength to God's cause and His service, determined to win souls for Christ and Heaven." In another letter a corporal, of the R. E., writes to me, "There is a great deal of difference between this place and Chatham. I am away from all means of grace, but not from Him who is always more ready to hear than we are to pray. I have often sweet communion with Him. I take my Bible, and go on the sea-beach, and have fellowship with my Heavenly Father. Still it gives me comfort to meet with God's people

and to converse upon heavenly subjects, and to pray with and for each other, and help each other on the way. I was at our chapel in town last Sunday night, and was much blessed. A great many soldiers were present, and I think there are 'soldiers of the Cross' there."

I give an extract from a letter from a marine on board one of H. M. ships, dated Japan, December 1st, 1872. It is a beautiful proof that though men leave England for foreign service, they are not lost to Christ, and also a proof that on board our ships of war there are many devoted Christians, who need the sympathy and prayers of God's people. "I am happy to tell you that I have one brother in the ship with me. He was brought to the Lord about six weeks ago, when we were lying at Nagasaki. He has told me that when he has seen me reading my Bible, he often would have liked to have come and had a talk with me. A missionary came on board to see me, and to have a little meeting on the lower deck with as many of the men as would come together, so that night we had about eight men. After Mr. Burnside had gone away, my comrade came and told me how he was feeling; and I gave him such exhortation as my Heavenly Father enabled me to do. ....1 press onward, doing my duty to God and to man, so far as I have strength given unto me. I may say a number of young men leave their

grog for tea and sugar. I have many conversations with them. I know that there is a free and a full salvation offered to every one who will accept of it. My very heart yearns after my shipmates, and I know that what God has done for us, He can also do for them. The Lord greatly refreshed us with showers of blessing while at Nagasaki. There were large gatherings of our brethren from the ‘Cadmus,' and ‘Juno,' and 'Curlew,' and 'Iron Duke,' and 'Salamis.' We met at Mr. Burnside's, the English missionary, on Thursday nights and on Sundays. It was good to meet all in one accord, with melody in our hearts, praying and singing praises unto the Lord. It put me in mind of that blessed meeting when we shall be for ever with the Lord.""

I trust that by an arrangement with the Rochester trustees, a large number of our men may attend the Rochester chapel on the Sunday evening. But every day I feel the want of an adequate Soldiers' Home. Six hundred public houses (with their manifold appliances for evil, some pandering to all that is low and repulsive) are found in these towns,-a noble Soldiers' Institute, but no Soldiers' Home worthy the name, where godly men may meet for mutual prayer and encouragement. I hope this requirement will soon be met.

RICHARD HARDY.

with great admiration, and the more because at this time he was led to accept God's offered mercy through Christ.

Following, as he believed, the leadings of Divine Providence, he left the quietude and associations of Driffield for Bradford, Yorkshire, a town then beginning to rise to the mercantile importance to which it has since attained in

the West Riding. Here he found, in the zenith of his usefulness and the full tide of his popularity, the Rev. David Stoner, under whose heartsearching ministry he sat with profit and delight for three years. At this period he obtained the blessing of "perfect love," in which he rejoiced to the day of his death. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord," are terms descriptive of the character conspicuously manifested in Mr. Cressy whilst residing at Bradford. Without a recollected intermission, the following were his Sabbathday engagements and enjoyments for the eight years during which he remained in that town: "Rose to attend the band-meeting at five A.M.; at seven went to the preaching; at nine attended the Sunday-school; at two P.M. went to public service in the chapel; at four attended the classmeeting; at six again went to public service; after which joined in a public prayer-meeting in the chapel, or some cottage."

The

Under what circumstances the "seed of the Kingdom" has been sown in many places is unrecorded, and is unknown to us. Sometimes, in a comparatively short period, results of the most gracious and encouraging kind have appeared to spring from the humblest causes. In the year 1827 the finger of God seemed to point out the way for Mr. Cressy to leave Bradford, and to reside at Goole. change was great, and the contrast, in a spiritual sense, most painful. He found there no chapel, no means of grace, no spiritual associates. He felt a stranger in a strange place. He wept when the Sabbath returned, and the remembrance of former privileges led him to inquire, "Why am I here? ' in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.'" In vain he longed for the communion of saints. He sought for one like-minded, who could speak as he spoke, feel as he felt, and who could join with him in prayer and praise. At last one, and only one, was found.

They unitedly hired a room near the dock, where they met, and prayed, and wept, and rejoiced; and thus laid the foundation of a cause which under God has so increased, that, ere Mr. Cressy departed hence, he saw the place of his former isolation and distress constituted the head of a Circuit,

In the year 1830 he removed to Hull and became fixed in business; which he pursued with his accustomed diligence, and in which success attended his endeavours. Here he again felt at home, and dwelt with his own people. Not given to change, not "carried about with divers and strange doctrines,” and his heart being "established with grace," he was raised to offices of trust. First at Scott Street, and then at Waltham Street, he had the charge of a class committed to him, for which he daily cared, and the members of which he strove to lead on in the Divine life.

He retired from the cares and activity of business in the year 1864,not to indulge in slothfulness and unconcern, but to devote the evening of his days more fully and unreservedly to the service of his Lord and Master. In the same year he came to Pocklington, with the fixed determination, “ If the Lord will," he said, "there to live and die; and there," he added, "to be buried." His ruddy cheek, his placid brow, his cheerful voice, his elastic step, his constant and devout attendance at the services of the house of God, are well remembered; and his visits to the sick, the dying, and the destitute, are spoken of with the most grateful feelings, and are referred to as a powerful incentive to holy zeal and spiritual activity. But

"Time will rust the brightest blade,

Years will break the strongest bow."

A paralytic seizure deprived him of speech, and rendered him almost helpless. He now, with but few exceptions, could only be seen in the retirement and quietude of home, waiting till his