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Office.-This is a thoroughly Protestant and Evangelical book, written with considerable power, yet in a genial Christian spirit which denounces and demolishes the anscriptural claims of Romanism and HighAnglicanism without any violation of con. troversial courtesy. The correspondence with Cardinal Manning, which forms the second part of the book, is very interesting; but no one will be surprised to find that His Eminence declined to answer Dr. Bullock's firmly-pressed question: What are the essential articles of our Divine Lord's only Faith, and what are the distinct marks of His only Fold?' It is ground of devout thankfulness that such Clergymen as Dr. Bullock protest against the widespread sacerdotalism of so many of their brethren.

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The Pulpit Commentary. Edited by the Rev. Canon H. D. M. Spence, M.A., and the Rev. Joseph S. Ezell. 1 Samuel: Exposition by Very Rev. R. Payne Smith, D.D.; Homiletics by Rev. Professor C. Chapman, M.A.; Homilies by various Authors: Rev, D. Fraser, D. D., Rev. B. Dale, M.A. London: C. Kegan Paul and Co. 1880.-This volume is, in appearance and plan, similar to its predecessor-that containing the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther-but it proceeds from different pens. The scholarly reputation of the Dean of Canterbury vouches for the competence of the Exposition. The Dean keeps carefully in mind the purpose of the Commentary to which he contributes, and aims at providing the kind and amount of exposition needed for preparation for the pulpit. He does not forget, however, that a thorough understanding of the text is absolutely essential to truthful and intellirent preaching. Consequently his comments are sufficiently full and evade no difficulty, though they are not elaborate enough to draw the reader's attention away from the principal object they are designed to serve. Written upon the English Version, and quoting the original very rarely indeed, they are evidently founded upon a painstaking study of the Hebrew. They correct inaccuracies of translation, and often by that alone throw much light upon the narrative.

They

xplain, as far as is possible, the customs of the time of Samuel, and point out where these are most likely to be misunderstood. The tone of the Introduction led us to fear that Dr. Payne Smith's exposition would be marred by a loose theory of inspiration, but we are thankful to be able to say that our fears proved groundless. The inspired words are treated reverently and explained judiciously. One of the

best notes is that upon God's promise to raise Him up a faithful priest to succeed Eli.

Professor Chapman's Homiletics show him to possess a considerable facility of educing and expressing the teaching of Old Testament history. His remarks have always a fairly direct reference to the passages they are founded on, are quite free from vicious allegorizing, and seldom, if ever, put a strain upon words that they are not able to bear. Perhaps a little more variety of form would be an advantage, and he has an awkward habit of clipping a sentence now and then till it becomes extremely inelegant and occasionally ungrammatical. Mr. Brian Dale has written the great bulk of the Homilies by various authors. He excels in apt quotation and neat division. Dr. Fraser's Homilies are comparatively few, but they are of high merit. They have a verve about them, an elasticity and originality that charm and leave an abiding impression upon the memory.

Bulky as is this volume, and full of Homiletics, it does not, of course, exhaust the homiletical capabilities of the portion of Scripture on which it treats. And in so large a work there will inevitably be points on which critics would disagree; but, so far as we are concerned, they are not important enough to call for more than a general remark. The four authors appear to have worked independently; often their judgments coincide, but sometimes they differ notably, e.g., about the witch of Endor each has a different theory. Such differences, however, add to the serviceability of a Pulpit Commentary. Altogether, we think this volume is a distinct advance upon its predecessor in its Homiletical portions; and Dean Smith's Exposition falls very little behind Canon Rawlinson's. But we feel bound to repeat our former caution against the possible misuse of such work as this-sermons should not be taken from it wholesale, and only the over-worked Lay Preacher can be excused for depending upon it or its cogeners for his material. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to make a legitimate and profitable use of even such abundant wealth of homiletical material as is supplied here. Homiletical works have won for themselves an indisputable place in English literature, and the vast majority of them by no means belong to the high class of The Pulpit Commentary, while its careful exposition saves it from being confounded with the general run of helps to indolent or incompetent Preachers.

The Broken Looking-glass. By Maria

L. Charlesworth. London: Seeley, Jackson and Halliday.-This story contains some useful lessons and very beautiful thoughts, but does not quite fulfil the expectations raised by the name on the titlepage.

The Constitution and Polity of Wesleyan-Methodism: Being a Digest of its Laws and Institutions, brought down to the Conference of 1880. By the Rev. Henry W. Williams, D.D. Wesleyan Conference Office.-This Digest has not been published before it was wanted. The seven years that have elapsed since the issue of the last edition of Mr. Peirce's valuable work have witnessed important changes in our Connexional economy. Besides, Mr. Peirce's volume is too bulky and expensive for general use; and, as he gives all the regulations upon any subject that the Conference has ever promulgated, it is not always easy to gather the existing law. Dr. Williams contents himself with an exposition of the present code, with just so much of history as is needful to make that intelligible. For many years the compiler has filled distinguished offices in Methodism; he has made our economy the subject of special study, and his accuracy has almost passed into a proverb. No one could be more fitted than be for the task the Book Committee assigned him; and he has discharged it in a manner worthy of himself. Now we have a Handbook of Methodist law clear, accurate and comprehensive.

Dr. Williams divides his work into three parts. The first treats of the Societies; the second of the Connexional System and Administration; and the third of the Institutions and Connexional Funds. His method of procedure is to take up the various matters included under each of the above heads, and to explain the Rules relating to them one by one. For instance, in the Second Part,The Constitution of the Conference,' its powers and business, and the duties of its officers; the mode of admitting Ministers to the Body, and their duties; the various District and Circuit Courts are succinctly and exactly explained. This method tends to ensure clearness and manifests the relation one court or institution bears to the other, and is, in many ways, of great advantage to the reader. The documents included in the Appendices add greatly to the usefulness of the work

to the young student of Methodist discipline. We recommend the book to all our office-bearers.

Upon disputed points, Dr. Williams decides wisely, whilst his mere judgment deservedly carries considerable weight.

The Synoptical Dictionary of Scripture Parallels and References: Being an Index of the Texts of Scripture, Classified according to an Analytical Plan, and forming a Methodical Summary of the Principles, the Doctrines, the Precepts and the Facts of Scripture. By C. H. Lambert, B.A. Second Edition. Re. vised and Enlarged. London: Wesleyan Conference Office. We have already spoken highly of the first edition of this useful little book. It will be of much service to all those who desire to study the teaching of the Bible upon particular subjects to Ministers, Local Preachers, Sunday-school Teachers and conductors of Bible-classes especially.

Building her House. By Mrs. Robert A. Watson.

The History of Joseph, for the Young. By the Rev. T. Champness.

The Jew and his Tenants. By A. D. Walker.

The Little Prisoner; or, The Story o Louis Charles, Dauphin of France.

John Bunyan: The Story of his Life and Work. Told for Children. By E. M. C. Three Naturalists: The Stories of Linnæus, Cuvier and Buffon. London: Wesleyan Conference Office.

Building her House is a good, healthy Methodist story-the characters drawn from the life-and will, we doubt not, be popular amongst all who prefer sober records to high-flown fiction. It contains many touches both of humour and pathos, and the interest of the reader is not only sustained, but increases to the end, culminating in the wonderful change which grace works in Dame Chater.

Mr. Champness's History of Joseph is meant for thoughtful young people, who will find it good, interesting and profitable reading.

The Jew and his Tenants; The Little Frisoner; John Bunyan; and the Three Naturalists are capital stories; and, together with the other above-named books, are admirably suited for Sunday-school libraries or rewards.

OBITUARY.

ROBERT ROYSE was born at Castleton, Derbyshire, June, 1830. His parents were strictly moral. He received a careful home-training, and was surrounded by moral influences and safeguards. He was first sent to a school in his native village, and then to a boarding-school at Macclesfield, where he remained some years and made good progress. He won high praise from the master for the diligence and perseverance which were such striking characteristics of his whole after-career. After leaving school, he came to Stockport to learn the business of a chemist. From his youth up he was steady and regular in his habits, and inclined to good; though it was not till some years later that he realized the converting grace of God. Whilst an apprentice he wrote a paper which is still preserved, the topics of which are: The Value and Right Use of Time, and the Need of Preparation for Eternity-a composition which clearly shows the serious and devout turn of his mind at that period. During the same time he wrote out the whole Bible in shorthand, with great neatness and care, as also the Church of England PrayerBook. All this was done without trenching upon his master's time, or neglecting any portion of lawful daily duty. The time so often given by the young to frivolous pursuits was by him devoted to Scriptare study. His mind thus became richly imbued and stored with Divine truth. This early and familiar acquaintance with the Sacred Volume served him well in after years.

In his twenty-second year he was married to her who now deeply mourns her loss. Immediately afterwards he commenced business on his own account in Portwood, where he laboured diligently for twentyfive years, till he was suddenly stricken down in his manhood's prime. He had been trained up in the Church of England, and for some time after his settlement in Portwood, he regularly attended St. Paul's Charch. The loss of his little daughter was made the means of leading both himself and his wife to seek after personal religion. The Rev. J. Wilson, the Wesleyan Minister then stationed at Portwood, visited them in their affliction, and ministered to them the comforts of the Gospel, whilst their hearts were bowed and softened under the bereaving stroke.

Mr. Royse now began to feel the need of the spiritual birth. Through the darkness of earthly sorrow there dawned upon him erelong the clear light of God's reconciling love. In the severe struggles of soul through which he passed, he found much help and

guidance from the counsels and prayers of his aunt, then visiting at the house. She was a most devoted Christian and a member of the Wesleyan Society. He was also much cheered and assisted by reading The Anxious Enquirer, by John Angell James. After perusing this precious little volume, and pleading with God far into the night, he was enabled to rely on Christ, and in the morning he said to his friends, his face beaming with joy, 'I have found it!'

He now became a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist Society in connection with Brunswick Chapel, Portwood, and a very regular attendant upon the services of that sanctuary. In due time he was appointed to the offices of Chapel-steward and Society-steward, in which he proved most assiduous and energetic, cheerful, considerate and kindly. He was also made one of the superintendents of the Sundayschool-a branch of service he much loved, and in which for the last five years of his life he laboured with great diligence and zeal.

While thus faithfully serving Christ in different forms of directly spiritual activity, he was a model of industry in business life, getting through an amount of labour that few men could possibly have performed. The excessive strain, on both body and mind, rapidly developed disease that closed his busy career.

In 1872, he was elected to the Stockport Town Council by a very large vote: an honour due not so much to the shade of politics he professed as to the high esteem and affection in which he was so largely held by the working-classes of this neighbourhood, because of his ready sympathy with, and his self-sacrificing toil to alleviate, their sufferings and needs. Not long after his election, he was made a Guardian of the Poor for Brinnington, and carried into this new sphere all his customary vigour and patient attention to the details of duty, together with his kindness of heart. He secured much sincere praise from his fellowguardians for the faithful and efficient services he rendered in this important post.

Mr. Royse carried his Christianity into home-life. He let his light shine in the domestic circle. He was a kind and godly father, and has left to his sons not great store of earthly gain, but the better heritage of a bright example and a spotless name. He was a most thoughtful and devoted

husband.

For some time previous to his fatal seizure his family had observed that he was hardly in his usual vigour; he complained, once and again, of symptoms which showed

that he was somewhat below his ordinary tone, but neither he nor they anticipated anything serious. He continued to bear the pressure of manifold duty to almost the last moment before the complete break-down of his strength. He was only driven from his busy post by intense suffering, that quite overpowered his resolute will and stalwart frame. His physical agony was great; but in the midst of it he was very patient, thanking all who stood by his bed of sickness for every little act of attention they paid him, and thanking God for every alleviation of his strong pain. He repeatedly professed his firm reliance upon his Saviour, and his perfect submission to the will of his Heavenly Father. On the last Sabbath of his life he was heard repeating to himself the words of Christ In My Father's house are many mansions'; and he assured his friends that Jesus was precious to his soul.

During the last night of his life it was very painful to witness his sufferings; but he was sustained by Divine grace, and his confidence in Christ never wavered. To every word of Gospel hope and comfort that watching friends breathed into his ear, he made a ready and grateful response. He found that the Rock of Ages did not shake even amid death's swelling flood. On the morning of October 31st, 1877, he passed away in peace.

The funeral of Mr. Royse was marked by a spontaneous demonstration of respect. High and lowly joined to do honour to his memory. Men of every denomination and of all parties accompanied his remains to their last resting-place. Not the least touching signs of sorrow were the tears that stood in the eyes of many in humble life. He went down to the grave amid the laments and benedictions of the poor.

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The Rev. John Rhodes, writes follows: Mr. Royse was a man of great energy and of indomitable perseverance. Whatever he did he did with his heart, and it prospered in his hands. He was of shrewd observation, and of good understanding in all matters pertaining to the duties of every-day life; very attentive to his business, in the most important branch of which he was eminently skilled. He was of tender sympathies. The sick, the afflicted, the widow and the orphan, especially those of the poorer classes, always found in him a friend full of compassion, willing to help in time of need. He did

not lay up much treasure on earth, but I am sure that he laid up treasure in heaven, and, doubtless, a multitude of "friends" have already received him to "everlasting habitations."

As a

'As a husband, he was a model. father, he was perhaps a little too indulgent; but he was anxious to promote the physical, mental, moral and spiritual welfare of those whom God had given him. As a master, he not only gave "that which is just and equal," but he sought to advance the best interests of his servants, both with respect to "the life that now is, and of that which is to come." As a citizen, his fellow-citizens were justly proud of him. In the important offices which he filled, from time to time, no man was more punctual, attentive, painstaking, judicious or conscientious than he. He sought to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." He was clothed with bumility, and yet he was always cheerful. No one could be long in his company without having the conviction that he was a good man, loving goodness for its own sake. He proved himself worthy of the name of Methodist by his harmlessness, benevolence and appreciative attendance upon the ordinances of God. His loss to the family, the Church and the town to which he belonged must be very great.'

The Rev. Sampson Weaver says: 'Mr. Royse was not one of those about whom one must speak with care and in obscure phrases. He was essentially a just man; if he leaned to any side it was not his own. He was very genial, without either coarseness or frivolity. He was the embodiment and heart of kindness-a kindness that never wearied and that asked for no return. He was generous and hospitable. He was the friend of the poor of all denominations, especially the poor of his own Church. In his public and official duties in the town he was quiet and efficient, giving to the public much valuable time, which in his case meant a great sacrifice in business, which constantly needed his personal supervision and care. In public religious work his highly sensitive and tender nature, together with a nervous physical defect, which manifested itself when he touched on subjects he most deeply felt, kept him in the background; but those who knew the inner sanctuary of his life, knew how brightly the light shone.' JOHN JUDGE.

CORRECTION. We hasten to correct an error in the last Paper on Methodism in Kent. The old chapel at Shoreham has been superseded by a neat and comfortable sanctuary. The ground was presented to the Trustees by Mr. Thomas Townend, of Knockholt.

HAZELL, WATSON, AND VINEY PRINTERS, LONDON AND AYLESBURY.

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‹ LITTLE ABE;' OR, THE BISHOP OF BERRY BROW.*

BY THE REV. MARK GUY PEARSE.

ERE is a Yorkshire companion to the Cornish Billy Bray. Much alike in their personal appearance and in their circumstances, in quaintness and in devotion to God, this book almost deserves to be as widely known as the Memorials of The King's Son. There are not such stories of triumphant and extensive usefulness in the case of the Yorkshire hero; nor is little Abe so fortunate in his biographer; for though the book is written in a taking style, it is needlessly spun out by means of descriptions and moralizings.

Little Abe; or, The Bishop of Berry Brow. Being the Life of Abraham Lockwood. By F. JEWELL.. Published for the proprietor by the Wesleyan Conference Office.. FEBRUARY, 1881.

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