not audible in one of our open-roofed Gothic buildings of not more than a third of that size. If you wish to put an end to real eloquence among English Nonconformists, multiply buildings of the kind I have described. In fact, if something is not done to put a check on the taste of our architects in this direction, my fear is that the religious loss to our denomination will be great-for whatever detracts from the natural in a public teacher detracts from the effectiveness of his teaching. An interior in the form of a large hall, with a flat roof, is the form of the Gothic best adapted to our purposes, and in such an interior there is room for not a little of the beautiful.

It is found, moreover, that these open roofs are very hot in summer and very cold in winter. What is more, it is exceedingly difficult to warm such places satisfactorily with hot air. The warm air takes possession of the upper part of the building, and in beating about

amidst the inequalities of that upper region to send the cold air down, it seems to create, for many long hours, cold wind instead of warmth. The steady influence of a flat roof occasions less agitation, and enables the hot air to press the cold air out of the building, or to diffuse warmth into it, more equally and speedily. Our people, be it remembered, do not come together to go through a form which may be despatched in fifteen or twenty minutes, but to be seated in one place for an hour and a-half or more, and need in consequence that their chapel should be hardly less comfortable than their own fire-side. I venture to predict that before fifty years hence a large proportion of these open roofs will be put out of sight by handsome flat roofs being placed below them. Something of this kind has been done in several instances with great advantage, and more will follow.

ROBERT VAUGHAN. 10, St. John's-terrace, Regent's-park.

The Works of John Howe, M.A. Volume IV. Religious Tract Society.

THE present volume comprises "Self-dedication"-"Thoughtfulness for the Morrow"

Charity in reference to other men's Sins""Prayer from the name of God"-" Union among Protestants"-" Man's Enmity against God"-" The Love of God." These are the topics, every one of which at once proclaims its greatness and importance. Some of them, particularly such as "Union among Protestants," and "The Carnality of religious Contention," are specially seasonable to the hour which is passing over us. The volume is equal to its predecessors, crammed with excellent matter, beautifully printed, and handsomely got up.

Shilling Books for Leisure Hours. Religious Tract Society.

It is now a good many years since Mr. Knight issued his famous series of Shilling Volumes-an invaluable contribution to the literature of his country, and especially to the millions. Many of those shilling volumes had been originally issued at a price which placed them far above the reach of the masses. The Tract Society, too, did very great things by its invaluable series of sixpenny volumes. It is now returning to the same principle, but doubling the figure, without at all, we think, increasing the quantity of letter-press. The page, however, is larger, and the publication will be more readable. The shilling's worth is a good one. The matter consists of a multitude of deeply interesting facts and narratives, which have all the charms of romance, with the striking advantage that they are true. The papers, we should remark, have appeared and been admired in the various volumes of the Leisure Hour; and, instead of being spread over that great work, they are here concentrated into a single volume.

The "Standard" Primer, First "Standard" Reader, and Second "Standard" Reader. By J. S. LAURIE. Longman and Co. THIS series of books is fitted to be very useful to young persons. Mr. Laurie is pursuing his work with a steady and skilful hand, conferring a substantial benefaction.

The Bible in the Workshop. By Two Working Men, a Jew and a Gentile. W. Kent & Co. THIS is somewhat of an interesting publication. Whether it be a joke or otherwise, that a Jew and a Gentile have united in the performance,

the work has been done in a careful and thoughtful manner. Without much pretence, there is a considerable amount of learning; and in truth, in these hundred and odd pages, there is quite enough to make mince-meat of the rebellious Bishop of Natal.

Independency: a Deduction from the Laws of the Universe. By EVAN LEWIS, B.A. Elliot Stock.

MR. LEWIS takes a very lofty flight. Still it requires no very great grasp of intellect to accompany him in his aërial cruise. There is a great deal in the book that will excite opposition, and, perhaps, laughter; but, when all deductions are made, it will remain a remarkable, and withal, a very thoughtful performance.

Mary McNeill; or, the Word Remembered. By J. W. C., author of "Alice Lowther." Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

MARY MCNEILL is one of those characters with which Scotland formerly abounded, combining deep sagacity with humble circumstances. There is a great deal in the book that is touching, and not a little that is instructive. The tone and the bearing of the whole is elevated and elevating, and its perusal by young persons of either sex can scarcely fail of leaving a blessing behind it.

Lost, but not for Ever: my Personal Narra tive of the Starvation and Providence in the Australian Mountain Regions. By R. W. VANDERKISTE. Nisbet and Co.

THE title of this very remarkable volume will at once suggest the idea of its character. We have already, many months ago, given some account of the travels, the dangers, and the deliverance of Mr. Vanderkiste, in exploring Australia; but all we said, and all that could be said at that time, amounted to almost nothing compared with the copious volume before us. We have not for a very long time met with anything so deeply touching. All romance, even the most exciting, is left far behind. Every page of the work will excite a thrill in the bosom of the ingenuous reader. The work is dedicated to the author's father, in tender, loving, and reverential terms. Mr. Vanderkiste, previous to his departure, had earned for himself in London a high character by his philanthropic labours; but the present work will lift him to an altitude far beyond anything merely Britannic; and in the history of Australia it will secure for him an honourable niche, which will carry him down to a remote posterity.

Bonds, but not Bondage. By the Rev. G. MARTIN. Snow.

WE are much gratified to meet with Mr. Martin in his capacity of author. As preacher and platform orator, he is well known, and greatly esteemed, but this, we believe, is his first effort in the way of authorship: we trust it will not be his last. The man, to be sure, is wanting; the goodly presence, the beaming eye, the liquid voice, and the forcible, persuasive manner are all absent, but there is here solid, well-digested, well-reasoned, and thoroughly evangelical matter. The lectures are six in number, and it were difficult to say to which the preference, in point of execution, ought to be given. The lecture or discourse entitled "Ordinances" is very excellent; and the next, "Unity without Uniformity," if possible, still better. The last lecture," Apostolic Practices and Modern Church Practices; a Comparison and a Contrast," is a composition indicating much thought, and greatly adapted to excite thought amongst others. All things considered, it is, perhaps, the best in the book, and would form a very valuable separate tract. The work has our most hearty commendation. It cannot fail greatly to promote his usefulness.

Tales of the Scottish Peasantry. ByH. DUNCAN, D.D. Oliphant and Co.

It is almost a superfluity for a public writer to notice a work already in the sixth edition, But the world is always changing its occupants; life and death, by night and by day, are perpetually going forward; and there must be many now whom this work may profit, who had not left the cradle when the first edition issued from the press. The volume is one of Scottish life, abounding in portraits, such as only the hand of genius can sketch. We have "Cottage Education," "A Sabbath Day,' "A Lesson to a Negro Mother," "A Murderer's Death-bed," "The Schoolmistress," "The Female School," "Three Weeks after Marriage," "Domestic Scenes and Deathbed Scenes." Such are the points which are here elaborated with the hand of a master. The few illustrations interspersed throughout the volume will materially add to the interest of the reader.

The Cottage Fireside; or, the Parish Schoolmaster. By H. DUNCAN, D.D. Oliphant and Co.

DR. DUNCAN is an author so thoroughly known, so fully appreciated, and so highly admired, that it is almost superfluous to notice anything that bears his respected name. The history of the volume, which is interesting, is given in the preface, and the contents comprise sketches of a biographical character,

together with essays on the "Apprentice," "the Benevolent Orphan,"" the Spoilt Child," "the Friendly Farmer," "the Honest Farmer," "the Dishonest Farmer." From this it will be seen that the work is a farmer's book. Would that a copy might find a place in the house of every farmer in Great Britain and Ireland. The thinking is exquisite, and the composition is worthy of it. Dr. Duncan is a great master of his mother-tongue, and his heart overflows with Christian benevolence. He more than merits the splendid eulogy pronounced upon him by his friend, the late Dr. Chalmers.

A History of the Christian Church to the Reign of Constantine the Great. By the late E. SOPER. Houlston and Co.

THIS Volume comprises a period of 325 years, the best period of the church of Christ, up to the Reformation. The principles are sound, and the spirit eminently catholic. The narrative is calm, clear, correct, and dignified. A book of the sort was greatly wanting, and the want is well supplied.

Bibliotheca Sacra: and Biblical Repository. Trubner.

THE articles of the present number are few, but they are of unusual importance. The first, on the German church, is a rich treatise in itself. "English Lexicography" is a masterly dissertation. That on the "Moral and religious value of our national Union" is a sad affair. Whatever the value of the Union, it is gone. We greatly like the essay on "The Art of Expression." It is alike fitted to be useful on this and the other side of the Atlantic.

WORKS RECEIVED AND APPROVED. Allen White: the Country Lad in Town. Book Society.

Sunny Scenes: or, Recollections of Continental Rambles. Book Society.

The Fig-tree of the Jura. Oliphant and Co. Sarah's Present: or, the Story of a New Testament. Oliphant and Co.

Old Margie's Flower Stall. Oliphant and Co. The Religion of School Life: Addresses to Boys. By D. CORNISH. Freeman. Thoughts on Intercessory Prayer. By a Lady. Johnston, Hunter and Co.

Tales from English History: A King Play and Earl Gerald. Freeman.

Four Centuries of Modern Europe. By T. B. BISHOP. Freeman.

Tom Burton: or, the Better Way. Partridge.

ARUNDEL, SUSSEX.-On Tuesday, January 13th, a public recognition service was held in the school-room of Trinity Chapel, to welcome the Rev. Thomas Davey, on his settlement as pastor of the Independent church and congregation worshipping here. At the tea-meeting upwards of 150 sat down. At the subsequent public meeting the room was filled in every part. C. New, Esq., Mayor of Arundel, presided, and delivered a brief introductory address. After singing and prayer, addresses were delivered by the Revs. E. Paxton Hood, R. Hamilton, and R. V. Pryce, M.A., LL.D., of Brighton; W. Bean, of Worthing; A. Jones, of Portsea; T. Sainsbury, of Bosham; H. Rogers, of Petworth; and the newlyelected pastor, T. Davey. Great gratification was expressed by all present, and it may be hoped that Evangelical Nonconformity, through the labours of the new pastor, may continue to secure increasing influence in Arundel, where it has had many hard struggles with opposition and prejudice.

BITTERNE, HAMPSHIRE. NEW CHAPEL, -To celebrate the opening of the new Congregational chapel, a party of about 120 sat down to tea on Tuesday week. In the evening there was a crowded meeting in the chapel, presided over by the Rev. H. H. Carlisle, of Southampton. Mr. J. N. Brice gave a statement of the circumstances leading to the erection of the enlarged chapel, and read a report of the finances. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Rev. J. Sherratt, of Totton; the Rev. J. Skinner, of Peartree-green; and Messrs. Nash, Taylor, Yonge, Stroud, Fryer, and other friends, expressing sympathy with the undertaking. The adoption of the system of weekly offerings was recommended for the removal of the debt on the chapel.

BRUTON, SOMERSET.-The Congregational chapel in this village, having been repaired at a cost of £100, was lately re-opened. The Rev. J. A. Spurgeon preached on the occasion, and subsequently about 200 persons took tea. In the evening another service was held, presided over by J. Lush, Esq., of Brewham

REVIEW OF ENGLAND presents at this moment a most interesting spectacle in relation to its Royal Family. Two Princesses have been sucessfully settled in life, and each blessed with a splendid dower, such as only England would or could give. Now the Heir-Apparent to the throne is about to take unto himself a partner of his wealth, power, felicity, and glory, and thirty millions of people are prepared to shout, "God bless the bridal pair!" This step will involve a very considerable increase of expenditure; but that is a thing of no account with the British people. Whatever tends to increase the happiness of the Royal House,

MALVERN.-The Rev. D. K. Shoebotham (late of Dudley), having received a most cordial invitation from the Congregational church at North Malvern, has intimated his acceptance. This gentleman during many years has filled the office of secretary to the County Association of Independent churches, as well as the pastoral office at Dudley, and previously at Kidderminster, and enjoys the esteem of all the communities among whom he has laboured.

were

SPILSBY.-The anniversary of the Independent chapel here was held on Tuesday, the 27th ult., when a tea aid public meeting was held. The attendance was numerous, and the collections satisfactory. Addresses delivered by the Revs. J. Shaw, J. W. Fisher, T. Matthews, R. Lyon, J. Emberton. The Rev. W. R. Waugh, the pastor, presided, and presented a brief report of the proceedings of the past year, by which it appeared that the church had doubled its numbers since the last anniversary; that the schools and other departments of usefulness were in a prosperous condition. During the meeting, formal possession was tendered and accepted of an eligible site on which to erect a new chapel, which is greatly needed, and which is proposed to be commenced in the ensuing spring.

STEEPLE BUMPSTEAD, ESSEX.-The Rev. H. D. Jameson, late of Billericay, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the Independent congregation at this place.

WARDOUR CHAPEL.-The Rev. John Basley, having tendered his resignation of the pastorate of the church assembling in the above place, closed seven years and a half of diligent and devoted labour by preaching to a large and deeply-affected audience the other Sabbath evening.

THE MONTH.

with its Widowed Head, is deemed cheap, whatever it may cost. All classes and conditions of the people are vying with each other who shall do most to swell the chorus of a lauding and felicitating empire! In this matter a great and sublime lesson is being read to the Despots of the world. England alone is the home of settled, regulated liberty; there, and only there, the tongue and the pen are free; England alone exhibits liberty perfected in its principle and general operation. Were the Crown of Victoria to be imperilled, the seven millions of men who have reached their majority, whether enfranchised or not,

would rise up in embattled hosts to repel the aggressor! The marriage of the Prince of Wales will be the event of the generation. Among the British people, from John o' Groat's to the Land's End, every heart is in full accord with every other heart on this subject, and all with the heart of the mourning yet rejoicing Queen. The appointment of the chaplains of the Prince of Wales has given much concern to godly people in the Established Church. The lot has fallen on men who have no sympathy with the Gospel of the grace of God.

-Parliament has opened very quietly: in the speech of the Sovereign little was promised, and little will be performed. It is matter of satisfaction, however, that there is to be a substantial reduction, which will lighten the burdens of the people. The revenue, however, is in a far more satisfactory condition than might have been expected, seeing that a serious loss had been sustained in our trade with the United States; but even that is rallying, and the exports for the year now closed will amount to two-thirds of the total of the year which preceded the war. No cry is being raised on behalf of any particular measure; the public mind seems at rest. Church-rates are again menaced by the annual motion for their abolition, but in this matter, at present, there is more to fear than to hope.--Convocation bas met, and taken up the case of Bishop Colenso, the heretical prelate of Natal, with spirit and determination. The Propagation Society has also removed his Lordship from its Presidency, and he is in a fair way of being dealt with according to his merits. Professor Jowett, of Oxford, is also being called to account for his erroneous opinions, and, strange to say, the leader is the far-famed Dr. Pusey, who confesses to the retraction of some of his own most important tenets. -Lancashire still continues to be the theatre of suffering, but much has been done to mitigate the distress, which will pass away, and steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of so heavy a calamity.

Madagascar, in the mission world, is the great object of attraction. The London Missionary Society lately held a public meeting

Freemasons' Hall to give explanations in regard to the revived Mission, and to promote the fund, which is now being raised in this country, for the erection of memorial chapels on the sites rendered sacred by the deaths of Malagasy martyrs. The Earl of Shaftesbury presided.

Italy continues to maintain its tranquillity, although encompassed with difficulties. The King is true to the Constitution, and the Parliament is moderate; the great difficulty is to find proper statesmen to rule the country,

which it will require time to produce. The Pope remains as obstinate as ever, and France is still supporting him. Brigandage is somewhat abated, and the King is determined to put it down. It deserves to be noted that Italy is more satisfactory in its religious than in its political aspects; the facts which have recently arrived are very remarkable.

France is attracting notice chiefly by her prosecutions of the press, and the crouching subservience of her representative bodies. The thing in which we are mainly concerned, however, is the introduction of the Gospel, under the auspices of the English Independents, to Paris, an event which, if it can be accomplished, may, in the end, be productive of great and lasting good. A chapel has been obtained on lease, and the Rev. G. Smith, the week before last, went over and opened it. It is to be hoped this movement will be attended by the Divine benediction, and that it will receive from the churches at home that aid without which it cannot be upheld.

Russia occupies, at this moment, an odious position. Some time back she obtained much credit for the liberation of her serfs, forming about one-third of the entire population. But that praise was soon eclipsed by her conduct towards the Poles, whom she is treating with supreme cruelty.

The British Colonies are everywhere in a fair condition; nothing particularly noticeable has occurred, but all is tranquil, and religion continues to make progress. The Presbyterian body in Australia are following the notable example set them by the sister communities in Canada; they are uniting, whereby strength and harmony will be added to their evangelising efforts. One in heart, in doctrine, in polity, there was no propriety in their separate existence.

The American States, North and South, continue to command the attention of the civilized world. The aspect of affairs has in it much to appal, and very little to cheer. All the calculations of the South have been more than realized; those of the North have been utterly falsified. They raised armies to the number of three quarters of a million of men and, with these they felt assured they could crush the Rebellion in "sixty" or at most "ninety" days; but they are apparently no nearer success than when they began. There seems no probability that the Union will ever be restored; we should rather say, it is wholly impossible. The result of the Rebellion has been to give an unparalleled development of the corruption of human nature. Patriotism has, in a measure, died out! Pride, presumption, selfishness, and peculation are completely in the ascendant. Their chief want is the