REV. T. GOADBY'S TRANSLATION OF EWALD. 63 not absent from them. People who will not give ready money direct to a good object, do not object to pay for entertainment which as surely but indirectly benefits the same object. I may perhaps adduce a fact-The Working Men's Club of this town now possesses property worth between two and three hundred pounds, which was mainly acquired in the last ten or dozen years by the provision of a public holiday on Whit-Monday. The Club also takes credit for having provided rational recreation of a temperate character, kept people "out of mischief" on a thirsty day, and morally benefited the people. Should not a Christian church be able to use rooms it possesses, also provide remunerative recreation as well as a club? Christianity is a life as well as a belief; and he who makes the songs of the people, and gives them rational amusement on the week days, may do more good than he who discourses on theology on Sundays, and does not deign to meddle with things not exactly spiritual. Yours faithfully, Berkhamsted. G. LOOSLEY. Reb. Thos. Goudby's Translation of Ewald on Revelation. In our last number we briefly noted the fact that Messrs. T. and T. Clark, of Edinburgh, had just published, in connexion with their Foreign Theological Library, a translation of Prof. Ewald's work on Revelation, by the Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., president of our college, in Nottingham. The work is one of considerable theological and apologetic significance, and will be valued by scholars and many ministers, but for ordinary readers it is too abstruse both in subject and style. Still, we know that many friends will be glad to learn something of the character of the book in the translation of which Mr. Goadby has been so long engaged. We are pleased, therefore, to be able to give them, from the translator's own pen, a brief account of its contents. We premise that the full title of the work is as follows:-"Revelation; its Nature and Record," by Heinrich Ewald, late Professor in the University of Göttingen; author of "The History of Israel," &c. "This is one of the latest productions of the late Prof. Ewald, whose name and fame are already familiar to all biblical scholars. It may be said to aim at establishing several positions of great importance. In a fresh, striking, and original way it seeks to show that Revelation is prior to all religion, goes back to the very earliest ages, preceded all record of its truths in Holy Scripture, and obtained significant influence and seccess in the founding of the Mosaic and Christian religious communities before, in the first case the Old, in the second the New Testament appeared. It points out also that Revelation is limited to the questions which concern the godly life, is given to man simply to enable him to shape his conduct and order his way in accordance with the Divine Will, and has gradually developed from small beginnings in successive stages to the full body of truth we now possess in the Bible. The Decalogue is the granite substratum of the Old Testament; the perfect unfolding of God's character and will in Christ the basis of the New; and Christ as the consummation of all that preceded Him is the true unity of law, prophecy, and gospel. Experience alone verifies Revelation, conduct in harmony with its requirements, the experience of the individual and the community; and one of the specific differences between Israel and heathenism is, that Israel follows the divine and necessary path of development in a direct course, notwithstanding all its frequent national aberrations, while heathenism, proceeding originally from the same source, loses early all spiritual apprehension of God and religion, seeks perverse methods of obtaining oracles, and contains in it no complete religious system that in its basis, growth and development bears a genuine historical character. So far is it from being true that the Old Testament appropriated heathen teaching and the New is a mixture of philosophy and heathenism with Jewish conceptions, that, on the contrary, the chief essential elements of both the earliest and latest Revelation are in direct opposition to 64 NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. everything heathen, and found their permanent establishment among men only after resolute conflict with heathen errors. Revelation is consummated only when no truth essential and necessary to the upbuilding of religious life and character is wanting, and when its great truths are possibly open and plain to every capacity and admit of application to all men of every country and clime without exception. This consummation was brought by Christ and is seen in the transference of the sphere of the true religion from a single nation to the whole field of the world, and the transfiguration of the Old Testament community into a community independent of place or nation or age. It follows then that the Scripture as we have it is not revelation in its earliest and original form, but rather the record of the working and power of it and the memorial of its chief essential truths. Nor is Holy Scripture mighty and powerful in the religious life because it is sacred and divine; but it is rightly held to be sacred and divine because it is mighty and powerful in bringing men face to face with the truth which was given for the salvation of the world. This is the principle which guided the decision in the successive enlargements of the canon from the Pentateuch and the subsequent canon of Nehemiah to the Maccabean, Hellenistic and Christian canons; and the Bible, as itself attests is but a survival of the fittest from a much more extensive body of literature. From all other sacred books, this book differs in its genuine historical character, in its simplicity, purity, intelligibility, in its high moral elevation, and in the nature of the great spiritual truths which it records. As such the Bible is of growing value; no lapse of time or progress of science can make it obsolete; it is the one record of the true revelation; and the best proof of it lies chiefly in this, that everyone who appropriates its teaching and is touched and influenced by the Divine Spirit it breathes, finds in his own spirit the better life of the soul it promises." In regard to the translation the only remark we would make in the way of criticism is to express the wish that Mr. Goadby had used a little more freedom in breaking up and recasting some of the German Professor's long unwieldy sentences. But we congratulate him very heartily on the completion of his labours, and on the association of his name with such a work. Ewald was not only a great oriental scholar, perhaps the greatest Hebraist of his age, but he was also a man of genius, and his genius and learning were devoted during many years almost exclusively to the study and elucidation of questions connected with the Old Testament. Whether then we receive or reject his conclusions, every student of Scripture will be interested in knowing what such a man thought. Notices of New Books. OLD AND NEW THEOLOGY. A Construc- THIS is a book which will receive any- variant element in faith," that the substance of Christian Theology remains the same, whilst the forms in which men conceive of and express its doctrines vary with the ruling ideas of the ages. In accordance with this thought the writer discusses in successive chapters the doctrine of the Divine Existence,Miracles, the Fatherhood of God,-the Person of Christ,-the New Agnosticism, -Reconciliation with God,-Life as a State of Probation,-Eschatology, etc. We need scarcely say that in a number of points we fail to agree with him; e.g. his theory of the Atonement we do not understand. On other points, as in his chapter on the Person of Christ, we are heartily at one with him. NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS. Lectures by E. Lehmann, Director for A SERIES of seven Devotional Lectures on scenes in the life of our Lord. Good, but not of the excellence we should have expected to make them worthy of translation from a foreign language. THE PRECIOUS PROMISES; or, Light from Beyond. By Cunningham Geikie, D.D. Price 2s. 6d. London: Hodder and Stoughton. A SERIES of devotional meditations interspersed with occasional prayers and hymns, the whole being well printed in good type and neatly got up. We do not think that the author has succeeded so well in this book as in the department of Christian Literature in connection with which he is chiefly known. Still, it is a volume that will be enjoyed and valued by many an "old disciple" who loves to meditate in quiet upon the great truths of the gospel, and to anticipate in thought the "Light" which will presently beam upon him "from beyond." A YEAR'S MINISTRY. Second Series. By Alexander Maclaren, D.D. London: Office of "The Christian Commonwealth." THE twenty-six sermons before us have already appeared in "The Christian Commonwealth" weekly newspaper, and are now reprinted in a goodly volume of 356 pages. It is not for us to commend Dr. Maclaren as a preacher; would that we could preach like him! and the sermons before us shew that the charm of his preaching does not consist merely in his nervous and impressive delivery. They are interesting and stimulating to read. We have ourselves just now read two of them, and dipped into others, and are tempted to go on reading. But it won't do. We must write, and in writing say, If you are a generous-hearted deacon, or a kindly Christian lady, buy a copy of this book, and present it to your minister. CHARITY MOORE. By Lina OrmanCooper. Price 1s. 6d. London: Hodder & Stoughton. A STORY of a "waif of humanity" left at a Workhouse gate, who becomes a nursemaid, passes through various exciting and instructive experiences, and develops 65 into a good Christian woman at last happily settled in life. The story is well told, the lessons suggested important, especially for the young,—and for a book of this class, the binding, paper, and illustrations are extremely good. THE CHILDREN OF CHINA, written for the Children of England. By the Author of the "Children of India." With Map and Illustrations. Price 58. London: Hodder & Stoughton, Paternoster Row. A BEAUTIFULLY got-up volume, small quarto, gilt edges, and full of illustrative engravings. As announced on the title-page it is intended for the young, but it abounds in interesting information about both the country and people of China which will be new to many grown-up educated people. The writer is evidently an earnest Christian woman who takes every opportunity of infusing a missionary spirit into the hearts of her young friends. Christian parents will find this a good book for a birthday present to a good boy or girl fond of reading. SCARLET ANEMONES. By L. T. Meade. London: Hodder & Stoughton. ANOTHER story for the young, taking them in fancy to the foot of the Pyrenees. It inculcates the duty of simple truthfulness, and is pleasantly told. The volume is elegantly bound in cloth-a suitable present for a little girl. FRONDED PALMS, a Collection of Pointed Papers. By W. Y. Fullerton. Price 2s. 6d. London: Passmore & Alabaster, Paternoster Buildings. THE matter of this book consists of short papers on subjects connected with practical godliness, written at various times for that excellent little periodical, The Postman, and now out of print. The illustrations are good and very numerous, and the volume is prettily bound. The first paper, entitled "Like the Palm Tree," has suggested the name of the book. We cordially commend it. THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD, being sermons preached at the Metropolitan Tabernacle by Thomas Spurgeon, during his father's illness. Price 1s. 6d. Passmore & Alabaster, Paternoster Buildings. THESE sermons are seven in number, and are thoroughly Spurgeonic both in their excellences and defects. As a rule we 66 EDITORIAL NOTES. do not care to see the portrait of a living author prefixed to his book. It looks like vanity. But many people will be asking, Is young Spurgeon like his father? So we make an exception in this case, and for his father's sake as well as his own wish for Thomas Spurgeon a long career of great usefulness. SWORD AND TROWEL for 1884. Edited by C. H. Spurgeon. Passmore and Alabaster. IT does not seem to us twenty years since this magazine began its useful career; but so it is. Sometimes we think its teachings narrow and nnscriptural; but on the whole it is an interesting record of good and noble work done for Christ. Its notices of new books we read with especial pleasure as honest, racy, and charmingly characteristic of the editor. AFTER WORK, 1884. THE CHURCH, 1884. THE TEACHERS' STOREHOUSE, 1884. THESE periodicals are published by Mr. Elliot Stock, of Paternoster Row, and are all excellent of their kind:-After Work supplies pleasant reading for the family circle on any evening in the week. The Church will probably be most read on Sundays.-The Teachers' Storehouse, as its name imports, is a magazine for Sunday school teachers, and for their use is well adapted, containing suggestive notes and rich stores of Biblical information. Editorial Notes. ABOUT OURSELVES. We have been pleased to receive from many quarters expressions of approval in regard to the January number of the Magazine. The improved appearance is specially remarked upon. May we request a good word from our ministers commending the periodical to the attention of their poople? Some have spoken on our behalf, with satisfactory results, and these we cordially thank. A CAPITAL IDEA.- The Rev. Jno. Douglas, B.A., of Waterford Baptist Church has localized the General Baptist Almanack. Reserving four pages for title-page, church notices, and pastor's address, with one or two other modifications, and bound in scarlet cloth, it is to all intents and purposes as if absolutely prepared for the Waterford Church. were SUCCESS OF THE SCHOOL HYMNAL.— Four years ago 50,000 cepies printed of the edition in minion antique type; two years ago 50,000 were printed in a cheaper form, ruby type. The first edition is now almost exhausted, and a fresh supply of 25,000 copies is in the press. General Baptist teachers will, of course, not fail to see the wisdom of using their own book, when Sunday school teachers of other denominations have evidently adoped it. Only this last fact accounts for the sales. For prices and other particulars see advertisement in this Magazine. PARLIAMENTARY PROSPECTS. The forces which are to evolve the next Parliament are already beginning to act. Constituencies with boundaries not legally settled are choosing candidates to whom Our the names of the new divisions they will contest are unfamiliar. Men animated with political earnestness are pondering the possible results of our last and greatest Reform Act-some with the gravest fears, and many more with the brightest hopes. There is every reason for the good cheer of the majority. Since so much happy result has followed lesser reforms, we may well believe that far greater good will spring from national household suffrage. True, the Franchise Act of 1884 is practically a revolution; but it has been effected by enthusiasm so peaceful, and it is so ratified by the consent of all parties, that we may regard this last revolt against political inequality as one of the safest advances ever made by the British nation. Parliaments to be will more than ever represent the whole nation; but it is a nation growing in intelligence and education, respecting and upholding good laws and institutions, and therefore qualified to appoint men with power both to destroy whatever hinders its unity or restricts its progress, and to construct what our fathers attempted without success, and even better things than they strove for. Old as is this century, it will see more creations and destructions than would have been deemed possible by the bravest men who were working for the national progress when it dawned upon the world; but judging from the temper of the English people in the late great crisis, our next Parliament will overthrow nothing that has any show of use or promise of good, while it is likely to undertake much that will promote the BUILDING FUND & HOME MISSION. prosperity, liberty, and union of all classes who are contributing to the real strength and true glory of the empire. THE CHURCHES AND AMUSEMENTS.In the Century Magazine of last month there is a great contribution to the discussion of this interesting and important subject. It would seem that in America they have got far beyond us in providing for the welfare of young people in relation to their amusements. There they have a continuous illustration of the Christian idea of innocent recreation-pleasure shaped to lines of wisdom, and bent 67 towards instruction. In Cleveland certain Christian men have combined to maintain a hall, in which almost every kind of wholesome amusement can be enjoyed by young people, and wherein they are also constantly being beguiled into improving their minds. It is a great success-indeed such a success as could be achieved in our own large towns if the idea commended itself to the Christian mind of Britain. The article in the Century ought to be read, if only that we may know what our American friends can do for the young. The Building Fund. As the churches will probably be arranging their collections early in the new year, we beg most earnestly that, at least, one collection on some Sunday before the 31st of May next, may be devoted to the Building Fund. The appeal last year was responded to by only seven churches. Will not the churches help to make the contributions to this important denominational institution more representative? Each church has the right to apply for aid from the fund when it is needed, and many have availed themselves of it. Will not the churches share in the privilege which belongs equally to all, of contributing to its power and efficiency? The Committee are quite incapable of meeting the applications made for loans from the fund, to the extent they wish or often ought to do. An income of £3,000 is needed to meet the requirements of the denomination. One collection a year from every congregation would do much to free the hands of the Committee, and make possible a far larger amount of help. Unless some response of this kind is given, we fear the income of the year will fall considerably below what it has been before-and that has been all too small. We hope this matter will have earnest and prompt attention from all the churches. W. BISHOP, Secretary. CHAS. ROBERTS, JUNR., Treasurer. The Home Mission. A CIRCULAR of which the following is a copy has been sent to all the churches. It is not intended for those churches which have sent in their collections since last June. But we earnestly hope that all others will come up to the help of the Mission: "The pressing need for additional aid to the funds of our Home Mission suggests the propriety of an urgent appeal to the churches thus early in the year, in the hope that their annual arrangements for collections towards Connexional Institutions will recognize the claim of this Society to a prominent place, not only according to the Rule of the Association, but in consideration of the importance of this Forward Movement for Church Extension. "The ordinary income of the Society is little more than half the sum we require to maintain existing operations efficiently, and to meet the applications for temporary help, in cases where a little timely assistance in periods of pressure would amply repay us, and where there is abundant promise of permanent advantage to the cause of the Redeemer. "We record the fact with deep regret that a majority of the churches were entirely unrepresented in our last Report, either by collections or private subscriptions; and but few of the larger churches were represented by gifts proportionate to their ability and influence. We therefore appeal most earnestly to the more wealthy churches for enlarged gifts this year, and would again urge those who have not favoured us with recent remittances to grant us some acknowledgment, however limited their ability may be, so that our next report may exhibit that deepening conviction of the need for increased aggressive effort which we know exists, but which requires the manifestation of a money contribution to give it a vigorous and permanent vitality." J. FLETCHER,Į Secretaries. R. P. COOK, |