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spirit. He is, in general, careful in his statements, and apparently not less honest than earnest in his reasonings. His work is by no means a mere compilation, but everywhere shows marks of patient investigation and independent thought. He is decided in his opinions, and does not hesitate to avow and maintain them, yet not offensively towards those who differ from him, and always apparently with a sincere desire to arrive at truth. His views on matters of doctrine, so far as expressed or implied, are evangelical and orthodox, and in respect to matters of church order, such in general as comport with his ecclesiastical standpoint. The style of the work is clear and forcible; the author shows himself to be master of his subject, and his discussions are characterized in the main by sound common sense. On some points, however, espe cially in respect to matters of church constitution and order, not a few will be disposed to differ from him, and will approve or condemn his views according to their own particular convictions and denominational sympathies. Not unfrequently, also, the author seems to take delight in using a technical Presbyterian phraseology, when other and more scriptural terms would equally have answered his purpose. To apply such formal designations as synod, synodical epistle, circular letter, church courts, church judicatories, commissioners, &c., to any thing found in the New Testament, is to use terms which certainly Inspiration did not coin, and which must fail to convey the exact truth either to Presbyterians themselves, or to any other class of readers. It is but natural, however, for writers to call things by the names with which they have been accustomed to associate them, and it would be unreasonable, perhaps, to expect to find in Dr. Killen an exception to the rule.

The subject of the rise and extension of prelacy is treated with much clearness and force, and the leading corruptions of Christianity, whether in doctrine or polity, are satisfactorily traced to their origin.

One of the most valuable portions of the work is the discussion of the genuineness and credibility of the famous Epistles, so long and so generally attributed to Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch. These Epistles Dr. Killen, in opposition to Bishop Pearson and other celebrated writers, but in agreement with Calvin, and several distinguished modern critics, pronounces, without hesitation, to be unquestionably forgeries-written a century or more later than the time of their reputed origin. The arguments, pro and con, are summed up with great clearness in the two chapters bearing on this subject, and the evidence of the want of genuineness of the Epistles, both external and internal, is made to appear so conclusive, that the reader is led to wonder how the credit of

these compositions could ever have survived the emphatic condemnation of them, pronounced by the clear-headed Calvin in these characteristic words: "There is nothing more abominable than that trash which is in circulation under the name of Ignatius."

The bearing of these Epistles on certain questions relating to prelacy and other matters, is what chiefly has enlisted advocates in their defense, rather than any weight of positive evidence of their credibility, which authentic history has been able to furnish. The recently discov. ered Syriac version of three of these Epistles, which have been published with comments, under the editorial supervision of Dr. Cureton, who indorses their genuineness, has incidentally been of material service in the discussion. The student will read these chapters of Dr. Killen's with special interest, and will find the entire volume worthy of attentive perusal. An index would have greatly added to its value.

FARRAR'S SCIENCE IN THEOLOGY. -This volume consists of nine university sermons, preached in St. Mary's, Oxford, on the following topics: I. The gradual discovery of the Divine attributes through Scripture and Science. II. Divine Providence in General Laws. III. Divine Benevolence in the Economy of Pain. IV. Jewish Interpretation of Prophecy. V. The Doctrine of the Holy Trinity. VI. The Atonement. VII. Laws in the life spiritual. VIII. The Gifts of the Holy Ghost. IX. Providence in Political Revolutions. A glance at these topics is sufficient to show that some of the most difficult and interesting subjects in modern speculation are here treated, and a closer examination of the manner in which they are handled will satisfy the reader that the author is not unaware of the newest aspects in which these subjects now present themselves. Indeed it would seem as though the Oxford theologians were bestirring themselves in earnest to meet the demands of the times in which they live.

We cannot say that the author has been so successful in all cases in solving his problems, as he has been in stating them. There is at Oxford, with all its ability and the perfection of its conjoined logical and classical discipline, some defects either of strong and just thinking, or we do not see the best results of its ablest thinkers in theology. This volume is, however, very interesting and readable, and presents better than any work with which we are acquainted, a brief yet comprehen

Science in Theology. Sermons preached in St. Mary's, Oxford, before the University. By Adam S. FARRAR, M. A., &c., &c. Philadelphia: Smith, English & Co. 1860. 12mo. pp. 250.

sive view of the new aspects of the questions discussed, as well as able solutions of them. It is a book fitted to instruct and quicken a large class of intelligent, and cultivated readers.

BARRETT'S LETTERS ON THE DIVINE TRINITY.*-These letters were called forth by the hasty and inconsiderate, not to say the unconsidered sayings of Mr. Beecher, which provoked some free criticism in the newspapers. Mr. Barrett is a well known Swedenborgian pastor and writer, and took the occasion to set forth in these familiar letters the doctrine of the Trinity, as taught by Emmanuel Swedenborg. Those who feel any interest to know what this doctrine is, will find it clearly set forth in these letters, which are free from all spiritual or second senses, and can be read and understood without any "gift" of interpretation.

THE TWO NATURES OF CHRIST.-It is the object of this pamphlet to show, that Christ "stands confessed, God manifest in the flesh; and he received the worship of his disciples, paid not to a human soul, but to a divine spirit, in a human body, and with human attributes." The human attributes spoken of must, according to the principles of the author, be those limitations of the divine spirit which arise from its connection with a human body. For he denies expressly and he argues with great earnestness to show that there could be and was no human soul. This he endeavors to establish from physiology by analogies drawn from the limitations on the human spirit that are often imposed by an undeveloped or morbid condition of the body, so that however great the intellect at one time it cannot be conscious of this greatness at another, but must be narrowed and depressed by the medium of its action. From this he concludes that in like manner if the divine spirit were to be incarnate in a human body it must by a physiological necessity be subject to human limitations. But the query would at once present itself-whether a human body is known to or recognizable by physiology, except as requiring and involving a human soul, and whether the incarnation of the Divine, if it be attested as a fact, is conceivable except in connection with human nature in such a body.

* Letters on the Divine Trinity, addressed to Henry Ward Beecher. By B. F. BARRETT, Second Edition. New York: Mason Brothers. 1860. 18mo. pp. 137.

Immanuel. An examination of the two natures of Christ, in their relations to Philosophy and Revelation. By P. W. ELLSWORTH, A. M., M. D. Hartford: David B. Mosely. 1850. 8vo. pp. 24.

But we cannot pursue the argument either from physiology or revelation. The whole doctrine of the author has especial interest from its relation to what is now discussed by theologians, as the doctrine of the Kenosis, or the abandonment of the exercise of the divine nature by the incarnate Son.

The pamphlet is written with great clearness and with a reverent and Christian spirit. We prefer the view generally accepted, because we think it is supported by greater physiological, Scriptural, and practical evidence.

METCALF'S NATURE AND FOUND ATION OF MORAL OBLIGATION.-We have perused with some attention and much interest, the advance sheets of a work by Rev GEORGE METCALF, on the Nature and Foundation of Moral Obligation. It is written in a familiar style, with great clearness, and the discussion is managed by questions and answers in such a way as to be obvious to persons unused to the distinctions of the schools. The author defends the doctrine of "Benevolent Utility," and is himself a good example of a clear, steady, sensible New England Divine. We bespeak for his work a favorable hearing and a kind reception, for we think it deserving of both.

HASE'S LIFE OF JESUS.* This work has very great merits, which have been acknowledged for a long time where it was first published. It is written in a true scholarly spirit, and with great fairness in the discussion of the subjects which are presented. Its style is remarkably good, and, considering that the author calls it only an epitome, it is surprising with what interest he bears us on from one point to another. Its conciseness also is truly refreshing. To know that a German writer can be as concise as Hase is, in all his works, is a satisfaction to those who have read much in the philosophical or theological literature of that language. And, as a whole, we do not doubt that the volume, as it now appears in an English form, will by many persons be regarded as a work of great value. We cannot but feel, however, that Dr. Schaff is right, when he says, "While it gives a valuable and interesting account of the human development of Christ, as the religious ideal of the race, it is unsatisfactory in not rising

Life of Jesus. By Dr. CARL HASE, Professor of Theology in the University of Jena. Translated from the German, by James Freeman Clarke. Boston: Walker, Wise & Co. 1860. pp. 267.

high enough to the full divine-human grandeur of its sublime subject." It is just here that Hase's work fails, and we almost regret that it has been translated, because we fear it may lead into error minds which are prone to doubt, and which have not the willingness, or perchance the opportunity, to investigate the great questions so far as to meet the influences and arguments which are here brought to bear upon them. But only in the case of such as these can we anticipate an evil result. The man who has once learned to realize the power of the divine in Jesus's nature, must feel the want of that element most deeply, wherever it is absent, and so his own faith becomes more precious to him as he sees how perfectly it, and it alone, can satisfy his soul. And, in this way, to such a man will this volume, with all its power in the presentation of its own views, serve but to strengthen his belief, that there is not merely "a religious oneness," but a oneness of nature between Christ and the Father.

MORISON'S NOTES ON THE Gospel of MattHEW.*-We have looked over this book with very great pleasure, and, though we do not agree with all that it contains, and must regret a certain indefiniteness on some important points, we can only feel grateful to the author for the many elevating and interesting thoughts which he has presented before us. The style of the "disquisitions," which are introductory to the several chapters, is excellent, while a tender and earnest Christian spirit is displayed in many of them, which cannot but exert an attractive influence upon the reader, who will open his heart to its power. The notes are not quite so extensive as we could wish, but, so far as they go, they are well written, and well adapted to the wants of those for whom they are designed. We think the author, like a large class of men to which he belongs, might be benefited by giving up a small part of that excessive hostility to creeds, which he shows in many parts of his volume. It is very possible that creeds have been pushed too far, and too much insisted upon; but we begin to feel that there is a somewhat general and growing tendency, at least in certain places, to treat them and those who adopt them rather uncharitably, In the great struggle between truth and error, articles of faith, say what we will against them, are almost essential and unavoidable. They

* Disquisitions and Notes on the Gospels-Matthew. By Rev. JOHN H. MORISON, D. D. Boston: Walker, Wise & Co. 1860. pp. 535.

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