tary on the first two Gospels. It is designed for popular use, as well as for the benefit of ministers. Superadded to a critical interpretation of the text, which is stripped, as far as possible, of abstruse learning, are found doctrinal remarks and brief sugges tions for the assistance of preachers and teachers. Prefixed to the work is a thoroughly written introduction of one hundred and fifty pages, in vindication of the authenticity and verity of the Gospel records, against the assults of modern skepticism, in the course of which the author's old associate, Strauss, is ably answered. Dr. Nast has not only made use of approved German commentators, but has, also, availed himself of the aid to be gained from Norton, Andrews, and other English writers of merit.

We are able to speak of this commentary in terms of high commendation. For the classes for whom it is specially designed, it will prove a most instructive and improving guide in the study of the first two Gospels. We congratulate the excellent author on the completion of this monument of his industry, scholarship, and piety. May he be rewarded with the generous patronage of the public!

RENAN'S "RELIGIOUS HISTORY AND CRITICISM." *- -This volume contains a laudatory sketch of M. Renan's career, from the pen of one of his countrymen; Renan's preface to his essays; and, finally, the essays themselves, on the following subjects: the Religions of Antiquity; History of the People of Israel; the part of the Semitic people in the History of Civilization; the Critical Historians of Christ; Mahomet and the Origins of Islamism; John Calvin; Channing; Feuerbach and the New Hegelian school; the Future of Religion in Modern Society.

In these disquisitions, M Renan shows himself to be a lively, bright-minded writer, learned in oriental philology, but of a hasty and superficial judgment. His philosophy is a sort of Pantheism, which is commended to the reader by effusions of maudlin senti

He shows a better understanding of the philosophy of mythology and of the nature of paganism than is displayed by most Frenchmen. This he acquires from his German masters.

Studies of Religious History and Criticism. By M. ERNEST RENAN. Transla ted by O. B. FROTHINGHAM, Pastor of the Third Unitarian Church in New York. With a biographical introduction. New York: Carleton, 1864. New Haven: Judd and White. 8vo., pp. 394. Price $2.50.

The furor about so unscientific and self-contradicting a writer as Renan, is not very creditable to the skeptical class. Mr. Frothingham, who stands as sponsor for this volume, is Pastor of a Church in New York!

ALGER'S "DOCTRINE OF A FUTURE LIFE."*_ -The Rev. Mr. Alger, a Unitarian clergyman of Boston, well known by his published addresses and essays, has written a work of near seven hundred octavo pages upon that interesting and momentous theme,—the Future Life. The book has been for sometime before the public; but our notice of it has been delayed so long, that we shall now attempt to do no more than sketch the headings of its five parts. At a future time we may devote to the work some more extended criticism. The first Part gives, in four chapters, historical and critical Introductory Notes of the subject, treating of the various theories held respecting the soul's origin and destiny, of the history of death, and of the grounds of belief in a future life. The second Part is entitled Ethnic Thoughts concerning a Future Life, and fills one hundred and fifty pages, with a full synopsis of the views held by different non-Christian races respecting the life beyond the grave. It evinces extensive and penetrating study, with acute apprehension and well-considered reasoning, and is, we think, the portion of the work which will be most enjoyed by the greatest number, with fewest drawbacks. The third Part sets forth the New Testament Teachings concerning a Future Life, distinguishing the varying views represented in its different books, and closing with a statement of what, in the author's opinion, is the essential part of Christian doctrine on the subject. Next follow Christian Thoughts concerning a Future Life, in three chapters, which represent respectively the doctrine of the Fathers, of the Middle Ages, and of modern times. Finally, the Fifth Part is made up of sundry Historical and Critical Dissertations on the ancient Mysteries, metempsychosis, the resurrection of the body, hell, modes of salvation, recognition of friends, the local fate of man, the history of disbelief in immortality, and the morality of the doctrine of a future life. An Index of Topics and Authors follow, and then the volume is closed by an Appendix of two hundred and thirty pages, con

*A Critical History of the Doctrine of a Future Life. With a complete Bibliography of the Subject. By WILLIAM ROUNSEVILLE ALGER. Philadelphia: George W. Childs. 1864. 8vo. pp. x., 914. 36

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taining an exceedingly rich and complete account of the literature of the subject, or a Catalogue of Works relating to the Nature, Origin, and Destiny of the Soul, prepared by Mr. Ezra Abbot, of the Harvard University Library at Cambridge.

This abstract of the contents of the book will show that it fulfills the promise of its title: it is mainly historical, yet by no means exclusively so; it is nearly as much critical and dogmatical. Its author's own very decided views not only show through, but are made conspicuous, in every page; they govern the presentation of every portion of the subject. Mr. Alger belongs to the advanced wing of Unitarian Christianity, and is one of those "liberals" who are a little wanting in liberality toward those whose opinions are less "liberal" than their own. The work, however, contains an immense amount of information and of speculation, which cannot but be valuable to every one, whatever his creed, and which any candid man may enjoy and profit by, without allowing himself to be disturbed by its mixture with doctrine which he rejects.

Mr. Abbot's Appendix is a work by itself, and deserves an inde pendent notice. It gives us, in an order partly chronological, partly depending on their subject, the titles of more than five thousand books, treating of the soul and of its future existence; being thus incomparably more full than any preceding catalogue of the same character. For its entire faithfulness and accuracy, the name of the author is a sufficient voucher. The student who is led by Mr. Alger's views to independent investigations into this most attractive theme, will find here the best possible guide and help to his researches.

ROBERTSON'S SERMONS.*-The name of Robertson is honored by thousands on both sides of the Atlantic, to whom, before his death, it was wholly unknown. The same originality of thought and mingled precision and felicity of utterance, which have marked his previously published sermons, characterize the present collection. The same penetration into the core of the text and of the subject, the same vigorous yet delicate thinking, meet the reader on every page. Robertson was surely a marvelously gifted man.

*Sermons. By the late Rev. F. W. ROBERTSON. Fifth Series. Boston: Ticknor and Fields. 1864. 12mo., pp. 271. New Haven: Judd and White. Price $1.25.

It is to be lamented that he could not have been spared to revise his productions before they were committed to the press. It would seem that his theological views had not attained to a mature and systematic form. Along with profound and edifying exhibitions of truth, there is often mingled error, from which we imagine that the author would have escaped, had he lived to carry out his processes of inquiry and perfect his writings. As an example, we may advert to his sermon on Prayer, (p. 20); a sermon indicative of a very high order of mind and containing deep truth. From the text "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt," he draws the lesson that the end and aim of prayer is self-resignation to the Divine will. Prayer is the struggle which terminates in restful submission. This is a truth, and a truth nobly told. But the preacher commits the error of limiting the function of prayer to the obtaining of this solitary good. Prayer, he says, does not move God: this would be to deny His immutability. But here he falls into an error. The essential thing in prayer is the humble desire directed upward to God. In this desire, is the soul of the petition. But who can deny that the existence of such a temper of feeling in man is, literally speaking, influential with God? Would not God cease to be immutable, if the presence or absence of such a state of feeling and of character in man nowise affected his administration? Another instance of a falling short of what we conceive to be the truth is found in the sermon on reconciliation by Christ, (p. 177). The self-condemnation of the sinner and his inward alienation from God are strongly and faithfully depicted; but for fear of anthropomorphism and of impinging upon the Divine love, the preacher shrinks from finding in the sinner's feeling the reflection of an objective displeasure and condemnation in the mind of God. Hence, as a doctrinal structure, the sermon is seriously defective, and even misleading. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, we commend the sermons of Robertson to the attention of all thoughtful people.

DR. GOULBURN'S THOUGHTS ON PERSONAL RELIGION.*-The

*Thoughts on Personal Religion. Being a Treatise on the Christian Life in its two chief elements, Devotion and Practice. By EDWARD MEYRICK GOULBURN, D. D, Prebendary of St Paul's etc. First American from the Fifth London Edition. With a Prefatory Note, by GEORGE H. HOUGHTON, D. D., Rector of the Church of the Transfiguration, New York. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1864. 12mo. pp. 398. New Haven: H. C. Peck, Price $1.75

spirit of Dr. Goulburn's work is excellent, and one cannot read it without being drawn toward the author as a personal friend, whose society it would be a privilege to enjoy. The phraseology of the book occasionally may displease "Dissenters," but it is a work so practical and edifying and uncontroversial, that a few expressions which we might prefer to have unuttered, can readily be overlooked. Dr. Houghton, of New York, in his brief prefatory note, says that he has read the work to his parishioners in place of a weekly lecture, and to their lasting benefit; and a book which an audience is willing to hear read, must surely have some peculiar merit and interest.

We believe that works of this character need to be studied by our ministry, and that it will be a good thing for the church universal if they are led by such study to greater efforts to promote the divine life in regenerate hearts, both in private intercourse and in public discourse. And we agree with Dr. Goulburn in the belief that "where conversion is considered everything and edification nothing; where quiet instruction in the lessons of holiness is sacrificed to exciting addresses which stimulate the understanding and arouse the feelings; and where religion is apt to resolve itself into a religious emotion every Sunday, just stirring the torpor of a worldly life with a pleasurable sensation,"-there will be many whose experience and destiny will be like that of the foolish virgins.

SATAN'S DEVICES and the BELIEVER'S VICTORY.*-The object of Mr. Parsons in this book, as is indicated in the title, is to give prominence to the thought that life is a perpetual conflict with an unseen and mighty adversary, crafty, unscrupulous, and malignant, who works upon the human mind, in full accordance with the laws of its mental and moral constitution, and whose devices can be thwarted only by the personal apprehension of Christ as an allsufficient aid. Thus the attempt is made to set forth clearly the opposing forces as a preliminary to success in "the good fight of faith." The author assigns a larger sphere and greater influence to Satan than is commonly done in the theological literature of our day; but discusses the subject with a practical aim, and strives to make

* Satan's Devices and the Believer's Victory. By the Rev. WILLIAM M. PARSONS, A. M., Pastor of the Congregational Church, Mattapoisett, Mass. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. 1864. 12mo. pp. 312.