94 CALVIN: HIS LIFE, HIS LABOURS, AND HIS WRITINGS. Calvin; his Life, his Labours, and his Writings.* THIS is a very able book, written by a very able man; one who has a clear head, a strong judgment, a sound heart, and, what is too rare a quality in our biographers and historians, eyes which can see more than a single side at a time. Over the whole is thrown the fascinating splendour of a rich French eloquence. We have the results of extensive and profound study without a tedious account of the process. Calvin's life is carefully traced from his cradle to his grave, and a full exhibition is made of his writings, labours, and marvellous influence. The stern, rigid, unselfish, almost superhuman man, lives before us, inspiring much reverence, but little love. He has a heart full of zeal for God and homage to truth; so full of these, that common human sympathies seem cast out. We criticize and condemn, even while we honour the Geneva Reformer. M. Bungener gives a lively and vigorous picture of the way in which he guided Geneva as a vessel on fire, which burns the captain's feet, and yet obeys him. We shudder at the logical calmness with which Calvin carries out his theory of government, while we pity him for the sorrows which wring his strong heart. Never was the union of Church and State or rather the transformation of a State into a Church-so thoroughly reduced to system, and so persistently worked out in practice, as in the little republic on the banks of Lake Leman. It was not out of pride, revenge, or cruelty, that the death of Servetus and other dark facts in Calvin's history arose, but out of his mistaken theory of government. Certain opinions troubled the State, shook society; the holders of them must die. That was Calvin's fundamental principle. Toleration was deemed a weakness and an evil. Truth must crush error. It must kill its enemy, or it will die itself. No quarter for the foe, and no surrender. The struggle of the "Calvin: his Life, his Labours, and his Writings." Translated from the French of Felix Bungener. Edinburgh: Clark. sixteenth century was an awful one, and The following paragraph is a specimen of the style in which the book is written, and contains discriminating remarks on an important subject often misunderstood. "In one of Calvin's books, published demonstrates the lawfulness of the power a year after the death of Servetus, he of the sword as applied to the repression of heretics. We will not follow his arguments in detail; they are all links in the chain, which forms one vicious circle; for, as we have already remarked, where there is no longer a tribunal reputed infallible, there can logically no longer exist penal laws against error. Calvin, it is true, felt this difficulty in part. He speaks little of the punishment of error as error, and, in this respect, he separates himself almost entirely from the Romish idea as it was realized by the Inquisition, and even out of the Inquisition, properly so called, by all the tribunals which judged under the influence of the Church. There it was ten; heresy in its obscurest adherents, heresy-heresy in itself which was smitjust as in its most renowned apostles; heresy, whether discovered in the depths of the conscience, or proclaimed in sermons and books. There is nothing of this kind in Calvin. Not only would he have of society, but he always supposes a case the heretic punished simply as a disturber in which there has really been a disturbance, a shaking of the foundations, and serious danger resulting, both from the gravity of the error and the activity of the heretic. This is also the idea of Beza. He published in the same year his book Of the Punishment of Heretics by the Civil Magistrate,' and like Calvin, it is solely against the civil offence, and against social disturbance of a really serious nature, that he calls for the action of the magistrate. This distinction had been carefully drawn by Calvin and the council of Geneva on the trial of Servetus. | "Hence in practice an important conSequence ensues; it is that Calvin's system respecting the punishment of heretics did not at all extend, like that of the Romanists, to every heretic, and to every opinion reputed heretical, but only to extreme cases-the preaching and dif fusion of errors considered subversive of Christianity. And with this is connected a fact, of which Romish writers should, at least, take some notice. Thousands were put to death as Protestants, but Calvin never spoke of putting to death one Romanist as a Romanist. Men like Gruet and Servetus-those, in a word, whom all Christendom would have smitten as he did-are the men he smote. This was still, in our view, to go too far; but history must, nevertheless, take note of these differences. The intolerance of Calvin could lead to the scaffold only a very small number of victims, but Romish intolerance was, at that very moment, immolating thousands." Missionary Literature.* tells his story in a plain, unaffected, honest, straightforward style. We have little space for extracts, but we must find room for the following passage, which well illustrates the claim of the modern mission church to the honours of confessorship and martyrdom. The fact should silence revilers, and should inspire friends. THE literature published by our mis- | fields of spiritual culture. Mr. Murray sionaries is not always missionary literature. Some of the travels of our honoured brethren contain much more of other valuable information than that which relates to their own special work. We by no means mention this as a reproach; but simply that we may point out the difference in this respect between the work now before us and some others. This is strictly a missionary narrative, dealing almost entirely with such adventures, enterprises, events, and states of society as illustrate the nature, difficulties, discouragements, and successes of the missionary work. In former years we used to consider our teachers more safe on Niua than on any other island of the southern group of the New Hebrides. More than once they have found it a safe asylum when compelled to flee for their lives from Tanna, but now it also has been stained with Christian blood. It is the sixth island of the New Hebrides on which the blood of the servants of God has been shed. And now there remains not one of all the islands of the group, on which missionary operations have been commenced, on which one or more of the labourers have not fallen sacrifices to their zeal in their Master's work. This with what occurred on the threshold of is especially remarkable in connexion our entering the field. As many as twelve individuals, including Williams and Harris, have been killed. One of these, indeed, was not, properly speaking, a teacher, but he was truly a martyr, inasmuch as, on account of his adherence By to Christianity, he was murdered by his heathen countrymen on the island of Aneiteum. We feel tempted to linger a moment over the memory of the martyrs Mr. Murray wrote some years ago a series of papers in the Sydney Morning Herald, which, at the request of a number of gentlemen attached to the cause of missions, he has here repablished in an enlarged form. The book is not superseded by Dr. Turner's, as that relates to Eastern Polynesia and this to Western. A variety of very interesting information is given respecting the missions in Eramanga, Sandwich Island, Savage Island, the New Hebrides, the Samoan Group, and other less known "Missions in Western Polynesia." of the New Hebrides, almost all of whom we personally knew, and to some of whom we sustained relations which death has interrupted, but cannot dissolve. Very touching are our recollections of them. But we need not mourn for them, although one is tempted to feel as if theirs had been a hard lot; as if their lives had been thrown away. With the exception of the illustrious man who led the way, they lived and died unknown to fame; in circumstances the most revolting that can well be conceived, their lives were cut short, in some cases before they had entered upon their labours, and in all before they had seen any fruits of their suffering and toils; yet they lived not in vain; they died not in vain. As surely as the cause in which they fell shall live; as surely as the islands on which their blood was spilt shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, so surely shall their names be cherished and their memory fragrant, and their influence felt to the latest generations, The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.'"' Madagascar and its Missions and Martyrs, is another addition to our missionary literature by the same publisher. The book is anonymous; but we have authority for saying that it has been prepared by a gentleman whose previous works on missionary subjects, habits of careful investigation, and access to reliable sources of information, render his statements respecting Madagascar most trust. worthy. Though not an eye witness of what he relates, he is so familiar with all the missionary correspondence from that interesting island, that he possesses what is next to the result of personal observation. The history is succinct, clear, lively, and admirably adapted to awaken zeal and liberality throughout our churches on behalf of that which may be pronounced the most promising of all our missions. · "I was shown," says the Bishop of Mauritius, "a chain, although the person who showed it to me had previously stated that he did not like' to exhibit it. It consisted of very heavy iron ringsnow broken and cut through-and had been for many long years around the ankles of a poor Christian woman, whose life those rings had helped to wear away. Other instruments of torturethem a long iron bar with adjusting rings-were shown to me by a person who bore marks of the suffering these had occasioned, but must carry those marks to his grave; but in spite of this, the Word of God has yet gone on and prevailed." - one of But the most interesting and important of the communications which have reached the capital since the queen's death, are from remote parts of the island. One of these is 200 miles distant. Thither some of the Christians who suffered during the early period of the persecution were banished. But they carried with them the precious truths for the faith and love of which they suffered. Yet though they were enslaved, "The Word of God was not bound." "But in the fulness of their hearts, their mouths spoke of Christ and His salvation. What has been the result? A wide and glorious harvest," writes Mr. Ellis, "invites the reapers to the field. I am informed that there are thousands of believers in the Belsiles country." Nor is this the only remote region in which fruits of Christian effort have sprung up during the darkness which has now passed away. In a postscript to a letter which arrived while these sheets were passing through the press, occur the following pregnant and suggestive words. "I received a visit from another party of Christians far to the south on the east coast. The Hova officers at the military post have been the evangelists." We hope the circulation of this wellprepared little volume will be serviceable in augmenting the fund for the erection The stories of suffering and constancy of chapels in Madagascar. are very affecting. Brief Notices of Books. The Life and Labours of George Washington Walker. By JAMES BACKHOUSE and CHARLES TYLOR. (London: Bennett.) The subject of this memoir was the son of Unitarians; he was confirmed by an Episcopal Bishop, he went to a Wesleyan school, and ended by becoming a Quaker. An interesting account of his conversion from Socinian views is given at the opening of the book. When a young man he went to Tasmania, and there exercised the functions of a preacher among the Friends. Animated by missionary zeal, he travelled through different parts of Australia, and extended his visits to South Africa. He seems to have been a very holy, devoted man, of great perseverance and decision of character, with much shrewdness and power of observation. Spiritual minds will derive refreshment from reading the experience of this good man; persons acquainted with missionary work will discover many side lights thrown on the operations of our societies; and the general reader will meet with a large amount of information respecting Australia and Africa. We do not wish to detract from the worth of the volume, but after the intense interest we felt in "Stephen Grellet's Memoirs," we must say that there is a great falling off of interest here. Our Quaker friends must not expect a memoir like this to meet with such a reception as a memoir like that. Parish Papers. By NORMAN MACLEOD, D.D. (London: Strahan.) The Graver Thoughts of a Country Parson. By the Author of "Recreations of a Country Parson." (London: Strahan.) Speaking to the Heart; or, Sermons for the People. By THOMAS GUTHRIE, D.D. (London: Strahan.) Three admirable books, forming part of what in all respects we may call an admirable series. The names of the authors prepare the reader to expect something superior in each volume, and he will find it. The collection of pastorals in the first volume is full of knowledge, wisdom, and power. The country parson is the same man in his recreations and his pulpit. As quiet, as quaint, as easy in preaching the Gospel, as in relating his home adventures and experiences, he is withal thoroughly evangelical. Dr. Guthrie seems to us, in some of these new sermons, to excel himself in those attributes in which he stands unrivalled. They present prosepoetry of the highest order, pictures which artists may love to study, and original illustrations of the simplest truths of Christianity, which must fix the attention and move the heart of all classes. The Risen Redeemer. By T. W. KRUMMACHER, D.D. (London: Nisbet.) The Three Marys. By the Rev. A. MOODY STUART. (London: Nisbet.) Dr. Krummacher made for himself an English reputation many years ago by "Elijah the Tishbite," a book which at that time was of a novel character, and by the admiration it excited did much toward the establishment of a certain fashion of treating sacred historical subjects, which has prevailed ever since. This new work, by the warm-hearted, imaginative, and earnest German divine, appears to us worthy of his well-earned reputation. It presents the life of Christ, after His resurrection-that second and higher life on earth-in some respects very different from the first. The various incidents connected with that period of our blessed Lord's existence are, in this volume, brought out and amplified with fitting applications to our Christian life. All the expositions and appeals are marked by beauty and power. The "Three Marys," in one part-that relating to Mary Magdalene-will be found to occupy the same ground as "The Risen Redeemer." The difference in style and method between the two divines is apparent enough. Though for our own part we prefer Krummacher, we dare say many, especially our Scottish friends, will prefer Stuart. He is always judicious, devout, practical, and here and there indicates a superior insight into Scripture history. But on the whole, the book is rather of the spunout and wire-drawn class. How could it be otherwise, when no less than eleven chapters are devoted to the few verses in the Gospels about Mary of Magdala ? Nor do we think that in the author's comparison of Mary and Martha, justice is done to the latter. A Chat with the Boys on New Year's Eve. By OLD MERRY. (London: Jackson, Walford, & Hodder.) This little book contains half an hour's excellent advice to boys, given in an entertaining manner. Old Merry, by his cheerful chat, first puts the boys in a good humour with themselves, and is then able to give many a word of counsel and correction, which the boys are sure to take in good part, and which we hope they will not forget. The Teacher's Offering. (London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.) This favourite little serial comes out in a new form, and we wish for it an increase of the support it has so well earned and obtained during the past. | This little book may be read with interest and advantage. The subjectswhich are numerous, and wholly unconnected one with another-are all treated with great propriety of language, and, as we think, correctness of opinion; but there is a want of that originality and depth of thought looked for especially in The Wearmouth Abbots: a Tale illus- such short dissertations, which should be trative of Saxon Christianity. By the weighty in proportion to their brevity; and author of "The Rationale of Justification we can hardly understand or justify the by Faith," "The Philosophy of Evan- rather pretentious title given to the book. gelism," &c.-The charm of this book Saturday Afternoons; or, Short Addresses consists greatly in the time to which it to a Class of Young Women. By a LADY. relates. We find no eventful or exciting-These simple teachings, concerning imtale, but are interested in any fresh illustration of the thoughts and ways of our Saxon ancestors, especially of those who were connected with the Venerable Bede, and in reading the conversations with which this book superabounds (viewing it as a story), we think once more, as we so often have cause to think, of the similarity, in many cases the uniformity of theological thought and religious experience in all the ages of Christianity. The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan ben Uzziel on the Pentateuch, with Fragments of the Jerusalem Targum from the Chaldee. By J. W. ETHERIDGE, M.A. Genesis and Exodus. (London: Longman.) It is no common service which Mr. Etheridge has rendered in the publication of this very valuable volume. To the unlearned, and the scholar too, this translation will be welcome. The existing controversy about the Pentateuch, moreover, gives a special interest and importance to this useful book at the present time. The version has been carefully executed by the author, who is a competent scholar for that purpose. Letters of William Cowper: being a Selection from his Correspondence, with a Sketch of his Life, and Biographical Notices of his Correspondents. (Tract Society.) Cowper once said to Thurlow, his fellowclerk, "Thurlow, I am nobody, and shall always be nobody, and you will be Lord Chancellor." True enough, Thurlow became Lord Chancellor, and was "somebody" in his day; but who cares for that ill-natured lord of the woolsack now? When Cowper said he should always be nobody, he was a very false prophet. This edition of a "Selection from his Letters" is well done. The biographical sketches and the woodcuts are very good. By all means let our young readers become familiar with " Cowper's Letters." They are perfect of their kind. The True and Beautiful in Man's Spiritual Experience. By the Rev. HENRY GILL. (Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.) portant truth and Christian conduct, originally written for a class which the author conducted, are now with advantage offered to a wider circle of readers, and will, we believe, be useful both to those who seek to convey instruction in a similar way, and to those who, not having this means of obtaining it, look more to books than to friends as their teachers. By such as are really anxious for religious knowledge, the book will be valued, but by such only. It would have been more generally attractive had the style been more varied, and the graver teaching occasionally enlivened by illustration and anecdote. Christian Lyrics, chiefly selected from Modern Authors. (London: Whittaker.) Among the numerous selections of sacred poetry which appear in our day, it is very rarely that we meet with one of so high a class as the elegant little volume before us. To a few choice specimens of those well-known hymns the sight of which is always welcomethere are added many less familiar verses, which will be read with the greatest pleasure for the first time; and few of them, we may safely predict, will be read once only. We are much indebted to the unknown editor for the very great taste and judgment shown in his work. Don't say so; or, You may be mistaken. A Story for Hard Times and All Times. By the author of "Buy an Orange, Sir?" (London: The Book Society.) This is a kind of publication which, when the story is true to nature and agreeably written, never fails of usefulness." Don't say so" is both. It describes the experience of those who form its speakers, and actors, and sufferers, very accurately. We recognise its fidelity at once. We have known a great many Woods and Greens, and Godfreys and Bains, such as we meet with here; and the little children, too, are dear old acquaintances of ours. The author's descriptive ability is very respectable, and his style is 4 |